Friends and Neighbors, 

You won't be able to miss the pumpkins at St. James as we launch into our second year of this event. The St. James Pumpkin Patch attracted many neighbors, and we raised some money in the process. I am grateful to all the volunteers who put in their time and effort to make this happen. Many of you reported that you got to know each other better by serving in the pumpkin patch. I will be signing up to serve, and I encourage you to do the same. 

I hope you will sign up to help out in the pumpkin patch as well. Please snap some pictures and share them on any social media you use. Remember to invite friends to the many events that we will have throughout the month. This week, we have the blessing of animals at 11:00 AM on Saturday. On Tuesday, October 7, we will have a concert with The Tennessee Shieks in our parking lot. It is free, just bring a lawn chair. Check this newsletter for more things happening this month, and don't forget to sign up to meet friends in the pumpkin patch. 

Celebrating community and being together is an important thing. Being a good neighbor seems especially poignant at this moment. I am delighted that we can makes some money to support our ministries. It would be cool if someone decided to look deeper into their spiritual life or attend St. James after meeting us in the pumpkin patch. More than those things, this is an opportunity for us to be present to our neighbors with a welcome that shares the love and acceptance of Christ, whether they buy something or not. 

I will see you in the pumpkins. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark