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 St. James eNotes
June 2016 |
From the Rector:
Day School Director Search is Underway!
As many of you know, Beth Renninger is retiring as the head of St. James Day School. For the past twenty-nine years, Beth has been the inspiration and the foundation of the Day School. For many, Beth Renninger and the Day School have become synonymous.
When I first came to St. James in September of 2013, Beth and I made a concerted effort to work together to strengthen the relationship between the Day School and St. James, to improve the conditions of the Day School classrooms, to better support the Day School staff, to streamline and centralize administration, and to lay the groundwork for the future success of the Day School. Over the past three years, Beth and I have made substantial progress on all these goals. The Day School finances are solid, and the quality of the instruction is excellent.
Beth's departure ushers in an important season of transition for the Day School. In this time of transition, I feel that it is important that the Day School maintain some continuity while taking full advantage of the opportunity to reassess everything we do as a day school. To this end, I have advertised for the position of a new Day School Director for the fall term. This is an open search that will seek the best person to reexamine how the Day School functions, its staffing, curriculum, finances, and goals. I will be seeking the right person to build on the success we have had and lead the Day School into the future.
If you know someone who might be interested in applying for the position of Day School Director, please encourage them to visit our website to learn more about the Day School and to view the Day School Director job description. In addition, we will be needing to hire at least one new Day School teacher in the fall, so the job description for a Day School Lead Teacher is also posted. Applications for the position of Day School Director will be accepted through June 17th.
I want you to know that St. James' vestry and I are committed to the continued success of the Day School. We are committed to maintaining the same level of excellence and caring that Beth Renninger has fostered and nurtured over the past twenty-nine years. We can never replace Beth Renninger, but I will work diligently to choose a successor with the same love and care for our children, and with the skills and the vision to build on our success.
Stephen+
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Items of Interest Please click on each item for more information.
Coming Events: Save the Dates!
- Ecuador Mission Sunday - July 10
- Vacation Bible School - July 17-21. Register Now!
- Vacation Bible School Sunday - July 24
- Bluegrass & BBQ - Saturday, August 6, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
- St. James Ministries Open House - Sunday, August 28
Emergency Info: In the event of a pastoral care emergency outside of regular office hours, you may contact the clergy at 864-907-6565 and leave a message regarding the nature of the emergency.
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From the Music Director and Organist:
St. James Youth and Children's Choirs
At the 10 AM service on June 12, our St. James young people's choirs will be sharing some of the music they have learned. At the offertory, the Children's Choir and Youth Choir will join together in singing a traditional song from Kenya, "There Is No One Like Jesus," which they will be singing in English and Swahili! The Youth Choir will be singing two of their own anthems for the prelude that day, so please come to church at 9:50 to hear them sing. They will be accompanied by parish member Jason Galloway on the flute.
On June 12, as part of this focus on our youth, you will be able to sign an interest list for young people's music at St. James. Keep in mind, ALL boys and girls in elementary school may sing with the Children's Choir, and ALL young men and women in middle and high school may sing with the Youth Choir. These are NOT auditioned groups - all who come are taught to sing, and the repertoire is flexible, chosen to fit the makeup of the group. Both groups rehearse on Wednesdays during the school year: the Children's Choir rehearses after school, at about 3 PM, and the Youth Choir rehearses later in the afternoon, at about 5 PM (after they finish their after-school activities). It's not too early to sign up, and we'd love to have many more children and youth in our choirs!
Karen Eshelman Make a Joyful Noise - June, July, and August
While our St. James choirs take a break during the summer months, all members of the congregation who sing or play an instrument are invited to participate in Sunday worship. You may choose a Sunday between June 19 and August 21 on which to play or sing a short song or instrumental piece at the offertory. You can play or sing a solo, or perform with a friend as a duet or trio. If you have a longer piece of music, you can also play a prelude before the service. Music for the prelude is about 5 minutes in length, and music at the offertory is about 3 minutes in length.
If you need help preparing music to share, please meet with me after any Sunday service or send me an email. I can help you choose your music, and I will be setting up rehearsal times with those who wish to participate. All ages are invited!
Karen Eshelman
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From the Youth Minister:
Matthew 14: 13-21, Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
Over the time that I have been studying scripture, I've come to identify a few that remind me of what a living, breathing, work the Bible is. Matthew's telling of Jesus feeding of the five thousand is most certainly among those. I've read this passage as a child, a teenager, a college student leader, a seminarian, a youth minister, and a young adult, to name a few. Each time I have visited this passage with a new lens, a new intricacy in the text comes alive to me, a new fascination is birthed from between and within the lines, and a new question comes forth. One reading leads me to notice how interesting it is that Jesus intentionally tried to withdraw and have time alone. In another reading I recognize that Jesus had compassion on the crowds that chased after him, instead of telling them to take a hike because he's having alone time. And in yet another reading I am struck by how easy it is to assume we're doing what's right for others and missing opportunities to take a step back and let Jesus be at work in our midst.
What amazes me about this passage every time I read it though, is what it must have been like for the disciples to give all that they were able to conjure up to Jesus, have it blessed, and then take that out to the people and experience a miracle happen through elements they touched, tore, and passed around with their own fingertips. What a miracle it must have been for the disciples to see God multiply the very work of their hands while they were actually working. More often, the reality of using our hands to do God's work means we do not get to see the multiplication, but we have faith that it is happening. Whether we lead a small group, serve in worship, drive for a youth trip, teach children's Sunday School, or help raise funds for others in our local community, we work with our hands and hearts in faith that God will use our work to multiply God's goodness in our world. How magnificent it is to be reminded that God-in-Christ can and does work in the very work of our hands, as we are working for God, whether our eyes are open to see it or not. How great is that God. How great is our God.
Peace,
Tina Boyd
Youth Minister
St. James Episcopal Church O: 864-244-6358
M: 770-361-8469
youthminister@stjamesgreenville.org
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From the Day School
"A teacher may not see the fruit of today's work, but she has seeded a lifetime of knowledge"
-Author Unknown
Being a preschool teacher is the most rewarding thing I have ever done outside of being a mommy to my two amazing children. Although I studied early childhood development at North Greenville University and have worked with and around children all my life, nothing prepared me for how much I would love being in the classroom. Each day is a new adventure with 17 three year olds and two teachers. Watching my students learn, grow and develop new skills makes a mark on my heart that can never be erased. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they write their name for the first time or when the scissors cut the line they wanted to cut is a feeling like no other. As this year comes to a close, I think of all the students I might have impacted over the last several years and where they are now. Most of them, succeeding in Elementary school. To think that I had a small part in something that helped shape a growing human is an overwhelming feeling; a feeling of accomplishment. Yes, maybe, a little, but most of all a feeling of gratefulness. Grateful because a mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle or care giver trusted me enough to allow me to aide in the education of a child the love and protect. They trusted me, even if for a short time, to care for that child as they would. My prayer is that above all, children feel loved and safe in my classroom. For me, teaching is not just a "job", it is a calling and a privilege. A calling to share and demonstrate Christ's love with children, their families and my coworkers. A privilege, because the blessing the children and their families are to me is far greater than anything I can be to them. This has been a wonderful year in the 3's class at the Day School. We have learned lots of new things and have formed lasting friendships. I am very grateful for the calling placed on my life to teach these precious children!
Sasha Conway
3's Teacher
Sunshine and Summertime
at St. James Summer Camp 2016
Camp Fun is for children ages 2-7. It goes from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during June and July. Cost is $25 per day, plus a one-time registration fee of $25. Each week has a different fun-filled theme.
