ADVENT CHRISTMAS EPIPHANY DEC 2015 - FEB 2016 · 2015-12-21 · ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP Thu. Dec. 3,...

ADVENT • CHRISTMAS • EPIPHANY DEC 2015 - FEB 2016

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Hi, there!This booklet contains some highlights of worship, formation, community, and service

from Advent through Epiphany, but there is much more about our life of faith we hope

you’ll discover for yourself. Please reach out to any of the clergy or lay staff to learn

more about what we do and how your involvement could enrich your faith and bless

our community.

STJAMESNYC

STJAMESCHURCHNYCSTJAMES.ORG/CALENDAR

STJAMES.ORG/ECOMMONSour parish blog “friend” us on Facebook

follow photos on Instagramour parish calendar

STJAMES.ORG/SUNDAYworship with us

STJAMES.ORG/STAFFget in touch with us

ADVENT ..................................................................... PAGES 3 - 5

CHRISTMAS ............................................................... PAGES 6 - 7

EPIPHANY.................................................................... PAGE 8 - 9

THE CATECHUMENATE .................................................. PAGE 10

Support St. James’ this seasonParishioners who shop online can help support St. James’ during the holiday season

and all year-round! As an Amazon Affiliate, St. James’ Church benefits from purchases

made at Amazon.com using the affiliate link we provide at stjames.org. To participate,

simply click on the Amazon logo in the red bar on our homepage and shop as normal!


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Come, O Come, EmmanuelIn the four weeks before Christmas, we prepare ourselves personally and com-

munally for God’s coming among us. It is a joyful season of hope and of longing,

reflective and anticipatory.

STJAMES.ORG/SUNDAY

Worship SUNDAYS OF ADVENT

NOV. 29 Jeremiah 33:14-16 & Luke 21:25-36

ADVENT I The Church’s liturgical year begins anew with a reminder

to ‘be alert’ and watch for God’s presence in our lives.

DEC. 6 Baruch 5:1-9 & Luke 3:1-6

ADVENT II John the Baptist announces in the wilderness: ‘prepare the way of

the Lord.’ The 9:10 a.m. service is our monthly Children’s Eucharist.

DEC. 13 Zephaniah 3:14-20 & Luke 3:7-18

ADVENT III An outburst of joy from the prophet Zephaniah announces

that the Lord, the King of Israel, is in our midst.

DEC. 20 Micah 5:2-5 & Luke 1:39-55

ADVENT IV Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth and sings

of all that God has done for her.

Celebrate ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP

Thu. Dec. 3, 3:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy the fellowship of parishioners young

and old while making a beautiful, fresh Ad-

vent wreath for your home. Supper is also

available. Please register online.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE

Sun. Dec. 6, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Shop this treasure-trove of artisan gifts,

treats, jewelry, kid’s clothing, vintage gifts,

and more. Proceeds benefit those in need

in NYC through our Grants Program.

CAROLING ON THE STEPS

Tue. Dec. 15, 5:30 p.m.

One of St. James’ favorite traditions

combines what we love best: fellowship,

song — and food! Parishioners and friends

of all ages are invited to gather on the

steps of the church to sing Christmas

favorites, a spirited retinue that engages

passersby on foot and on bus! Warm up

inside afterward with supper, hot cocoa,

and treats. Come early for Advent Tea at

4:00 p.m. (see page 5).

OPEN FOR PRAYER! Take a quiet moment this season to pray in the church during

open hours (Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.), join us for daily Morning

Worship at 8:00 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, or practice Centering Prayer on

Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.


4 { WINTER 2015 - 2016 } { STJAMES.ORG } 5

PARISH READING

Curtis Almquist, “Unwrapping the Gifts: The Twelve Days of Christmas”

A wonderful exploration of the true gifts of Christmas, with twelve chap-

ters on the gifts God gives us in the Incarnation — gifts like joy, hope, re-

demption, companionship and peace. In a season when so many crave

“more,” Almquist helps us focus on the things that will last and truly

satisfy our spiritual hunger.

ADULT FORMATION EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 - 11:00 A.M.

THE FORUM coburn hall

What we do — and the spirit in which

act — shapes who we are. This season,

we explore our Christian practices with

a look at four things we do this time of

year: waiting, gift giving, traveling, and

being in awe. Discover how the Christian

spiritual tradition might help us be more

intentional and focused as we prepare our-

selves for Christmas.

