Last week, I mentioned that we we needed folks to sign up for Altar Guild and Communion Servers for us to be able to resume communion distribution at the Altar. Thanks to a good response, we will be able to serve the sacrament around the Altar on Easter Sunday. Yay! From the acknowledged Lutheran sacrament of Holy Communion, we now expand our efforts this week to the serving of the unofficial Lutheran “sacrament” - Coffee!

For this week’s Ministry Moment, I have two items that I want to share with you from interactions on last Sunday. The first involves the opening of worship, while the second involves our regathering in-person.

Gathering around the altar table for the distribution of communion is symbolic of our unity in Christ. As we stand and kneel in a large circle surrounding the altar table, it serves as a good visual reminder of of the baptized community to which we belong.

From the outset of the pandemic, as a congregation, we have followed recommendations from the CDC and Stay Safe MN. Our Return-to-In-Person Ministry Team used these guidelines to develop a comprehensive pandemic response, including a detailed phase approach for regathering. When recommendations changed, adjustments were made in our practice and policies.

Today is Ash Wednesday and it marks the beginning of the season of Lent for Christians around the world…. check out St. James Lutheran’s Lenten resources…

At the closing Olympic ceremonies this past week in Beijing, the iconic Olympic flame flickered one final time before going out. Throughout the competitions, and in the weeks leading up to the games, the flame burned as a fiery symbol of the Olympics.

Thirteen years ago there was snow on the ground as the movers transported the boxes, furniture, and the piano into our brand new home in Savage. A week earlier these items were in a parsonage in New Jersey. It was a time for new beginnings as Katie and I signed the paperwork on our first home purchase. Two days after moving in, I preached my inaugural sermon at St. James.

As one who has taken many retreats over the course of ministry as a pastor, I appreciate the time for reflection, introspection, and growth that such opportunities provide. Retreating from normal patterns and work places have allowed me the space for my mind/body/spirit to gain perspective and be creative.

Scripture is full of light metaphors. In both Testaments, we find light linked to God’s glory, love, and wisdom. God’s light shines into the darkness of our world. God illuminates our way, guiding us in the path of hope, love, and faith. We find joy as we delight in the warmth and brightness of God’s presence.

Looking back at a year of ministry is always a humbling experience. I am reminded of and thankful for the contributions of many folks who have graciously shared their God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

Over the last few months, there has been talk about conducting a Capital Campaign at St. James. Since the summer, Council has been involved in multiple conversations about conducting a special offering to meet needs that go beyond our mission budget. In September, they approved the formation of a team to work out the details, goals, and process of conducting a Capital Campaign.

I write with heightened appreciation. In just three days of starting our Sowing Seeds Stewardship Campaign, I am delighted to report that we have gathered 25% of our goal of $538,000. The word that pops into my mind is “WOW!”

As a community of faith, we rely on generosity to carry out our ministry. Together we give gifts of time, talent, and treasure sowing seeds in God’s garden. These as seeds of love and they grow in ways that are amazing and abundant.

On the day before the night before the night before Christmas, I write with anticipatory joy. In less than forty-eight hours, we will once again celebrate the Incarnation of God’s eternal love. Through traditions, sacred and otherwise, we will gather for this special holiday. I pray that this Christmas will be a time of meaning and connection for you and your family.

Last Sunday was a special night in the life of the St. James community. Thanks to the leadership of Pastor Nancy and the Pastoral Care Team, and Birdie Olson and the Welcome Team, we hosted a Tree Lighting event. The snow, which today is rapidly melting, was in a sufficient quantity to serve a picturesque backdrop. The chill in the air and on the ground had us bundled up and shuffling our feet.

Have you wondered, as I do on a regular basis, when will this pandemic end? As COVID-19 continues to spread in our community, there doesn’t seem to be a finish point anytime soon. There will, of course, but not yet. Sadly, with the communal transmission risk as high as it has been, we must remain vigilant even as we want it all to be over.

Last Sunday we began our Advent journey. Lighting candles, we count down the weeks until our Christmas celebration. For many, it is a joyous time of the year. After all, ‘tis the season to be happy.

But what if you are sad?

Think of a doorway. On one side is what has been - the past. Life there has happened. On the other side is what might be - the future. Life there is unknown. In the threshold, we find ourselves a work in process.

At its October meeting, the St. James Council responded affirmatively to the request of the AMERICAN INDIAN ALASKA NATIVE LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION and our Bishop Patricia Lull, to join the Saint Paul Area Synod in a time of remembering the children who have died in Indian Boarding Schools.

You might have heard the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” There is something about images that can speak deeply to us. Whether it is an award-winning photo taken by a famous National Geographic photographer or a quick selfie taken on a smartphone, pictures provide connections, tell stories, and illustrate a variety of emotions and truth.