The Shell Newsletter – November 7, 2019

From the Rector – For Heroic Service

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and  women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy.  Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines.  This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

As we approach Veterans Day, this Sunday we will remember and honor the veterans in our community.  There will be special petition during the Prayers of the People where everyone will be invited to give thanks for family and friends who have served by naming them aloud.  In addition, during the Thanksgivings of the Community all veterans will be invited forward for a blessing.

I also commend to you this reflection written last year to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Armistice Day, the forerunner of what has become Veterans Day, it is a lovely tribute to the sacrifice and costs of war and those who have served.  Click the image below. 

Yours in God’s peace, Kristin+

 Have you seen Jesus lately?
Earlier this fall, in all the hustle and bustle of our Ministry Fair and Basket Raffle, the Jesus icon that sits on the prayer altar in the sanctuary disappeared.  There have been several fruitless efforts to find him, and he seems to be well and truly gone.  If you would be interested in giving to help purchase a new icon in time for the holiday season please see me, the expected cost is about $75-$100.   ~Kristin+

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Formation

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Preschool through High School
9:30 – 10:15 lower level

During our last group activity, the children made “trees of thanks” and on each leaf they wrote something they are thankful for.  You may take a look at their autumn trees posted on the bulletin board in the Great Hall.  This project fits right in with this beautiful time of year and our stewardship program, Shining Our Light.

Upcoming…… In November we will have our regular 4^th Sunday Fun activity on the 24^th.  The following Sunday, December 1^st, will be Advent 1 when the students and families will make Advent wreaths for their homes.  This activity will be held upstairs in the Great Hall in order that all families may participate.  Wreath frames and candles will be provided.  Closer to the date, we will be collecting an assortment of freshly cut greens, pine cones, berries and ribbons for decorating.

Sunday mornings in the lower level during Sunday School is always a busy time.  The teachers enjoy working with your children and we certainly appreciate a helping hand from parents and other members of the parish.  If you are willing to teach a class or fill in as a substitute, please let us know.

St. James’ Sunday School Team
Yvette Allen, Bible Stories for Preschoolers
Betsy Davis, Kindergarten – 2^nd Grades
Natalie DelRegno – 3^rd – 5th Grades
Joan Fader – Middle – High Grades
Nancy Nanavaty – 4^th Sunday Fun activities
Mara Snyder – Children’s music

The O Antiphons: An Advent Exploration of the Names of Jesus
Gather over lunch after the 10:30 am service on Sunday 12/8 to explore the ancient O Antiphons, a series of seven short sentences (antiphons) that are recited in the days leading up to Christmas. They are familiar to most of us as paraphrased in the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and each one references one of the titles for Jesus taken from the Book of Isaiah. Take some time to reflect on how you desire Jesus to come to you in this holy season of Advent, and in this season of your life.

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Youth Group

Youth Group began the year with its annual Kick-Off Pizza Party on the second Sunday in September. Youth group is comprised of middle and high school aged youth and meets on the second Sunday of every month for our meeting and then again on the fourth Sunday for a fellowship activity. The Kick-Off meeting was an opportunity for the Youth Group leaders and Youth Group members and their parents, to get to know each other and play some fun activities. We have a lot of new members as well as leaders – and we are off to a great start!

The theme of Youth Group this year is the WAY OF LOVE and is an invitation from our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, to “grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so we can bear witness to his way of love in and for the world.” The Bishop named seven practices that can help us grow and they are: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. Each second Sunday group meeting, we will be exploring one of these practices. At our first second Sunday meeting in October, we began by exploring “Turn”. Turn is about choosing to listen to and follow Jesus. The group discussed this topic and several ways that we already do this, as well as ways that we can continue to do so. At our next second Sunday meeting we will be exploring the second practice: “Learn”.

The fourth Sunday in September was our first fellowship activity of the year – Bonfire and S’mores!! The weather was fantastic, and Youth group had a blast making s’mores and playing a friendly game of ultimate Frisbee! Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side for our October fellowship activity – a trip to Gaver’s Farm. Our fellowship activities will be moving indoors as the temperature’s drop so we won’t have to contend with the weather moving forward. Our November fellowship activity will be ice skating – always a favorite!!

Kick-Off Pizza Party Solo Cup Challenge!

         

 

 

 

Bonfire, S’mores, and ultimate Frisbee at our first fourth Sunday Fellowship meeting in September

 

 

 

 

 

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WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parish Administrator Hours for the week of November 11, Monday through Thursday 10-4.

Vestry Nominations  The Vestry Nominating Committee is excited to announce they are accepting nominations for the 2020-2023 Vestry Class.  A nominating form is available in the narthex which details ideal qualities for candidates as well as Vestry member responsibilities.  You can submit your name or the name of someone you think would be a candidate in the box provided.  Deadline for nominations is 11/24.

Scarves and Shawls For Sale Again This Year  A new collection of soft and colorful handmade scarves and shawls knit by Lucy Winston will be available to buy on Sundays starting in November.  They have all been made with yarn purchased from local farms and shops.  Half of the proceeds will go to St. James’ which amounted to $400 last year. Think Christmas gifts!