| A HOLY MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Send yours to goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
Erica Benson making bows for Greens Market. |
Warm Winter Men’s Coats will be collected on the Sundays of Advent by the Men’s Ministry Group. Please check your closets and drawers for coats, sweaters, scarves, and gloves and bring them with you to church. A collection box will be set up in the hallway and all donated items will be delivered to Spirit of Hope before Christmas. Thanks for your care and generosity.
Youth Sunday is this week, December 10. On this morning the children remain in church for the entire service, where some can take special leadership roles like ushering and reading the readings, and Fr. Phil will give a special children’s sermon.
Christmas Poppers will be put together on Dec. 10th for the soup kitchen dessert. We invite all kids and their parents to help put these together right after the 10 o’clock service on Dec. 10th. Thank you in advance.
SPECIAL MUSIC! The Haydn Mass, “Missa Brevis in F Major” will be featured in the 10:00 service next Sunday, December 17, complete with orchestra and soloists. This glorious composition is a great way to get yourself in the mood for the Christmas Season!
Christmas Services will be held Christmas Eve at 4pm & 11pm, and on Christmas Day at 10am. The 4pm service includes a children’s Christmas Pageant. The 11pm service includes special music, including 30 minutes of special music at 10:30pm. The 10am Christmas Day service is held in the historic chapel.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve. On this Sunday we will hold our usual services at 8am and 10am as we continue our preparation for Christmas. On that same day Christmas Eve services will be held in the afternoon and evening.
Our Annual Christmas Pageant will be held once again on Christmas Eve at the 4pm service. All children and youth are welcome to participate. There are no speaking parts – you just have to dress up as an angel, shepherds, cow, sheep, 3 kings etc. Costumes are provided. Children will practice lightly for a few weeks before in Sunday School. The pageant is always well received by the audience. Please join us in demonstrating what happened that first Christmas Day.
Incarcerated Youth Ministries needs cookies for 250 incarcerated youth and an equal number of staff for Christmas. Bob Kirby, the director, will be putting on 2 parties at the major facilities on Christmas and the day after, and will be delivering cookies to the other four facilities. If you can bake an extra dozen while doing your baking, please bring them to the St. James kitchen on Dec 10. They will be delivered on Dec. 12th. Just mark them “I.Y.M. Cookies,” and use disposable containers. He also needs help with the parties. Any questions please call Sue Anderson (734)558-7106 or email at sues389@yahoo.com. Please let Sue know if you are making cookies so she can let Bob know in advance. Thank you!
“A Ghostly Idea” – – Sunday, Dec 17, 5pm, Fireplace Room. Mark McPherson will debut his new “Dickensian” play “A Ghostly Idea”, concerning how and why the famous author wrote his immortal Yuletide drama, “A Christmas Carol.” He invites everyone to “an intimate afternoon” with Britain’s grea4test author, followed by some complimentary “English tea-time treats.” Admission for the event, which will also feature the musical talents of our own Bobby Ragoonanan and also Grosse Ile Presbyterian’s talented Doug Scott, will be free. However a free-will offering will be taken, with all proceeds benefiting the Grosse Ile Animal Shelter and the T.A.I.L.S. organization. So please plan to enjoy a pre-Christmas moment of fun, dramatic, and musical entertainment Dec 17th. See you there!
SCRIP Gift Cards are the same gift cards you buy at the store, only a percentage goes to Saint James. The entire list of hundreds of retailers is located on the information table, along with order forms. Place orders with Lynn Blanks (676-3967) after church or leave them with Colleen in the office. Payment due with the order, checks payable to: Saint James SCRIP. Deadline is noon Sun, Dec 17.
Make an Advent Wreath and light it every Sunday night at dinner. www.saintjamesgi.net/Downloads/AdventWreath.pdf will take you to a nice home service. Wreath-making instructions are here: https://youtu.be/_cunOkJlLe4. (Thanks to Christina Armbruster for making the home-resource family friendly!)
