Harmony At St. James Lutheran Church

This past week, St. James did something slightly different than in years past. Vacation Bible School was set to a musical theme. Our musical, Spend Awhile On The Nile, was a hit, and we have some hardworking volunteers and pastors to thank for it all. Many new faces came to know us at St. James, and several young members gave a warm welcome to those children who were here for the first time. What a wonderful way to wind down the summer!

St. James Sunday

On July 29, St. James will celebrate our sanctuary's 20th year of welcoming people for worship. On this day, we will also celebrate our namesake, St. James the Greater, whose feast day is July 25. St. James the Greater was one of the first disciples along with his brother, John. After Jesus ascended back into heaven, James is believed to have been a missionary, spreading the Gospel story to Spain.  May we all be like James, going forth to share God's peace and make disciples in all of the earth.

Summer Gardeners at St. James

"I planted the seed...but God made it grow" (1 Corinthians 3:6).

                     

Operation Inasmuch 2012

This spring, St. James participated in Operation Inasmuch once again, and we had a great time sharing God's love in our community by helping others and showing them the love of Christ. 

We planted a garden to grow fresh vegetables for the needy people in our community. 

                                   

We went out into the community and knocked on doors, handing out free books for children.

We held a Family Fun Day, inviting the community over for games, crafts, and a hot meal.  

We offered a vision screening and gave out bags and bags of canned goods, baby formula, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and other basic necessities to those who were in need.

A group of us went out to build steps to help a family get into and out of their home. 

We stood outside of grocery stores like Food Lion and Piggly Wiggly to collect canned goods and other groceries to help fill up our food pantry.

We put together birthday bags of cake mixes, icing, and other treats for people who have birthdays each month at our food pantry.

All these things (and more!) we did in the name of Jesus, seeking to share God's love in our community and to let everyone know that we care about them, and that God cares, too! All of these things we did, keeping in mind the words of Christ: "I tell you the truth. Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The Garden at St. James is growing, growing, growing! These rows of squash, zucchini, okra, beans, tomatoes, corn, and watermelon will help to feed many of the hungry people in our community each month. What a blessing God has given us to use our gifts of gardening to spread his love in Red Bank, SC!

Spend A While on The Nile

Join us for our Music Camp/Vacation Bible School this summer at St. James. Our week will be filled with Bible stories, drama, music, crafts, and games. By the end of the week, the children will present a musical called, Spend Awhile On The Nile. Don't miss out on all the fun this summer! Deadline for registration is JULY 8.

Affirmations of Faith

Congratulations to our Confirmands for 2012! They each got up and affirmed their faith in Christ on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. What a joyous time this was in the life of our congregation as these young people stood up to renounce sin, the devil, and all the forces that defy God. May God continue to bless them and to guide them as they go forward in the truth and the wisdom of Christ.