›› 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 Nursery School.  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

 

 

There was a boy who had a dream, and he said to God, "I've been thinking, I know what I want when I become a man." "What?" asked God. "I want to live in a big home with a St. Bernard and a garden out back. I want to marry a woman who is tall and very beautiful and kind and has long, black hair and blue eyes and plays the guitar. I want three strong sons to play football with, and, when they grow up, I have plans for them. I want to be an adventurer who sails vast oceans and climbs tall mountains, and I want a red Ferrari." "That sounds like a nice dream," said God. "I want you to be happy."

One day playing football, the boy hurt his knee. After that he couldn't climb tall mountains, much less sail. So, he studied marketing. He married a beautiful and kind lady who had long black hair. But she was short, not tall, had brown eyes, not blue, and couldn't play the guitar. Because of his business, he lived in a city, with no yard, no Ferrari and had a cat. There were three daughters born to the family, who loved their father very much, but played no football with him.

One day he awoke in the morning and remembered his dream. He went to his therapist and said, "I thought I'd grow up to be a great adventurer, and, instead, I'm a bald businessman with a bad knee." His sadness landed him in the hospital, where one night he said to God, "I thought you'd give me the things I dreamed of." "I could have," said God, "but I wanted to surprise you with things, blessings, you never dreamed of." The man lay in the darkness all night long, thinking about what he had and decided he was blessed after all.

For me, and many others, there is a dream we once had which may or may not match the life we live. But that doesn't mean God hasn't been "there" for us in some wonderful ways. That's the assurance of the 23rd Psalm, isn't it? And the Gospel? David, in the Psalm says let's look at the bigger picture, something you and I don't always do. And, in the picture, you and I are pointed to a God who alone is faithful, even into eternity. Why, the very cup of our lives overflows!

Our Lord, Jesus says He knows us and that we're secure with Him. I need to know that. How about you? Because the reality is, even in the Psalm that no matter how hard I try, I will not always win in the game of life.

No matter how carefully I plan, sometimes things will fall apart. That's because the valley of the shadow is never too far, is it? But, I can say with David, "I fear no evil for you are with me. You lead me in safer paths." On the other side of the valley, you see, is a table of promises.

In a book we don't fully understand, Revelation, one reading states that the multitude before the throne of God cannot be numbered. It is so vast. But God knows the name of each one. I like the way one little girl began the "Lord's Prayer." "Our Father, who art in heaven, how did you know my name?"

God calls us by name and values us not for doing something, but for being someone. He has defeated evil and death so that you and I might enjoy a still more abundant life. Isn't it time, then, that you and I let go of some of our disappointments and fears and welcome in the sunshine of God's love and attention just for us? Your cup, no doubt, overflows with goodness and mercy. But, do you know it? That's the secret of a good life.

Love,

Pastor Paul

›› Today's Bible Reading