Date: August 27th 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

> This Sunday’s Lessons
> Rector’s Message
> Outreach Opportunities
> Youth & Children’s News
> Music for Children and Youth at St. James
> Children & Youth Sunday School
> Adult Christian Education Opportunities
> Announcements
> Calendar
> Birthdays & Anniversaries
> Servants in Worship
> Prayer List
> Church Staff


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THIS SUNDAY’S LESSONS: The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 17

Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14

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RECTOR’S MESSAGE

THE BIG APPLE: PART II

August 26, 2010

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Last week’s Rector’s Message started a week of reminiscing about my years living in New York City. One does not have to spend more than few days in the city before a long list of stories accumulates. One good, hair-raising cab ride, for instance, can be used both as a personal account of a near-death experience and as an example of how to deepen one’s prayer life.

The fact that I walked nearly everywhere in the city to avoid the expense of buses and subways allowed me to interact with a huge number of people in the many neighborhoods through which my walks around the city would take me. In the early morning, walking to work, I was just another body in the thundering herd of New Yorker’s making their way to work. I was lucky enough, however, to live in the East 70’s and work in the West 70’s, so I had the joy of walking across Central Park. It was a joy during the daylight hours. It was a sprint the few nights I chose to go through the park rather than around it. (And there was the unfortunate day that a blizzard hit New York and I walked across the park with no hat. The blizzard was coming out of the north, resulting in a fairly bad case of frost bite on my right ear.)

In the early 1980’s, many people agree, New York City had reached its nadir. Street crime was at its apex, and homelessness was rife. It would be several years before a new city administration began the practice of neighborhood policing which focused on minor crimes that ultimately brought about an influx of new investments in the city such as the Disney Corporation’s rehabilitation of Time Square.

Thus, on my walks about town, I was often in the presence of those who were asking for help, spare change, money for a pack of cigarettes, etc. As a relatively cash-strapped individual – and one who has always tried to be discerning in response to such requests – I rarely was able or inclined to be of assistance.

I played jazz piano several nights a week at Lindy’s at Rockefeller Center. Lindy’s was a legendary New York institution, featured in the Broadway Hit “Guys and Dolls” under the pseudonym of Mindy’s. It was known both for its cheesecake the attitude of its waiters – surly at best, rude at its best embodiment (it was part of the charm). On days that I played at Lindy’s, I would usually skip all meals, as part of my compensation was dinner once I finished playing for the night. The pastrami sandwiches were epic in both quality and size, and I found that if that was my one meal for the day, it was more than sufficient.

After finishing at Lindy’s, I would walk about ten blocks to Central Park and then work my way east and north until I was home in the East 70’s. The portion of the walk between Rockefeller Center and Central Park was especially populated with a higher-class of panhandlers – people whose appearance or condition was not so shocking to the tourists that visited mid-town Manhattan that they could meet with some success.

One night, a man came up to me. He was not neatly dressed, by any means, but neither was he so disheveled that I felt particularly threatened. He stood in front of me and said, “Excuse me, could you possibly co-sign a $25,000 loan?” I laughed and said, “No.” He came back quickly with, “Then could you give me a quarter?” I was so taken with his approach that I gave him a dollar.

This story has come back to me over and over again through the years as I moved through the lives of a musician, a fund raising consultant and a university administrator. It had, until recently, always struck me as a great lesson in negotiating.

Now, however, I see this interaction as a wonderful analogy of our relationship with God. God has always been willing to show up in our lives (most notably for us in the person of a relatively poor, first century carpenter), and often asks us to do things that seem not only counter-cultural but also far beyond our means (c.f. God’s request of Abraham that he sacrifice his son, Isaac).

While God asks us to do much, it is never a demand, only a request, and our response is not measured in quantity but in quality. The invitation and the gift of God’s grace are one in the same. Just as the panhandler invited me into a relationship (a dubious one at best) by asking if I could co-sign a $25,000 loan, God invites us to give completely of ourselves, to surrender ourselves to God’s will and to trust in God’s love. Just as the man was more than happy to end up with a dollar, or even a quarter, God loves us regardless of our response to the invitation.

The difference between God and the man who asked me to co-sign a $25,000 loan is that God is simply inviting us to give what actually already belongs to God.

And regardless of our response, the important thing is that God’s invitation is on-going and never-ending.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Geoff+


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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH

Children's Clothes:
A 4th grade boy needs school clothes (size 16) and shoes (size 5 1/2). Please bring donations to the parish office.


A Word from Fr. Geoff about Reading Camps:
I am grateful for the continued excitement around the idea of beginning a reading camp in the model of the Diocese of Lexington’s camp that Bishop Sauls shared with us during his sermon on the Feast of St. James. The plan for St. James and a reading camp involves working closely with the Diocese of Lexington, first by sending a team of volunteers to Lexington next summer to learn what they have developed over the decade they have been involved in this. Once we have learned the system from them, then we will implement it here in Greenville. That may mean a late August 2011 or summer 2012 start date. Although that seems rather distant, it makes sense to me to follow Bishop Saul's advice that we learn their system and then bring it here. I thank you for both your continued excitement and continued patience.


United Ministries:
- Place of Hope needs bottled water, Bibles for recovering addicts in rehab, travel-size soap, spray deodorant, lotion, razors, rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly, feminine hygiene products, socks and new men's & women's underwear.
- Emergency Assistance needs peanut butter, canned meats and dry beans.
- For information on what is happening now, what events are coming soon and how you can become involved, visit www.united-ministries.org.


Kairos #17 starts on 10/20/2010 at Leath Correctional Institute.
By bringing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ into prison, Kairos is widely recognized as a highly effective program to positively change inmate attitudes. There are many ways to be involved, from writing letters of encouragement to making cookies. If you are interested in becoming part of this transformational ministry, please contact Claudia McCreesh at claudia.mccreesh@att.net or 242-2092. Thank you for all your gifts and prayers.


How You Can Help the People of Fondwa, Haiti

What you can do right now:
- Decide to be a sponsor. You can sponsor a child in the St. Antione School for $25/month to provide 5 meals a week, daily vitamins, regular anti-parasite medication and yearly nutritional assessments. More than 300 students are unsponsored at this time. You can sponsor a teacher's salary/training for $85/month. For more information, go to www.familyhm.org or call/email Kathryn.
- Make a donation to Family Health Ministries: on-line or by mail to: PO Box 16725, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516-6725
- Consider what specialized skills, natural abilities/gifts, personal interests you have that may be helpful. Pray about what you can do to support the people of Haiti.

Other opportunities available in the future:
- Travel to Haiti with a mission team. There will be many future opportunities to travel to Haiti for relief work. There will be a need for both skilled and unskilled labor. If you are interested in being a part of a future mission team, please email or call Kathryn or Rimes McElveen.
- Opportunities to financially support larger projects (school, guesthouse, medical clinic, or orphanage reconstruction; digging wells/cistern systems; building homes, etc.) As specific strategies are developed by the APF and partner organizations, there will be opportunities to support their efforts.

Resources for more information:
Family Health Ministries website: www.familyhm.org
"The Road to Fondwa" movie: www.fondwa.org
Kathryn McElveen: kathrynmcelveen@gmail.com, 864-991-7055 (m), 864-834-7144 (h)
Rimes McElveen: rimes.mcelveen@gmail.com, 864-908-7892 (m), 864-834-7144 (h)


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YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS

Children’s Sunday School:
Classes are held on Sundays at 10:10 AM. We offer classes for children age 2-grade 12; Nursery is also available during the Sunday School hour. The theme for August is "The Good Samaritan"; the theme for September is "The Great Commandment". Helpers are always needed for Sunday School so please make contact if interested.

WOW (Worship on Wednesday) is back!
We meet Wednesdays from 6:30p-8:30p for the Celtic Evening Eucharist and then go to the Youth Room.

Soup Kitchen:
All EYC members are invited to help out at the Greer Soup Kitchen on Saturday, September 4, from 9:30AM-1:00PM. We will meet there (521 E. Poinsett St., Greer; 968-0323). Come get a head start on service hours and do something good with your Saturday.

2nd Annual Whitewater Rafting Trip - Saturday, September 11.
This event is open to all EYC members and their parents. The cost is $32 and includes a meal. We will meet at 8:00 AM in the Parish Life Center parking lot. If interested, please make contact or sign up on the board in the hallway at church.

Regular Episcopal Youth Community programming begins Sunday, September 19! Junior (grades 6-8) meets from 4:00-5:30 PM and Senior (grades 9-12) meets from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Parish Life Center.

Diocesan Junior High Fall Retreat - September 24-26, at Camp Gravatt.
The cost is $75 and aid is available. Please notify me if you are interested in going. Registration deadline is September 10.

For more information regarding Youth and Children’s Ministries at St. James Episcopal Church, please contact Tempest Brevard (youth@stjamesgreenville.org or 244-6358, ext. 303).


