Weekly Letter, 11/16/2023
The Rev. John Mark Wiggers • November 16, 2023

Dear Friends, 


As we approach Thanksgiving, I am grateful for so many things. Sharing ministry with you at St. James takes up a few spots on my gratitude list. I am thankful that we have a community that seeks to be welcoming. We are faithful and still wrestle with doubts and questions. We strive for justice and also realize we have a lot to learn. We are a community that welcomes people to discover the transforming love of Christ. 


We seek to feed and tend God's sheep. I am grateful for all our resources to do that work. As of November 15, we have 60 pledges totaling $262,000 for 2024. About 40 of you who pledged last year haven't pledged for 2024. Stating your intention to give helps the vestry and finance committee make informed decisions. We need that pledged amount to be right at $400,000. We have been close to that before and everyone pledging can help us get there again. Every gift counts. 


Giving is a way that my household shows gratitude. We give to things we believe in and organizations that shape our lives. We give using online giving. If you have automated things through online giving, I want you to consider two things: (1) Please pledge so that we know how much you are giving, and (2) Please consider giving a little bit more this year. Those of us who automate things sometimes forget to re-up the commitment this time of year. 


Giving our money is only one way to show gratitude. It is an important and real part of what helps us have the various ministries that serve our community. We try not to collect money for specific ministries. All of the ministries that use our space rely on our utilities, staff, and many things we just don't think of. Your gifts keep the freezer running for the food pantry, and provide space for recovery groups, and you help keep the climate reasonable for habitation and protection of our organ. All of those things come together to help us be the place that calls people to follow Christ in doing justice, faithfulness, and mercy. 


Thank you for all the gifts you bring to the work of St. James. Help us plan how to use those gifts by declaring your intention to give.


Peace, 

Fr. John Mark

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Weekly Letter, 05/08/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • May 12, 2025
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Weekly Letter, 05/01/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • May 12, 2025
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Weekly Letter, 04/24/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 24, 2025
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Weekly Letter, 04/17/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, As we journey through Holy Week, I encourage you to pause and consider those events that lead us to the joyful celebration of Easter. May that also be reflected in our lives. We walk through hard things and know that God is with us. We hold to the hope that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Weekly Letter, 04/10/2025

By John Mark Wiggers • April 17, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, As the weather teases us with warm days followed by chilly ones, we enter Holy Week. You have probably heard me encouraging folks to experience the journey to the cross and the grave so we might celebrate the resurrection with that insight. God has shared this human experience and is with us in the darkness and the light. Our liturgies of Holy Week take us on that journey with Jesus and remind us that God is indeed with us on our own journeys.
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