Philosophy Seminar

Philosophy explores life’s most important questions. Sometimes philosophy gets things right. Sometimes it gets things wrong. If you or your student ages 12 and older would like to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly in the history of philosophy in the Western tradition, especially as it relates to and interacts with Christianity, then join Pastor Bombaro in the Holy Family Hall on Friday, February 13 & 27 from 3:15-4:00 p.m. Bring a notebook and an inquisitive mind.

Combined Mass and Congregational Meeting

On Sunday, February 15, we will have one combined Mass at 10:00 a.m. to be followed by a congregational meeting in the Concordia Cafeteria at noon. Although this is the next scheduled meeting of the St. James Voters’ Assembly, the governing body for our congregation, we invite ALL St. James members to attend the meeting. Relatedly, Augsburg Academy and First Holy Communion Catechesis will take place 9:00-9:50 a.m. that morning.
 

Augsburg Academy

Many suppose that the main difference between the worldview held by early Christians and the world we grew up with is that the first is “ancient” and the second is “modern.” It is then assumed that because we live in the modern world we should dismiss the ancient worldview as out of date, prescientific, and based on ignorance and superstition. This is radically misleading. The main difference between the world of the first Christians and that of most modern Western persons has nothing to do with ancient and modern or science. The main difference is a biblical understanding that God and spiritual realities remain active in the world and in dynamic relation to it. The Psalms will help us to see the world again as it truly is. Join Pastor Bombaro in the Concordia Cafeteria Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race & Dinner

The thousand-year-old custom of Shrove Tuesday will return to St. James. On February 17 at 6:00 p.m., local Lutheran clerics, including Pastors Barcott and Bombaro, and several members of The Order of St. Vincent will race around St. James Lutheran Church, flipping their pancakes, tossing giant pancakes for distance and height, and attempting to consume a stack of pancakes the fastest! Following the fun, there is the liturgy of burning the palms from the Sunday of the Passion 2025 in preparation for Ash Wednesday. Please RSVP today (to help us purchase/prepare the right amount of food), plan to attend, and come hungry!

Lenten Sermon Series

Our consumer culture is not value-neutral. From the time we have Sesame Street brand diapers put on us we are being formed toward brand loyalty, with specific thinking patterns, and a way to view the world and ourselves. It is a culture in which everything is disposable and commodified. Jesus, however, has set us free. Lent begins our freedom from being consumed. Please join us midweek for Lenten Mass at 6:00 p.m. beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 18.

Seeking Sponsors for Lenten Meals

St. James has long enjoyed the tradition of serving a meal prior to our Lenten worship services (except for Ash Wednesday). Our goal is to continue that tradition, but we need YOUR help! We are currently seeking sponsors for the meals. Would your family, Bible study group, Board members, SJS class, friends group, etc. be willing to cook/serve for one of the meals? If so, please CLICK HERE to review the available slots and to sign up. Thank you so much for considering this service to our congregation!

Altar Flowers

Sponsoring the flowers that are placed on the altar is a beautiful way to thank God for the special blessings of birthdays, anniversaries, and personal remembrances. If you would like to grace the sanctuary in this manner, please click on the image below. We are in need of additional sponsors for February (and beyond). Thank you!

Koinonia

Seniors, do you like to eat and have fun? Well, of course! Then it’s time to get out of the house and attend Koinonia (formerly known as “Fellowship Communion”) at St. James! We will meet in the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25 to rejoice in God’s Word, then head over to the Holy Family Hall to enjoy a nutritious lunch (cost $5.00) and fellowship. Please contact Janet Clark at 464-6015 for lunch reservations. This is a great opportunity to socialize with friends and make new friends. All are welcome!
 

Cross Connections of Tippecanoe County – February Update

Thank you to all of our St. James brothers and sisters who attended the grand opening of Cross Connections of Tippecanoe County! We are grateful to those who were able to come and see our space and fellowship with others who are excited about the beginnings of this ministry. We loved seeing so many of you chatting with one another and showing curiosity about Cross Connections. It was heartwarming to share insights about the lives and ministry of other members of the Greater Lafayette area Lutheran churches. Thank you for your continued financial and prayerful support. As we move forward, we are excited to have our first clients meeting with our counselor, Jean Hines. Pastor K. C. Dehning has begun his master’s degree practicum at Cross Connections and will be assisting with many necessary tasks. Please join us in praying that other Master’s level, licensed therapists will feel the call to join our team. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jason Plassard, Barb Westfall, or Pastor John Westfall.

Issues, Etc.

THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD IN A WORLD OF DARKNESS … Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent subjects include: A Christian View of Leisure, Responding to Transgenderism in Light of God’s Word, Jesus as Priest, Faithful Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture, Reducing Theology to Pithy Slogans, Christian Apologetics and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.

Dear Issues, Etc. listener,
During the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, his widow Erika stated, “If you aren’t a member of a church, I beg you to join one, a Bible-believing church.” I agree. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is the ultimate Bible-believing church. We confess the truth of every word of the Bible. The basic message of the Bible is easy to understand. It’s all about Jesus, our Savior. This is an excerpt from a new outreach commercial for LCMS congregations voiced by LCMS President Matt Harrison and produced by Lutheran Public Radio, Inc. CLICK HERE to listen and to download.
Jeff Schwarz, General Manager
Lutheran Public Radio, Inc.

Dear Issues, Etc. Listener,
If you’re a member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation, you have an important responsibility and privilege. The LCMS is currently gathering nominations for the offices of President and Vice Presidents of the Synod. Your congregation has received a mailing containing instructions about the online nomination process. When attending church this weekend, please speak with your pastor and congregational leadership about submitting your congregation’s nominees. Several Issues, Etc. guests are candidates. For a list of recommended nominees and information on the nomination process, CLICK HERE. The deadline for nominations is February 18, 2026.
Wir sind alle Bettler,
Todd Wilken, Host

Stewardship Thoughts

We invite all members to prayerfully consider setting up online recurring offerings to support the General Fund. Recurring giving nurtures regular, intentional stewardship and provides stability for responsible budget planning. Your faithful support helps care for our staff, strengthen our school, and maintain our facilities. For those age 70½ and older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) offer a meaningful way to give directly from an IRA. These gifts can help fulfill your required minimum distribution, and may help lower taxable income. CLICK HERE to give online, and see flyers in the lobby for more information on online giving and Qualified Charitable Distributions.

Offerings ~ January 2026

General Fund Offerings, not including Designated Funds:

  • Giving for the month of January was $49,635.49 actual vs. $44,891.00 budgeted
  • YTD giving is $377,332.45 actual vs. $343,717.00 budgeted

Bravely Women’s Health

Are you cleaning out closets and have clothing which your kids have outgrown? Bravely Women’s Health is getting very low on size newborn to 5T gently used clothing and winter outerwear, diapers (all sizes) and wipes, and most items that a family with children within those ages would need. They have had a steady flow of young families through their clothing room, which is a wonderful blessing for the community, but are now running very low! They would be so happy to take donations at Bravely (938 Mezzanine Drive, Ste B in Lafayette) Mon-Fri between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

We are excited to help you get connected!
Please use the links below for more information.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10

  • Music Ministry – Join the choir, handbell choir, or play your instrument
  • Sewing Groups:
    • Bridal to Baptism Sewing Group – Making baptismal gowns/outfits or confirmation dresses out of donated bridal gowns. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 1st Monday of each month from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
    • Sewing Circle – Making burial garments for infants. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. We can always use more help with sewing, cutting out patterns, hand sewing, etc. (If you come, we will find something that you will enjoy doing!) We need to replenish our layettes at the different hospitals in the area, so please consider joining us for this very worthwhile ministry.
    • Quilters – Assembling quilts for those in need. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 4th Monday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon.