From the Rector – The Nature of Generosity
Over the past month we have all been invited to reflect on the ways we’ve experienced generosity in our lives. From the way we see each other offer it on Sundays, to our reflections from Vic Pellicier and Jennifer Meisenkothen the last two weeks, it is clear that generosity is something that changes our lives. There is deep truth to that line from the poem attributed to St. Francis, for it is in giving that we receive.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that generosity is a catalyst for communities to grow – both outward and inward. St. James’ is growing in exciting ways, with renewed energy and focus on Outreach, and with the hope of continuing to grow our Sunday School and Youth programs, to name just a few. In order to do all of this we will need all of our generosity combined. A pledge packet was mailed out at the beginning of the month. Dust it off, read through it, and pray about what you will generously give to St. James’ in the coming year. Additional pledge packets and pledge cards are available in the narthex at church and electronically (https://www.stjamesmtairy.org/stewardship/). Our pledge ingathering will be on Sunday, November 5th.
And don’t forget that this Sunday is our parish Fall Feast potluck after the 10:30 service. Bring something to share and spend some time in fellowship with our parish family.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Thrift Shop
Hi again from Saint James Thrift Shop! Halloween is fast approaching and we still have costumes and decorations. Halloween went on sale October 21st at 50% off. Come on in and shop and make your Halloween Spooktacular!
Every third Thursday is Thrifty Thursday when the store is 50% off. We stay open until 6:00 pm that night to make it convenient for our customers.
We had 18 wonderful volunteers in the month of September that donated 119 hours to the shop. We are always looking for volunteers so come to the shop and fill out a volunteer form.
We are looking for more outreach programs to assist, so if anyone knows of one in need please call the shop and tell us.
We are now collecting stuffed animals for the children of Ecuador to receive during their dental exams. Just drop off at the shop or at the church. The box will be located in the entrance. I will take all donations to the drop off point. The cutoff date is November 15, 2017.
We are still in need of volunteers for our Children’s Christmas Bazaar. On November 17th we need volunteers to help set up and on November 18th we need volunteers to be Santa’s helper and assist the kids with their shopping. There will be a sign-up sheet at the Church.
As always it is a joy and a pleasure to work here at St. James Thrift Shop.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!
~Sandy Baker, Thrift Shop Manager
Memorial Garden
The Flower Sale last Sunday was a great success. Many parishioners purchased flowers not only for their homes, but also to be planted in the Memorial Garden! All proceeds went directly to the Garden. Thank you for helping to beautify our outdoor space.
Many thanks to Dave Oland for building two lovely wooden planters. He also provided all the necessary supplies to fill them with flowers. The teak benches were set in the Garden, and come spring, we will secure them to hardscape for longevity. Going forward, the wooden planters will be available for sponsorship on a seasonal basis. Please contact the office for more information on selecting a planter for your personal dedication.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fall Parish Workday
Saturday , November 4, 2017 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Join us to clean up the grounds around the church in preparation for winter. Contact Jim Bullington if you have questions.
Vestry Nominations
The Vestry Nominating Committee is excited to announce they are accepting nominations for the 2018-2021 Vestry Class. A nominating form is available in the narthex which details ideal qualities for candidates as well as Vestry member responsibilities. Outgoing members Jim Bullington, Carla Kaufman, Tim McClanahan, and Blix Winston are also available if you are interested and have questions. You can submit your name or the name or someone you think would be a candidate in the box in the narthex.
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2017 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you to pray on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
| Gail Crum Mary Hutchins-Danna and Paul Danna John and Betsy Davis Peter, Robert |
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