NOV 29 . Waiting DEC 13 . Traveling

DEC 6 . Gift giving DEC 20 . Awe

A YEAR WITH THE BIBLE sunderland hall

Parishioners Sue Bennett and Deborah

Roberts and the Rev. Brenda Husson con-

tinue to guide us through The Story, an

accessible narrative version of the Bible

that helps us encounter Scripture as our

own story. Join us whenever you are able!

NOV 29 Deliverance

DEC 6 New Commandments and

Covenant & Wandering

DEC 13 The Battle Begins

DEC 20 A Few Good Men...and Women

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Sat. Dec. 19, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Parishioners join children of incarcerated parents for a festive day of

Gingerbread-house creation. We supply the goodies, you bring the

fun! Contact Holly Milburn.

“SHARE THE JOY” GIFT DRIVE

through Tuesday, December 15

Every year, St. James’ parishioners collect gift cards and toys

for our young friends at the Osborne Association, children

whose parents are incarcerated. Your generous donations

help make the Christmas season special. Visit stjames.org/

give to make a gift online.


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Parishioners of all ages are invited to all of our seasonal celebrations (see page 3).

Families are especially invited to...

FAMILY FRIDAY “LEGO NIGHT” FRI. DEC. 11, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Monthly service projects, movies, Bingo, Wii, Casino night, Art night, Lego-building,

and pizza with other St. James’ families and friends. Fun for the whole familiy.

Contact Vicki Hall to learn more.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SUN. DEC. 13, 4:00 P.M.

Experience the journey of Joseph and Mary and the birth of the baby Jesus in new

and surprising ways! Children ages 4+ are encouraged to participate. Rehearsals

Dec. 5 and 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; dress rehearsal Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m. Visit

stjames.org/pageant or contact Chris Harding or Vicki Hall to learn more.

HELPING HANDS SUNDAY SUN. DEC. 20, 10:15 A.M.

What better way to learn the fundamentals of our Christian faith than to practice

them? We combine Church School classes every month with service projects that

share God’s love with others.

CANDLES & CRÈCHE SET-UP WED. DEC. 23, 2:00 P.M.

Doing our part to make the church beautiful for Christmas, children are invited to

come put up the candle holders and candles and set-up the crèche.

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Advent for families

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION WED. DEC. 9, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Have you recently decided to make St. James’ the place where you pray, work, and

give for the spread of God’s kingdom? We’d love to get to know you! Contact the Rev.

Will Peyton to learn more.

ADVENT MONASTERY RETREAT FRI. DEC. 11 - SUN. DEC. 13

Pause for centering silence, prayer, and reflection in the sacred, scenic space of

Holy Cross Monastery — a community of Episcopal Benedictine monks in the Hud-

son Valley — in the midst of this busy season. Matthew Leaycraft leads a guided

retreat “Waiting on God.”

ADVENT TEA TUE. DEC. 15, 4:00 P.M.

Enjoy afternoon tea and a chance to meet and talk with friends old and new before

the parish-wide Christmas caroling. Contact the Rev. Will Peyton to learn more.



FESTAL EUCHARIST . 10:30 a.m.

A joyful service of Holy Eucharist to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Traditional

Christmas hymns and carols are sung throughout the service by the choir and

congregation and a homily is offered.

Christmas Day FRIDAY, DEC. 25

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS . December 27

Services at 8:00, 10:30 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. The annual Pastoral Christmas

Luncheon will follow the 10:30 a.m. service. All senior parishioners, friends, and

volunteers are invited! To learn more, please contact the Rev. Will Peyton.

THE FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME . Fri. Jan. 1, 12:00 p.m.

A quiet and meditative service of Holy Eucharist on New Year’s Day to get the year

started off on the right foot.

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS . January 3

Services at 8:00, 9:10, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.

THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY . Wed. Jan. 6, 6:00 p.m.

Service of Lessons & Carols with music of Felix Mendelssohn and Sergei Rach-

maninoff and a procession of the Three Kings. Followed by a “Kings Cake” recep-

tion. All are welcome!

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Christmas Eve THURSDAY, DEC. 24

CHILDREN’S EUCHARIST . 3:00 p.m.

A joyous service of Holy Communion especially appropriate for our youngest parish-

ioners and their families.

CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS . 5:00 p.m.

A traditional service of Scripture readings and Christmas carols, with a homily from

the Rev. Brenda Husson. Begins with a choral prelude at 4:30 p.m.

FESTAL EUCHARIST . 10:30 p.m.

Our version of “Midnight Mass,” this is a beautiful and transcendent celebration

of Holy Communion by candlelight, including W.A. Mozart’s Missa Brevis, a sermon

from the Rev. Brenda Husson, and all your favorite carols. Begins with a choral

prelude at 10:00 p.m.

