He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.John 1: 11:13
I'm experiencing my first true Ohio snowstorm from the comfort of my dining room
Procter Farm in Winter - Photo by Lisa Jacob
table. I was thinking about putting out a "One Call" inviting church members to come to St. James for a snowball fight earlier this afternoon. Could there be a better way of enjoying Boxing Day?
I imagine that the Church Insurance Company would chide us though if a window got broken or someone was hurt by a misguided snowy projectile.
Darn.
I really don't have anything spiritually deep to say this afternoon. Truth be told, I'm still re-living in my heart and my head the beauty of this past Sunday and Monday @ St. James. The choir, guest musicians, readers, and other participants offered a beautiful collection of Lessons and Carols on Sunday morning.
Mabrey, Andrea, and Jenna - photo by Kim Smith
The food for our holiday party was delicious and so many of you joyfully worked with one another to decorate our worship space. It really was a fun and enjoyable day to observe and listen to over the course of a few hours.
Christmas Eve was even more of a treat for me in some ways. I was delighted
Christmas Eve @ St. James - photo by Karen Dewar
to see so many members there as well as a few guests. Joseph Rivers' solos were stunningly enjoyable. I wish to publicly thank him here as I forgot to do so on Monday night. I similarly enjoyed the "family" feel that I experienced as I was preaching and serving at the altar."
There were many other memorable moments a couple of days ago. I enjoyed worshiping again in the Chapel of the Resurrection at St. Luke's - Sayler Park. Many thanks to Jane Gerdsen, John Murray, and Betsy Bedinghaus, and Rob & Swany Fetters and their niece Sarah for making Christmas Eve a special occasion for everyone who went to the afternoon service there.
I felt (feel) like we all had worked hard to make our celebration of Jesus' birth especially "memorable" I hope that we'll have Joseph back again as well as continue to encourage Dylan Hamlin to recite his poetry and Graysen Evans to perform at the piano. I furthermore hope that we'll continue to be intentional about offering music that delights our ears and sacraments that stir our souls. Excellent musical selections and performances continue to reside at the core of our worshiping traditions and programs. Joy and holiday good cheer are authentic to us too, all year long through difficult and calm times alike.
May the remainder of your Christmas-tide be both holy and happy. Go ahead and build a snowman or slide down a hill on a sleigh. Keep singing carols that you like. There are twelve days of Christmas after all. Become more of a child of God through childlike games an activities that bring a smile. Enjoy some hot cocoa... be alive - in the stillness and the silliness of this wintery season.
10:00 AM - Rite II Eucharist - The Rev. Bill Scrivener - presiding - Joyce Keeshin - preaching
Children's Sunday School
11:15 Hospitality Time
Dec. 31st-Jan 1, 2013 - Church office is closed. The office will be minimally staffed from Dec. 28 - Jan 4th. Contact Walt Dewar for administrative actions and to request emergency pastoral care.
Coming up in January
MIQRA Youth Retreat @ Christ Church Cathedral - Jan. 18-21 - The Miqra retreat will consist of a 72 hour consecutive reading of the entire Bible accompanied by a spiritual retreat focusing on scripture and the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Get more info. here. Scholarships are available!
St. James Mission
St. James Episcopal Church is called to be a center of worship and common life where Christ's love is visible and experienced in order to seek and serve Jesus in others.
Maybe we should try to get one ofthese going if we get more snow. I'll check it out with the wardens and vestry. :)