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| Parish Prayer Lists |
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Remember In Your Prayers
Those who are sick, confined indoors, and others dear to us: Frank, Brian, Sandra, Ryan, Shannon, Rebecca, Carole B., Jack Barrett, *Lafa Black, *Nan Black, Sheila, Jud, Amanda, Jim Blackwell, Bruce Brown, Robert, Eric Calder, Catherine Caudle, *Lena Clary, *Don & Dorothy Doria, Susan Ellis, *Cynthia Faress, *Frances Funderburk, Hal Gober, *Barbara Hackett, *Nancy Harlan, Margaret Hiller, *Ilse Holliday, Jahvari Jenkins, *John Jones, *Suzanne Keenan, Suzanne Kolb, *Sarah Lane, *Jeff Leonard, *Harriet Littlejohn, *Lee Marr, Linda McGee, *Will McMasters, *Lilly Mueller, Lydia Newell, Nancy Oates, *Nancy Pilgrim, Tara Posner, *Phil Pressly, *Chip Preusse, *Jean Rhodes, the Salley family, Kurt Stevens, *Nick & Lani Strange, Tracy Summerhays, *Colleen Taylor, Victoria Thomas, *Jody Thompson, *Gail Tomkins, Glen Walter, *Bill & Elaine Wells, Catherine Woodhurst.
* denotes member of the St. James community
Prayer list updates:
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 list, please contact the office.
Resquiescat in pace: We commend to the prayers of the people Charles F. Turgeon, father of Chris Turgeon. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon them.
Missionaries in Ecuador: Roberto and Cameron Vivanco, Graham, Liam and Francis.
We give thanks for the birth of Hollis Ashley Stephens, daughter of Caleb & Lauren Stephens, on Wednesday, May 18.
Service men & women: Chad Arness, Steven & Jessica Bellue, Chris Goepper, Landon Hayes, *Patrick Holliday, Lee Kemp, David Mathews, Pamela Peigler, *Clarke Sumerel, Jeff Wright.
The Flowers on the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in memory of loved ones by Butch and Joyce Scott, and in memory of John Ligon upon their wedding anniversary on June 15 and his 81st birthday in February, and in thanksgiving for their daughters and their husbands, Robin & Travis, Julie & Gil, Sandy & Scotty and their grandchildren, Amanda, Austin, Hunter, Donovan, Luke, Campbell and Gabriel by Pat Ligon.
The Sanctuary Candle is given to the Glory of God.
If you would like to honor or remember your loved ones by giving the Altar Flowers or Sanctuary Candle, please contact Carol Clark in the parish office.
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| Happening This Month |
Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN)
This week, May 29-June 5, St. James has hosted three families who are experiencing homelessness. Many thanks to all the volunteers who have participated in this ministry with setup, breakdown, meal preparation, laundering of bedding, evening activities and overnight hosts. Our next GAIHN week is planned for July 31-August 7.
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St. James Day at Faith Memorial Chapel: Sunday, June 5, 11:00 a.m.
St. James Day at Faith Memorial Chapel: On Sunday, June 5, you are invited to Faith Memorial Chapel in Cedar Mountain NC for the service of Morning Prayer, Rite II, at 11:00 a.m. Please join us!
Annual Parish Picnic: Sunday, June 5, 12:30 p.m. Afterward, we will have our Annual Parish Picnic at Pleasant Ridge County Park, located just off Hwy 11, about halfway between St. James and Faith Memorial Chapel. We will meet at Shelter 1 between 12:30-1:00 p.m. for a covered-dish lunch. Please bring a dish to share which serves 8-10 people. Important note: Services at St. James will take place at the regular summer service times on June 5 at 7:45 and 10:00 a.m. |
The Gathering: Tour and Lunch June 7, 2016
11:00 - 12:30 (Meet at the Church at 10:30)
Cost is $7.00, pay at the event.
To signup: click here or sign the sheet in the narthex.
Greenvillle Center for Creative Arts
The Greenville Center for the Creative Arts seeks to create a vibrant arts center to educate, illuminate, and appreciate art in the Village of West Greenville at the Brandon Mill.
Prepare to experience the diverse portfolio of the local and regional artists. Gallery exhibitions change every eight weeks.
We will enjoy a buffet luncheon provided by Wholy Smoke consisting of barbecue, the regular sides and green beans.