A Great Way To Get Involved would be hosting coffee hour at St. James. In order to continue meeting and greeting each other at coffee hour volunteers are needed to make the coffee, serve and clean up. Coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer are all supplied, but you may bring a simple snack, such as store bought cookies, donuts, or a veggie platter. It does not need to be an elaborate spread. If you are not able to host a coffee hour, you may be interested in bringing some cookies that could be saved and served as needed.
The 150th Anniversary Red Door Gala Celebration will take place on January 13, 2018. There will be a walking tour of the property while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne or punch. Feel free to wear period costumes from 1868! The night will finish in the Fireplace Room with a light meal and any proceeds will go to the chapel fund. Help is needed, however! We need people who can share a short 5-10 min talk (from a script), people to serve food and drinks, people to help with donations, and people who have stories to tell. Call Kate Hartwell with offers to help, donations and ideas. 313.318.3275
An Online Pledge Card is found at www.saintjamesgi.net/give along with Frequently Asked Questions concerning the budget. Thank you, thank you for supporting Saint James ministries.
Vestry? Our church’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 28th. At this meeting we will elect 4 persons to help guide the ministries and vision of our church. Vestry persons serve for 3 years on a 12-person body that has the sacred responsibility of taking council for the leadership of the church. Vestry involves monthly meetings and occasional retreats. Please pray about whether you feel called to this leadership role at Saint James.
Holy Baptism will be offered on January 7, when our readings remember Jesus’ own baptism. Speak to Fr. Phil to schedule a baptism, or learn more.
An Inquirer’s Class for new members is planned for three Wednesday nights in January – January 10, 17, & 24. We’ll talk about what the Episcopal Church believes, answer questions that you may have, give a tour of the Church building, and generally provide a good opportunity for learning more about Saint James. The class will run from 7:15 to 8:30pm. All new members, existing members and inquirers are welcome! Speak to Fr. Phil to find out more.
Questions for Sermons are now being accepted. In January of 2018 we will dedicate a sermon to answering your theological, liturgical, historical, or scriptural questions. What have you always wondered? Send your question to: questions@saintjamesgi.net
Prayer at Communion is available every Sunday at the 10AM service. Prayer Team members stand at either side of the altar rail. After you receive the bread and wine, engage a prayer team member and ask for prayer of any kind, which they will offer on your behalf. Prayer requests are confidential.
A Sunday Morning Bible Study runs between services every week from 9:05 to 9:50 AM in the Fireplace Room. Led by Fr. Phil with lots of space for discussion, this open study is a great for increasing knowledge and faith.
Open Office Hours Fr. Phil is available for appointments throughout the week for meetings of any length, but on Tuesday evenings you never need an appointment. Drop in any Tuesday between 4:30-6:30 pm and say hello!
FEATURES & ARTICLES
Send your articles about past events or special features to goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
150 Envelopes Just Because… As a fun extra for our 150th year we are beginning a mystery envelope drive. A rack with 150 numbered envelopes has been placed in the church entry area. When you take any numbered envelope and put as much money in it as the envelope’s number you give to our upcoming Capital Funds drive AND you may receive one of numerous special gifts that have been donated to the cause! Gifts include 4 Amazon Alexa’s, 2 family memberships to The Henry Ford, 4 twosomes for free golf at Grosse Ile Country Club, and a $30 gift certificate to Smokey’s on the Water. (To donate a gift contact Curt Crysler treasurer@saintjamesgi.net). Gifts are not in the envelope, but designated to a randomly chosen number. The treasurer will compare completed envelopes with the list and give out prizes. Don’t forget to add your name and email address to the envelope before you turn it in! Completed envelopes can be placed in the collection plate or handed to the secretary, the counters or the treasurer. Whether you feel a special blessing or just want to help out, thank you for your gift of any size!
SERVING THIS WEEK
THESE ROLES ARE ALWAYS OPEN to new participants.
To join a team contact the office at goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
| December 10 | |
| Altar Guild | Diane Mammo, Lil Everlove, Gwyn Dugliss |
| 8am 1st lesson reader | Mark McPherson |
| 8am Eucharistic Minister | Kim Faistenhammer |
| 10 am 1st lesson reader | Ken Bearden |
| 10am 2nd lesson & chalice | Colleen Lough |
| 10am prayers & chalice | Blanche Hutchison |
| Ushers | Lynn & Paul Blanks, Merri & Zach Lewis |
| Greeters | Anthony Baker, Natalia Morris |
| 10 am Crucifer | Daiejah Tatem |
| 10am Acolytes | Sam Rankine, Joy Boswell |
| Prayer Team | Herman Rugel, Linda Shannon |
| December 17 | |
| Altar Guild | Joan Hemsworth, Madelaine Jones, Marilou Arvin |
| 8am 1st lesson reader | Meren James |
| 8am Eucharistic Minister | Sue Weston |
| 10 am 1st lesson reader | Marcie Treadwell |
| 10am 2nd lesson & chalice | Jane Colwell |
| 10am prayers & chalice | Warren Johnson |
| Ushers | Carl Colwell, Jack Hartley, Robin Knudsen |
| Greeters | Lynn Blanks, Robin Knudson |
| 10 am Crucifer | Mitch Lewis |
| 10am Acolytes | Danny Bohl, Thomas Shumate |
| Prayer Team | Sue Anderson & Amy Kohair |
| December 24 | |
| Altar Guild | Linda K, Jennifer D, Jennifer E, Carolyn H, Lois Z. |
| 8am 1st lesson reader | Margaret Horvath |
| 8am Eucharistic Minister | Sue Weston |
| 10 am 1st lesson reader | Mike Bisaro |
| 10am 2nd lesson & chalice | Colleen Lough |
| 10am prayers & chalice | Andrew Johnson |
| Ushers | Ron Bonis, Stuart Cartwright, Zach & Merri Lewis |
| Greeters | Marie Johnson |
| 10 am Crucifer | Landon Johnson |
| 10am Acolytes | Zoie Christie, Andrew Johnson |
| Prayer Team | Tom and Erica Benson |
MINISTERS OF SAINT JAMES
All the Baptized Members are its Ministers!
STAFF
The Rev. Philip Dinwiddie, Rector rector@saintjamesgi.net
Bobby Ragoonanan, Music Minister music@saintjamesgi.net
Colleen Herman, Parish Office office@saintjamesgi.net
Curt Crysler, Parish Treasurer treasurer@saintjamesgi.net
Harold Schwochow, Sexton office@saintjamesgi.net
VESTRY
| Mel Bonis | Jeff Faistenhammer | Marie Johnson |
| Carl Colwell | Sarah Hemsworth | Phil Metz |
| Curt Crysler | Beth Holliday | Mark McPherson |
| Lynda VanEngelen | Margaret Horvath | Barbara Valmassei |
CONTACTS to update, email: goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
| Acolytes | Sue Weston | (734) 931-2232 |
| Altar Guild | Linda Kurth
Michael Glover |
(734) 675-1506
(734) 676-1062 |
| Bell Choir | Bobby Ragoonanan | office@saintjamesgi.net |
| Chapel Tours | Kate Hartwell | (313) 318-3275 |
| Children’s Ministries | Nancy Crysler | ncrysler@outlook.com |
| Choir | Bobby Ragoonanan | music@saintjamesgi.net |
| Church Rejuvenation
|
Sue Hartley
Judy Christie |
suecartwright1@comcast.net (734) 3238663 |
| Counters | Curt Crysler | treasurer@saintjamesgi.net |
| Episcopal Church Women | MaryLou Cartwright | maryloucartwright@gmail.com |
| Finance Committee | Curt Crysler | treasurer@saintjamesgi.net |
| Greeters | Lynn Blanks | lblanks@wideopenwest.com |
| Helping Hands | Linda Kurth | (734) 675-1506 |
| Interfaith Council/ Outreach | Sue Lowery
Jane Colwell |
(734) 675-0417
(734) 671-9446 |
| Men’s Ministry Group | Jim Holubka | jholubka@sbcglobal.net |
| Memorial Garden | Carole Vandenberg | (734) 671-6492 |
| Office | Colleen Herman | office@saintjamesgi.net |
| Pastoral Care Team | Marie Johnson | (734) 671-6502 |
| Prayer Team | Herman Rugel | (734) 250-3375 |
| Rainbow Bell Choir | Sue Johnson | (734) 783-1752 |
| SCRIP & Kroger Rewards | Lynn & Paul Blanks | lblanks@wideopenwest.com |
| Soup Kitchen | Amy & Frank Kohair | (734) 693-0694 |
| Ushers | Carl Colwell | carlcolwell@hotmail.com |
| Vestry | Marie Johnson | (734) 671-6502 |
| Worship Committee | Fr. Phil | rector@saintjamesgi.net |
| Youth Group – Sr. High | Fr. Phil | rector@saintjamesgi.net |
SAINT JAMES WISH LIST
Listed below are some things that St. James would love to have, but the budget does not allow them at this time. If one of these items speaks to your heart, please make a donation toward the purchase. All partial gifts will be gratefully accepted and put toward the total cost. Also, if you see or think of something that should be on this list, please let us know at goodnews@saintjamesgi.net!
