Posted by John Strobl on February 27, 2010 under Featured | 
The Sacrament of Confirmation & Recepition, will be held at St.James’, Saturday, March 6, 2010. The Eucharist will begin at 10:30am. The Right Reverend Mark S. Sisk, Bishop of New York, Officiating.
Confirmation
The Episcopal Church’s theology of Confirmation has continued to evolve along with its understanding of baptism. Confirmation is no longer seen as the completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for receiving communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body the church (BCP, p. 298). Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises. Some dioceses require that candidates for Confirmation be at least sixteen years old to insure that the candidates are making a mature and independent affirmation of their faith. There is considerable diversity of understanding and practice concerning Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Confirmation has been characterized as “a rite seeking a theology.”
Reception (Christian Commitment)
Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for reception and says, “We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion” (BCP, p. 418). Candidates for reception normally have made a mature commitment in another Christian fellowship. Some dioceses have reserved reception for those candidates who have previously received sacramental confirmation with laying on of hands by a bishop in apostolic succession.
Posted by admin on November 23, 2009 under General |
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Here is the biblical account from Luke chapter 2.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
You can read the whole account of the facts surrounding Jesus’ birth in Luke 1 and 2 and in Matthew’s account beginning in Chapter 1; verse 18 Matthew 1 and 2.
But what are the origins of other celebrations and customs surrounding Christmas?
Origin of Christmas – The Controversies
The date of December 25th probably originated with the ancient “birthday” of the son-god, Mithra, a pagan deity whose religious influence became widespread in the Roman Empire during the first few centuries A.D. Mithra was related to the Semitic sun-god, Shamash, and his worship spread throughout Asia to Europe where he was called Deus Sol Invictus Mithras.
Rome was well-known for absorbing the pagan religions and rituals of its widespread empire. As such, Rome converted this pagan legacy to a celebration of the god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god during the winter solstice period. The winter holiday became known as Saturnalia and began the week prior to December 25th. The festival was characterized by gift-giving, feasting, singing and downright debauchery, as the priests of Saturn carried wreaths of evergreen boughs in procession throughout the Roman temples.
Variations of this pagan holiday flourished throughout the first few centuries after Jesus Christ, but it probably wasn’t until 336 AD that Emperor Constantine officially converted this pagan tradition into the “Christian” holiday of Christmas. The word “Christmas” is a combination of the words “Christ” and “Mass.” The word “Mass” means death and was coined originally by the Roman Catholic Church.
The ritual of the Mass involves the death of Christ, and the distribution of the “Host”, a word taken from the Latin word “hostiall,” meaning victim. In short, Christmas is a Roman Catholic word of Roman Empire origin.
What are we to do?
Some Christians believe that Christmas should not be celebrated because of its pagan origins. Others celebrate it for what it means to them, regardless of how it originated. Sadly, throughout most of the world, although Christmas is vaguely viewed as a religious holiday, Jesus has been forgotten, and the traditions surrounding Christmas have provided the basis for a secular Winter festival of celebration and gift giving. As Christians, any gift-giving, decorating, or feasting, should take second place to what Christmas is all about – the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Indeed, not only Christmas, but every day, should be a remembrance of not only Jesus’ birth, but his death and resurrection as well, and the salvation he has provided to us.
Origin of Christmas Cards
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840 when the first ‘Penny Post’ public postal deliveries began. (Helped by the new railway system, the public postal service was the 19th century’s communication revolution, just as email is for us today.) As printing methods improved, Christmas cards were produced in large numbers from about 1860.
St. Nicholas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus
‘Father Christmas’ (or ‘Santa Claus’) has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures are seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th – St. Nicholas’ Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true.
In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sled pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.
Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas. Born in 280 AD in Asia Minor, St. Nicholas was a Christian Priest who later became a bishop. He traveled extensively and being of good wealth, was given to presenting gifts of money and other presents to perfect strangers, as well as acquaintances. Never wanting to be found out, he left his offerings in the homes of his receivers only after dark, when all were in bed asleep.
And to this day, those who believe in Santa Claus are still warned that if even one peep or footstep is heard, St. Nicholas will not leave the treasured surprises that are anxiously awaited.
Posted by admin on November 20, 2009 under Messages From Marci |
The angel tree will be up and decorated on November 29th. We will once again be collecting gifts for Safe Homes Of Orange County and the Orange County Mental Health Association.
St James’ was honored on October 29th for our contributions to the families served by Safe Homes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
If you want to shop early and take advantage of the post Thanksgiving Day specials, speak to Marci Hanners, who is project chair for items that are particularly needed. It is never to early to shop for outreach!
Please let Marci know if you can help with organizing and distributing the gifts. Watch for more information here on our website and in the December issue of the Tower Chimes newsletter.
Posted by admin on November 18, 2009 under General |
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Jim & Jack Cassel, co-chairpersons
With the older facilities and buildings at St. James’, the Buildings and Grounds committee faces many challenges. We always have ongoing painting, electrical, carpentry, general clean up and fund raising projects. We are always seeking people who would like to help.
Even if you don’t consider yourself handy with a paint brush, hammer or screwdriver, you are welcomed and encouraged to participate in this ministry of time and talent.
Fellowship Committee
Jeanne Healey & Donna Carbone, co-chairpersons
The fellowship committee is comprised of the members of St. James’ church. We are all members of this wonderful St. James’ family.
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3
The fellowship Committee’s mission is to bring the members of our parish together outside of Sunday worship. Ultimately, these gatherings of the members of the St. James’ family are to strengthen the bonds of our community and that which unites us to Christ.
Some of the fellowship committee’s previous events have been:
- Maundy Thursday Agape Dinner and Easter Vigil Agape Reception
- Parish Picnic at Craigville Park
- Women’s Appreciation Dinner
Greeters
Jackie Kessler, chairperson
The primary purpose of the Greeters’ Ministry is welcoming newcomers to St. James’. Whether people have just moved to the area and are “church shopping,” come with friends, or are returning to church after an absence, the Greeters look for ways to make their visit a good experience.
Greeters serve at the 9 a.m. Family Eucharist and at the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist service.
The Greeters’ role is to welcome new people coming to worship, and then encourage them to sign our guest book, show them where to find the hymnal and Book of Common Prayer, and answer any questions and concerns. In addition, the Greeters introduce them to our rector, give them a newsletter and other information about St. James’. They then accompany guests to coffee hour where they are then introduced to other parish members.
Outreach
John Strobl, chairperson
St. James’ Parish participates in many outreach programs, including:
- The Goshen Ecumenical Pantry – a group of volunteers from local area Churches and Temple, as well as concerned individuals in the Goshen community. Food is distributed to the needy of Goshen at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church. Food bagging is done the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Meals on Wheels – the St. James’ team delivers Meals-on-Wheels two weeks per month. This part of the Orange County Senior Dining Program involves delivering meals to approximately 10 residences two days per month.
- Community Dinners – dinners that are held the last Saturday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in St. James’s parish hall. Started in July 1999, the meals provide nourishment and companionship to our fellow residents. Each month a different group from the community hosts the dinner, which serves between 20 – 50 individuals.
The gratitude expressed by the guests, as well as the fellowship involved in preparation and serving, make this an outreach project that St. James’ parish is truly blessed to be a part of.
Other programs:
- Books to Africa
- AIDS Walk NY
- The ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Pastoral Care
Meg Strobl and Lynn Riccardulli, co-chairpersons
Lay Pastoral Care is support to our sisters and brothers in Christ as they continue their journeys in faith. This support responds to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of others.
Pastoral Care in a congregation happens when all baptized persons share in the pastoral ministries of the parish. The full awareness that we at St. James’ love and care about each other is a strengthening force in our faith community.
Our Lord instructs us to love God and one another. We promise to do this at every Eucharist. We put that promise into action through our giving and receiving of pastoral care.
Your participation is an opportunity to share with others the blessing and talents that God has given you. Your participation also allows you to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit through your active ministry.
Stewardship Committee
Ed Fritsche, chairperson
St. James’ Stewardship Committee focuses on the Christian sense of the word “Steward”. One may define a steward as one who involves himself/herself with managing the affairs of a household. The Christian sense of the word Steward involves managing the affairs of God on earth. Each and every parishioner has unique abilities and talents. God has made each of us a Steward and we should use our abilities or talents to serve God.
Have you thought about all that God has given us? How about property, talents, the gospel, relationships, environment, health, and time. The Stewardship Committee encourages everyone to remember that a Christian steward serves God out of love and gratitude for those gifts knowing that it is not how much we have, but what we do with what we have that is important.
The Stewardship Committee throughout the year hosts numerous coffee hours to show our appreciation for all those who complete a commitment card during Commitment Sundays. This event is always held for three consecutive weeks in October. Completing these cards allows St. James to budget for the following year. The committee term is three years. We welcome anyone who is interested in serving St. James in this manner.
The current Stewardship Committee members are: Ed Fritsche, Chip Hamilton, Mike Policatti, Robert Rainey, John Strobl and Kit Wallace.
Women of St. James
Jackie Bloem, President
Mission statement: We are a community of caring, Christian women dedicated to helping St. James’ to grow and prosper.
All women of St. James’ are members of this organization. All are encouraged to be active. We have a good time while working hard.
New ideas are welcome as are you. We meet once a quarter after church.
Our two major projects are the St. James’ Christmas Fair(The Saturday before Thanksgiving), and the Lunch-on-the Lawn, during the Goshen, Great American Weekend (on July 4th weekend).
In addition, we participate in The Woman’s Tea, and the World Day of Prayer. These events are ecumenical, and are open to all women.
We are members of the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), and an outreach arm of the Episcopal Church of the United States.
The fund raising events of the Women of St. James’, supports the donationations we make to outreach programs, and to local charities. Over the years, we have been able to help those hurt by natural disasters and issues of health. We also pledge to the budget of St. James’ Church.
Come to our meeting! If you can not attend a regulary scheduled meeting of the women, let us know where you would like to dedicate your talents and time.
