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A HOLY MOMENT OF THE WEEK Send yours to goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
Jim Holubka lights the way to CHRISTMAS at Greenfield Village’s Holy-day Nights. |
Christmas Services are being held Christmas Eve at 4 pm & 11 pm, and Christmas Day at 10 am. The 4 pm service includes a children’s Christmas Pageant, the 11 pm service includes the full choir and 30 minutes of special music beginning at 10:30 pm. The 10 am Christmas Day service is held in our historic chapel.
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.
New Year’s Eve Game Night! What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? If they include attending the game-night party at Saint James we will be happy to save you a seat at the table. Invite your friends and family and bring your favorite tabletop games for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. Drop by for just an hour or two, or spend the entire evening. Free transportation service here-and-back is offered if you don’t drive at night or “if the weather outside is frightful”. The party begins at 8 pm and sweets and snacks will be available all evening, as will coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages, although this will be a BYOB evening. For those of you who want to be in bed by midnight a champagne toast and the singing of Auld Lang Syne is being planned for 11 pm! Free designated driver service will be offered. Complimentary party favors to the first 500 who RSVP! An operator (David Hartwell) is standing by to take your call at 313 318-9009! FYI — Speaking of New Year’s Eve, did you know that it is on a Fifth Sunday this year? Every year has four or five months with Fifth Sundays. 2017 has five — 1/29, 4/30, 7/30, 10/29 and 12/31 — and 2018 will have four — 4/29, 7/29, 9/30, and 12/30.
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
“Great Figures of the New Testament” is the topic of the Thursday afternoon book group, which starts up again on January 4. In each meeting we will watch a 30-minute video by the extraordinary Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a Jewish New Testament scholar who teaches at Vanderbilt University. Levine brings a Jewish perspective to scriptures written largely by Jewish persons in a Jewish context. Come hear about Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Pontius Pilate, King Herod and more. In all, 24 persons will be discussed. Meetings begin and end with meditative prayer. After each video Fr. Phil will lead a discussion. Please drop in and join the fun.
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.
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.
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 on a 12-person body that takes council to help lead the church. Vestry involves monthly meetings and occasional retreats. Please pray about whether you feel called to this leadership role at Saint James.
UTO boxes are still available on the table outside of the office or in Galloway hall. Please feel free to pick up a second box, if already collecting, or a new one to start the year with. The next ingathering of boxes will take place in the spring. Envelopes will be available also for those who prefer to donate in that way. Thank you!
A Great Way To Get Involved at Saint James is hosting coffee & conversation following the service. 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.
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.
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.
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.ne
“Just Because . . .” Program The colorful envelopes located in the church vestibule are there for that special time when you just want to give a little extra to the church. Choose an envelope by number and put that much into the envelope. Certain numbers are even associated with prizes!
A BIG thank you to everyone who baked cookies for the Incarcerated Youth. I was so proud to deliver over 30 dozen cookies to Bob Kirby. He sent a thank you note that I will post on the bulletin board in the hallway. “Please send our thanks to all who participated with you in providing this blessing.” He said they will provide for 5 facilities and about 350 young folks and another 400 staff members. That’s sounds like a lot of staff until you think they are 24/7 facilities. He also says, “We do always teach our young men and women that it is not about the gifts we get but the gift that Jesus has given us; eternal life to those who believe.” He said parent visits appear to be very low so “…the gifts provided are physical reminders of a caring and loving community that the Lord has sent to bring them encouragement and love in this tangible way. These young people are locked up waiting to go to prison, court, home, rehabilitation, etc. Some of them have never had a homemade cookie. As Bob says, Locked up but not locked out of God’s love and protection.” Wasn’t that true for St. Paul and others we read about in the Bible. Please continue to pray for Bob, Jennie, and the incarcerated youth. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. May the Christ Child’s light of love divine On all your pathways brightly shine! Hugs, Sue Anderson
OUT THERE WITH OUTREACH: Spirit of Hope Soup Kitchen “Christmas Meal” Thank You!!! A wonderful group of friends from Saint James prepared and served the “Christmas Meal” at the Spirit of Hope Soup Kitchen on Saturday, Dec. 16th, 2017! Our partners from Sacred Heart had the day off, as did we in November for their “Thanksgiving Meal”! The menu for our day consisted of: Ham (donated by Dave & Judy Christie), home-made Mac ‘n Cheese, French-cut Green Beans, hot Cornbread, apple sauce with cinnamon sugar, and Pumpkin rolls (made by Patricia Saavedra & her mom Janet) for dessert! Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches were made “to go” for a munch later. The total cost was $344.55 which included $50.00 for holiday security pay for dear Norm. 120 guests were served all they could eat and were thrilled to receive THREE candy poppers each for an extra treat!!! The poppers were decorated and filled with candy by our Saint James Youth Groups and their families as well as by our G. I. High School Builders Club! Blanche Hutchison filled bags full of toiletries for women and men, as well as with socks and gloves! Her sweet granddaughter Daiejah, daughter Sophie, and little great grandson spent the day distributing Blanche’s gifts! You cannot imagine how happy our guests were to receive your generosity of food, candy, gift bags, clothes and kindness! It was a very happy Christmas for all. A special thanks goes to all of you and your families who prepared and served the meal: Sue Anderson & grandson Timmy; Beth Holliday & Paul Primeau and their children Grace, Josh & Elaina; Christine, Zack & Lindsey Bohl; Joni & daughters Kayleigh & Sammie Bohl, Dave & Judy Christie; Dave, Anne & Jenny Rudziensky; Steve, Kristin & Son Mitch Lewis; her sister Melissa & kids: Sydney & Brady Prudom; Erica & little Henry Benson; Christina & Ashlyn Koester, Greg Goyert and Lynda VanEngelen; who all worked together serving everyone, passing out clothes and cleaning up, with smiling faces and kind words. Thank you all who gave of your time, work & loving-kindness; especially at a time of year when you ALL need more time, more than anything! You all, MADE Christmas for those who would otherwise have no Christmas! We are blessed to have been in your company for a very special day! With Love & Gratitude to All of You, ALWAYS! May you all enjoy a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed Yew Year! Amy & Frank Kohair
SERVING THIS WEEK
THESE ROLES ARE ALWAYS OPEN to new participants.
To join a team contact the office at goodnews@saintjamesgi.net
| December 24 | 4th Sunday Of Advent |
| 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 |
| December 31 | |
| Altar Guild | Carole Vandenberg, Marie Johnson, Meren James |
| 8am 1st lesson reader | Mark McPherson |
| 8am Eucharistic Minister | Kim Faistenhammer |
| 10 am 1st lesson reader | Natalia Morris |
| 10am 2nd lesson & chalice | Pat Zavadil |
| 10am prayers & chalice | Jim Holubka |
| Ushers | Ron Bonis, Stuart Cartwright, Robin Knudson, Chuck K. |
| Greeters | Chuck & Linda Kurth |
| 10 am Crucifer | Anna Shumate |
| 10am Acolytes | Thomas Shumate |
| Prayer Team | Colleen Lough, Madeleine Jones |
| January 7 | |
| Altar Guild | Sue Hartley, Blanche Hutchison, Carol Nankervis |
| 8am 1st lesson reader | Meren James |
| 8am Eucharistic Minister | Sue Weston |
| 10 am 1st lesson reader | Larry Crabtree |
| 10am 2nd lesson & chalice | Colleen Lough |
| 10am prayers & chalice | Jane Colwell |
| Ushers | Dave & Judy Christie, Carl Colwell |
| Greeters | Wendy Kiblawi , Robin Knudson |
| 10 am Crucifer | Danny Bohl |
| 10am Acolytes | Sam Rankine, Zoie Christie |
| Prayer Team | Natalia Morris, Anthony Baker |
MINISTERS OF SAINT JAMES
All Baptized Members
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’re currently between needs for the wish list. If you have anything to be put on the list, please let us know. And thank you for your generosity!
🎵 🎶 🎶🎵 MUSIC NOTES 🎵🎶🎶 🎵
This morning’s musical point of interest: Enjoy the myriad of works celebrating the season on 12/24 and 12/25. From old English and German hymns for Advent and Christmas, oboe and voice music, and carols you know and love. Be sure to stop by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for the full experience!
Upcoming Music Events
Dec. 24, 10:30 PM: Come and enjoy our beautiful night service on Christmas Eve, featuring a hymn sing and special chamber music, as well as two exciting anthems from the St. James Choir!
January 20, 7:30 PM: Come and hear the Organ in the Chapel, with performances of Renaissance and Baroque music from the the U of M Ann Arbor organ studio!
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
| Andrea Kalafut (12/24) | Merri Lewis (12/25) | Bernard Vandenberg (12/26) | ||||
| Jessica Roekle (12/30) | ||||||
We Celebrate Anniversaries This Week
| Lester & Charlotte Campeau (12/18) | Phillip & Sharon Metz (12/24) | |
| Zachary & Merri Lewis (12/31) |
Please Pray This Week For Healing
| Bradley Stahlman | Audrey Lyden | Julius Followill | |
| Shaun Stahlman | John Kurth | Mary Phillips | |
| Robert Kohn | Jean Fernandes | Money Robinson | |
| 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 | |
| Rebecca | Curtis | Tanya |
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.