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MUSIC FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AT ST. JAMES

A new choir year is starting at St. James, and we invite all children to participate! This year there are three levels of youth music activities. The activities of each group are described below.

Music Club – Tuesdays 4:00-4:45 p.m. beginning August 31.
The Music Club offers boys and girls ages 4-7 the opportunity to learn basic music skills in a relaxed setting with their church friends. Age-appropriate activities include stories, circle games, rhythm and Orff instruments, singing, and listening and moving to music.

Choristers – Wednesdays 3:15-4:00 p.m. beginning September 1.
Boys and girls in 2nd through 5th grades learn singing and general music (melody, rhythm, and harmony) using a workbook curriculum by the British Royal School of Church Music. Handbells are introduced. Students become familiar with the church year, the Hymnal, and the Book of Common Prayer. Choristers will occasionally sing in church.

Youth Choir – Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. beginning August 18.
Middle and high school students sing more challenging music and continue through the Royal School of Church Music workbooks. This choir sings in church about once a month, usually at the 9:00 a.m. service. On occasion, the youth sing with the adult choir.
Parental Involvement
Parents take turns being present during Music Club and choir rehearsals (to provide the presence of a second adult as per Safe Church guidelines). Parents of Choristers and Youth Choirs also help with robes and lining up for the procession on the Sundays that the choirs sing. Volunteers can also help by playing the piano.

St. James has a strong tradition of musical excellence, supported by parish membership in the Royal School of Church Music and the Choristers Guild. We invite you to give your children the opportunity to be a part of this tradition at St. James. In addition to learning about music and the teamwork it requires, they will come to understand more about their faith and how we worship. Please call the St. James church office (244-6358) to let us know you plan to attend. If you have specific questions about the curriculum or the schedule, you may contact Karen Eshelman at 244-6358, extension 304.


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CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM FOR 2010-2011

Children’s Sunday School meets on Sundays at 10:10 AM.

Our 2-4 Year Olds experience a curriculum provided by Episcopal Children’s Curriculum (ECC). This year they will be in the Chalice Year (in which the Eucharist is studied). These units are included in every year of the curriculum: Old Testament, New Testament, Sacraments, and the Church. Every year also has material on the major events of the Church Year, including All Saints and Pentecost.

Our Children in Kindergarten - Grade 5 will experience a Workshop Rotation Style Model provided by Cornerstones Publishing. (http://www.cstones.com)
The Workshop Rotation Model is an exciting, innovative method of teaching Sunday School. The story or theme is taught in more than one way over a period of several weeks. Children have a “rotating” workshop with a different leader, but all of the activities are related to one story or theme. By studying the same story in various ways, the children develop a deeper understanding of the story.

Our Youth in Grades 6-8 will be participating in a program called “Grapple” that delivers Bible truth in a way that speaks their language (http://www.group.com/jhgrapple)! They dive into the Bible to get answers to their biggest questions about God, others, and themselves. PLUS, they’ll enjoy an online community created just for junior high kids where they’ll find games, forums, weekly challenges, a place to create their own identity and more!

Our Youth in Grades 9-12 will be participating in a program from Faith Lens (http://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/) which provides weekly Bible studies that engage youth in connecting world events with the Bible, faith and everyday life.

Children and Youth Sunday School classes meet in the classrooms on the lower level of the main church building.

For more information, please contact Tempest Brevard (youth@stjamesgreenville.org or 244-6358, ext. 303).


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THREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Sunday from 10:10-10:50AM Beginning Sunday, September 12, we will begin offering a choice of two Adult Christian Education classes. Our first sessions this fall include Bible ABC’s, basic information about the Bible, led by Mother Roxanne and Episcopal 101, a class for newcomers and long-time members alike that will explore the history, theology and liturgy of the Episcopal Church, led by Father Geoff.

Wednesday Evening Book Study: In response to requests from participants in our Advent and Lenten book studies, we are adding a book study to our Wednesday evening schedule. Our fall book study will feature "The Good Book" by the Rev. Peter J. Gomes. In "The Good Book", Gomes, pastor of Harvard University's Memorial Church and a professor of theology, has written a vivid, common sense and wise analysis of what the Bible means for us today. The book study will be held 7:15-8:15 pm for ten weeks beginning Wednesday, September 15. Lee Plumblee will be the facilitator. The book is available from Amazon.com and other online booksellers.


