The namesake of our church can lead to some confusion, especially for Christians who are less familiar with the litany of thousands of saints who are honored in our traditions. Traditionally, “Saint” James refers primarily to James the Apostle, called by Jesus. He was one of the sons of Zebedee, the brother of John the Apostle. He and his brother were called “sons of thunder” by Mark, which might mean they had fiery tempers! James is one of only three Apostles who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountaintop. He is the only Apostle whose death is recorded in the Bible (executed by sword at Herod’s order). This is “our” St. James, whose symbol is the scallop shell, and who is venerated for travels and legends to numerous to recount here. In most languages other than English, his name is a variation of Jacob, rather than James.

But there is also another James! This is James, the writer of the letter that is recorded in the New Testament. About this James, we know even less. He seems to have been an important leader in the early church, and may even have been a Jewish priest during Jesus’ lifetime. A few references call him “the brother of Jesus,” though theologians have argued for centuries about what this means. In the letter (or epistle) traditionally attributed to him, James is concerned that the Christian life of faith cannot be complete without a thorough understanding of the “Law,” meaning the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible. Perhaps his study of the law was the reason for his nickname, “James the Just,” or perhaps his style of leadership earned him this title of respect. In any case, our 9am Bible Study for the month of September will be a great opportunity to uncover some of the mystery of this “other” James, as we also discuss and learn from the wisdom of his writings.

-Pastor Rachael

Dear Friends, we’ve made it: April 1 marks an entire calendar year that we’ve spent together now as a community ~ and what a year it was! I know the transition to a new pastor has been exciting for many, challenging for some, even frustrating. We have had to get to know each other’s traditions and expectations, and the process hasn’t always been smooth; but I hope that for you, as for me, it has been a window into God’s grace. This is, of course, not only our first year together, but my first year as a settled solo pastor of an established congregation. It has been a year of ups and downs, of trials I felt unequal to but somehow surpassed; and of joys I had not anticipated, both at big events and in the smallest of conversations. Seminary can never prepare a person for that first year in ministry; just as no congregation is really “taught” how to take a new pastor through the ropes. Yet, somehow, we’ve all managed; and it feels like a day worth celebrating. In this year that has irrevocably changed my life, here are a few blessings for which I’d like to take a moment to give thanks:

• Your forgiveness and patience when I inadvertently left out or adapted traditions you cherish;
• Your enthusiasm for new ideas (or going back to an old way once forgotten);
•   Millie’s jars of jam when we first arrived, and everyone who helped us move to our new place;
• The lovely celebration and music for my installation, with an elegant dinner; I felt so welcomed;
• The willingness of the youth to take me in, trust me, and share ASP with me;
•  Thanksgiving with the Hentz family, and every single Fellowship Meal;
• The wild and unexpected journey of the Lazarus at the Gate Bible Study;
• And the unfailing patience of my husband Adam (and even the failing patience of my son Henry) who have allowed me the grace to work long hours, talk through hard decisions, neglect housework and cooking, and at times my sanity, until I have found myself with two feet firmly planted on the ground, a sense of peace for the year to come, and a balance between self, family, and church as I continue forward in this unhoped-for privilege of being called pastor. I pray there will be many years to come.

In peace, Pastor Rachael