Twelve Days of Celebration


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CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

DEADLINE: MONDAY, DEC. 7

Flowers at Christmas are traditionally

given in memory of and in thanksgiving

for beloved relatives and friends. Names

received before Dec. 7 will be listed in the

service leaflet for the major services. Visit

stjames.org/altarguild to donate online.

The Clergy Discretionary Fund makes fi-

nancial assistance available to persons in

need, both within the parish and for those

neighbors who come to us in moments

of crisis. The ministry of the Clergy Dis-

cretionary Fund continues throughout the

entire year, but is particularly dependent

upon gifts at Christmas. Visit stjames.

org/CDF to make a gift that will help your

clergy feed, clothe, shelter, educate, re-

fresh and restore the minds, bodies, and

spirits of those in need.

THE CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND

The Party of the Year TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

As he and the Rector announced in a parish-wide mailing,

Jean-Claude Pelissier, our beloved Verger and Parish

Superintendent of 46 years, is retiring at the end of 2015.

We will gather on January 12— the very day he began work

at St. James’ almost five decades ago! — to celebrate his

faithful service and all he has meant to this parish.

Join us for festive food and drink:

3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Children and Families

6:30 - 8:30 p.m. All-parish Party

We will present Jean-Claude with cards of appreciation from all

who love him. Please deliver to the Parish House before Jan. 3.

Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

—Luke 2:10-11



PARISH READING

Wayne Muller, Sabbath: Finding rest, renewal, and delight in our busy lives

A wonderfully practical guide for helping busy people create Sabbath

space in our lives. Muller’s 30 chapters briefly introduce aspects of

Sabbath-keeping, and then give suggestions for how to use this time to

refresh our bodies and minds, restore our creativity, and rest in God.

THE FORUM in coburn hall SUNDAYS, 10:30 - 11:00 A.M.

Each week we will explore how Christian practices can bear witness to our trust in God

and our faith that the light of God’s love can shine through us for a world that needs to

know there are other ways to be and to live. We will explore counter-cultural practices

such as Sabbath, worship, confession, visiting the sick, faith-based giving, creating

relationships across boundaries and barriers, and more.

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The Way, the LightIn the days and weeks after Christmas, the Church remembers the visit of the

Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and Jesus’ miracle at the marriage at Cana. These

stories all point us to the truth of God in Christ: that God’s love was intended for

all, shown forth to all, and that we are called, as William Blake wrote, to “bear

the beams of love.”

Worship SUNDAYS OF EPIPHANY

JAN. 10 Isaiah 43:1-7 & Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

BAPTISM OF

OUR LORD

Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River and a voice from

heaven declares “You are my Son, the Beloved.”

JAN. 17 Isaiah 62:1-5 & John 2:1-11

EPIPHANY II Jesus performs his first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee.

JAN. 24 Psalm 19 & Luke 4:14-21

EPIPHANY III Jesus proclaims “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...”

JAN. 31 Jeremiah 1:4-10 & Luke 4:21-30

EPIPHANY IV The crowds question Jesus, asking “Is this not Joseph’s son?”

FEB. 7 Psalm 99 & Luke 9:28-36

LAST

EPIPHANY

Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop and a voice from heaven

again declares, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!”

Our service of Lessons & Carols on Wed. Jan. 6, (see page 6) draws Christmas to a close

and begins the season of light.


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BAPTISM REUNION BREAKFAST SAT. FEB. 6, 8:30 - 9:30 A.M.

Calling all families of children baptized at St. James’ in the last few years! Join us

for a morning of food, fellowship, reflection, and fun. Connect over breakfast, then

join other families for the parish-wide Valentine-making party at 9:30 a.m.

SHROVE TUESDAY TUE. FEB. 9, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.

The last party before Lent! Celebrate Mardi Gras with us at our annual pancake sup-

per. Help Miss Vicki make the Alleluia Banner that gets put away until Easter.

FAITHFUL PARENTING SMALL GROUP JANUARY - MARCH

Join a group of parents to discuss raising children in a way that brings our faith into

everyday scenarios. This deeply biblical and immediately useful workshop offers

videos, readings, and reflection questions on modules like: ‘You are safe’, ‘You are

loved’, ‘You are God’s workmanship’, and ‘You are responsible.’ Contact parishio-

ner Elizabeth Littlejohn ([email protected]) to sign up! Visit con-

nectedfamilies.org to learn more.

