January 4 - 10 - St. James` Church

Invitations & Information
January 4, 2015
Dear friends,
There’s a piece in The Economist’s current issue entitled, “The Rule of Three: Who Were the Three
Kings?” The article explores every unverifiable non-fact that has accrued to their legend over the years,
and then connects the peripatetic trio to such threesomes as the Marx Brothers, three siblings in fairy
tales, and Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. But here’s the big finish: “For...the mystical significance of
the kings, however, there is a more profound dimension to the rule of three to ponder. For three
encompasses everything: past, present, future; here, there, everywhere; earth, sea and air; positive,
negative, neutral; this, that and the other. Through these trinities the kings, who might be any Tom,
Dick or Harry, wander in search of answers (yes, no, maybe) to mysteries even older than that of
Father, Son and Holy Ghost: the birth of light, the dawn of life and the primacy of love.” After that
conclusion, what’s left for me to add?
What the wise men
Well, first, I can urge you to read the whole article. Second, I can offer an only-slightly-more-faithful
angle: these kings, or wise men, have only one question, actually, and it has a concrete answer.
“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?” they impolitically ask Herod, the current
king of the Jews (Matt 2:2). And then they find him at a Bethlehem stable and pay him homage. Thus
what they seek is not answers (yes, no, maybe) to mysteries, but the chance to experience the mystery
itself. Can we do the same, and draw near the manger and the altar to experience the presence of the
Triune God in our midst?
seek is not answers
to mysteries, but the
chance to experience
the mystery itself.
In Christ,
The Rev. Craig Townsend, Vicar
Today at St. James’
Fellowship
• After the 9:10 a.m. service, coffee in Donegan Hallway
• After the 11:15 a.m. service, coffee in Sunderland Hall
• After the 6:00 p.m. service, a Simple Supper in Sunderland Hall
Church School resumes!
10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Visit the First Time Families station in the Narthex to learn more
about today’s schedule for children and youth.
The Jesus Project
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Coburn Hall
The Rev. Ryan Fleenor introduces the next five-week section of the
Jesus Project: The Kingdom of God. As we move into the Epiphany
season, and look for ways to witness God’s presence among us, we
recall Jesus’ proclamation that “the Kingdom of God has come near”
and explore what that might mean for us.
Epiphany Lessons & Carols
_START HERE
to begin your life in christ
Welcome to St. James’
• Pick up a “Start Here” brochure and return the
welcome card to provide or update your address.
• Introduce yourself to any of the clergy.
• First Steps
Meet next to the bell at the back corner of the church after the
9:10, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. services for an informal conversation with a member of the clergy about what led you to St. James’
and where you might be called to go in your spiritual life.
Tuesday, January 6 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The Three Kings arrive at St. James’ on Tuesday evening! Celebrate God’s manifestation is Christ, witnessed and revered by the magi
whose visit we remember on this occasion. Join us for a service of candlelight Lessons & Carols, including anthems by Paul Halley, Felix
Mendelssohn, and Sergei Rachmaninoff offered by the Canterbury and Compostela Choirs. After, we will gather for fellowship and “King’s
Cake” in Sunderland Hall. All are welcome. This is a wonderful way to close Christmastide and begin Epiphany (for children and adults)!
This Week
{ January 5 - 10 }
* Special this week...
Tue. Tuesday Lunch Program
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Weekly lunch prepared and served by a group of volunteers to homeless and hungry guests. Serving 90 low-income, elderly, and homeless
guests really makes a mess in the kitchen! Volunteers are needed to
help clean up from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Please contact Holly Milburn.
Tue. Choir Rehearsals resume
Visit stjames.org/music to learn more about singing in St. James’
choirs for children, youth, or adults.
* Tue. Epiphany Lessons & Carols
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
We conclude the Christmas season with the Feast of the Epiphany,
also known as Three Kings Day. Music offered by the Canterbury and
Compostela Choirs, followed by a “Kings Cake” festive reception. All
are most welcome.
Wed. Holy Eucharist
8:00 a.m.
We celebrate Holy Eucharist every Wednesday morning. Join us for
this service in the Chapel.
Wed. Bible Study
8:30 a.m.
Join us every Wednesday morning in Sunderland Hall.
Thu. We Love to Sing, CREATE! for Worship
4:00 p.m.
Kids 0-4 share the joy of singing (with a parent or caregiver). Ages 4-6
listen to and talk about Bible stories, then build them out of Legos!
Contact Vicki Hall to learn more.
Thu. Thursdays for Families
4:45 p.m.
Mid-week worship (this week with Eucharist!), education, activities
and dinner, for ages 2-10 in a creative environment. Contact Vicki
Hall to learn more.
* Fri. Family Friday Lego Night
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A great time for families to come together! We begin with a service
project, then pizza and Lego-building! New this year, a special activity for older kids (4th - 6th grades). Contact Vicki Hall to learn more.
Next Sunday
{ January 11 }
• The First Sunday after the Epiphany: Baptism of our Lord
• Services at 8:00, 9:10, 11:15 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
• Nursery and Toddler Care, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Readings for the First Sunday after the Epiphany: Genesis 1:1-5;
Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
Children’s Eucharist
9:10 a.m.
An especially family-friendly service, with music offered by the children’s choirs and a sermon addressed to our youngest parishioners.
The Jesus Project
10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Coburn Hall
The Jesus Project continues with our Epiphany series on the Kingdom of God. This week, Jimmy Lee, Executive Director of RestoreNYC and a lay leader at All Angels’ Episcopal Church, will lead a
forum on God’s plan of restoration for all.
Trafficking Awareness Training
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Sunderland
Sex trafficking is a fast-growing criminal enterprise that enslaves
thousands in our city. Come learn more from Jimmy Lee, a leader
in New York’s fight to restore the lives of sex trafficking survivors.
Having spoken at the Forum in the morning, Mr. Lee will lead a
sex trafficking awareness training. Lunch is provided. Contact Holly
Milburn for more information.
New Member Classes begin
10:15 - 11:00 a.m.
Whether you’ve already decided to make St. James’ your church,
or are curious about how to make that decision, you’re invited!
There will be plenty of conversation and time for your thoughts
and questions as we explore how this particular community of
faith prays, works, and gives for the spread of the Kingdom of
God. Contact the Rev. Will Peyton to learn more.
News & Notes
Small Groups
resume the week of January 11
Interested in joining a small group of fellow parishioners for Bible
study, conversation, and prayer? Want to explore the things that matter most with people who know you well? Visit stjames.org/smallgroups to learn about new and existing groups, or contact the Rev.
Ryan Fleenor to learn more.
Faithful Parenting
Mon. Jan. 12, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a conversation with Lise Hilboldt Stolley about families
and addiction. Lise is a mom who has been trained by Hazelden’s
Graduate School of Addictions to counsel parents and families. A former parishioner, we look forward to welcoming Lise back! Contact
Vicki Hall to learn more. Parents and non-parents welcome!
Meet & Greet: Children’s Choirs Thu. Jan. 15, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Meet St. James’ new Music Associate for Children and Youth at a
reception for Mrs. Loraine Enlow!
MLK Mission Trip for 8th - 12th Graders
January 17 - 19
Celebrate the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on a trip to Boston, where Dr. King earned his doctorate. In partnering with young
Christians doing good works there, spending our time together in
worship and discussion, and being in service to the community, we
will be inspired by King’s devotion to the cause of social justice and to
God’s greater call. Please contact Patrick Kangrga to sign on!
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
January 22 - February 4
A group of St. James’ parishioners will travel with the Rector and the
Rev. Will Peyton to the Holy Land. Stay tuned to hear more from
these pilgrims as they walk in the footsteps of Jesus’ disciples.
Mission Trip to Haiti!
April 9 - 13
Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone to find out what
exactly it might mean to use your gifts to serve God’s people. All St.
James’ parishioners are invited to participate in our new partnership
with St. Vincent’s Centre for Handicapped Children, a school, home,
and medical clinic serving hundreds of children from all over Haiti.
To learn more about our next trip, please contact Holly Milburn.
Catechumenate
a weekly group led by the Rector
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:15 p.m.
Feb. 5 - Mar. 26
What does it mean to call yourself a Christian in 21st century
New York? Want a deeper understanding of the teachings of the
Christian faith, and what difference they might make in your life?
The word “catechumenate” (cata-CUE-men-it) describes an ancient process in the early Church by which people were trained
in the Christian life through instruction and prayer. Learn more
at stjames.org/catechumenate or contact the Rev. Ryan Fleenor.
Icon Writing Workshop
February 20 - 22
Christine Simoneau Hales will lead a weekend workshop on the spiritual practice of
writing icons, which she describes as “windows into heaven.” Visit stjames.org/icon
or contact Grace Beacham to learn more or
sign up.
Artists in our Midst
Loraine Enlow joins St. James’ this new year
as Music Associate for Children and Youth.
An accomplished musician and theorist, Loraine has worked at Holyrood Church in
Washington Heights for the past five years,
where she established a vibrant music school.
We are very excited to welcome Loraine! A
“Meet & Greet” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on
Jan. 15.
We are also delighted that Stephen Tharp,
internationally-acclaimed concert organist
and composer, has accepted our invitation to
become Artist-in-Residence. Having served as
our interim organist since November, Stephen will continue to help lead our Sunday
morning worship from the organ bench.
Pastoral Notes & Prayer Requests
Holding one another’s joys, sorrows, and concerns before God in prayer is a spiritual practice that characterizes our life together at
St. James’. In our worship services, we pray each other’s prayers together. Outside of our time together, many parishioners make
it part of their daily lives to pray the prayers of the parish community. You are invited to participate in your own way.
Thanks be to God
• For the birth of Eleanor Holly Malafronte on December 27, daughter
of parishioners Peter and Christi Malafronte.
• for the faith and commitment of parishioners who have already made
2015 financial commitments to St. James’, including dozens of firsttime pledgers; and all who honor the worship and ministries we share
by supporting St. James’ with pledges and gifts.
• for all the donations of toys and gift cards to our Share the Joy collection
of Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents.
Your prayers are requested
• for the mission and ministry of St. James’ in this Christmastide, that
the prayers and worship we offer may help us celebrate and respond to
the mystery of the Word made flesh.
• for the Oyen family, as Emilie, Liv, and Haakon join Mads in Senegal,
where he has already started in his new position with the U.N.
• for members and friends of the parish who are sick, sorrowful, or in
any kind of trouble: Donald, Henry, David, Susan, Mary Jane, Jon &
Barbara, Charlene, Mary Cary, Mal, Elona, Carol, Lydia, Douglas,
Cynthia, Sally, Pam, Caroline & Michael, Walterene, Seth, Mona,
Angelica, George & Sue, Bob, Lisa, Carole, Alain, Stafford, Georgia,
James Edward, Joan, Ruth, Lois, Carmela, Gordon & Jean, Lynn, Buzz,
John, Matthew, George, Inez, Brian, Alice, Kitty, Elio, Kathi, Terry &
Sara, Michael, Mabel, Jane, Juliana, Julia, Pam, Jen & Ulrik, Adrienne,
Norman, Maria & her parents, Theo, Otis & his family, Silvana &
Gabriel, Jaime, Janet, Eula Mae, Carol, Pallavi, Daric & Janet, Alan,
Dave, Edward & Nannette, Antonio, Carolyn & Carter, Justin, Jeanette,
Bashar, Bassam & Joseph, Darlene, Abby, Kathy, Jane, Lydia, Adams
August, Will, Lilly, Jim, Robin, Alan, Jean-Claude, Todd, Jane, Brian &
Nina, Mary, Pamela, Linda, Roger, Annie, Beatrice, Richard, Patricia,
Kyle, Gay, Joycelyn, Richard, Reuben, Wendy, Elizabeth, Richard,
Laura, Billy, Margaret, Thomas John, Kimberly, Dottie, Robert, Riyadh
& Alla, Margo, Mary, Sallie, Bill, Frederic, Tracy, Nancy, Isabel, Sabrina,
Herb & Patricia, Christine, Ava, Sylvan, K.T. George, Sylvia, Wiley,
Susan, George, David, Ben, James, Kunle, Faith, Jane, Josephin
• for justice and peace in this city and nation; for those who serve the
common good in law enforcement and the courts; and for the victims
of racism, injustice, and police brutality.
• for the victims of Ebola, including the sick, the fearful, the bereaved,
and all who are working to bring them comfort and healing.
• for members and friends of the parish serving in the Armed Forces,
in the Diplomatic Corps, and with the U.N.: Tracy, Christian, Mads,
Gabriel.
We commend to God’s never-failing care
• all the victims of civil and military conflicts throughout the world,
including Wenjiang Liu and Rafael Ramos, New York City police
officers killed in the line of duty in December.
• all those we love but see no more, including Barbara Bliss Mestre, for
whom a memorial service will be held here on Feb. 9.
To have your prayer requests printed in this space, or to provide an update regarding someone for whom you have
already requested prayer, please e-mail the clergy at [email protected], visit stjames.org/prayer.
The Vestry
Worship
sundays
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr., Senior Warden · Sam Hutcheson, Junior Warden
David Andryc
Paul Bitler
Katharine Fleming
Fraser Hunter, Jr.
Stephanie Loomis
Holly Heston Rochell
Gordon Smith
Lisa Smith
Waddell Stillman
Anne Strassner
George Wade
Campbell Wharton
The Clergy & Lay Staff
8:00 a.m. · Holy Eucharist
9:10 a.m. · Holy Eucharist
11:15 a.m. · Choral Eucharist
6:00 p.m. · Candlelight Communion
weekdays
Wed. 8:00 a.m. · Holy Eucharist
Thu. 4:45 p.m. · Worship for Families
Open for prayer and meditation
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue. - Fri., 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Rev. Brenda
Husson
Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4250
The Rev. Craig
Townsend
Vicar
[email protected]
212-774-4254
The Rev. William
Peyton
Associate Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4255
The Rev. Ryan Fleenor
Associate Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4241
The Rev. Adrian
Dannhauser
Rockwell Fellow
[email protected]
212-774-4256
Toby Anderson
Project Manager
[email protected]
212-774-4235
Grace Beacham
Parish Life
[email protected]
212-774-4231
Zoraida Benitez
Hospitality
212-774-4220
Chetram Budhram
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Calvin Butler
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Visit Us
parish house hours
Mon., Tue., Thu. · 9:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays · 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
st. james’ church
865 madison ave.
new york, ny 10021
Isabel Chelli
Hospitality
[email protected]
212-774-4220
Chris Dickler
Communications
[email protected]
212-774-4244
Loraine Enlow
Children’s & Youth Choir
[email protected]
212-774-4204
Rosa Gentile
Assistant to the Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4251
Lillian Haas
Mission Intern
[email protected]
212-774-4257
To reach any of us during the week,
or in case of pastoral emergency at
any time, call 212-774-4200.
www.stjames.org
Vicki Hall
Children & Families
[email protected]
212-774-4232
Patrick Kangrga
Youth & Young Adults
[email protected]
212-774-4239
Cathy McAleer
Finance
[email protected]
212-774-4238
Holly Milburn
Mission & Outreach
[email protected]
212-774-4236
Edmund Moore
Interim Parish Manager
[email protected]
212-774-4240
St. James’ Church is a
community that actively
shares the love of Jesus
Christ with each other,
Jean-Claude Pelissier
Verger, Superintendent
[email protected]
212-774-4206
Emil Ramirez
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Davis Wortman
Organ & Adult Choirs
[email protected]
212-774-4233
The Rev. Carol
Anderson
Non-stipendiary
Priest Associate
Mercedes Rosario
Reception
[email protected]
212-774-4200
Alison Stautberg
Stewardship
[email protected]
212-774-4243
Stephen Tharp
Artist-in-Residence
our city and the world.
st. james’ is an episcopal church,
a member of the worldwide
anglican communion.