In This Month’s Issue:
Pastor’s Points Page 1-3
Presidents Points Page 4
Financial Report
Page 12
Birthdays & Baptismal
Anniversaries Page 5
Ministries,
Announcements
&Upcoming events Page 6-8
Prayer Needs Page 5
Thank you Page 7
School News Page 9-11
Calendar Page 14
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SEPTEMBER 2011
NOTES FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR
By the time you receive this newsletter, August will be over or nearly over, school for many will
have begun again, and fall and cooler weather will be just around the corner. As such, I was reminded
of the following story:
“Some time ago a young man asked the foreman of a logging crew for a job. „That depends,‟
replied the foreman. „Let‟s see you drop this tree.‟ The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled
the great tree. The foreman, very impressed, exclaimed, „Start Monday!‟
“The next week rolled by, but on Friday afternoon, the foreman approached the young man and
said, „You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today. We won‟t be needing you any longer.‟ „But I
thought you liked my work,‟ said the young man. „I did, but we are letting you go today because you have
fallen so far behind the other loggers. Our daily accounting shows us that you have dropped from first
place on Monday to last place by today!‟ „But I‟m a hard worker,‟ the young man protested. „I‟m the
first on the job, the last to leave every day, and I don‟t even stop for a break! You know I‟m no slacker.‟
The foreman sensed the young man‟s honesty and thought about his situation. He then asked a very
important question. „Have you been sharpening your axe?‟ The young man responded, „I‟ve been working
too hard and too long to stop and take the time.‟”
How about you? Have you been too busy this summer, too hard at work or play, or just not
aware of the importance to sharpen your axe? Without it, working or playing harder or longer will not
really enhance your life. Worship each week is vital to your faith journey. Find your way to church this
Sunday and every Sunday.
God bless,
Pastor Albert
MARTIN LUTHER ON MARRIAGE
Martin Luther was known for often giving practical and honest advice. He once said regarding
marriage, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him
leave.”
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PASTOR’S CLASS
A Pastor‟s Class for persons interested in learning more about the Lutheran faith and joining St. James
Congregation is scheduled for the following Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m., in the Church Library: September 11, 18, 25,
with new members joining the church during the 10 a.m. service on September 25th. If interested, contact Pastor
Albert.
CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE
Confirmation Class for 7th and 8th graders will begin on Sunday, October 2nd. Classes will be held in the
Pastor‟s Office, 9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. The theme for this year‟s study will be “BELIEFS WHICH SET
APART/DISTINGUISH THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.”
The schedule through the remainder of 2011 is as follows:
October 2 November 20 – NO CLASS
October 9 November 27
October 16 December 4
October 23 – NO CLASS December 11
October 30 December 18
November 6 December 25 – NO CLASS
November 13 January 1 - NO CLASS
DEADLY DELUSIONS
Harry Weant in his book In Heaven‟s Name, Why on Earth? lists 10 Deadly Delusions that many have in
regard to stewardship. These are all statements we have heard, maybe even made, but they are false. Below is the
seventh of these delusions and Weant‟s reason why the statement is incorrect.
Delusion 7: “We must meet our own budget before we send anything to outside causes.”
Correction: “Though it is easy to criticize what some people in the Head Office might
want to do with our benevolence, these people have seen something of the
nightmares and challenges that exist beyond our own shores. True, local
congregations need to remain financially viable. However, some tend to
become slaves to their own facility. They provide amenities, fixtures and
programs that everyone will enjoy, but do not weep for a heartbreaking
world about which they know so little.”
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COINCIDENCE IS WHEN GOD CHOOSES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS!!!
WANT TO BE HAPPIER? LIVE LIKE A DOG!
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it is in your best interest, always practice obedience.
Let others know when they are invading your territory.
Take naps and always stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you‟re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle that person gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shade tree.
No matter how often you are criticized, don‟t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back
and make friends.
- Copied
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF A FRIENDLY CHURCH:
1. Speak to people, even if you do not know their name. There is nothing as nice or cheerful as a
friendly word of greeting.
2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Your smile is one of your
finest assets. Use it often.
3. When possible, call people by name. The sweetest music to any person‟s ears is the sound of
their own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful. If you want a friend, be one.
