Date: July 23rd 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:

> This Sunday’s Lessons
> Rector’s Message
> The Feast of St. James
> Outreach Opportunities
> Announcements
> Youth & Children’s News
> Summer Camp Opportunities
> Calendar
> Birthdays & Anniversaries
> Servants in Worship
> Prayer List
> Church Staff


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THIS SUNDAY’S LESSONS: The Feast of St. James

Jeremiah 45:1-5
Psalm 7:1-10
Acts 11:27-12:3
Matthew 20:20-28

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Rector’s Message


RECTOR’S MESSAGE

THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE WORLD

July 23, 2010

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

During the second week of our Mediterranean tour, we visited the port city of Split, Croatia. Split is the largest city on the Dalmatian coast, and its genesis is from the walled palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian (245 CE – 316 CE). He served as emperor from 284 CE until his abdication in 305 CE.

Diocletian was the emperor who called for and oversaw the last and most severe of the ten great Christian persecutions by the Roman Empire. His palace, which covers an area of approximately 40,000 square meters (nearly ten acres), was both a walled fortress and his retirement home. Half of the fortress was dedicated to housing the legion of Roman soldiers that served as his body guard, and the other half was living quarters, meeting rooms and kitchens. Near the center of the fortress, Diocletian had a grand tomb built for himself and set a temple to the Roman gods on top of it.

When Christianity came to be a political power, Diocletian’s tomb was desecrated, his body exhumed, and, while no one can be sure of what happened to his body, local lore says that his remains were thrown into the Adriatic. The temple on top of the tomb was then consecrated a church and remains so to this day.

During our tour of Diocletian’s palace, our tour guide, a local Splitonian (Splitite? Spliter?) took us into the church, told us the story behind it and then said, “And so we can say, this is the oldest church in the world.”

I was a bit surprised by those words. I could not have told you where the oldest church in the world was, but I was willing to bet that Split, Croatia had never appeared in my church history notes from seminary. I was intrigued, however, by her phrasing. “And so we can say…” I can say that St. James is the oldest church in the world, but that wouldn’t make it true.

(For those of you who are now wondering where the oldest church in the world is, I direct you to your favorite internet search engine. Let me issue the caveat, however, that you will need to set aside several hours or days to wade through thousands of sites that make vigorous arguments for their favorite church, archeological dig or Christian denomination.)

While the parish of St. James is not the oldest church in the world, each of you is a member of the oldest church in the world. How can this paradox be? It is so because the Church is not a building, nor a place nor a denomination.

The Church is the Body of which Jesus Christ is the Head and of which all baptized persons are members. The Church is the community of the New Covenant. It is called the People of God, the New Israel, a holy nation, a royal priesthood and the pillar and ground of truth. (Book of Common Prayer pg 854).

Nowhere in Holy Scripture is the concept of the Church ever to be confused with any particular building. We are a spiritual body. We are not palaces, nor tombs, nor cathedrals. The Church is not a particular place. We are an eternal community of all baptized people, dead, alive and yet to be born. The Church is not windows, nor doors, nor walls.

We are the oldest church in the world because there is only one church in the world. While humans have found ways to separate from one another, in the eyes of God we are all one. I do not mind that the people of Split, Croatia have found an interesting way to promote their beautiful city, and I do not particularly mind that people have, over the centuries, decided to group themselves by forms of worship imposed by human rules. I am not concerned, as long as we all are ever mindful that “There is one Body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God’s call to us. One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. One God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Geoff+


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THE FEAST OF ST. JAMES – THIS SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2010

** GUEST PREACHER: The Rt. Rev’d Stacy F. Sauls, Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky

** PARISH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON – Covered dish lunch following the 11:00 AM service in the Parish Life Center

** INCENSE will be used at the 11:00 AM service.

For centuries it has been the tradition for churches to mark the feast day of their patron saint with special liturgies and celebrations. On Sunday, July 25, we will keep that tradition in recognition of our patron, St. James.

The first part of the celebration will be the presence of our guest preacher, The Right Rev’d Stacy F. Sauls, Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky. Bishop Sauls was unable to be here to ordain Mother Roxanne, and it was our great pleasure to find such an august event for him to have another opportunity to be with us. As many of you know, Bishop Sauls was Mother Roxanne’s sponsoring bishop, and he was my sponsoring rector when I began the discernment process for the priesthood.

Following the 11:00 AM service, we hold a Parish Fellowship Luncheon in the Parish Life Center. This potluck event will be our feast for the Feast of St. James. Bishops Sauls will join us as will the people of St. Francis. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ from St. Francis before we begin to share our home and our church programs with them August 1.

It is particularly fitting that the people of St. Francis join us for our patronal feast, as St. James is the patron saint of pilgrims. The loss of a worship space makes the people of St. Francis pilgrims in one of the truest and most difficult senses. It is incumbent upon us as the people of St. James, the one to whom pilgrims pray for intercession with God, that we serve and welcome pilgrims in our midst.

Fr. Geoff +

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH

African Team Ministries:
Thanks to everyone who participated in the African Team Ministries Craft Sale this month. The people of St. James purchased $1027 worth of beautiful crafts. This ministry provides funds for orphan and refugee relief, missions and evangelism in East Africa.

United Ministries:
The Episcopal Church Women thank you for your continued donations of food and toiletry items. Donations often drop off during the summer, but the needs continue. Please remember this important ministry as you buy your family’s groceries and as you travel. Place food items in the wooden box and unopened toiletries in the Missions Room near the front entrance.
For information on what is happening now, what events are coming soon and how you can become involved, visit www.united-ministries.org.


How You Can Help the People of Fondwa, Haiti

What you can do right now:
1) Decide to be a sponsor. You can sponsor a child in the St. Antione School for $25/month to provide 5 meals a week, daily vitamins, regular anti-parasite medication and yearly nutritional assessments. More than 300 students are
unsponsored at this time. You can sponsor a teacher's salary/training for
$85/month. For more information, go to www.familyhm.org or call/email Kathryn.
2) Make a donation to Family Health Ministries: on-line or by mail to: PO Box 16725, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516-6725
3) Consider what specialized skills, natural abilities/gifts, personal interests you have that may be helpful. Pray about what you can do to support the people of Haiti.

Other opportunities available in the future:
1) Travel to Haiti with a mission team. There will be many future opportunities to travel to Haiti for relief work. There will be a need for both skilled and unskilled labor. If you are interested in being a part of a future mission team, please email or call Kathryn or Rimes McElveen.
2) Opportunities to financially support larger projects (school, guesthouse, medical clinic, or orphanage reconstruction; digging wells/cistern systems; building homes, etc.) As specific strategies are developed by the APF and partner organizations, there will be opportunities to support their efforts.

Resources for more information:
Family Health Ministries website: www.familyhm.org
"The Road to Fondwa" movie: www.fondwa.org
Kathryn McElveen: kathrynmcelveen@gmail.com, 864-991-7055 (m), 864-834-7144 (h)
Rimes McElveen: rimes.mcelveen@gmail.com, 864-908-7892 (m), 864-834-7144 (h)


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ANNOUNCEMENTS


Forward Day by Day
Devotional booklets for August, September and October are available now in the hallway at church. Cost is $1.25 for regular and large print editions.

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 .

Missed the consecration of our new bishop? You can now watch the video on demand at www.edusc.org/Consecration.

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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YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS

Children’s Church Summer Schedule:
Children in K5-grade 3 are invited to attend an age-appropriate worship service in Room 222 during the 9:00 service. They will join their parents at The Peace. Children who attend the 11:00 service will remain with their parents throughout the service.

Mission Project Report:
During the week of July 11-17, eight youth and two adults worked on projects in the Greenville area that consisted of cleaning gutters, painting, pressure washing, making a wheelchair ramp, yard work and, most importantly, getting to know some happy homeowners!
I would like to thank the youth who participated and gave their time for the week: Madeline Fletcher, Melanie Glover, Melissa Glover, Stevie Keese, Zoe Walsh, Anna Walters, Elizabeth Walters, Sara Walters; and the parents that helped get them to the sites: Madeline Fletcher, Parrish Fletcher, Martha Glover, Laura Lipscomb, Kathy Walsh, Becky Walters.

Youth fun:
Come enjoy some summer fun together, Junior (grades 6-8) & Senior (grades 9-12) EYC, Sunday, August 1, 4:00-6:00 PM at Frankie’s Fun Park. Meet at the Park and bring money for games and food.

WOW (Worship on Wednesday)
The Wednesday evening program starts back on August 11 from 6:30-8:30PM in the Youth Room. All youth grades 6-12 are invited to participate.

For more information regarding Youth and Children’s Ministries at St. James Episcopal Church, please contact Tempest Brevard (youth@stjamesgreenville.org or 244-6358, ext. 303).


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SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES


Camp Kanuga: A Special Incentive For St. James Parishioners: $100 Discount for New Campers
About the Discount: To thank St. James for sending their Parish Retreat to Kanuga, Camp Kanuga is offering this special discount for parishioners who want to see that their Church’s young people are actively involved in the Church. If you choose to enroll your child or grandchild for 2010 camp sessions and want to take advantage of the $100 discount, please write CK100 in big bold letters across the top of your registration form. This discount is for new campers only and cannot be applied to existing registrations made prior to May 1, 2010.

About Camp Kanuga: Camp Kanuga is a traditional coed overnight summer camping program in Western North Carolina sponsored by Kanuga Conferences. Camp Kanuga offers young people ages 7-15 an enjoyable and memorable experience in a uniquely Episcopal outdoor setting. The program enables campers to grow emotionally and spiritually while at the same time developing new interests, skills and friendships. Programs include archery, sports, climbing/adventure, camping, arts and crafts, performing arts, Christian exploration, music, and aquatics. For more information, please visit www.campkanuga.org. Financial aid may be made available to interested families so please inquire.

2010 Camp Kanuga Sessions: Session 5: August 1-10, 2010, $875
A grateful parishioner has offered to match Kanuga’s discount for any single mother who wishes to send her child to Camp Kanuga. If you are interested, please contact the parish office.


Camp Gravatt
For information on summer camps at the Bishop Gravatt Center or to register, go to http://www.bishopgravatt.org/camp_registration_fees.asp


Summer Roller Skating Camps at the Parish Life Center:

** July 26-30 – CAMP CANCELLED
August 9-13 - End of Summer Blowout week!
For more information, contact Angela Pitts (angela@rollertime.net).


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Opportunities for Worship, Fellowship, and Service: Week of July 25, 2010

Sunday, July 25 – The Feast of St. James
7:45 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
11:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available.
12:30 PM Parish Fellowship Luncheon in the Parish Life Center.

Tuesday, July 27
9:00 AM Camp Fun!
10:00 AM Staff Meeting

Wednesday, July 28
6:30 PM Celtic Evening Eucharist

Thursday, July 29
9:00 AM Camp Fun!
10:45 AM Bible Study, library
12:05 PM Holy Eucharist and Healing Service

Saturday, July 31
9:00 AM Altar Guild – worship service preparations

Sunday, August 1 – The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 13
7:45 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite I
9:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available; Children’s Church (K5 - grade 3)
11:00 AM Holy Eucharist – Rite II; nursery available. Incense will be used at this service.
11:00 AM St. Francis Spanish service, Parish Life Center; nursery available.

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THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS:

July 25 Faye Nelms
July 25 Pete Woody
July 25 Marc Rose
July 25 Pongracz Sennyey
July 25 Dallia Clark
July 25 Grace Hudson
July 26 David Spear
July 27 Betsy Mahon
July 27 Desiree Mussetto
July 28 Cristin Nelms
July 28 Gray Hardaway
July 29 Fran Barnett
July 29 Elizabeth Arnold
July 29 Scout Clark
July 30 Ann Phillips
July 30 Campbell Walters
July 31 Donald Doria




ANNIVERSARIES

July 26 Sherry & Rocky Sponseller
July 26 Marcia & Bob Howard
July 27 Fran & David Barnett
July 30 Beth & Ben Freeman
July 30 Janet & Michael Atkins
July 31 Judy Armandroff & Geoff Taylor



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SERVANTS IN WORSHIP

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

Finding Subs – There are two ways to find a sub:
1. Select “reply all” to the ministry distribution list which was sent to you and everyone else who serves in your particular ministry. You should hear back soon from someone who would be happy to switch with you.
OR
2. Follow this link http://www.ministryschedulerpro.com?user=stjamesgreenville and login using the username and password which were sent to you by e-mail. Everyone, please check the site often to see if there are requests you can help to fill.

To sign up for a ministry or if you have questions about scheduling (including username and password information), please contact Susan Preusse at servants@stjamesgreenville.org .




SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY, JULY 25

Altar Guild: Shirley Landes (Flowers & Captain), Judy Armandroff, Sarah Britt, Rosemarie Cothran, Pat Day, Marcy Freeman, Dianne Posey.

7:45 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Reece Blackwell; Usher: Rocky Sponseller; Greeter: Elaine Wells; Lector: Gigi Blackwell; Eucharistic Ministers: Carmie Cook, Gigi Blackwell.

9:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Bill Mathews; Ushers: John Hardaway, Tracy Henry; Greeter: Judy Nicholson; Lectors: Justin Cooper (L), Cam Walters (P); Eucharistic Minister: Royce Ann Woody; Acolytes: Megan Taylor (C), Elizabeth Walters (T), Sara Walters (T).

Coffee Hour: Gail Tomkins.

11:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Tommy King; Ushers: Shaun Arness, Bill Violette; Greeters: Mary McGee, Dottie Turner; Lectors: Michael Atkins (L), Barbara Hackett (L), Janet Atkins (P); Eucharistic Minister: Rick Veazey; Acolytes: Rick Veazey (C), Jack Tillman (T), Colleen Taylor (T).

Nursery: 8:45AM – Christina Harrell, Cherie Keese (infants/toddlers), Becky Walters, Robin Pearson (3-4 yr olds); 10:45: Amber & David Burger (infants/toddlers), Cindy Hayes, Robin Pearson (3-4 yr olds). Nursery Contact: Becky Goepper (346-9885).


SERVANTS IN WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

Altar Guild: Jean Bridger (Flowers), Sue DuBose (Captain), Alice Crowe, Mary Anne Lanford, Jodye Pfister, Marjorie Davenport.

7:45 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Gus Osborne; Usher: Mel Pfister; Greeter: Jodye Pfister; Lector: Debbie Spear; Eucharistic Ministers: Rick Hope, Mike Marcus.

9:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Ken Littlejohn; Ushers: Erik Anderson, Bo Pinkley; Greeter: Elaine Paine; Lectors: Erik Anderson (L), Regina Urueta (P); Eucharistic Minister: Royce Ann Woody; Acolytes: George Lafaye (C) Maceon Urueta (T), Mikey Urueta (T).

Coffee Hour: Neal Kanipe.

11:00 - Rector’s Aide/Usher: Lynn Vines; Ushers: Ed Frierson, Emmet Martin; Greeters: Beth Freeman, Brooks Knobel Lectors: Claudia McCreesh (L), Vivian Tompkins (L), Chris Turgeon (P); Eucharistic Minister: Louise Fore; Acolytes: Zoe Walsh (C), Hannah Hayes (T), Vivian Tompkins (T).

Nursery: 8:45AM – Katherine Pinkley, Ben Urueta (infants/toddlers), Jay & Lesley Baker (3-4 yr olds). 10:45AM: Marcy Freeman, Corie Martin (infants/toddlers), Parrish Fletcher, Diane Genova (3-4 yr olds). Nursery Contact: Becky Goepper (346-9885).


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Remember In Your Prayers

> those who are sick, confined indoors, and others dear to us:
Lee, Vicki, Sarah Assemany, Tom Bandelin, *Mike Battistini, Patti Beal, Sam Bentley, Janice Brevard, John Cash, Kristy Ciardone, Johnny & Ann Coleman, Mike Cunningham, Lynn DuPree, *Daphne Felber, *Mary Fray, John Gordon, John Gossett, Sharon Hansen, Clifford Harbin, Tray Alan Herbert, Maureen Hoare, Shannon Landis, *Dianne Latham, Bill Lovvorn, *Bill Mathews, Holly Miller, *Al & Karen Parr, Jennie Ronalter, Carrie Scheman, Kathy Shell, *Cookie Sloan, *Nick Strange, *Kay Teague, Tess Warnke.

> expectant parents:
Lee & Jennifer Veazey Kemp, Ford & Lawson McGee, Heather & Ben Trombetta, * Liz & Adam Tyson

> service men & women:
Jessica & Steven Ballue, Maurice Brown, Ray Brown, Craig Cantrell, Dustin Cantrell, Mark Dietz, Billy Eckstein, Mark Giblin, Chris Goepper, Landon Russell Hayes, *Woody Hayes, Byron Lee Kemp, David Mathews, Jesse Moon, John Nelson, Matt Patterson, Charles Poore, Dave Ridley.

Congratulations to Neal and Lindsey Woody on the birth of a daughter, Olivia Ann Woody, born Thursday, July 22. Pete and Royce Ann Woody are the proud grandparents.


* denotes member of the St. James community

Prayer list update:
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).


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St. James Episcopal Church staff:

The Rev’d D. Geoffrey Taylor, Rector, rector@stjamesgreenville.org
The Rev’d Roxanne Ruggles, Assistant Rector, assistantrector@stjamesgreenville.org
The Rev’d Deacon Carolee S. Quinn, Deacon Associate, deacon@stjamesgreenville.org
Ms. Tempest A. Brevard, Youth & Children’s Minister, youth@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