Dear Friends, 

I was joking with a friend that it feels like Lent was much shorter this year. Holy Week begins this Sunday as we celebrate Palm Sunday. I wrote a little bit about Holy Week on my blog. I encourage you to check that out and to make some time to join with others in these ancient liturgies. I deeply appreciate that our faith doesn't gloss over and deny suffering, evil, and death. Those things are real, and we have constant reminders of that reality. Holy Week names quite vividly the truth that God in Christ has joined us in those depths and that hope, love, and life triumph. We don't linger in Holy Week. We move right into Easter as we celebrate the resurrection. 

I also want to celebrate all the good ministry that goes on around St. James. The ECW raised more than $5,000 at the rummage sale. So many people spent hours working to make that happen. St. James had a great turnout for the Justice Knox Rally. Mark May 3rd at 7 pm on your calendar for the Nehemiah Assembly at World's Fair Park Amphitheater. Our Centennial Capital Campaign team continues to meet and weigh priorities. I am excited to say that some drawings for construction/renovation plans should be coming soon. I will be asking some leaders to make their pledges soon, and we will have a big reveal of plans on May 22. All this is happening while our ongoing ministries continue to feed and serve. Thanks for all the life and light you bring. 

Come and join in prayer and worship with your community. Know that community is a source from which you are nurtured and empowered by THE Source of all things. Come and bring all of who you are. Receive in return the Body of Christ. Go forth as the Body of Christ, the bread of life for the world. 

Peace, 
Fr. John Mark