The next in a series of irregular updates to the parish.
November 25, 2019
It was standing room only yesterday morning, as St. James folks gathered in the Gallery to share stories of our visits to St. Luke’s. Lots of people had joined in the official visit of November 17. Some had gone independently on previous Sundays. Several who’ve never been to St. Luke’s were eager to hear the experiences of those who have.
Laughter & pleasure rippled through the conversation as people described a multitude of ways they were enthusiastically welcomed by the people of St. Luke’s. In the choir, in the congregation, and during coffee hour. In response to queries about where to enter the church to avoid stairs. Even in the neighborhood as a woman walking her dog, who doesn’t even attend St. Luke’s, reported, “It’s a wonderful place.” In ways large and small, St. Lukens made clear that the people of St. James were welcome to their worship — that they’re eager to get to know us. That’s “us” as individuals, and “us” as a congregation with activities and relationships that might enrich the life of St. Luke’s.
St. James folks spoke enthusiastically of the choir’s encircling the congregation during the final hymn and of children’s roles at St. Luke’s — during communion, the offering, etc. There was disappointment that we saw few teens at St. Luke’s — evidence that our two congregations can enrich one another. A question to William from a member of St. Luke’s vestry, referring to a possible consolidation: “What do you think our name should be?” This suggests a congregation that’s eager to engage with us.
Announcements during the service revealed a variety of social justice activities, some echoing our own work-in-the-world. Some at St. James voiced special interest in St. Luke’s newly-developing activities in their immediate neighborhood — “an area of weakness for St. James”.
Many aspects of St. Luke’s facility are appealing. Their expansive area for coffee hour and socialization. An elevator which provides access into the undercroft. The classrooms and furnishings for Godly Play, and more.
Several people raised questions about space and logistics. Within the sanctuary, the choir was physically separated from the congregation — was unable to hear the sermon. Some experienced uncertainties regarding the handling of communion, etc. One St. Luken was quoted saying their sanctuary is still “a work in progress”. If we were to consolidate — these may be opportunities for St. James to take some of our traditions to St. Luke’s. Also noted was the fact that St. Luke’s is currently without a priest, opening the possibility that St. James could participate in the process of filling that position.
Finally, we heard that St. Luke’s is learning about us too — some people are reading our website and their vestry is looking to set a date when their people will be encouraged to worship at St. James.
Look below for next steps.
Blessings,
Ruth Anne Olson
Transition Coordinator
Facilitator
: Kerry Nelson.
Participants
: Jinny Bouvette, Cliff Athorn, Mary Heltsley, Julie Brauninger, Ted Gerold, Wendy Hannula, Louis Hoffman, Tony Morley, Rebecca Hamblin, Vince Nelson, Kerry Durkin, Jeanne LaBore, William Heisley, Jane Hoffmann, Ruth Anne Olson, Karen Murdock, Katie Mytty, Urve Daigle, Anne Scheible, Kurt Hall, Jim Larson, Steve Spencer, Louise Robinson, Pat Morley, Tom Westcott, Lydia Spencer, Liz Athorn, Karin Spencer, Samuel Spencer, Rosemary Caspar, Deb Ramos, Melanie Brown, Maxine Richmond, Max Athorn. Others???
