Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!

I am grateful for the ways that we are able to come together in-person and in virtual space. This week is a good example of our creative gatherings. Over 268 people worshiped online, and another 32 folks came out in-person ( 23 drive-in and 8 hybrid).

We hosted a hybrid Annual Meeting with 58 in attendance (26 in-person; 32 online). I am grateful for all those who spent many hours figuring out the technology to hold such an event. As this was the first time such an event happened in the history of St. James, we had to be creative. Many thanks to those who ran and attended. We had great questions asked and answered both in physical and virtual space. As a church we elected persons to council, adopted a 2021 Mission Budget, and approved a major roof repair. Not only did we do good work but we did it in a way that reflected our mission values and the love of Christ.

On Friday and Saturday, Siana Adrian and I will lead our first Virtual Confirmation Retreat. We will watch a movie (Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium), play games, and learn about God’s love. Retreat participants will pick up packets of material (like we have been doing for Virtual Sunday School - thanks Patty for a great model) and log on to the ZOOM meeting on Friday night (for movie watching) and Saturday (for conversation).

God continues to bless and strengthen our church family as we are physically apart. Although I look forward to being once again with folks at worship, meetings, and on retreats, I am grateful for what we can do safely using technology and our imaginations. As we are planning for the next phase of our regathering, we continue to learn and grow in the process.

I look forward to waving to you in worship on Sunday however you choose to worship with the St. James community.

in Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt