Grace and peace to you!
This coming Sunday will be a time of great celebration at St. James. We will observe the Festival of the Reformation in a way as we’ve never done it.
As Martin Luther and the early reformers used the latest technology (the printing press) to share the Word of God, so we will use the technology of our time, which allows us to gather safely for worship in a time of heightened viral infection. Using an FM transmitter, we worship at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot (rain or SNOW or shine). Our Livestream Sunday worship (9:30 a.m.) will allow us to sing “A Mighty Fortress” online together. In addition, we will be able to watch six of our confirmation students affirm their faith. This year’s “confirmation” happened two weeks ago in a socially responsible and distanced way outside. Students were able to bring their immediate family with them into the sanctuary to read their confirmation verse and for the laying on of hands. We recorded those elements and will publicly share them this Sunday.
My sermon, “Always Renewing,” will highlight the constant work of the Spirit to reshape the church. Even during the pandemic, we have glimpses of “being made anew” by the Presence of God. There is a tremendous opportunity for us to be the church beyond our building and traditions.
I trust that you will join me - either in your car or through your computer. Come celebrate God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and life as we gather for worship on this Reformation Sunday.
I also want to share an invitation with you. On Nov. 1, All Saints’ Sunday, we will be celebrating God’s love through the lives of all the saints, past and present. It is a long-standing tradition to read the names of those who have died during the prayers. We invite you to share the names of your loved ones who now rest eternally with God (click here). All names that we receive by October 29 will be read during worship on Nov.1. Thank you, ahead of time, for lifting up those saints whose lives and love have made such a difference.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt