Date: May 11th 2012

IN THIS ISSUE:

• This Sunday’s Lessons
• Rector's Message
• Outreach Ministry Opportunities
• Announcements
• Calendar
• Birthdays & Anniversaries
• Servants in Worship
• Prayer List
• Church Staff

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THIS SUNDAY’S LESSONS

The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17


You may read the lessons at The Lectionary Page website: www.lectionarypage.net

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RECTOR’S MESSAGE

STRAW – UNTIL SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG

May 11, 2012

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the greatest theologians in all of Christian history – arguably the greatest. He lived from 1225 to 1274, and spent the majority of his life in the Dominican order, studying and teaching throughout Italy and France, most notably in Paris and Naples.

Among his extensive writings, his most famous work is the five-volume Summa Theologica. It is in three parts, dealing with God and creation, the human person as a free moral agent and Christ as humanity’s way to God. It is a wonderful example of that pre-Enlightenment combination of theology, philosophy and natural science, which, while not the way we view things today, is a wonderfully synthesizing way to view the world.

A favorite quotation from St. Thomas, especially amongst those who do not want to be bothered with reading his works, was spoken by him after an especially powerful divine revelation while celebrating Mass on December 6, 1273:

“All that I have written seems to me like so much straw compared to what I have seen and what has been revealed to me.”

What exactly the content of his divine revelation was we do not know. We know only that it was powerful enough to cause him to cease work on his Summa Theologica, never writing again.

I have no doubt that his revelation was genuine and that, in comparison to what he experienced, all his writings would have seemed like straw. Yet, it is his writing, his thinking, his deeply prayerful theology that has enabled the Church to come to a deeper understanding of God in many and powerful ways. To him, it was straw. To those of us who have not yet been granted a divine revelation as direct and palpable as his, his straw is our meat.

I cannot commend the Summa Theologica to you as a ripping good yarn, a real page turner or even the perfect book with which to curl up on a rainy day. It is hard work to read, and it must be read within its historical context and its own particular academic idiom.

I can, however, commend to you a book that is filled with ripping good yarns, in parts is a real page turner and is the perfect book with which to curl up on a rainy day. You probably have a copy at home – we have them in the pews now, as well – the Holy Bible.

Perhaps when we are on the other side of the glass through which now see only dimly, we will find the words of Holy Scripture to be as woefully inadequate in expressing the beauty of the one God as St. Thomas found his own works. But until that blessed day comes, I will take straw over nothing.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Geoff+



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OUTREACH MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES


Third Mission Trip to Alabama 2012
In April 2011 two F4 and three F3 category tornadoes swept through Dekalb County, Alabama. 33 people were killed, over 200 houses destroyed with countless others damaged. That year the Foothills Convocation of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina sent two teams to that area to help. Our volunteer contact tells us that he has over 170 requests for help on his list alone. This year the Foothills Convocation has sent two teams--one in March, the other in April. The dates for the third trip are June 17-22. The cost is $100 plus a share of carpool gas. All ages and genders are welcome. If you are interested, please contact Al Hipp, Foothills Convocational Deacon, at thomashipp@att.net.


New Ministry Opportunity—Serve at the Frazee Center:
For several years, St. James has provided funding to send students from the Frazee Center to Camp Bob at Kanuga. We have now increased our involvement with those students as we provide dinner for them two Thursdays each month. The work is easy and requires no special training or expertise. We serve dinner and spend time with the children. All are welcome to serve. It’s a great opportunity for families to minister together. Hours for our ministry are 4:00–6:30 pm, and you can come for any part of that time. The last date before the summer schedule is May 24. More information and sign up sheets are available on the Frazee Bulletin Board in the main hallway upstairs or you may contact John Kaup (241-1086 or john.kaup@furman.edu).


Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN)
Training Session: Saturday, May 12, at 4:00 p.m.
Join us in the Parish Life Center to learn more about the GAIHN ministry.

Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN)
Next hosting dates: May 27th - June 3rd.
Homeless families will be hosted here at St. James. Volunteers are needed for dinner teams, set up, break down, laundry, and other tasks. Please see the sign up sheets in the hallway across from the choir room. Contact Lisa Colby (346-4551 or Lmcolby13@yahoo.com).



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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hunger and Poverty in Greenville and Beyond
For two more Sundays, John Shelley will facilitate an introduction to a few of the complex realities that we describe as “poverty”. We’ll discuss pages from David Shipler, The Working Poor: Invisible in America (Vintage Press, 2004, 2005). Several books will be available at the class this Sunday.
• May 13: Children in Poverty. Read pages 201-253 in Shipler. These pages (“Body and Mind” and “Dreams”) focus on the physical, psychological, emotional, and aspirational threats to children living in poverty.


Parish Fellowship Weekend at Kanuga
May 25-27, 2012
Signup now--the deadline is this Sunday, May 13, 2012!
The Parish Fellowship Weekend is a time-honored tradition for St. James folks of all ages and stages. Kanuga isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. Located just 50 minutes from St. James and nestled in the mountains of Hendersonville, NC, Kanuga Conference Center is the perfect place to “get away.” And we’d love to have everyone join us for this Parish Fellowship Weekend! The weekend cost is WELL WORTH the activities we have planned:
Adult (19 years and up): $172.50; Youth (10-18 years): $93.50; Child (5-9 years): $55. This includes 2 nights' lodging in rustic and quiet cabins, 6 delicious meals, kids crafts, games, activities, hikes, as well as plenty of social and/or alone time. You never know what can happen at Kanuga! To sign up or get more info, email Cindy Hayes (chayes7428@charter.net) or Ken Littlejohn (alkenlj@charter.net). You MUST email or call and make a check (payable to St. James, "Parish Weekend" in the memo line) by Sunday, May 13. Scholarships are available; please see the Rector. Don’t miss out!


Sign Up Now for Children’s, Youth, and Adult Choirs!
Starting Sunday, sign-up sheets for next year are available in the foyer. Wednesday rehearsals begin on September 5, with Children’s Choir rehearsals at 3:30 PM; Youth Choir at 4:30 PM, and the Adult Choir at 7:30 PM. (You can hear all three choirs join together to sing the anthem this Sunday!) Questions? Contact Karen Eshelman, 244-6358 x304.


The Theology of Jazz
3rd Annual Jazz Piano Concert by the Rector at St. James
Friday, May 18, 7:00 PM
Fr. Geoff Taylor will present his 3rd Annual Jazz Piano Concert at St. James on Friday, May 18 at 7:00 PM. The proceeds from the event will support “Stop Hunger Now”. Tickets are $15 each or ten tickets for $100. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 864-244-6358. Tickets can also be purchased between services on Sunday or at the door the night of the concert.


New Contribution Options Coming:
St. James will soon offer automatic bank draft and credit card payment options for making contributions. Enrollment information will be announced in the bulletin and eNotes when these options become available.


Adopt-a-Highway Pickup:
Saturday, May 19, 8:00 AM.
Volunteers are needed to help pick up debris from Piney Mountain Road. Orange vests and bags are provided. Please join us!


St. Joseph Society:
Monday, May 21, 6:30 PM.
The men’s group at St. James will meet in the Parish Life Center for a meal and program. Join us!


EYC End-of-year Party: All youth (current grades 5-12) are invited to a pool and pizza party to honor our seniors and welcome rising 6th graders. Stone Lake Pool on Sunday, May 27 (Memorial Day weekend), from 5-8 PM. Celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. RSVP to Julie (787-8054 or jdalliaclark@att.net) so we can have enough pizza and drinks for everyone!!!


Forward Day by Day devotion booklets for May/June/July are available now. Suggested donation is $1.25 for regular and large print editions. Pick up yours today from the table in the foyer at church.


St. James Sound Team needs operators to control microphone levels and make CD recordings of 11:00 am services (easily learned). Please consider this ministry and contact Ed Snape (269-8808 or esnape@bellsouth.net). We would also like to have volunteers for other service times. Sound Team members provide congregation members with assisted listening devices on request. CDs are distributed to our members who are homebound or hospitalized.


Bereavement Support Group
“Through the Valley” is the Bereavement Support Group run by Lutheran Hospice. The first meeting of this 10-week group will be Tuesday, May 15th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Target audience is adults who have suffered an adult loss, including a spouse, a parent, or a grown son or daughter. The group will meet at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior (2600 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville). Contact Cindy Abrams (848-1777) for information and sign up.



St. James Day at Faith Memorial Chapel - Enjoy a Great Tradition:
--> Service: On Sunday, June 3, 2012, you are invited to join a pilgrimage of people from St. James to Faith Memorial Chapel in Cedar Mountain, NC. The service of Morning Prayer starts at 11:00 am. Father Geoff will be the guest preacher, and our organist and members of the choir will take part in the service.
--> The drive to Faith Chapel is a beautiful mountain drive past Caesar’s Head and the entrance to Camp Greenville. It is about a one-hour drive depending upon traffic (directions at www.FaithMemorialChapel.org).
--> Food & Fun: Following the service, we will move to a park in the nearby Connestee Falls community for a covered-dish picnic. Beverages, plates, cups, napkins, etc., will be provided. The park offers a covered picnic area, a child’s swimming area, horseshoes, volleyball and paved basketball court. Please bring your own sports equipment.
***Please Note: We need to send a participants list ahead of time, so please sign up in the foyer or contact the church office if you plan to attend the picnic.
--> History: Faith Memorial Chapel was started by Bishop Ellison Capers over 100 years ago. In 1936 the Rev’d Alexander R. Mitchell started a renewal which resulted in the revival of the Chapel for the summer community. He was then rector of St. James, and many members of this parish have had a continuing role in the ministry of the Chapel Board. The Chapel has developed an interdenominational tradition.
--> Remember: On June 3 at St. James, services of Holy Eucharist will take place at the regular times (7:45, 9:00 and 11:00 am).


St. James Day School Summer Camp Fun 2012
All children (ages 2-7 by September 1) are welcome! We meet from 9:00 until noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 5 through August 2. Pick up a registration form in the church office. For more information, contact Beth Renninger (232-4877).


Annual Attic Sale: Saturday, June 9, 2012, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.
Donate Items Now! For your convenience a storage unit at Public Storage (at the bottom of Piney Mtn. Rd. across from BiLo) has been rented for items for the attic sale during April and May. For our convenience please place small, clean, usable items in a box and store neatly in the unit. Pick up the key from the church office. For more information about this event, please contact Gail Tomkins (246-1356, ptomkins@charter.net) or Stephanie van Rhyn (610-0596, mosel44@aol.com).


Vacation Bible School: June 24–28, 2012.
If you can help, please sign up in the foyer or contact Christi Jones-McNeill (294-7163 or cmcneill7163@charter.net).


Camp Gravatt 2012 - An Episcopal Tradition Camp Gravatt is taking camper registrations and staff applications for summer 2012. Camp sessions are available for boys and girls entering first through twelfth grades. At Camp Gravatt campers make friends, share in an affirming Christian community, experience unconditional love, and have fun! Activities include archery, arts-and-crafts, canoeing, environmental education, swimming, challenge course, campfires, singing, Episcopal worship, Bible study and more. Staff members work to nurture and develop campers' self-esteem, rather than competitive expertise in a particular sport or skill. For registration or staff application information, log onto www.bishopgravatt.org or call 803.648.1817.


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

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Opportunities for Worship, Fellowship and Service: Week of May 13, 2012

Sunday, May 13 – The Sixth Sunday of Easter
7:45 am Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 am Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5–grade 3)
10:00 am St. Francis Spanish service, Parish Life Center
10:10 am Sunday School Classes for all ages
11:00 am Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5–grade 3)

Tuesday, May 15
6:30 pm Vestry, Room 229

Wednesday, May 16
3:15 pm Children’s Choir (elementary)
4:30 pm Youth Choir (middle/high)
6:30 pm Celtic Evening Eucharist
7:30 pm Adult Choir

Thursday, May 17 - Ascension Day
10:45 am Bible Study, Library
12:05 pm Holy Eucharist and Healing Service

Friday, May 18
1:00 pm Centering Prayer
7:00 pm 3rd Annual Jazz Concert for Mission & Outreach: The Theology of Jazz, Nave

Saturday, May 19
8:00 am Adopt-a-Highway pickup
9:00 am Altar Guild – worship service preparations

Sunday, May 20 – The Seventh Sunday of Easter
7:45 am Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 am Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5–grade 3)
10:00 am St. Francis Spanish service, Parish Life Center
10:10 am Sunday School Classes for all ages
11:00 am Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5–grade 3)
12:15 pm Daughters of the King study group, Library
6:30 pm Compline Choir rehearsal
7:30 pm Compline


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BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

This Week’s Birthdays:

May 14 Laurie Howell
May 14 Calhoun Clark
May 14 Aidan Bradley
May 16 Tom Triplitt
May 16 Michael Sanchez
May 16 Landon Fore
May 17 Doug Smith
May 17 Patricia Whitehead
May 17 Duncan Howard
May 18 Mack Burgess
May 18 Julia Mayer
May 19 Eliza Burger


This Week’s Anniversaries:

May 13 Gordon & Alice Crowe
May 13 Luke & Reb Mitchell
May 14 Kent & Linda Satterfield
May 15 Lee & Nancy Ehlers


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SERVANTS IN WORSHIP

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

Finding Subs – Each person serving as a Servant in Worship will receive an email when they are scheduled to serve. The easiest way to get a sub is to click on the "request a sub" space on that email. The request goes out to everyone in that ministry. An email will be sent to the person who accepts as well as the person who made the request. If no one responds, the person needing a sub will need to go to the rosters and contact someone directly.

If you have questions about scheduling (including username and password information), please contact Susan Preusse at servants@stjamesgreenville.org.


Altar Guild for May 7-13

Elaine Paine (Captain), Sandra Miller (Flowers), Susan Preusse, Karen Wolfe, Joyce Scott.

SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY, May 13, 2012

7:45 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Butch Scott;
Usher: Reece Blackwell;
Greeter: Elaine Wells;
Lector: Gigi Blackwell;
Eucharistic Ministers: Gigi Blackwell, Bill Wells.

9:00 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Cam Walters;
Ushers: Al Engelmann, Brooks Knobel;
Greeters: Elaine Paine, Sherry Sponseller (sub req.);
Lectors: George Lafaye (L), Cam Walters (L), Elizabeth Bauer (P);
Eucharistic Ministers: Julie Clark, George Lafaye;
Acolytes: Grant Knobel, Ellery McNeill, Anna Walters;
Nursery: Robin Smith, Pam Davis (infants/toddlers); Jane Morgano (sub req.), Rebecca Wagner (3-4 years);
Children's Church: Christi McNeill;
Coffee Hour: Christina Harrell.

10:00
Sunday School Nursery: Jay & Lesley Baker (infants/toddlers).

11:00 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Ken Littlejohn;
Ushers: Shaun Arness, Woody Hayes (sub req.);
Greeters: Allyson Bergin, Lynn Vines;
Lectors: Janet Atkins (L), Allyson Bergin (L), Erik Anderson (P);
Eucharistic Ministers: Jack Pinckney, Janet Atkins;
Acolytes: Owen Anderson, R. J. Jerina (sub req.), Jake Tingom;
Nursery: Becky Goepper, Cindy Hayes (sub req.) (Infants/toddlers); Stacy Pirrone, Carrie Russell (sub req.) (3-4 years);
Children's Church: Stephanie Knobel;
Sound Technician: John Dingley;
Coffee Hour: Madeline & Parrish Fletcher.


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Altar Guild for May 14-20:

Sue DuBose (Captain), Jean Bridger (Flowers), Alice Crowe, Marjorie Davenport, Jodye Pfister, Mary Ann Lanford.


SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR EASTER SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012

7:45 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Rick Hope;
Usher: Mel Pfister;
Greeter: Jodye Pfister;
Lector: Kent Satterfield;
Eucharistic Ministers: Carmie Cook, Linda Satterfield.

9:00 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Bill Mathews;
Ushers: John Hardaway, Ken Littlejohn;
Greeters: Elizabeth Bauer, Mary Lynne Hardaway;
Lectors: Ken Littlejohn (L), Vivian Tompkins (L), Margaret Oakes (P);
Eucharistic Ministers: Margaret Oakes, Royce Ann Woody;
Acolytes: Julie Clark, Lucas Mitchell, Grace Sammons, Alina Shaner;
Nursery: Emily Abendroth, Diane Zeager (infants/toddlers), Christina Harrell, Robin Pearson (3-4 years);
Children's Church: Katherine Tiffany;
Coffee Hour: Reb Mitchell.

10:00 AM
Sunday School Nursery: Amber Burger, Robin Pearson (infants/toddlers).

11:00 AM
Rector’s Aide/Usher: Lynn Vines;
Ushers: Gail Burch, John Holliday;
Greeters: Catherine Caudle, Gail Tomkins;
Lectors: Randy Burch (L), Susan Preusse (L), Alex Loftis (P);
Eucharistic Ministers: Chip & Susan Preusse;
Acolytes: Scout Clark, Hannah Hayes, Mary Paige Morgano, Zoe Walsh;
Nursery: Carol Bettencourt, Grace Sammons (infants/toddlers); Diane Genova, Robin Pearson (3-4 years);
Children's Church: Bill Sauerbrey;
Sound Technician: Jeff Petty;
Coffee Hour: Corie & Emmet Martin.


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Remember In Your Prayers

> those who are sick, confined indoors, and others dear to us:
Tara, Megan, *Mike Battistini, Jerie Cook, Aimee Copeland, Shannon Cottle, Bobby Dobson, *Sandra Duque, Susan & Ward Fore, *Hackett family, Mary S. Hardaway, *Nancy Harlan, *Ilse Holliday, *Suzanne Keenan, *Nancy Keller, Donna Kenney, Ralph Laspina, *Harriet Littlejohn, Frances MacIlwinen, *Lee Marr, *Nancy and John Maschler, Lynnea McSteen, Joe Merwin, Larry Metzler, Holly Miller, Don Murray, Bob Odabashian, Jerry Owens, *Nancy Pilgrim, Carl & Virginia Ramsey, Jennifer Ranslo, Carolyn Richar, Winnie Satterfield, Debbie Steagall, *Nick Strange, *Paul & Gail Tomkins, Lee & Cyndi Wood, *Nancy Wood.


> service men & women:
Steven & Jessica Bellue, Craig Cantrell, Dustin Cantrell, Christian Combs, Mark Dietz, Billy Eckstein, Deb Flanagan, Chris Goepper, Landon Russell Hayes, Steve & Laura Koltonski, *Sam Lambert, David Mathews, John Nelson, Andrew Ratcliffe, *Ken Rosemund, Jeff Wright.

> expectant parents: *Rourk and Marcy Freeman, *Alex Loftis and Lauren Parker, *Rimes and Kathryn McElveen.


* denotes member of the St. James community


If at anytime you are aware of a parishioner who is in need of meals because of sickness or other circumstance, you may contact the St. James clergy.


Prayer list updates:
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).


In Case of Pastoral Emergency:
In the event of a pastoral care emergency outside of regular office hours, you may call the clergy pager number (864.390.0380) and, when prompted, enter your phone number. One of the clergy will return your call. This number is also listed on the message on the church answering machine.


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St. James Episcopal Church staff:

The Rev’d D. Geoffrey Taylor, Rector, rector@stjamesgreenville.org The Rev’d Roxanne Ruggles, Associate Rector, associaterector@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