Original Article: ​https://world.wng.org/2019/07/true_grit

Rugged pioneers settled a desolate landscape in the plains of north Texas nearly two centuries ago. So, it seems fitting for a group of Christians who fled an arid spiritual landscape more than a decade ago to gather here and survey their progress after pulling up stakes to build something new.

​If you have been to the church office/chapel recently, you may have noticed a beautiful new creation depicting our Lord and Savior.  Iconography allows the viewer an opportunity to meditate on the subject, and is an ancient artform that has been used by the Church for centuries.  This gorgeous rendition was created by our own master iconographer, Sue Hague.  Let’s allow her explain the spiritual meaning behind the painting:

​The saints of St. James jubilantly looked on as two new young ones were received into the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  On Easter Sunday, Kiara Grace Sanders, presented by her Parents and Godparents, was accepted into the kingdom of our Lord.  Then on Sunday May 19th, Isokan Tunde Estes King received the Sacrament of Baptism, as his Parents and Godparents took the vows to guide him faithfully to trust and serve God wholeheartedly.  We receive them into the fellowship of the Church with joy; confess with them the faith of Christ crucified; proclaim with them the resurrection; and share with them the royal priesthood of all of His people.  Alleluia!  Glory be to God Almighty!

         For more than 28 years John Downing has seamlessly provided for the sound and video production at St. James.  Prior to his retirement, John was instrumental in developing the Fresno County Emergency Response Interagency radio system.  St. James was blessed to have this high degree of expertise in implementing our audio/visual capabilities far beyond what is found in most churches without large staffs.  Over the years, John was able to acquire the valuable technology necessary for first rate production.  He extended the church broadcasts onto the world wide web, with followers from around the globe.  Each and every Sunday John’s conscientious concern and selfless servanthood could be found at the back of the church producing quality sound for sermon and musical worship alike.  He even took weekly recordings home to edit out dead pauses, “ahems” and “uhs” to provide a pristine copy for listeners.  After our move to Campus Bible, John’s legacy of service could be found in his helping to improve their sound system as well.  By the end of his tenure, John was operating or assisting with the sound ministries of three churches:  St. James; Our Lady of Guadalupe Anglican Spanish speaking congregation; and Campus Bible Palm & Shields.  Now after countless hours, most of which were performed on his own, John is receiving a well-earned rest.  We can never thank you enough, John, for your service to our Lord and our congregation.  However, we are confident that the day will come when you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
…Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is upon you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…   Eph. 6: 6-7

            Easter Sunday was alive with the joy and celebration of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.  Songs of praise and worship featuring the St. James choir supported by brass accompaniment and splendid soloist, Mr. Brian Lummis, were a delight and made the congregation’s vocal offerings just that much more grand.  This Sunday, the Kenyan liturgy was used and brought a tender level of participation into the service.  All in attendance were especially blessed to witness one of the most holy rites for any Christian, the baptism of one of our babies, Kiara Grace Sanders.  Finally, a very special treat was offered by our own Ebo women, who prepared a grand feast for the Lord (and us too!) from their homeland Nigeria.  The meal was a perfect culmination in fellowship and love, and sent us on our way to “Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.”  Thanks be to God!  Alleluia!  Alleluia