We need help stringing Christmas Lights on the front stone wall and front trees. Can you help?
🎵 🎶 🎶🎵 MUSIC NOTES 🎵🎶🎶 🎵
This morning’s musical point of interest: Lots of excellent, old music this morning. We start things off with 3 old hymn settings by Thomas Tallis, the legendary renaissance English composer. The choir will sing a 19th century American hymn tune with a text from the 1980s. And our postlude is a Buxtehude setting of a renaissance German Advent hymn, which inspired Bach to later write his own organ setting, and then later, an entire cantata.
Upcoming Music Events
Dec. 17, 10 AM: Come experience Haydn’s Missa Brevis in F Major during the 10:00 service, complete with orchestra and soloists! This wonderful piece is a great way to get yourself in the mood for the Holiday Season!
Choir and bell choir is up and running! Please consider joining, all are welcome and it is a fun and exciting environment to sing, ring, and explore the rich history of church music. Bell Choir rehearses Thursdays at 6:30, and Vocal Choir rehearses at 7:30 on Thursdays.
CELEBRATIONS & PRAYERS
We Celebrate Birthdays This Week
| Amanda Phillips (12/15) | Steven DePaul (12/16) | Matthew Drake (12/16) | ||||
| Hannah Thomas (12/16) | ||||||
We Celebrate Anniversaries This Week
| Jim and Maria Turner (12/10) |
Please Pray This Week For Healing
| Bradley Stahlman | Audrey Lyden | Julius Followill | |
| Shaun Stahlman | John Kurth | Mary Phillips | |
| Pete Fernandes | Jean Fernandes | Laura Crawford | |
| Rebecca Grossklaus | Tamara Howes | Nicole Followill | |
| Joan Klose | Jerry Zavadil | Andrew Brunell | |
| Irene John | Donna Fisk | Rhonda Boitkus | |
| Kevin Kaufman | Jackson Bruce Beidler | Greg Kohn | |
| Gary Davison | Phil Metz, Sr. | Renee DiGiacomo | |
| Joe Radelett | Gabby | Phil | |
| Hannah Thomas | Mike Bartos | Gordon | |
| Eleanor George | Ryan Willet | Arlene Mills | |
| Money Robinson | Robert Kohn |
Pray for those serving in The Church For leaders of the worldwide church, for Philip our priest, members of our vestry, heads of our guilds & committees, and the staff and lay leaders of this congregation; for those engaged in mission work, for Jamie Treadwell in England, Todd and Patsy McGregor & family in Kenya, El Hogar in Honduras, and the Spirit of Hope Soup Kitchen in Detroit.
Pray for those serving in the military AJ Allen, Buckley Neal, JP Pandoff, Brett Ready, Dr. Bettina Sauter, Alexander Turin, and Alex Bearden.
To ensure our Lists are current petitions for healing are listed for 4 weeks per submission. Names may be re-submitted any number of times to office@saintjamesgi.net.