Dear Friends,

Things are happening at St. James. We had a lovely picnic (thanks ECW!) We will bless backpacks this Sunday. Kids and grown-ups are welcome to bring backpacks, briefcases, and saddle bags to be blessed. This Sunday night, youth (grades 6-12) are invited to join other Knoxville youth from 4:00-7:00 to gather for study worship and dinner at Tyson House. Our ECW is actually providing dinner that night. That isn't everything that is happening! 

You will shortly receive a letter about our annual stewardship campaign. Your giving helps keep things happening. I am writing you this on a day when we fed 30 people with snack lunches, and helped get someone a bus ticket home after being stranded here. That was happening as bulletins were being produced, capital campaign work was being done, and I heard some music rehearsal as I was leaving to go visit someone at the hospital. Your gift keeps all this ministry and more moving forward. Use the pledge card or pledge online.

I forgot to mention that members of our Justice Ministry recently had some training and planned a season of house meetings. That happened on the heels of a moving funeral that so many folks came together to make happen. Sign up for Neighbor Day and check out the events that are happening. I am going to stop. You can read this email to see more things that are going on. I hold all of this up not to wave the "so busy" flag. I name these things to celebrate the many ways we connect with each other and our community. People are longing for some connection. We can help connect with God's love and grace. Keep living that mission. 

Thanks for sharing that love and connection with me as well. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark