Our Presiding Bishop says, “We need to re-center ourselves with the teachings of the Jesus of Nazareth.”
It is Christ who taught The Parable of the Good Samaritan, The Woman at the Well, the Parable of the Talents,
the Sermon on the Mount, The Lord’s Prayer, and all those scripture readings
which guide us in how to love, give, forgive, be humble, laugh, offer grace, and provide renewal.
It is the same Christ who was prophesied in the Old Testament. Old Testament or New, we are asked, through education, to call on our common humanity. We are told, by Christ, “Do not be afraid.”
We are asked to lift up two relationships: the God-me relationship and the you-me relationship.
We are asked to put fear on the shelf and open the pages of scripture where God speaks to us
through the prophets, disciples, common folk, kings, and a Servant.
It is Christ who taught The Parable of the Good Samaritan, The Woman at the Well, the Parable of the Talents,
the Sermon on the Mount, The Lord’s Prayer, and all those scripture readings
which guide us in how to love, give, forgive, be humble, laugh, offer grace, and provide renewal.
It is the same Christ who was prophesied in the Old Testament. Old Testament or New, we are asked, through education, to call on our common humanity. We are told, by Christ, “Do not be afraid.”
We are asked to lift up two relationships: the God-me relationship and the you-me relationship.
We are asked to put fear on the shelf and open the pages of scripture where God speaks to us
through the prophets, disciples, common folk, kings, and a Servant.
During Covid, while St. James has an altered schedule and many programs are via the internet, please contact the person listed with each program by using the church directory or by calling the office.
The Advent Series
In Fr. Mac’s blog last week announcing The Advent Series, he wrote, “I look forward to what is born into our midst as we collectively prepare for Christmas.” How profound to have something “born into our midst” that was physically born over two centuries ago. I feel Nicodemus’s struggle. Yet, through the unveiling of history, with the help of God and scholars, we understand that Christ is “born into our midst” each day.
To walk us through this mystery, we will be reading Keep Watch with Me: an Advent Reader for Peacemakers
by Claire Brown and Michael McRay.
The daily readings are from Dec.1-24th. We will discuss “what jumped out at you, what made you shake your fist” each week during the Sunday Morning Bible Study session. One book per family is available at church. Once they’re gone, you may order it using this link https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Watch-Me-AdventPeacemakers/dp/1501876333/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KL1LJY2UILRN&keywords=keep+watch+with+me+an+advent+reader+for+peacemakers&qid=1669656075&sprefix=keep+watc%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1.
We will collectively prepare for Christ’s coming each Sunday through Dec. 18th in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:00 A.M.
In Fr. Mac’s blog last week announcing The Advent Series, he wrote, “I look forward to what is born into our midst as we collectively prepare for Christmas.” How profound to have something “born into our midst” that was physically born over two centuries ago. I feel Nicodemus’s struggle. Yet, through the unveiling of history, with the help of God and scholars, we understand that Christ is “born into our midst” each day.
To walk us through this mystery, we will be reading Keep Watch with Me: an Advent Reader for Peacemakers
by Claire Brown and Michael McRay.
The daily readings are from Dec.1-24th. We will discuss “what jumped out at you, what made you shake your fist” each week during the Sunday Morning Bible Study session. One book per family is available at church. Once they’re gone, you may order it using this link https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Watch-Me-AdventPeacemakers/dp/1501876333/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KL1LJY2UILRN&keywords=keep+watch+with+me+an+advent+reader+for+peacemakers&qid=1669656075&sprefix=keep+watc%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1.
We will collectively prepare for Christ’s coming each Sunday through Dec. 18th in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:00 A.M.
Adult Ministry
BIBLE-STUDY FRIENDS
Tuesdays, 4-5 P.M. via Zoom
Bible-study Friends is an electric community of people who respectfully challenge each other on what the Word means and how it applies to them. They listen to teachings of an Episcopal priest via a USB drive or iCloud download and then meet on Tuesdays for a discussion. Teachings include either books of the Bible or themes (faith, prayer, people)
of the Bible. Teacher is theologically solid and has a great sense of humor. Lay led.
