Dear Friends, 
 
We celebrate Pentecost this Sunday. We don't just remember an event in the history of the church on this day. We claim that the Holy Spirit is given to all of us. We are "sealed by the Holy Spirit" in baptism. We are empowered by the Spirit to exercise gifts that share the love of God with others. Through the Spirit we declare that this love is for all people, and that God's Spirit is not just for a select few. 

For almost 100 years, St. James has been witnessing the work of the Spirit. A faithful few gathered to form this community. Various programs grew as the Spirit led folks to respond to need in the church and in the community. The Spirit moved us to specifically name our desire to welcome all. At this moment we are moved to take a look at how our buildings support the ministry we do. In this St. James Sentinel, you will find information about the needs we have and how you can contribute to our capital campaign. I hope you will prayerfully consider what you can invest in St. James. 

On Sunday, June 19 we will gather for a celebration to kick off our capital campaign and to celebrate the opportunities we have before us. This will be just the beginning of our centennial celebration. Throughout the next year we will tell stories of our past and explore our hopes for the future. We will give witness to how the Spirit has brought us to this place. 

This week, I am particularly grateful for the ministry of The Rev. RJ Powell. We will celebrate his time with us this Sunday and wish him well as he goes on to lead the work at the Tyson House. Join us in the parish hall following the 10:30 service. His work with us has been a testimony to the Spirit among us. 

We all have gifts to share in the one ministry of sharing the love of Christ. Those gifts come together through various ministries that form us as a body. I am grateful for the many gifts you share. May we all boldly share our gifts as we continue to feed and tend God's sheep. 

Peace,
Fr. John Mark