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As we start 2016 “Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep.…
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS 9:30-10:15 a.m. lower level Preschool through high school HAPPY NEW YEAR! We had a wonderful Christmas pageant with many Sunday School participants from preschool through high school, and parent helpers as well. We made a joyful noise with music and song. Thank you to Yvette Allen for (once again!) organizing the pageant and to all who made the beautiful…
Beginning in January, on the third Sunday of every month during Sunday School (9:30-10:15), I will lead a spiritual parenting group for parents and grandparents. If you’re anything like me this parenting thing can throw you for a loop at times, especially when it comes to the hard questions our kids ask about life and faith and the world we live in. …
My dear fellow Episcopalians, We are blessed by God to be moving through these holy seasons. Advent is our time to prepare for the ultimate mystery of the Incarnation. How is God-becoming-human going to change our lives this year? Christmas Day begins a 12 day season of giving. We give in gratitude for many things. It’s also…
Last Sunday in my sermon I asked how many of you are like me, and your house is never cleaner than five minutes before guest arrive. In both services there was a murmur of agreement and knowing nods. Although I wasn’t thinking about it when I wrote the sermon, in reflection it brings to mind one of my favorite poems by Mary…
Some of you remarked last Sunday on the change in liturgy for the season of Advent, as well as the format for our bulletin. The newly formed Liturgy Team met last month to plan ahead for Advent and Christmas, looking over potential Eucharistic Prayers and seasonal music selections. Going with the previously established pattern of changing these for each liturgical season (the…
Dear St. James’ Parish Family, We have entered my favorite season of the church year, Advent. It is a time in which we can build in pauses and deep breaths as the world around us spins faster and faster. Advent is a season of hope and expectation, of reflection and preparation. It points us toward Bethlehem and the…
Scholastic Reading Club Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive It’s time for the annual Scholastic Reading Club Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive benefiting Pajama Program, a nonprofit organization that provides new pajamas and books to children in need. Since 2009, caring classrooms across the country have risen to the challenge and donated nearly 350,000 pairs of new pajamas. The Scholastic Reading Club has…
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS 9:30-10:15 a.m. lower level Preschool through high school Advent is a time when we prepare our hearts that Jesus may be born in us. It is both a time for joyful preparation and repentance. How can everything we do to prepare for Christmas make us ready to welcome God’s Gift? With the greenery scent filling the room, our…
For God has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. ~ 2 Samuel 23:5b We read this passage from the last words of King David last Sunday. It is one of the many instances found in scripture of the repeated promise of eternal covenant with the people of Israel. And it is something we need to always…