5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure. Try to look happy, and
you will be happy.
6. Be genuinely interested in people. If you try, you can like everybody. Don‟t limit yourself to a
few friends when so many likable and interesting people are around you.
7. Be generous with praise and sparing with criticism. Remember you aren‟t perfect either.
8. Be considerate of the feelings of others.
9. Watch for ways to serve others. What we do for others counts most in life.
10. Add to all of these a good sense of humor, a generous dose of patience, and a dash of humility.
- Copied
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PRESIDENT’S POINTS
The Call Committee is continuing its important work of finding a new Pastor for St James. They are currently looking at three promising candidates, but until the interview process is complete they will not know which, if any, they will recommend. They are being very thorough and appreciate your support, prayers, and patience.
There have been several visitors to St James over the last few months and hopefully we will continue
to have more, especially with Third Army’s arrival. It is important for all of us to notice visitors and
welcome them. We do this not to grow St James, but to follow Jesus’ example of being friendly and
welcoming to strangers. God will grow St James; we need to do God’s mission. As it says on our web
page: “Where all are welcome and Jesus is Lord”. From what I’ve noticed, we are talking to visitors
after the service. So, let’s keeping giving strangers a warm welcome to St James.
In His service,
Bob Bessel
Serving you as Council President
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Messenger Due Dates
Anything that you wish to be included for
publication in the Messenger should be
turned in at the church office or e-mailed
to:
The deadline is 7 days before the last
day of the month. The Church Council
meets on the 3rd Monday of each month.
This Messenger and monthly calendar
can be found on the St. James website:
www.stjamessumter.org
Click on news and calendar to view them.
Church Council
Ministry Teams
Care: Janet Turner
Youth: Kimberley Dees
Finance: Curt Caulkins
Worship: Joyce Diehl
Property: Gary Harbath
Education Betty Harvin
Stewardship: Gary Bratton
Evangelism: Ford Kamin
Mutual Ministry: Bob Bessel
Spiritual Growth: David Armstrong
Outreach: Janet Turner
Church Officers President: Bob Bessel
Vice President: Gary Bratton
Secretary: Ford Kamin
Treasurer: Glenn Hesselbart
2011
2011
2011
2011
2012
2012
2012
2011
2013
2013
Bob Bessel
Gary Bratton
Ford Kamin
Joyce Diehl
Janet Turner
Betty Harvin
David Armstrong
Mike Stewart
Kimberley Dees
Curt Caulkins
Prayer Needs
If you have a prayer need and would like it in the next Newsletter, please E-mail me at [email protected]
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Did we miss your birthday? Write your name and date of birth on the back of your yellow attendance slip and we’ll wish you a belated happy birthday in next month’s newsletter.
Homebound: Ed Hart, Marilyn Kalamas, Olga Summy, Frankie Martin, Don and Jean Hoyt. Health and Related Issues: Phyllis Wisniewski, Deb Forke, Ed and Joyce Litteer, Tom Thompson (friend of the Chandler’s), Teeny Taylor (Mary Bradshaw’s mother), Prudence Roos (Lois Heal’s sister), William Kirkpatrick (Kimberly Dees’ cousin), Dot Barrineau, Serena Loney, Rena Morin (Shirley Veins’ sister), Antonio Kong (father of Evelyn Keys), Nola Geddings (Hazelee Hallman’s sister), Marianne Reither (Susan Wild’s mother), and Lynne Praetzner (friend of Ken and Evelyn Keys).