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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flu Clinic:
On Sunday, September 26, St. James will host a flu clinic in our Parish Life Center from 8:30-11:00 AM through Interim Healthcare. Cost is $25/shot. More information will be available next week.

eNotes & bulletin announcements:
The deadline for submitting announcements is noon on the Wednesday prior to publication. Please send announcements by e-mail to admin@stjamesgreenville.org.

Subscribe To Diocesan News (printed and electronic): http://www.edusc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=208&Itemid=42

Diocesan Employment Opportunities:
Bishop Waldo is now accepting applications for two open full-time positions at the George M. Alexander Diocesan House in Columbia: Canon for Communications and Executive Assistant to the Bishop. Position descriptions and application materials are available on the diocesan Web site, www.edusc.org.


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OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE: WEEK OF AUGUST 29, 2010

Sunday, August 29 – The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 17
7:45 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
10:10 AM Children’s Sunday School, classrooms on lower level
11:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
11:00 AM St. Francis Spanish service, Parish Life Center; nursery available.
12:30 PM Ultreya Reunion, Parish Life Center
6:45 PM Compline Choir rehearsal, nave
8:00 PM Compline. St. James will offer the service of Compline on the last Sunday of each month. This is a relatively short, largely chanted service, found on page 127 of the Book of Common Prayer. Please join us for this special service.

Tuesday, August 31
10:00 AM Staff Meeting
4:00 PM Music Club, choir room

Wednesday, September 1
12:00 PM ECW Board meeting, conference room
3:15 PM Choristers rehearsal, choir room
4:30 PM Youth Choir rehearsal, choir room
6:30 PM Celtic Evening Eucharist - Our Wednesday evening Eucharist uses an ancient Celtic liturgy. Informed by the poetry and explicitly Trinitarian theology of the people of Ireland, this is a beautiful way to experience the Eucharist in a tradition that was influential in the development of Anglican theology.
- WOW: Worship on Wednesdays – The EYC attends the Celtic service and then heads to the youth room to discuss topics that are relevant to youth.

Thursday, September 2
10:45 AM Bible Study, library
12:05 PM Holy Eucharist and Healing Service

Saturday, September 4
9:00 AM Altar Guild – worship service preparations
9:30 AM EYC helps at Greer Soup Kitchen

Sunday, September 5 – The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 18
7:45 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
10:10 AM Children’s Sunday School, classrooms on lower level
11:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
11:00 AM St. Francis Spanish service, Parish Life Center; nursery available.


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THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS:

August 29 Gigi Blackwell
August 30 Sam Britt
September 1 Aliina Kehl
September 1 Madeline Fletcher
September 2 Jack Pinckney
September 2 Carmie Cook
September 2 Christopher Sauerbrey
September 3 Rocky Sponseller
September 3 David Barnett
September 3 Mimi Shows
September 4 Lani Strange
September 4 Susanne Hudson
September 4 Nicholas Pinkley

ANNIVERSARIES

August 30 Bill & Lisa Sauerbrey
August 31 Mel & Jodye Pfister
September 3 Al & Karen Parr


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SERVANTS IN WORSHIP

**Please note: If you cannot serve when scheduled, please find a substitute.

Finding Subs – There are two ways to find a sub:
1. Select “reply all” to the ministry distribution list which was sent to you and everyone else who serves in your particular ministry. You should hear back soon from someone who would be happy to switch with you.
OR
2. Follow this link http://www.ministryschedulerpro.com?user=stjamesgreenville and login using the username and password which were sent to you by e-mail. Everyone, please check the site often to see if there are requests you can help to fill.

To sign up for a ministry or if you have questions about scheduling (including username and password information), please contact Susan Preusse at servants@stjamesgreenville.org.



SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Altar Guild: Lynn Martin (Flowers), Barbara Cartwright (Captain), Lynda Kennedy, Nancy LeDonne, Stephanie van Rhyn.

7:45 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Gus Osborne; Usher: Reece Blackwell; Greeter: Sandra Hope; Lector: Rick Hope; Eucharistic Ministers: Rick Hope, Gigi Blackwell.

9:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: George Lafaye; Ushers: Bob Dillon, Al Engelmann; Greeter: Nicki Dillon; Lectors: Cam Walters (L), Justin Cooper (P); Eucharistic Minister: Martin Darby; Acolytes: Julia Britt (C) Sara Walters (T), Anna Walters (T).

Coffee Hour: Sarah Britt.

11:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Ed Snape; Ushers: Scott Goepper, George Lipscomb; Greeters: Rosemarie Cothran; Lectors: Jeanie Reed (L), Lynn Vines (L), Brooks Knobel (P); Eucharistic Minister: Barbara Hackett; Acolytes: Zoe Walsh (C), Burke Lipscomb (T), Jake Tingom (T).

