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Welcome
Building the future on a foundation of tradition. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am; send me!" Never did I imagine, some three and a half years ago, that God would so richly bless us. The life and energy, now present, at St. James' is contagious and a wonderful spirit of vitality fills the air. We now come to a most important time in the life of St. James' Church, as we discern our vision for the future. From our humble beginning of only three families in 1858 was born a parish which has stood the test of time and trial. Our beautiful Gothic Revival church has been a gathering place for Christians in Oldham County for nearly 150 years. Over the course of the past few years St. James' has grown to three Eucharistic celebrations every Sunday morning and more than 200 active baptized members. The only way that we have remained these past many years is our unwavering faithfulness to the proclamation of the Gospel given life through the prayers and liturgy of the Anglican tradition. It is on this solid foundation that we must build for the future ministry of St. James' Church. As Anglicans the saying "lex orandi - lex credendi" (praying shapes believing) indeed holds true. It is from this central principal that we move to the future. In a world that desper ately needs the truth of the Gospel, we must stand ready to hear the call of our God and respond as did the prophet Isaiah, "Lord, here am I. Send me." We must put ourselves in a position to minister to the people of Oldham County and beyond for generations to come. We have been blessed by the ministry of St. James' Church. Our lives are richer for the relationships born in this community. Our faith is stronger for our common prayer and worship. And I pray, that in all, we have Glorified God in our words and deeds. I believe it is not a matter of whether we proceed or not - for we must. We must prepare ourselves and St. James' Church for the next 150 years of ministry. The Gospel is too important. Hope is desperately needed. Too many families still longing for a community of faith to call home. Gathering in faith. Reaching out in love - St. James' to Support All Saints' Center As many of you know, All Saints' Center is a vital gathering place for diocesan ministry. Full of campers during the summer months and year round a center for adult Christian formation and education. All Saints' is an extension of the ministry we do at St. James'. I believe, it is vital that we lead by example in our support of the diocese, our Bishop and All Saints' Center. It is with this understanding that at my request, our Vestry has voted to pledge a tithe (10%) of our capital cam paign to support the renovation and renewal of All Saints' Center. It is my sincere hope that you will support this decision and see it as another way in which St. James' is "reaching out in love" to those in need. Spreading the hope of the Gospel. In Christ, Paul+ |