BAPTISIMAL ANNIVERSERIES:
Ashley Crawshaw 9/30/01
Zachary Denton 9/4/05
Samantha Hicks 9/24/06
Haydon Lyons 9/5/04
Natalie Palmo 9/4/05
Larkin Simpson 9/21/97
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SEPTEMBER
1 Brian Crawshaw
3 Andrew Bailey
5 Emery Vallier
8 Karen Hesselbart
12 Peter Hackett
15 Josh Soileau
17 Taylor Brunson
18 Karen Bailey
20 Shawn Burroughs
21 Stan Salter
22 Marlene Lee
24 Sarah Alexander
Vacation Bible School Update
Our Vacation Bible School was a big success; we had 47 eager children that joined our Big Jungle
Adventure The children participated in games, crafts and story time. We shared the love of Jesus to all
of the children and had an amazing time as well. We are very appreciative of the various church members
that helped turn our surroundings into a jungle. The most magnificent display was the waterfall with real
running water down the mountain. We also had a jungle hut made from real bamboo. Our hallways and
fellowship hall were adorned with greenery, vines and Spanish moss. We definitely brought the jungle to
life. We offer a special thanks to Elton Hallman for his intuition of making our theme a reality with our
waterfall and hut. We also offer a special thanks to Sep and Betty Harvin for donating the hot dogs and
hamburgers for our Friday night cookout. Many thanks to those of you who brought desserts and fruit
for evening meals throughout the entire week of VBS. This was a team effort and we greatly appreciate
everyone that participated in various roles such as tribe leaders and their assistants, supper leaders,
registration, craft, game, and snack leaders, puppeteer, story leaders, decorating and cleanup . Thank you
all for your support to this very important ministry.
Sincerely,
Shelley Crawshaw and Lisa Bratton
Sunday School will resume on September 11th at 9:00 A.M. for the ages of 3 thru 10 and for High
School consisting of 9th – 12th grade. All classes will be held in the Sunday School building. We are in need
of additional Sunday School teachers to help cover the three classes that we will be having. We have the
preschool class which are ages 3 to 6. We also have the elementary class which are ages 7-10. At this
time, we do not have enough volunteers to maintain three teachers for all three age groups. We would
gladly accept volunteers on a monthly basis which means that you would teach that entire month or if you
are able to teach only once or twice a month that would be fine as well. Please contact Shelley Crawshaw
(905-1931) or Lisa Bratton (773-1938) if your are able to help with Sunday School ministry
Calling All St. James Ladies: Alice Drive Baptist Church is having their Ladies‟ Night Out on
Tuesday, September 20. If you have never been to this event, you will be in for a treat. They serve
dinner to over 700 women and present a terrific inspirational speaker. Tickets are $12 and this is a
DON‟T MISS occasion! Call Marjorie at the church office for ticket information by September 7th as
tickets sell out rapidly. Please see the flyer in the narthex.
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Ministries, Announcements & Upcoming Events
On Thursday September 22 from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Tuomey Hospital is hosting “Sail into
Hope, Grief Retreat Day” for persons wanting to find ways to take care of themselves in the midst of
grief and loss. Seminars will include Scrapbooking Memories, Financial Security, Pampering Yourself,
Journaling in the Celebration of Life, and Gardening as Therapy. The event is FREE and lunch will be
provided but you do need to register in advance. Contact B.J. Drayton at Tuomey Hospice: 773-4663
Mark your calendars for October 6th from 8:30am to 11:00am for the FREE Hypertension,
Cholesterol and Diabetes screenings in the William Brice Gym Lobby. Jeanne Price Pack, RN, Community
Health/Corporate Wellness Coordinator from Tuomey will be there. She will also do blood pressure
checks. Drink plenty of water 2-3 days prior and make sure to do a 12 hour fast before your arrival time.
Light refreshments will be available after your screening.
Thanks from Girl Scout troop #2292: Dear St. James Lutheran Church,
Thank you for letting us use the church grounds for our car wash and our yard sale on Oct. 1. It is a big
help! Deborah, Anna, Amber, McKenzie and Kimmie
Choir practice resumes on August 31st. The choir will be practicing for a special service
commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy.
Dear Congregation at St James, My family and I would like to express our thanks for all your prayers, expressions of concern and especially your support during my recent surgery. Don and Elaine have returned to their home in NYS and I'm on the road to recovery. Again, thank you. You are truly a church with God at it center. Sincerely, Don, Elaine & Joyce Diehl
THE LULA-JUNE CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, September 6th at 9:30. Betty Harvin will be the
hostess at her home. Meet in the church parking lot to carpool to her house.
CHOIR PRACTICE HAS RESUMED and the choir is preparing for a special service on September
11th commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy.