Nursery: 8:45AM – Sherry Sponseller, Becky Walters (infants/toddlers), Bo Pinkley, Not filled (3-4 yr olds). 10:00AM (Sunday School): Becky Goepper, Not filled (infants/toddlers). 10:45AM: Lesley Baker, Not filled (infants/toddlers), Becky Goepper, Pam Snape (3-4 yr olds). Nursery Contact: Becky Goepper (346-9885).


SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Altar Guild: Lynn Vines (Flowers & Captain), Louise Fore, Karen Hipp, Nancy King, Betsy Mahon, Melissa Radecki.

7:45 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Gus Osborne; Usher: Mel Pfister; Greeter: Jodye Pfister; Lector: Marian Strobel; Eucharistic Ministers: Butch Scott, Bill Wells.

9:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Luke Mitchell; Ushers: Erik Anderson, Bill Mathews; Greeter: Janis Bandelin; Lectors: Ken Littlejohn (L), Alice Littlejohn (P); Eucharistic Minister: Tempest Brevard; Acolytes: Julie Clark, George B. Lafaye, Scout Clark, Christian Merkt; Coffee Hour: Neal Kanipe.

11:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Tommy King; Ushers: John Holliday, Emmet Martin; Greeters: Allyson Bergin, Robyn Harmon; Lectors: Robyn Harmon (L), Cindy Hayes (L), Claudia McCreesh (P); Eucharistic Minister: Rick Veazey; Acolytes: Brace Plumblee, Hannah Hayes, Alex Henry, Stevie Keese; Coffee Hour: Steve Lambert.

Nursery: 8:45AM – Christina Harrell, Robin Pearson (infants/toddlers), Cherie Keese, Jane Morgano (3-4 yr olds); 10:00AM (Sunday School): Robin Pearson, Carol Bettencourt. 10:45: Jay & Lesley Baker (infants/toddlers), Marcy Freeman, Robin Pearson (3-4 yr olds). Nursery Contact: Becky Goepper (346-9885).


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Remember In Your Prayers

> those who are sick, confined indoors, and others dear to us:
those who are sick, confined indoors, and others dear to us
Lee, Marty, Miron, Bryan, Ryan, Stephanie, LoisAnn and John, Melanie, *Birgitt Babb, *Mike Battistini, Carroll Ashmore Clark, Ann Cobb, Sandra Dill, Gil Faulk, *Daphne Felber, *Mary Fray, John Gossett, Lou Gray, Clifford Harbin, Tom Hipp Sr., Sandra Katz, Shannon Landis, *Dianne Latham, Denny Livaudais, Bill Lovvorn, Holly Miller, Evelyn Moskos, Manuel Pardo, Jr., *Al & Karen Parr, Bill Porter, Ralph Reese, Jennie Ronalter, *Cookie Sloan, Carter Stocks, *Nick Strange, *Sandi Veazey, Michael Willis, *Nancy Wood, Mike Zaske.

> expectant parents:
Lee & Jennifer Veazey Kemp, Heather & Ben Trombetta, * Liz & Adam Tyson

> service men & women:
Jessica & Steven Ballue, Maurice Brown, Ray Brown, Craig Cantrell, Dustin Cantrell, Mark Dietz, Billy Eckstein, Mark Giblin, Chris Goepper, Landon Russell Hayes, *Woody Hayes, Byron Lee Kemp, David Mathews, Jesse Moon, John Nelson, Matt Patterson, Charles Poore, Dave Ridley.

* denotes member of the St. James community

Prayer list update:
In order to keep our prayer list current, each name will stay on the printed list for four weeks and then be removed. If you wish to have a name added or returned to the prayer list, please contact the parish office (admin@stjamesgreenville.org or 244-6358).


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St. James Episcopal Church staff:

The Rev’d D. Geoffrey Taylor, Rector, rector@stjamesgreenville.org
The Rev’d Roxanne Ruggles, Assistant Rector, assistantrector@stjamesgreenville.org
The Rev’d Deacon Carolee S. Quinn, Deacon Associate, deacon@stjamesgreenville.org
Ms. Tempest A. Brevard, Youth & Children’s Minister, youth@stjamesgreenville.org
Dr. Karen A. Eshelman, Music Director and Organist, music@stjamesgreenville.org
Mrs. Dena Veazey, Parish Administrator, admin@stjamesgreenville.org
Ms. Carol Clark, Office Assistant, office@stjamesgreenville.org