Labyrinth Crusade – Become a POET!!

Labyrinth Crusade – Become a POET!! Join us in honoring the memory of Eileen C. House by joining Pals of Eileen’s Together (POET) and contributing to a memorial labyrinth.

The labyrinth will be the centerpiece of a larger “healing garden” dedicated to our loved ones. It will have beautiful landscaping and benches for rest and contemplation here on the grounds of St. James. The final location is still under consideration.

We are planning on purchasing our labyrinth from the Labyrinth Co., of Baltimore, see http://www.labyrinthcompany.com/.

The “Chelsea a la Chartres” pattern has been chosen for its simplicity and traditional pattern.

Together we can make this happen! Make your contribution payable to St. James, with Eileen House Memorial Fund in the memo line. And thanks!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Lenten Reflection - March 13, 2008

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” - Mark 10:17-31

Reflection by Tricia Hurlbutt

Prior to this passage, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, and asks what it will take to achieve salvation. Jesus reminds him to live his life according to the commandments; the young man replies that he has followed them since his youth. Jesus then tells him that in order to find the one thing that he is lacking, he must give away all of his material possessions. The young man asserts that he cannot do that, and walks away saddened by the experience.

The disciples were amazed by the command, and this passage was Jesus’ response. At first glance it seems to be a proclamation against personal riches of any sort, but is that truly what Jesus is saying? Is he literally asking us to give away everything in order to achieve righteousness, and henceforth the Kingdom of Heaven?

Quite possibly, he is. But on the other hand, could Jesus be testing the young man? Could his request to adopt an ascetic lifestyle be an effort to see what was truly in the wealthy man’s heart? The young man’s immediate and adamant unwillingness to even entertain the idea makes clear to all where his true priorities lie. Despite having lived a righteous life, his wealth and material goods are more important to him than eternal salvation.

With the passing of two millennia, this scenario has only become more relevant than it was in the days when Mark witnessed it. The accumulation of money and stuff has become a goal, and distracts us from what is truly important. How can we claim God as our first love and priority when we are distracted by the trappings of the good life? If we claim to be Christians, we must clear our hearts and lives to make room for that which is truly important.

Archive

Contacts and Committees

Parish Contacts:

Parish Contacts:

 

Rector

William H.C. Ticknor

Deacon                     

Robert M. McCoy

Diocesan Deacon

Carl W. Rehling

Senior Warden

Victor E. Cornellier

Junior Warden

Dana L. Green

Registrar

Lillie T. Barrett

Treasurer

Julia T. Cornellier

Parish Administrator

Janet F. Bruce

Verger

Valerie B. Hymes

Admin. Assitant

Lillie T. Barrett

Chancellor

R. Calvert Steuart

Music Director

Michael S. Ryan

Senior Choir

Michael S. Ryan

Celebration Choir

Cynthia M. Steuart

Youth Choir

Brooke E. Steuart

Organists

Patricia A. Tyndall

Robert Waddell

 

 

Parish committees are always seeking members to share in fellowship and service. Contact the chairs of the committees:

 

Buildings and Grounds

Dana L. Green

Christian Formation                     

Steven E. Dorsey

Sharon L. McGlaughlin

Communications

Claire and George A. Pickart

Finance

K. Donald Arthur

Library

Beverly A. Fahlstrom

Parish Life

-         Prayer Shawl

-         Chicken Soup

-         Fellowship (Coffee Hour)

-         Newcomers

Linda M. Stewart

–        Jeanie Zseltvay

–        Claire Pickart

–        Brooke Steuart

–        Linda Stewart

Outreach        

Shay K. Hall

Stewardship

Sarah K. Zollars

Women of St. James’ Parish

Peggy E. Horn

Worship and Music

Tyler G. Webb

 

Our Vision Statement: Who We Strive To Be

St. James' will build a lasting Christian community, grounded in faith and bound by love and the teaching of Christ. We will be a leader and innovator through our success in:

-- Enhancing the spiritual lives of our parishioners through our ministries;

-- Creating a loving and supportive community of Christian fellowship among parishioners; and

-- Positively impacting the welfare of the whole community through outreach, promoting faith through action.


Our Mission Statement: Who We Are

St. James' is an historic Episcopal parish that is expanding and changing to meet the diverse needs of its parishioners and community. In order to better respond to the will of God, we meet these needs through worship and music, Christian education and formation, pastoral care, fellowship, and outreach.

Our View on Stewardship

We the Vestry, Officers, Clergy, and Lay Leadership of St. James' Parish recognize that everything we have and all that we are is a gift from God -- a gift that we are to use in ways that further God's purpose.

Stewardship is a thankful response to God's graciousness to us and an opportunity to praise God with our lives in thanksgiving. Stewardship is our faith in action. Therefore, we commit ourselves to a discipline of regular worship and planned giving. This commitment includes returning a definite portion of our time, talents, and treasures to accomplish God's will.

We urge every member of this congregation to accept this challenge and adopt this standard.