“ That you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” — Romans 1:12

Friends,  
It has been a few years since the group “Senior Moments” has gathered for meetings and outings around the cities. In the past, these gatherings were wonderful opportunities for fellowship, community engagement and learning for our senior members of the St. James….

Thank you! 108 of you responded to our recent congregation survey. As a comparison, the last congregation survey was done in 2019 as part of our strategic planning process and at that time 107 people responded. This level of response says a lot about your resilience, engagement, and on-going commitment to the St James faith community.

Join Pastor Lamont, from the comfort of your own home, for an Ash Wednesday devotional as we begin our Lenten journey together…

“Agape” is the Greek word for love most often used to describe God’s love for creation, for us. It is Valentine’s Day as I write. And so, today I share a brief valentine, from God to you…

The problem with this question is that it assumes the only call that needs to be considered in the time of transition is the calling of a new pastor. But there is a much more important call that needs to be dealt with. That is the call that you have as the people of God in this community of faith…

What are you thinking, feeling, about our life together here at St. James? What are your hopes and dreams for the future of St James? What is God calling us to be and do in the future?

Your Transition Task Force is asking you to share your thoughts, to make your voice heard. Starting February 1, through February 14, there will be a Leadership Needs Survey available for you to do just that.

Everybody knows:

·      1+1=2: But Jesus says, “two shall become one,” (1+1=1).

·     The more you save the more you have: But Jesus says, “the more you give, the more you have.” (4-2=6, 4-3=7)

Jesus also formulates some other rather odd equations:

·         You + poor in spirit = being part of the kingdom of heaven

·         You + meekness = inheriting the earth

·         You + being reviled and persecuted falsely on account of Jesus = Blessings…..

I write this on a day that has come to be marked as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in our country. Beyond the one speech of his about which most people know at least a few lines, who was he really? What was his message? Why do we pause to remember him?….

What Are You Looking For?

“When Jesus turned around and saw them following, he said to them, “what are you looking for?” John 1:38

Keep Me Restless

Hand in hand we walked and talked as we climbed the winding stair (she was only three) in the big house. I steadied each giant stride, enjoying every moment......

If you have ever seen the movie “Hook,” the now classic recasting of the Peter Pan fable starring Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams, you likely remember this scene. Captain Hook is seated in his cabin, his hand wearily draped over his eyes as he massages his temples. Meanwhile his inept first mate, Smee, also in the captain’s cabin, is gathering some refreshments…

The lovely old carols played and replayed till their effect is like a dentist’s drill, the banalities of the pulpit, people spending money they can’t afford for presents you neither need nor want. Yet for all our efforts, we’ve never quite managed to ruin it. That in itself is part of the miracle, a part you can see…

Streets and homes adorned with strands of Christmas lights sparkle and glow. Children have made their lists. The aroma of fresh baked cookies and breads fills the kitchens of many homes. Christmas music of every genre permeates most gathering places. Tis the season for dreams and wishes.  A Christmas dreamscape. But in moments of quiet we realize, not yet for all…

“O God our help in ages past……

This Sunday, December 11th at 5:30 we are going to have the Tree Lighting here at St. James. We will gather in the narthex, there will be a time for singing carols and sharing some hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.

Tis the season when amidst the cycles of our spiritual journey things begin to get real. When hopes and prayers take on flesh and blood. Tis the season we anticipate the arrival of Jesus. God incarnate within our very human reality…

As Thanksgiving Day, nears again for those of us in America, I find myself reflecting on all those for whom and all that for which I am thankful, past and present. While doing so my thoughts lighted upon one whom I was blessed to know as teacher, mentor, and friend…

It’s not unexpected. It arrives every year. And yet, there is something about the first snow.

To open the curtain and see the outside world blanketed with snow can still nearly take my breath away. It happens every year.…

Ever had the experience of sitting with someone, in the same room, at the same table, and then you hear them ask, “where are you?” For a moment you have been lost in thought. Sharing space with someone else, but no longer present with them…

This Sunday we will celebrate All Saints Day.

As Barbara Brown Taylor says, one of the living saints from whom I have learned much, “More than any other day of the year, (All Saints Day) is family reunion day for the church . . . it is a day for pulling out all the old family photograph albums and remembering where we came from.” (Home By Another Way, p.211)….

Reflections on Grace from one of my favorite writers as we remember and celebrate again the central theme of the Reformation, we are justified by Grace alone. “After centuries of handling and mishandling, most religious words have become so shopworn nobody’s much interested anymore…..

I’ve just returned from the annual Fall Bishop’s Theological Conference. The attached picture is of a small portion of the Gull Lake shoreline. I love Fall. It is a beautiful time of year. There are apples to pick, pumpkins to gather, and fireplaces to gather round.