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November memories and movement toward thanksgiving
St. James Weekly Epistle
All Souls Day, 2011
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ 

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers:
Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son;
that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and ever. Amen

The Canon Dr. Gordon McBride was a wise and passionate human being. He was a ground-breaking priest, clever author, and smart teacher. He was my mentor and friend. He died in July of 2010 before I had a chance to say goodbye and offer him a final blessing. Gordon+ won't show up on any listing of saints or holy men anytime soon. Nonetheless, his provocative type of ministry as well as his compassion for people  resides in the memories and ministries of many faithful Christians. He was a good soul and one of the saints who is a proud member of the redeemed even if he is unknown to the broader fellowship of the Church.

Gordon+ was always a professor at heart.  He taught me to cherish The Episcopal Church's celebration of lesser feasts and fasts. He coached me to become as good a preacher and liturgist as I possibly could. He believed that worship should be lively and representative of a parish's values. He broadly encouraged newcomers and eagerly took advantage of parishioners' talents.

I'm glad that such a high percentage of St. James' members are involved in our worship and parish programs. Gordon+ would be proud of you! There's all-ways room for more though. The altar is your altar. Our common worship belongs to you.  It's where we gather with one another to share the sacraments that Jesus Christ shares with us. We are Christ's living body as we share the bread and wine. I enjoy serving at the altar with each and every one of our younger and more mature chalice bearers and acolytes. My vision is to extend the altar rail and communion beyond our walls with renewed, licensed Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Preachers. Gordon+ did just that at Grace St. Paul's where I was sponsored for ordination.The first time I ever shared the sacrament or preached was as a LEM. 

Candlestand Worship and praise provide us many, many special occasions to celebrate our communion with the faithful departed souls. What promises should we keep with them through our own living faith. Who can we invite to share soulful worship, song, and programs here at St. James?  Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He is The Lord who is worthy of our praise. His love is big and broad enough for people who do not know him, those who have rejected him because of the Church's rebuke, and those of us who live in this day and age as his disciples. How is Christ calling you to fulfill your vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people?

I invite you on this All Soul's Day Celtic Crosses to offer prayerful thanks to the person or persons who have shaped and beatified your Christian faith. November is a season of gratitude for their living witnesses as well as for our own. As Gordon would say "May God's Name Be Praised!"

Blessings Along The Way,

Jim+     

 
This Week @ St. James St James of Jerusalem by The Rev. Tobias Haller

Thursday 11:00 AM - Episcopal Church Women

Sunday  8:00 AM - Rite I Eucharist
                9:00 AM - Adult and Youth Christian Education
              10:00 AM - Celebration of All Saints Day
                                - Children's Sunday School

Upcoming
Friday/Saturday - Nov. 11&12 - Diocese of Southern Ohio 137th Convention

Sunday - Nov. 13th - Veterans Day commemoration

Thursday - Nov. 15 - Thanksgiving Community Supper - (More details to follow)

Nov. 20th - 4:00 PM - Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service @ St. Peter and Paul UCC Church. Offering benefits Westfed, My Neighbor's Place, and "Manna Outreach" food pantries.  Special music offered by the choirs of numerous Western Hill congregations. Sermon offered by The Reverend Seth Bridger, Co-Pastor, Gloria Dei ELCA (Lutheran) Church 

 

Noteworthy News  
As the weather turns toward the winter chill, please look to see if you have any gently used winter coats taking up space in your closet. For the third year, I am collecting winter coats for Gabriel's Place, a faith-based community center in Avondale. The good people at Gabriel's Place distribute coats to those who attend their weekly free lunch program. I have collected 150 coats from my friends and church family over the last 2 years and every one of them have been given to someone who needs it. So if you have any coats that you've outgrown or just don't wear anymore, please consider donating them. All sizes are welcome! Bring the coats to church or contact me and I'll come and pick them up. Thank you and God bless!  ~Julie Murray

 ECSF ALL contributions made to the Episcopal Community Services Foundation via the Columbus Foundation website during the 24 hour Big Give starting at 11 a.m, on Nov. 10 will qualify for a pro-rated match from the Columbus Foundation's special fund of over $1 million. After a 3.3% credit card processing fee, every dollar of your donation plus the match will go into grants to local Episcopal churches. By giving, you strengthen the lifeline of Episcopalians providing food, shelter, and other vital ministries to help neighbors weather the recession and regain stability.
 If you've never given to ECSF before, the Big Give is your chance to more than double your gift.  The Bishop, ECSF board, Cathedral and other major donors have already committed almost $50,000 to match dollar for dollar gifts by first-time donors to ECSF between now and year's end.   You'll be multiplying your impact in protecting Ohio children from hunger and homelessness this winter.

Here's how to help: -  starting 11 a.m. on November 10,  visit The Columbus Foundation. You'll see a huge banner for The Big Give: click on the button "Find Out More."  Choose ECSF from the list of qualifying non-profits and follow the prompts.  Donations of $20 or more from the general public are eligible for match.  People with donor advised funds at the Columbus Foundation can make grants of $250 or more.  The Big Give ends at 11 am on 11/11/11. Don't wait until the eleventh hour - your on-time gift will make Miracle Math!
  
More about Grace St. Paul's

I shared some information with you about an inspired Episcopal Church in Asbury Park. I'll close today by sharing some more info. about Grace St. Paul's (GSP) in Tucson.

GSP came into being when two Episcopal parishes merged with one another in the early 1990s. It's an energetic church with a plentiful offering of educational, liturgical, and missional programs.  Strong and spiritual lay leadership has been a hallmark of their GSP altarparish life for many years, much like here @ St. James.

Visit their website and observe if there's anything that they offer that you think would be worthwhile  here as we join with them in providing guests and ourselves food for the journey as we strive to join Christ in changing the world.