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MLK YOUTH MISSION TRIP SAT. JAN. 16 - MON. JAN. 18

8 - 12th Graders head to Washington, D.C., to work with Lutheran Social Services in

their Refugee & Immigrant Settlement Programs. Lutheran Social Services is affili-

ated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a Full-Communion Partner of

the Episcopal Church. Meet with experts on refugee issues, see historic D.C. sites,

and worship at the National Cathedral. Contact Chris Harding to sign up!

PARTNERS IN MISSION - CHILDREN

More than 100,000 children in New York City have parents who are incarcerated.

In partnership with the Osborne Association, St. James’ parishioners develop

relationships with some of these children that light up our lives and theirs. Contact

Holly Milburn and get involved this Epiphany.

ROLLER SKATING

Saturday, January 16

BOWLING AT FRAMES

Saturday, February 20

SUPPORT NEW YORK’S LARGEST COMMON PANTRY THIS FEBRUARY

Donate food and funds this February. Visit nycommonpantry.org or bring the following

items to the Reception Desk all month...

brown rice canned beans oatmeal peanut butter



The Cata-CUE-men-it THURSDAYS, JAN. 14 - MAR. 17

A weekly group led by the Rector, meeting every Thursday night.

• 6:30 - 6:45 p.m. EVENING PRAYER

• 6:45 - 8:00 p.m. PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION

• 8:00 - 8:15 p.m. COMPLINE: Night Prayer

What does it mean to call yourself a Christian in 21st century New York?

The word “catechumenate” describes an ancient process in the early Church by which

people prepared for baptism at the Easter Vigil by gathering regularly for instruction and

prayer. The idea was less about teaching a body of doctrine, and more about training

candidates in the Christian life. Spiritual growth was the goal.

The Catechumenate at St. James’ is a similarly immersive experience in Christian faith

and practice — with the goal of helping you to grow in your spiritual life. Ask the ques-

tions you never thought you could ask. Explore the basic teachings of the Christian faith,

and what difference they might make in your life. Learn more about the Sacraments and

the worship life of the Church, as well as the life of prayer that God intends and desires

for each of us. Conversations will be facilitated by the Rev. Brenda Husson and others.

Who is invited? Maybe God is inviting you! Everyone should find something of interest,

be enriched, and make deeper relationships within the parish, especially:

• those who have never been part of a church.

• those who are returning to church after a long absence.

• those who have belonged to another faith tradition, but find themselves drawn

to Christ and the Christian life.

• those from another Christian denomination who want to explore the uniquely

Anglican/Episcopalian way of being Christian.

• life-long, church-going Episcopalians who would like to engage faith afresh.

What might we be asking together?

• Can we question our faith?

• Who is Jesus?

• Why did Jesus have to die?

• What do we have to do?

• How should I read the Bible?

• Does God answer prayer?

• Why do bad things happen?

• Where do we go when we die?

• Why do I need Church?

• What does it mean to be an Episcopalian?

Those preparing for baptism will be baptized at the Easter Vigil on March 26, 2016.

Confirmation and Reception will occur when the Bishop visits on May 15, 2016.

To get involved, or for more information, contact the Rev. Ryan Fleenor.


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Brenda [email protected]

Will PeytonAssociate [email protected]

Ryan FleenorAssociate [email protected]

Sarah StewartRockwell [email protected]

Toby AndersonProject [email protected]

Paula AzucenaReception212-774-4200

Grace BeachamParish [email protected]

Zoraida BenitezHospitality212-774-4220

Chetram BudhramMaintenance212-774-4200

Calvin ButlerMaintenance212-774-4200

Isabel [email protected]

Chris [email protected]

Loraine EnlowChildren’s & Youth [email protected]

Lyndsay GayNYIP Mission [email protected]

Rosa GentileAssistant to the [email protected]

Vicki HallChildren & [email protected]

Chris HardingYouth & Young [email protected]

Matthew LeaycraftFinance & [email protected]

Cathy [email protected]

Holly MilburnMission & [email protected]

Jean-Claude PelissierVerger, [email protected]

Emil RamirezMaintenance212-774-4200

Mercedes [email protected]

Stephan TharpArtist-in-Residence

Harry [email protected]

If you would like to learn

more about anything that’s

caught your eye, or about

St. James’ Church, please

reach out to our Clergy

and program staff. We look

forward to hearing from you!

Davis WortmanOrgan & Adult [email protected]

Craig TownsendDir. Rockwell [email protected]

Carol AndersonNon-stipendiary Priest Associate


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ADVENT CHRISTMAS EPIPHANY DEC 2015 - FEB 2016 · 2015-12-21 · ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP Thu. Dec. 3,...

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