For Zoom link, USB drive, or iCloud download contact Stacy Quinn.
MONASTERY OF THE HEART
Wednesdays, 4-5 P.M. via Zoom
This is an all-women’s spiritual book club. They have read books by Joan Chittister
and Richard Foster for compelling discussions. They have a great time. It is led by Sarah Goodman.
For a copy of the current book contact Stacy Quinn.
For more about the group and gathering contact Sarah Goodman.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 A.M., followed by breakfast out
Men’s Bible Study uses the publication Forward Day by Day to promote their discussion. The publication connects personal testimonials to scripture. The men are a community who shares thoughts and feelings with a follow-up of shared breakfast at a local diner.
For more about the group contact James Glenn.
THE ORDER OF DAUGHTERS OF THE KING, Santiago Chapter
Third Thursday of the Month, 10:00 A.M. via Zoom
This is an all-women’s order based on prayer, service, and the desire to know Christ and make Him known to others. It is open to females of all ages. The Daughters facilitate a prayer list to those want their prayers privately prayed for a month. They do this by putting out a Prayer Box at church once a month. Their service projects include collecting bras to send to women who can sell them in order to terminate their connection to sex trafficking; they have a Being in Relationship project where they send 108 cards a year in thanks to those who are doing good work in the community and around the world; they developed a Thinking of You service project where they make baskets/trays/boxes for the lonely, isolated, bereaved, and parents who are delighted to know there are people in the community who have their back. The baskets/trays/boxes include items like books, candles, movie lists, snacks, puzzles, prayers, coloring books, etc. Lastly, they talk about difficult topics (the E word, the S word) and come up with their own, contemporary definitions for old-world, troublesome and vital concepts! As the Daughters is an Order, it represents a commitment to a way of life…praying, serving, and talking about Christ’s love.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Gwen Glenn at office@stjamestaos.org or Stacy Quinn.
THE ADVENT SERIES and THE LENTEN SERIES
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 P.M. during Advent and Lent
Birth, death, resurrection…the trifecta of Christ’s life, of Christianity itself. Using art, scripture, books, and testimonials, we discuss the wonder and love of God—incarnate—coming to earth to teach us the mystery of His birth, the purpose of His death, the miracle of His resurrection, and His departing gift of the Holy Spirit. Nothing heavy! This community shares bowls of homemade soup, salad, bread, and sometimes dessert.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Stacy Quinn.
THE ORDER OF ST. LUKE’S
Every Sunday after the Eucharist in front of the Columbarium
The Order is a healing ministry using prayer. If you want a laying-on-of-hands prayer for a specific need, please go to the Columbarium at the north side of the church after you receive the Eucharist, and someone will be there to facilitate your prayer.
NOVEL THEOLOGY
Last Thursday of the Month, Dream Catcher Office, 1:00 P.M.
This book club is a self-managed book group which discusses publications with intriguing moral/ethical dilemmas or historical content. Contact below for a list of current books.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Bette Myerson.
BIBLE-STUDY FRIENDS
Tuesdays, 4-5 P.M. via Zoom
Bible-study Friends is an electric community of people who respectfully challenge each other on what the Word means and how it applies to them. They listen to teachings of an Episcopal priest via a USB drive or iCloud download and then meet on Tuesdays for a discussion. Teachings include either books of the Bible or themes (faith, prayer, people)
of the Bible. Teacher is theologically solid and has a great sense of humor. Lay led.
For Zoom link, USB drive, or iCloud download contact Stacy Quinn.
MONASTERY OF THE HEART
Wednesdays, 4-5 P.M. via Zoom
This is an all-women’s spiritual book club. They have read books by Joan Chittister
and Richard Foster for compelling discussions. They have a great time. It is led by Sarah Goodman.
For a copy of the current book contact Stacy Quinn.
For more about the group and gathering contact Sarah Goodman.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 A.M., followed by breakfast out
Men’s Bible Study uses the publication Forward Day by Day to promote their discussion. The publication connects personal testimonials to scripture. The men are a community who shares thoughts and feelings with a follow-up of shared breakfast at a local diner.
For more about the group contact James Glenn.
THE ORDER OF DAUGHTERS OF THE KING, Santiago Chapter
Third Thursday of the Month, 10:00 A.M. via Zoom
This is an all-women’s order based on prayer, service, and the desire to know Christ and make Him known to others. It is open to females of all ages. The Daughters facilitate a prayer list to those want their prayers privately prayed for a month. They do this by putting out a Prayer Box at church once a month. Their service projects include collecting bras to send to women who can sell them in order to terminate their connection to sex trafficking; they have a Being in Relationship project where they send 108 cards a year in thanks to those who are doing good work in the community and around the world; they developed a Thinking of You service project where they make baskets/trays/boxes for the lonely, isolated, bereaved, and parents who are delighted to know there are people in the community who have their back. The baskets/trays/boxes include items like books, candles, movie lists, snacks, puzzles, prayers, coloring books, etc. Lastly, they talk about difficult topics (the E word, the S word) and come up with their own, contemporary definitions for old-world, troublesome and vital concepts! As the Daughters is an Order, it represents a commitment to a way of life…praying, serving, and talking about Christ’s love.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Gwen Glenn at office@stjamestaos.org or Stacy Quinn.
THE ADVENT SERIES and THE LENTEN SERIES
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 P.M. during Advent and Lent
Birth, death, resurrection…the trifecta of Christ’s life, of Christianity itself. Using art, scripture, books, and testimonials, we discuss the wonder and love of God—incarnate—coming to earth to teach us the mystery of His birth, the purpose of His death, the miracle of His resurrection, and His departing gift of the Holy Spirit. Nothing heavy! This community shares bowls of homemade soup, salad, bread, and sometimes dessert.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Stacy Quinn.
THE ORDER OF ST. LUKE’S
Every Sunday after the Eucharist in front of the Columbarium
The Order is a healing ministry using prayer. If you want a laying-on-of-hands prayer for a specific need, please go to the Columbarium at the north side of the church after you receive the Eucharist, and someone will be there to facilitate your prayer.
NOVEL THEOLOGY
Last Thursday of the Month, Dream Catcher Office, 1:00 P.M.
This book club is a self-managed book group which discusses publications with intriguing moral/ethical dilemmas or historical content. Contact below for a list of current books.
For a link to the meeting or more information contact Bette Myerson.
Elementary Ministry
Elementary Ministry has the gratification of introducing children to the joy of Our Lord
through Bible storiesand internationally acclaimed Godly Play Montessori lessons.
There are two programs. One addresses babies and toddlers in In the Beginning
and the second addresses young children through the 5th grade in Godly Play.
As we are not able to be IN church for the schooling articulated below,
please contact Stacy Quinn for our ever-changing pandemic programming needs.
through Bible storiesand internationally acclaimed Godly Play Montessori lessons.
There are two programs. One addresses babies and toddlers in In the Beginning
and the second addresses young children through the 5th grade in Godly Play.
As we are not able to be IN church for the schooling articulated below,
please contact Stacy Quinn for our ever-changing pandemic programming needs.
CHURCH FOR CHILDREN DURING THE PANDEMIC
Sunday, Zoom Link, 8:30-9:10 A.M.
This is a super-casual gathering of parents and their kids on Zoom. The children are invited to attend in their pjs complete with messy hair. Children read the Children Discover the Gospel quote from this Sunday’s Lectionary, talk about what they think it means and ask wondering questions. That short discovery is followed by the children and parents hanging out together. Hot chocolate encouraged!
For the link contact Alyose Brown or Stacy Quinn
IN THE BEGINNING
Sunday, In-the-Beginning room, 9:00-11:00ish A.M.
In this program for the very young, it is important that we establish friendships with each other and with God. We read Bible stories and ask wondering questions, we practice walking in a line, teach the reverence of walking to the altar, and practice the mechanics of receiving or not receiving the Eucharist. The children learn The Lord’s Prayer and The Nicene Creed and, finally, they learn to share during play time.
GODLY PLAY
Sunday, Creation and Godly Play rooms, 9:00-11:00ish A.M.
Godly Play presents heart-filled stories of the Bible and is a well-organized program used in Episcopal churches around the world. It is a Montessori-based program where the teacher uses objects to tell a story of the Bible. The objects are handmade by our parishioners and by Godly Play artisans. Listening and wondering questions are a major part of absorbing the story.
CHILDREN DISCOVER THE GOSPEL
After hellos and attendance, the older children prepare spiritually for hearing a story of the Bible in Godly Play. They read a sentence or two from this-week’s Gospel and contemplate on its meaning, ask questions about unknown words, and write or draw the gospel passage on an index card for their personalized box. Children have a great ability to cut through complex issues and reveal the simple, heart-felt truth of scripture.
ART RESPONSE
After listening to and wondering about the Godly Play bible story, the children return to the Creation room to draw, paint, build, or bake an artistic response to the Godly Play story of the Bible they just heard.
CHRIST, THE STORYTELLER, BOOK CLUB
We believe God is in every book from The Poky Little Puppy to Les Misérables; one just has to look for Him! We have a great little book about a noisy ghost whose noisiness is a bother to everyone until, one day, a couple gets stranded in the ocean and the ghost’s gift is what saves them! The children get stickers for each book they read. Books are taken home and returned for others to enjoy.
BIRTHDAY-CAKE SUNDAY
The first Sunday of each month a parishioner has volunteered to make or purchase a cake for all the children and adults who have a birthday in that month. We sing to the child and then all partake in its consumption! It is our way of bringing children and adults together during Coffee Hour.
AT-HOME BIBLE STUDY FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
St. James has a 20-book selection of books that feature parent-child discovery of the bible at home. Topics include praying, bullying, Jesus, etc. The selection and order form are in the back of the church in a 3-ring binder.
Fill out the order form and take to the office and ask Gwen Glenn to give to Stacy Quinn for processing. Books are free to families.
Sunday, Zoom Link, 8:30-9:10 A.M.
This is a super-casual gathering of parents and their kids on Zoom. The children are invited to attend in their pjs complete with messy hair. Children read the Children Discover the Gospel quote from this Sunday’s Lectionary, talk about what they think it means and ask wondering questions. That short discovery is followed by the children and parents hanging out together. Hot chocolate encouraged!
For the link contact Alyose Brown or Stacy Quinn
IN THE BEGINNING
Sunday, In-the-Beginning room, 9:00-11:00ish A.M.
In this program for the very young, it is important that we establish friendships with each other and with God. We read Bible stories and ask wondering questions, we practice walking in a line, teach the reverence of walking to the altar, and practice the mechanics of receiving or not receiving the Eucharist. The children learn The Lord’s Prayer and The Nicene Creed and, finally, they learn to share during play time.
GODLY PLAY
Sunday, Creation and Godly Play rooms, 9:00-11:00ish A.M.
Godly Play presents heart-filled stories of the Bible and is a well-organized program used in Episcopal churches around the world. It is a Montessori-based program where the teacher uses objects to tell a story of the Bible. The objects are handmade by our parishioners and by Godly Play artisans. Listening and wondering questions are a major part of absorbing the story.
CHILDREN DISCOVER THE GOSPEL
After hellos and attendance, the older children prepare spiritually for hearing a story of the Bible in Godly Play. They read a sentence or two from this-week’s Gospel and contemplate on its meaning, ask questions about unknown words, and write or draw the gospel passage on an index card for their personalized box. Children have a great ability to cut through complex issues and reveal the simple, heart-felt truth of scripture.
ART RESPONSE
After listening to and wondering about the Godly Play bible story, the children return to the Creation room to draw, paint, build, or bake an artistic response to the Godly Play story of the Bible they just heard.
CHRIST, THE STORYTELLER, BOOK CLUB
We believe God is in every book from The Poky Little Puppy to Les Misérables; one just has to look for Him! We have a great little book about a noisy ghost whose noisiness is a bother to everyone until, one day, a couple gets stranded in the ocean and the ghost’s gift is what saves them! The children get stickers for each book they read. Books are taken home and returned for others to enjoy.
