Pastor Jeni's Thoughts for May

“We envision our entire St. James family enthusiastically united in spirit-filled prayer, worship, music, Bible study, and fellowship…”

Last month, I talked about the beginning of our Vision Statement, and how we at St. James are living out our vision to be a “Vibrant Christian Community.” This month, I want to talk about another part of our Vision Statement—what it means for our community to be “enthusiastically united in spirit-filled…worship.”

We certainly have a lot of that going on here. Our Holy Week     worship services were filled with spirit-filled worship. From the soloists and choir…to the readers…to the children singing and waving palms on Palm Sunday…to the gathered crowds singing, worshipping, and praising God.

We have that at other times as well. This year, we have welcomed children back into the 9:15 worship service, and their enthusiasm is contagious! The instruments that they play at the beginning and end of the service have added a fun new dimension to worship. Also, at that service, we have tried some new music, have a dedicated band leading us each week, and have tried some different styles of worship with Bob Follmuth leading us some weeks with a cd service.

Our traditional services also bring enthusiastic worship—a faithful group gathering each week, meaningful liturgy, and favorite hymns played on the beautiful organ bring a peaceful, spirit-filled worship environment.

And our spirit-filled worship continues as we move into spring and summer months! Though we know travel increases as the weather warms up, we hope you will take advantage of the special services we have offered in May, including kids singing on May 4 and our graduate recognition service on May 18 (both at 9:15), and our    continuation of the celebration of Easter at all services each and   every Sunday.

And we especially hope you will join us for our always spirit-filled, fun outdoor services beginning June 1 at 8 and 9:15 (our late service will be indoors with a special summer time of 10:30). These outdoor services are always a favorite. So invite a friend, grab your lawn chairs (or there will be chairs provided!), bring your coffee and join us!

And, as always, if there is any way you would like to help with our worship services (with music, reading, ushering, or greeting!), please talk to me!

~Pastor Jeni