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46th Annual ECW Attic Sale
Saturday, June 18 from 8:00-12:00
Items for sale include furniture, housewares, tools, books, linens, toys, electronics, plants, clothing--plus a bake sale! Click here for drop-off times and other information. Many hands are needed to set up for this huge event--we need YOU! Please sign up on the sheet in the foyer at church. For more information, please contact Virginia Bassler. |
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Summer Schedule at St. James
- Summer Sunday Services begin at 7:45 and 10:00 a.m.
- Nursery is available for younger children at the 10:00 service on the lower level. Our nursery, staffed by paid, trained and caring employees, depends on church member volunteers to assist during the service. If you are interested in helping with this important ministry, please contact the church office.
- Sunday School and Adult Christian Education classes will resume with the regular program year in September.
- Office Hours: St. James Parish Office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. During the summer, the office will close at noon on Fridays.
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Columbarium Update:
We're half way to getting the 25 commitments necessary to purchase our columbarium for the St. James Memorial Garden. Thirteen people had signed up as of June 1 to purchase a columbarium niche for the initial offering price of $1,000. We need 25 commitments by July 15 to purchase the columbarium. Once the 25 commitments are received, the price will increase to $1,500. If you would like to purchase a niche, please sign the list in the foyer. Should you have any questions, please contact Ed Winkler at 240-5377 or Stan Gibson at 325-2500.
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Sound Team Ministry Urgently Needs Your Help
St. James needs several more people to learn how to use our sound system.Each weekwe record the Sunday service for our homebound members. If you are interested in participating in this important ministry, please contact Ed Snape at 864-360-0015 or esnape@bellsouth.net.
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Bag O' Beans Challenge St. James collects one-pound bags of dried beans for United Ministries. They particularly appreciate pintos, northern and navy beans. Please add this to your grocery list and help us reach our goal of 300 bags each month. Thank you for your generosity and compassion for those in need in our community. For more information about this and other ministries of UM, please visit the United Ministries website. |
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June Birthdays
1 Margaret Carlisle
1 Michael Foster
1 Frank Bauer
1 Claudia Hart
2 Birgitt Babb
2 Peggy Brenner
3 Laura Brown
3 Dena Veazey
3 Lisa Sauerbrey
4 Allyson Bergin
4 Grant Knobel
7 Ed Winkler
7 Paola Cortes
8 Mary Ann Hemphill
8 Stanley Gibson
8 Kristen Rose
8 Susanne Lafaye
8 Jay Owens
11 Danielle Lux
13 Gene Cater
13 Jack Dunlap
14 Allen Babb
14 Grace Goepper
14 Anna Kate Abendroth
15 Rob Weber
15 Belle Thompson
16 Anne Shelley
17 Nancy Pilgrim
17 Erik Anderson
17 Peter Genova
18 Tatyana Murphy
19 Christian Thayer
21 Ed Frierson
24 Miles McMahon
25 Clay Allen
25 Christina Harrell
25 Charlotte Littlejohn
25 Zachary Davis
26 Sid Paine
26 Chase Shaner
28 Jody Thompson
30 Kimberly Hudson
June Anniversaries
1 Frank & Bonnie Gossett
3 Randy & Gail Burch
9 Jeff Petty & Sandra Story
10 Sam & Sarah Britt
14 Charles Tompkins & Karen Eshelman
14 Bill Mathews & Brenda Camden
16 Allen & Birgitt Babb
17 Patrick & Ashley Tingom
17 Tom & Marie Hovland
21 Clark & Nanda Price
24 Hope & Ed Winkler
25 Monte & Kimberly Hudson
26 Albert & Marian Blackwell
26 Nick & Blakely Amati
29 Lee & Lavinia Plumblee
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St. James Episcopal Church Staff
Ms. Tina Boyd, Youth Minister, youthminister@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
Mrs. Beth Renninger, Day School Director, school@stjamesgreenville.org |
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St. James Episcopal Church
301 Piney Mountain Road ~ Greenville, SC 29609-3035
864.244.6358
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