VICAR’S COMMENTS

By the time you read this we will be well into the Lenten season. I pray that this Lent is a time for you to have a deepening relationship with the Lord: it might be through the Sunday worship services with silence after the readings; or it might be attending the mid-week studies on ministry in daily life; or taking a quiet walk, having coffee with a friend, or reading a book that challenges your assumptions. 

For me Lent is always about longing. It’s a time when I remember winter that never seemed to melt into spring, but eventually did. It’s a time that I remember as a child was special in our little parish in Upper Michigan. There were Wednesday night services and we always had donuts and coffee afterwards, which surprises me because my father, who was also the rector, always had us refrain from deserts at home during Lent. Perhaps he thought the fellowship, which was always affectionate and nurturing as I remember it, was more important.

Lent should not be about some BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that we are going to accomplish. It ought to be about simple things that matter. The Church in its wisdom and tradition decided a long time ago that these days should be simple and quiet.  Then, when we get to Holy Week we’re more prepared for the last part of the journey.

Holy Week for me is a time of having your heart broken over something that really matters. I never can get through those three great days, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, without feeling deeply the wounds of Jesus and reflecting on how I contribute to them. It hurts. Again, the Church takes us through the mighty acts of Salvation without any simple answers or pandering to our discomfort. The cross and Christ’s passion stir me deeply, and I hope it does the same for you as we journey together.

VESTRY RETREAT AT HILLSPEAK

The Vestry held a retreat at Hillspeak on Saturday, February 13, from 9:30 AM to 2:45 PM. In the morning, following prayers and readings, Father Ben asked us to consider what areas we are passionate about as a way to help grow the church this coming year. We established 4 areas of interest and brainstormed in groups about how to: Connect the 8 AM & 10 AM church attendees; Involve more people in church activities; Feed the Hungry; and Resume a Bible Study.

A business meeting followed the morning session and lunch. During the business meeting, Vestry decided to order the Columbarium. We have 9 niches sold already and promises for several more. Vestry also decided to place an order for a Stair Chair as part of our desire to make St. James’ more inviting. Look forward to these changes in the next several months.

PROGRESS OF  OUR 13^th MONTH PLEDGE CAMPAIGN

In last month’s newsletter, we talked about how a 13th month pledge might be a solution for our deficit budget. To date, 9 people responded with pledges totaling $2,540.  That is a great start but we are still short $6,866. Please prayerfully consider if you can give an extra amount equal to one month of what you pledged for 2010. Pledge cards are available in the tract rack in the church entryway.

ST. JAMES’ LENTEN STUDY, 2010

The purpose of this study is to deepen our commitment to Jesus Christ through our daily ministries. Sessions begin at 5:30 PM with a simple soup and bread supper and conclude about 6:50 PM.

Session I: (Feb. 24) “What Are We Already Doing?”
Using two Scripture passages (Acts 4:13 and I Cor. 12:7) we make connections between them and our daily life. Awareness of our ministry is stressed.
 
Session II: (Mar. 3)“Principalities and Powers”
What are the stumbling blocks for us in ministry in daily life and how do we deal with them?  We prepare to offer symbols of our ministries at a liturgy on a Sunday in Lent.
 
Session III: (Mar. 10)   ”A Critical Incident in Christian Ministry”
We look at incidents in our ministries that have been a challenge, perhaps helped us to grow. We share our symbols of ministry and discuss how we will “name” them.
 
Session IV: (Mar. 17)   “Mutuality in Ministry”
We talk about our ministries and how St. James’ can better support them and us in our daily life and work.
 
The last session (Mar. 24) will be devoted to preparing for Holy Week and Easter.

EASTER LILIES

Once again we will adorn our altar with Easter Lilies on Easter Sunday. The cost is $10.00 per plant. If you would like to donate a lily in memory of a loved one, please list the name on the memo part of your check and deposit it in the offering by March 28. The names will be listed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. You may also mail your check into the church office before the deadline. 

BREAKFAST CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP

Are you available to help with breakfast between services on Sundays? If you have time, please volunteer to help cut up fruit or help with cleanup; you will be so appreciated. And, if you have never had a St. James’ breakfast, we want you to come and try “the best breakfast in town.” You won’t be disappointed.

TREASURER'S REPORT by JERRY WAYMAN

JANUARY 2010		Income	Expenses	Net Income
Budgeted		$9,215 $9,215 ytd	$9,999 $9,999 ytd
Actual		$9,618 $9,618 ytd	$9,540 $9,540 ytd	$78 $78 ytd

MARCH CALENDAR

• Wednesday, March 3 - 5:30 PM Lenten Study
• Wednesday, March 10 - 5:30 PM Lenten Study
• Sunday, March 14 - Daylight Savings Time begins
• Tuesday, March 16 - 1 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry Knit-together at Marty Johnson’s
• Wednesday, March 17 - 5:30 PM Lenten Study
• Friday, March 19 - 10:30 AM Gospel Sing at Peachtree
• Monday, March 22 - 5:30 PM Vestry Meeting
• Wednesday, March 24 - 5:30 PM Lenten Study

COFFEE & CONVERSATION HOSTS FOR MARCH - PLEASE JOIN US!

MARCH 7	MARTY JOHNSON
MARCH 14	MARY HILL
MARCH 21	MARY SPRINGER
MARCH 28	VOLUNTEER NEEDED

BIRTHDAYS

    MARCH  2     GEORGETTE GARNER
    MARCH  2     HENDRIK POT
    MARCH  4     LOYANNE COPE
    MARCH  9     MILO WARNER
    MARCH 11    CAROL MCCLEAREN
    MARCH 14    GLORIA RENNELS
    MARCH 20    LARRY SHOFFNER
    MARCH 27    JERRY WAYMAN
    MARCH 28    REBECCA BABBS
    MARCH 29    MARY HILL