›› Learning at Saint James

Teaching about God and Jesus Christ is one of the main functions of St. James.  St. James currently enrolls 100 children in three pre-school programs.  If you are interested in learning more about our pre-school programs, please call the church office for information on Children's Time Out and St. James Preschool.  We also offer Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. for all ages, confirmation for youth, and study groups for adults.

›› A Message from The Pastor

 

 

From Philippians, St. Paul writes, "and my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory ...for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

When I scan the year we have just witnessed, I am left almost breathless and certainly humbled searching for words to express its meaning. One of the hymns that comes to mind is the old one, 'My God, how wonderful Thou art, Thy majesty how bright.' In a significant sense that hymn is doubly appropriate. First of all, what we note is 'the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.' Secondly, all we celebrate is, finally, like music to inspire us and to propel us forward.

For those of us who call Saint James our spiritual home, we can look back, thankfully, to an absolutely banner year. I say that categorically because of a number of significant events which put it 'up there', as we say, among years past.

It was one year ago that new spaces were created in our balcony youth room. What it did was transform an underutilized area into interest centers for recreation, study, worship, and fellowship. I consider it major because it moved us closer to the fulfillment of a long expressed goal - a designated place where our youth could discover each other and grow in Christ.

Less measurable, but, for many, one of the most memorable events in 2008, was our hosting of a Swedish choir, 'The Believers', in concert. Their music was outstanding and, I believe set the tone for the confidence we experienced all year of the grace and direction of God for us.

That became c1ear in a decision Saint James made to seize an opportunity to purchase an adjoining home to our property. Healthy and trusting congregations are proactive and willing to take measured risks for the future and a vision. To expand our presence on Pratt Street makes sense. I commend you for the venture and faith you have demonstrated and believe a future generation will also. But, then, we are the 'can do' congregation.

No one could have foreseen the purchase of the Pratt Street property. It was not in any of our goals for 2008. Neither could we have imagined that a conversation with the seminary would result in another major development. But in September we welcomed the first intern pastor we have seen in 30 years, Vicar Wende. She was an answer to prayer for additional ministry help and she has fulfilled that ably. Her presence also demonstrates a dramatic fact - there's entirely too much ministry for a solo pastor to accomplish. Vicar Wende illustrates how much Saint James needs additional staff to accomplish its ministry goals.

One of the other goals we continue to address is what it means to be a confessing, evangelical Lutheran congregation - and more specifically, a WordAlone congregation. Sadly, we are looked upon with suspicion by some area churches for what should be our common faith. Church Council seized another opportunity to witness to our distinctly biblical and confessional Lutheran heritage last year. In what I feel is a promising venture to grow our educational future, Saint James signed a contract with the Institute of Lutheran Theology to become a Designated Teaching Center. It will give us access to their courses and, I pray, equip future Christians for a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

Noteworthy, too, thanks to the leadership of Lynn Loughlin, Saint James embarked on a necessary Safe Sanctuary program safeguarding youth and adults from potential abuse.

With these hallmark events in mind, how fitting, to conclude the year with the installation of a new carillon bell system. To hear the peal of the bells is to be reminded of the constant call of God to be faithful, resilient, strong, focused, thankful and willing to give ourselves away for the sake of his kingdom.

God has supplied all our needs and emboldens us to live not in the spirit of timidity but in his power. To hear this assurance almost sounds like music, and should, to our ears. In gratitude for so grand a year, I want to thank the hundreds of people who consciously are living the Marks of Discipleship. You are making Saint James the healthy church it is becoming - by your regular worship attendance.... generous gifts of time, skills, and offerings.... your service and hospitality to the visitor, the needy and the forgotten.... and your prayers. We are living our mission statement to share the good news with all God's people and it shows. You can see the Holy Spirit at work in our midst. This spirit is key to why Saint James is the largest Lutheran Church in Philadelphia.

Having said that, I have an admonition. Scripture says 'to whom much is given, much is also required.' Do we have the will to grow to the next level, to meet the station in life God is calling us to now? Next month, you'll have a chance to respond. Hopefully, this church will stay focused where mature congregations grow - on Jesus only as our mission, our purpose, our life, as keepers of a spiritual trust.

As I close, I want to say how indebted I am to each of you for your partnership, to my wonderful and devoted wife, Pam, and to my family for the support I know in this high calling. From Hebrews we read, 'therefore ... since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely and let us run with perseverance, the race that is set before us - looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfect or of our faith.'

Love,

Pastor Paul

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