FLU SHOTS: On Friday, September 9th from NOON to 5:00pm, Walgreens will be conducting a
flu clinic. Flu shots will be available to anyone: members of St. James and the general public. If you have
government funded insurance such as Medicare/Medicaid, there is NO out of pocket expense to you. If
you have Tri-Care through the U.S. military, there is a $3.00 co-pay for the flu shot. If you have other
insurance, bring your insurance card and Walgreens can tell you if it is covered and what your co-pay will
be, if any. Cash customers will pay approximately $28.00. If you have any questions, ask or call Kimberly
Dees at 494-3812 or email her at: [email protected]. This event will be held in the Library and
Narthex. 7
THE GIRL SCOUTS who meet at St. James on Monday nights will hold a rummage sale on
Saturday, October 1st. If you have any items that you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please
bring them to the church office by Wednesday, September 28th. We could all do with less “stuff” and
your donations will be greatly appreciated.
Josh Hallman has graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He has accepted a position
teaching 10th grade Biology at Clinton High School and has bought his first house! In addition to his
teaching responsibilities, he is also coaching jr. varsity football, traveling with the varsity team, will coach
the spring track team and is involved with the Special Olympics science program. We are so proud of him!
A LETTER FROM Christian Charities of Sumter was received recently. They have written, “We
at Christian Charities want to thank you for your continuing support and recent donation of food. Your
donation of food is truly a blessing as we share food with our neighbors. God provides for all of us and
through you we are all able to support those in need in our community. May God bless you as we serve our
less fortunate neighbors”. Cecil Crayton, chairperson
THERE WILL BE a WELCA board meeting in the Library on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00pm.
Please call Judy Lessard at 499-3799 for further information.
WHAT IS A DEACONESS? A Deaconess is a woman who is: consecrated by the Church to a
rostered ministry of work and service, part of a Community which offers vision, encouragement and
guidance, professionally trained in a chosen vocation, and has a solid understanding of Lutheran theology.
She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada. Deaconesses serve in many ways-as teachers, counselors, administrators, health professionals,
Christian educators, youth workers, information specialists, ecumenists, and more. They serve in
congregations, synod offices, hospitals, social service agencies, outdoor ministries, caring institutions,
universities, and more. A deaconess is a bridge connecting the Church with the needs of the world and
she also works closely with a Pastor if she is called to a parish service.
Church of the Holy Comforter is offering a Beth Moore Bible study called “Here & Now…There &
Then A Lecture series on Revelation.” If you have never taken a Beth Moore course you are in for an
exciting adventure through the Book of Revelation. If you have taken other courses offered by Beth
Moore, you know how interesting and inspirational they are. The course will be held on 11 consecutive
Sundays starting on Sept. 11th at 6:00pm. If you are interested in taking this course, or would like more
information, please contact Sue Griffin, whose grandfather was the rector at Holy Comforter for many
years, at 775-7736 or email: [email protected].
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ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Religion in School?
Absolutely!
From the Desk of the Director of Education, Brandy Mullennax
As I was driving home from work the other day, I was filled with so much excitement I
could hardly contain myself! There I was just in awe of God‟s work and the growth that SJLS
has made in this past year. Several thoughts were racing through my head as I looked out at all
of God‟s creations. I knew from the moment He led me to St. James that there was a purpose
for this school greater than any of us could imagine. I prayed daily for the school and the
church to embrace change and always shine the light. Every day I drive in to work and I am
embraced by God‟s children who are so eager to learn about Him. Their smiles fill my heart and
their unconditional love reminds me of the love He has for all of us. We are reaching out to
eighty five families and several more want to be part of this ministry. The church has formed a
committee team so that SJLS can continue to grow and do His work. If you need to be
energized, walk in and see God‟s hand at work. I promise you will walk out feeling His love. I
must warn you that our little ones love to give love away, so be careful of the hugs that grab you
around your knees so tightly that you almost fall over.
I continue to feel extremely blessed to have the privilege of working alongside
knowledgeable and faith-filled parents, staff, and faculty who hold high expectations and
continue to raise the bar for students and themselves. I pray that each person who enters our
doors recognizes that our school is an extension of our Lutheran Church; a place to be highly
revered and cherished. With the help of God, I am confident that our school year will be
blessed as our students grow in their love, faith and knowledge of Him. I look forward to seeing
all of the children and being a small part of their lives. Like the desires I hold for my own
children, I want the very best for each of the children. Please do not hesitate to share your
thoughts regarding the school‟s success. Your concerns, ideas, and positive comments are
appreciated and respected. Communication is vital in the school‟s0 success and to our overall
growth and sense of community here at SJLS.
We are very pleased to welcome two new staff members to SJLS. Mrs. Becky Thompson
has been assigned as our new second grade teacher. Ms. Paula Underwood is our new three year
old teacher. What a blessing it will be to have each of them at SJLS.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Brandy Mullennax Brandy Mullennax, Director of Education 9
St. James Lutheran School Jewels are shining for God…. The staff extends thanks to the Ministry Team who hosted a
reception for us in August and who continue to support our ministry in God’s school.
I would like to personally thank those who are supporting SJLS through scholarship pledges. Several children have been able to enroll with us because of your generosity and love. It’s never too late for anyone to donate to the scholarship fund as God leads.
SJLS would like to extend a heart full of appreciation for Mr. Jim Bradshaw who keeps all of our computer needs taken care of. He generously donates his time so that we can all do God’s work here at SJLS. Thank you, Jim!
SJLS also extends a great big thank you to Mr. Gary Harbath and Mr. Ray Ziecker. These two men are constantly busy here at SJLS tending to all our property issues. Thank You!
Friday, September 9th, is Grandparents’ Day at SJLS. If you would like to join us as a “Grandfriend” for a student whose grandparents cannot attend, please call the school office (934-8727).
The Artist of the month is Katelyn Makowske. Katelyn is the daughter of Bracey MaKowske. Katelyn is new to our three year old class and enjoys making arts and crafts that correspond to her learning units here at SJLS. Please stop by the school to see her work of art.
As we complete our second week at SJLS, we joyfully anticipate what God has in store for us. In His Service with you,
Brandy Mullennax
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Stewardship Message:
Next to January, September is probably one of the biggest and busiest start-over months in the year. A
number of congregational ministries which may have been on a summer break start up again. A new
school year has started. It is interesting to note that September opens with Labor Day when we pause
to thank God for honest and fruitful labor. Perhaps that is appropriate since things pick up after
vacations and other summer activities and we have more opportunities for service.
September also marks the beginning of autumn and that will be a welcome change for many people
who this past summer were impacted by a record number of tornados, serious flooding around major
rivers, heat and drought that broke many records, along with many wild fires that caused so much
destruction.
In spite of all the above problems God still richly blessed much of our country with seasonable weather
so that seedtime and harvest prevailed and the activities of agriculture, commerce and transportation
continued so that the earth was fruitful and yielded its increase to supply food for all of God’s
creatures. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
God’s stewards appreciate new opportunities to start over again after life has become like a long, hot
summer. In September many of God’s faithful stewards can get involved with new and exciting
volunteer activities in their churches and communities. In September many of our students can begin
one of their best years of learning. In September many of our churches and schools can get involved
with some of the most exciting ministries in their history. A fresh start is always appreciated. The past
is behind us; the future is still in front of us but the present is where we do our work as God’s stewards.
God has some great things in mind for us as His stewards. He wants us to use our talents, our time, our
resources and our relationships in ways that honor Him and bring blessings to those around us.
Sometimes we may feel like we just can’t get started! We may feel inadequate to take on new
challenges. We may remember when we have tried some bold ventures before and they didn’t work
out. We can chase those negative thoughts away when we remember words like these from one of our
well-known hymns:
Let none hear you idly saying, “there is nothing I can do,”
While the multitudes are dying and the Master calls for you.
Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, send me, send me.” (LSB 826)
So, keep your eyes open for some new opportunities to put your time, talents and resources to work for
the Lord and His people, and when those opportunities come, GO FOR IT!
In His Service, Gary Bratton,
Gary Bratton, Stewardship
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St. James Lutheran Church
1137 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150
Return Service Requested Church Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 – 1:30
Office: 773-2260
Fax: 775-6021
E-mail: [email protected]
SERVICES:
Wednesday: 10:30 am, Bible Study Noon, Holy Communion Service
Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am
ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT: called by God,
centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we rejoice in the Lord,
proclaim His gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service and share Christ’s
love
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit 105
Sumter, SC 29150