BIRTHDAY-CAKE SUNDAY
The first Sunday of each month a parishioner has volunteered to make or purchase a cake for all the children and adults who have a birthday in that month. We sing to the child and then all partake in its consumption! It is our way of bringing children and adults together during Coffee Hour.
AT-HOME BIBLE STUDY FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
St. James has a 20-book selection of books that feature parent-child discovery of the bible at home. Topics include praying, bullying, Jesus, etc. The selection and order form are in the back of the church in a 3-ring binder.
Fill out the order form and take to the office and ask Gwen Glenn to give to Stacy Quinn for processing. Books are free to families.
Youth Ministry
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth enjoy being together as often as their schedules permit through good conversation and food. Activities include events like bowling, stargazing, hiking, sleepovers at the church, and ice cream and smores outings which are posted on the St. James calendar.
For more information contact Jill Cline, youthminister@stjamestaos.org
COMMON GROUNDS
A teen co-op with a Matthew 25 focus. Please look under Outreach then Youth/Teen Ministry.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Youth enjoy being together as often as their schedules permit through good conversation and food. Activities include events like bowling, stargazing, hiking, sleepovers at the church, and ice cream and smores outings which are posted on the St. James calendar.
For more information contact Jill Cline, youthminister@stjamestaos.org
COMMON GROUNDS
A teen co-op with a Matthew 25 focus. Please look under Outreach then Youth/Teen Ministry.
Playground Ministry
PLAYGROUND
St. James has a wonderful playground behind the three Sunday-school rooms--In-the-Beginning, Creation, and Godly Play. There’s a playground set, four square for older kids, benches, picnic tables, a tree with shade, and an area for barbeque. There are lilacs, daises, and metal flowers in a place that doesn’t get water. The dream is to make it a cross-generational space. With Covid, I’m sure the weeds have won. We are in need for someone to take it over as their personal project. If you want to serve in this way, please contact the person listed below.
For more information, contact Stacy Quinn.
PLAYGROUND
St. James has a wonderful playground behind the three Sunday-school rooms--In-the-Beginning, Creation, and Godly Play. There’s a playground set, four square for older kids, benches, picnic tables, a tree with shade, and an area for barbeque. There are lilacs, daises, and metal flowers in a place that doesn’t get water. The dream is to make it a cross-generational space. With Covid, I’m sure the weeds have won. We are in need for someone to take it over as their personal project. If you want to serve in this way, please contact the person listed below.
For more information, contact Stacy Quinn.
Library Ministry
LIBRARY
St. James library has bibles, biblical references, theological books, non-fiction, and fiction. There is a check-out and check-in sheet, so we’re on the honor system. For now, we are not accepting new donations because we are without a librarian. If you would like to be the librarian there is a whole system set up along with the criteria to meet to donate books.
For more information, contact Stacy Quinn.
LIBRARY
St. James library has bibles, biblical references, theological books, non-fiction, and fiction. There is a check-out and check-in sheet, so we’re on the honor system. For now, we are not accepting new donations because we are without a librarian. If you would like to be the librarian there is a whole system set up along with the criteria to meet to donate books.
For more information, contact Stacy Quinn.
Adults & Children Uplift their Spiritual Selves
through Christian Education, Building of Community, and Serving
Introducing God to adults and children has to be one of the most rewarding acts taken
in fulfilling God’s will. To teach children and adults that that little feeling inside
is the Holy Spirit speaking to them is a joy.
To teach that God wants two relationships:
God—Me and You—Me, and that those relationships come as a package; you can’t have one without the other.
To watch those spiritual lightbulbs go off is an enormous reward. All of this comes through adults modeling what they look for in their child: they want to see their child has a relationship with God,
that their child is a part of the community, and that offering help to others is a way of life.
We strive to model our vision by freely talking about God, by making play dates with our families, and by thinking of ways to serve with our actions. If you would like to join us in this journey of turning on the holy light switch in a gentle and loving way,
Please contact one of the people listed below.
Fr. Mac Brown, rector@stjamestaos.org
or Stacy Quinn