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Approaching the Third Sunday of Easter- Earth Day
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April 18th, 2012
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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. (1 John 3:1)
The author of John's first epistle sums it up so succinctly; we are God's beloved children. I wonder though if we often forget the profound meaning of that truth. God's Grace should invoke righteously compassionate responses from us. I also wonder if in the midst of our forgetfulness we lose sight of the fact that we live on a planet where God's love is ever-present and ever-available but not necessarily sustainable if we keep consuming natural resources the way that we do. Are we taking too much for granted these days?
This coming Sunday is the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. In that time, I believe that I've observed more, rather than less human-driven destruction of Mother Earth. Earth Day should be more than just an annual reminder to recycle plastic bottles and aluminum soft drink cans. Clearly, we as people of faith and citizens of the most prosperous but most "needy" nation of this world should better understand and respond to our responsibilities as God's beloved people.
The Interfaith Moral Action on Climate Team invites us to "hold forth a brighter vision for our human future within the community of creation as we seek commitment to a set of clear, widely held moral principles." You can read more about their call to action here.
St. James has taken some steps to reduce its carbon footprint through the reduction of energy expenditures and the recent improvement of the parish's heating and cooling systems. We've also become more intentional about recycling paper and other recyclables. There's certainly more that we can do and its my sense that there are leaders in our midst who are willing to guide us as a Christian community toward becoming more aware of how we can make life more sustainable close to home and across the globe.
 The Rev. Jane Gerdsen, Fresh Expressions missioner, will join us in Word, Worship, and Sacrament as we celebrate Earth Day this Sunday. She will also offer us a brief overview of her work here in the diocese at the beginning of Coffee Hour. So, join us as we live into our common and sacred lives as God's beloved children. Till then, turn off the lights when you don't need them. Let us commit ourselves to becoming more aware of how we may best serve God as we save the planet that God has lovingly given to us to care for in our time.
Blessings Along The Way, Jim+
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Episco-Please
Do you know the answers to these questions, If not - would you like to?
1.) What does the term "Common Prayer" mean?
2.) How are contemporary baptisms different than the Early Church's baptisms?
3.) If you were planning to celebrate communion at home, what would you have to "do?"
These are just a few bits of information in Jeffrey Lee's " "
There will be a new Christian Education program, especially intended for adults who are new or unfamiliar with The Episcopal Church, beginning in early May. Contact Fr. Jim or Deb with days and times that would be best for you and your interest in attending.
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 This Week at St. James
| Sunday - 8 AM - Rite I Eucharist
10 AM - Earth Day, Rite II Eucharistic Celebration
Special Music and other surprises, invite a friend and stay for coffee hour to learn more from Jane Gerdsen+ about Fresh Expressions.
Visit our Web Calendar to see what else is going on here.
Important Upcoming Dates
Regional Confirmation @ Christ Church Cathedral - May 26, 3 PM  -=- Contact Fr. Jim if you wish to be received or confirmed in The Episcopal Church.
Trinity Sunday Baptisms June 3 - 10 AM Worship Service Holy Baptism is how we as Episcopalian Christians become full members of Christ's Body, The Church through God's gifts of water and the Holy Spirit. The bond which God establishes in Baptism
is everlasting. Please talk with Fr. Jim if you wish to have your baby, child, or yourself baptized.
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 Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month. That means that this is a really terrific time to publicly recognize everyone here at St. James who offers so much of their time, talents, and treasures to each other and our neighbors. Let's take time out to publicly and personally thank one another for the blessings that are offered, share and received here. Thank you to all of you for the multitude of mercies and merriment that you provide! |
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For The Beauty of the Earth
John Rutter is a fine British choral composer and arranger. His rendition of "For the Beauty of the Earth" is very pleasant to listen to and this YouTube video makes it lovely to watch too.
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Contact Us
The Rev. Jim Strader St. James - Westwood Episcopal Church 513-661-1154 |
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