Invitations & Information
December 18, 2016
Dear friends,
In my family, Christmas and cookies are inseparable. Some years traveling meant we skipped tree-trimming, but it never felt like Christmas until we whipped up a batch of pizzelles. Crowded in the kitchen
with mom, dad, and siblings, we each took turns crafting those melt-in-your-mouth-snowflake-shaped
cookies, two by two on the hot pizzelle iron, then dusting lightly with powdered sugar.
Oh God...
you enfold and
comfort me.
— Psalm 71:21
Miss Vicki recently shared with me a copy of Christmas Cookies, a delightful picture book dictionary
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer. I devoured the images and word associations, each calling to mind cherished Christmas traditions: flinging generous sprinkles on frosted
sugar cookies, methodically baking to share with high school friends in our cookie exchange, setting
out cookies and milk for Santa… maybe even sneaking the last cookie when nobody was looking.
One illustration especially caught my eye: a solitary child concentrated on a peculiar-shaped cookie,
“DISAPPOINTED means I tried to make it look like a star, but it didn’t turn out at all the way I
expected.” I appreciated this entry most. We all feel disappointments, perhaps especially during the
holidays. We prepare our homes and hearts, but sometimes life doesn’t take shape the way we hope or
plan. Perhaps the real Christmas miracle is that GOD IS THERE, TOO! Whatever the frustration or
failure, upset or upheaval, God is ready and able to redeem every disappointment with perfect love.
May this love enfold you, and all whom you love and pray for, always,
The Rev. Sarah Stewart
Rockwell Fellow
Today at St. James’
Fellowship
• After the 8:00 a.m. service, coffee in Sunderland Hall
• After the 9:10 a.m. service, coffee outside Coburn Hall
• After the 11:15 a.m. service, coffee in Sunderland Hall
Helping Hands Sunday
10:15 a.m., Primary Room
Children in Primary Class through High School (and any adults who
would like to join us!) are invited to come together in the Primary
classroom to make sandwiches for our hungry neighbors through New
York Common Pantry. Because God loves and cares for us, we can
love and show our care for others. Come help us show our love!
Youth “John 21” Breakfast
10:15 a.m., Kitchen
Jesus shared breakfast on the beach with his disciples — join other
St. James’ youth to cook and share breakfast (Confirmands will be in
Confirmation Class). Meet Chris Harding in the Kitchen.
The Essential Bible
10:30 a.m., St. George Room
A weekly Bible study led by Sue Bennett, Deborah Roberts, and the
Rev. Brenda Husson exploring the most essential and foundational
stories of our faith and how they intersect with our day-to-day lives.
Today: Job.
The Forum
10:30 a.m., Coburn Hall
Our fall series concludes by looking at the status of early Christians in
the Roman world at the turn of the century. What did it mean to be a
follower of Jesus and a citizen of the empire? The Rev. Sarah Stewart
will help us unpack the questions of identity, vocation, and evangelism as important then as now.
_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.
Going deeper
ISAIAH 7:10-16, ROMANS 1:1-7, MATTHEW 1:18-25, PSALM 80:1-7, 16-18
About today’s celebration
On this final Sunday of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s
birth, the central figures are the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
The Gospel reading is Matthew’s account of Jesus’ conception by the
Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin. It is this Incarnation — becoming
flesh — of God the Son that unites things earthly with things heavenly. In the quiet obedience of Joseph and Mary, we find the model
for Christian living that enables us to be extensions of Christ’s Incarnation.
In today’s reading from Isaiah, the prophet foretells the birth of a child
in a passage that the New Testament writers, especially Matthew, considered to be fulfilled in Jesus’ birth from Mary.
Jesus’ descent from David, his birth, his death and resurrection, are
Paul’s theme in the passage from Romans. That life, death, and resur-
This Week
{ December 19 - 24 }
* Special this week
Learn more at stjames.org/calendar
Monday, December 19
Morning Prayer
Caregivers Playgroup (0-36 months)
Centering Prayer
Overnight Shelter Ministry
Tuesday, December 20
O Radix Jesse
8:00 - 8:20 a.m.
10:30 - 12:00 p.m.
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
O Clavis David
Morning Prayer
Tuesday Lunch Program
Playgroup (3-5 year olds)
Overnight Shelter Ministry
8:00 - 8:20 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21
St. Thomas the Apostle
Holy Eucharist
Bible Study
Playgroup (0-12 months)
Centering Prayer
Overnight Shelter Ministry
Thursday, December 22
Morning Prayer
Playgroup (12-24 months)
* Pew Candle and Creche Set-up
Education for Ministry
Overnight Shelter Ministry
Friday, December 23
Men’s Small Group
Morning Prayer
Playgroup (24-36 months)
Centering Prayer
Friday Dinner Program
Overnight Shelter Ministry
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
O Rex Gentium
8:00 - 8:20 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
O Emmanuel
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
8:00 - 8:20 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Please note: the Church and Parish House will be closed
Mondays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
rection are the source of our new life in Christ, and bring us the grace
and power to live in faith and obedience.
The liturgy centers on the fact that God comes to us in and through
the material world. He came in the flesh of a human mother and lived
within a human family. He comes to us now in bread and wine. He
comes to the world in our flesh as we live in faithful obedience to him.
The pattern for that obedience is the Holy Family of Nazareth for
whom we give thanks today.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. © 2009 by Michael W. Merriman.
Bible Memorization Challenge — Week of December 18
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let
your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
— Philippians 4:4-5
O Come, Let Us Adore Him.
Twelve Days of Celebration
In a city that’s always changing, Christmas calls us back to familiar
traditions and draws us into new celebrations. We hope you will join us
to celebrate the timeless story of God’s love and presence with us, never
changing yet always offering something new.
CHRISTMAS EVE
Saturday, Dec. 24
3:00 p.m. Children’s Eucharist - A joyous, 45-minute service
especially appropriate for our youngest parishioners and
their families, with the Christmas story in tableau and
favorite seasonal hymns and carols.
5:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols - A traditional service of Scripture
readings and Christmas carols, with a homily from the
Rev. Brenda Husson, Rector. Begins with a choral prelude
at 4:30 p.m.
10:30 p.m. Festal Eucharist - Our version of “Midnight Mass,”
this is a beautiful and transcendent celebration of Holy
Communion by candlelight, including W.A. Mozart’s
Missa Brevis in G and all your favorite carols. Begins with
a 30-minute prelude of choral music at 10:00 p.m. The
Rev. Brenda Husson preaches and celebrates.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Sunday, Dec. 25
10:30 a.m. Festal Eucharist - A joyful service to celebrate the Nativity
of Our Lord. Traditional Christmas hymns and carols are
sung throughout the service by the choir and congregation.
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME
8:00 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017
Holy Eucharist - A quiet, spoken service in the Chapel.
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist - A traditional celebration of Holy
Communion with sermon, hymns, and music led by the
Canterbury Choir. All are welcome.
6:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion - An informal, contemplative
service that offers Scripture, poetry, instrumental music,
and ample time for reflection.
News & Notes
Pew Candle & Creche Set-up
Thu. Dec. 22, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Children are invited to come put up all of the Christmas pew candles
(poles, candle holders, candles & followers) and the Creche. A fun
way to help get ready for the Christmas services. Contact Vicki Hall
to learn more.
Epiphany Eucharist for Families
Jan. 5, 4:45 p.m.
Children and families are invited to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at a special service just for them, with plenty of King Cake to enjoy!
Contact Vicki Hall to learn more about our monthly family Eucharists.
Epiphany Lessons & Carols
Fri. Jan. 6, 6:00 p.m.
Conclude the Twelve Days of Christmas with a special candlelit service
for “Three Kings Day,” as the feast is also known. Remembering the
visit of the Magi to the Holy Family, we celebrate Jesus revealed as the
Messiah. Followed by a festive reception including traditional King
Cakes. All are welcome.
Faith & Anxiety: Parenting Forum
Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m.
Parents and non-parents alike are invited to join us for a special forum
with Dr. Michael Garfinkle, clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst
on “Faith & Anxiety,” considering issues of anxiety and depression
among children and youth.
Overnight Shelter Orientation
Jan. 8, 1:00 p.m., MAPC
Curious about St. James’ ministry with the homeless? Join our Mission team, Susana Ferrer and Catherine Jackson-Jordan, for an orientation and training, and consider whether this ministry might be for
you in the new year. Contact Catherine to RSVP or learn more.
Haiti Mission Trip Training
Sat. Jan. 28, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
In preparation for the youth mission trip (Feb. 18-21), all registered
participants will attend our mandatory training night. Contact Chris
Harding to learn more.
Traveling this season?
Remember our meals program and shelter guests! Donate unopened
travel-size toiletries for kits distributed during the holidays. Bar soap
is especially needed. Contact Susana Ferrer to learn more.
Remember St. James’ in your End of Year giving!
Every gift matters, and we are grateful for your support year-round.
Visit stjames.org/give today or make a gift of cash, credit, or check (by
Dec. 31), or stock (by Dec. 30). Contact Adele DeWitt for instructions or more information.
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 new life in Christ of those baptized here last Sunday: Charlotte
Glazer and Leigh & Philip Hojlo.
• for the marriage last weekend of Israel Islas Valeriano & Spencer Neyland,
brother of parishioner Margot Silverman.
• for the marriage yesterday at Holy Trinity, Palm Beach of Frederick Grace
& former parishioner and Primary Sunday School volunteer Catherine
Rawls, and for their new life together in Nashville.
• for St. James’ Christmas pageant last Sunday, and for the members of the
cast and crew, including more than 100 St. James’ children.
• for the presence and ministry among us of Lindsay Skedgell, who began
her work at St. James’ last Sunday as our new part-time media assistant.
• for the generosity of parishioners who have already made more than 250
pledges for 2017, and of all who share in the financial support of our
ministries.
Godspeed and blessings
• to Andrew Fuller, our part-time sound technician, who worked for many
years at St. James’ at Sunday services, weddings, and funerals before retiring
to Florida last month to be closer to his family.
•
•
•
•
Your prayers are requested
• for St. James’ this Advent, that we would be inspired to faithful
watchfulness, preparing the way for God in Christ to enlighten the darkness
of our lives and our world.
• for parishioners preparing for Baptisms in January, including the Curry
and Meade families.
• for members and friends of the parish who are sick, sorrowful, or in any
kind of trouble: Donald, Henry, David, Susan, Terry & Mary Jane, Mary
Cary, Mal, Elona, Carol, Lydia, Cynthia, Sally, Pam, Caroline & Michael,
Walterene, Mona, Sue, Bob, James Edward, Joan, Lois, Carmela, John,
Brian, Alice, Sara, Michael, Jen & Ulrik, Norman, Janet, Eula Mae, Carol,
Kathy, Jane, Lydia, Lilly, Richard, Laura, Sallie, Ann & Ben, Bob, Nick,
Chris, Lauren, Georgia, Alain & Stafford, Amanda, Jay & his family,
Jonathan, Koula, Sara, Blanche, Victor, Elizabeth, George, Carolyn &
David, Roy, Norma, Kari & Zoe, Warren, Casper, Valli, Seth, Wendel &
family, Jeanette, Iris, Sophie, Sue, Asher, Mady, Celeste, Kate, Marielle,
Jackie, Maria & her parents, Madison & Bryce, Lisa, Frank, Otto, Lisa,
•
•
Carmen, Manny, Milton, Alice Mary, Maurice, William, Max, Andy &
Sabra, Izabel, George, Veronica, Vicki, Fofo, Nati, Valerie, Noris, Stephanie,
Mimi, Rick, Doug, Barbara, Richard, Peter & Dianne, Lewie›s family,
Ben & Juergen, Chuck, Lynn, Kell, Josie, Jackie, Birgit & Kevin, Kunle,
Peter, Paulette, Bill, John, Alexander, Joanne, Prune, Jeff & Carl, George,
Lee McGee, Gingi, Emi, Nathan & Nicholas, the Kirkpatrick family,
Calvin, Martha, David, Tom, Becky, Martha, Ron, Meredith, Maggie &
Steve, Craig, Lynn, Theo, Allison, Hayden, Brandon, Lee, Douglas, Elai,
Vicky, Amy, Patricia, Ramon, Pelham, Roberto, Anthony, Nancy, Lenore
& Rutger, Zoey, David, Pat, Geraldine, Bruce, Mary & loved ones, Mary
Beth, Kate, Vishnunarayanan, Ah Li & parents, Clara, Fryjo, Leslie, Shari,
Phil, Paige, Jacqueline, Charles, Evan, Francesca, Amalie, Allegra, Anthony,
Viviane, Asha, Jane, Paul, Cubba, Alexander & Pamela.
for Zion Church, Dobbs Ferry, according to the Diocesan cycle of prayer.
for the United Dioceses of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh in the Church
of Ireland, for their people and ministries, and for the Rt. Rev. Ferran
Glenfield, bishop, according to the Anglican cycle of prayer.
for justice and peace in this city and nation; for those who serve the
common good in law enforcement and the courts; for the victims of racism,
injustice, and police brutality.
for all those elected to public office last month, for wisdom and grace in
the exercise of their duties, that by faithful administration and wise laws,
the rights and dignity of all may be protected, and our nation be a blessing
to other nations of the earth.
for all who are persecuted for their faith, including Christians in the
Middle East; for all refugees and all who welcome and serve those in need.
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,
Michael, Mark.
We commend to God’s never-failing care
• victims of war and violence throughout the world, including those killed
last Sunday at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo; all victims of terrorism;
migrants and refugees who have died fleeing danger; and Allan Brown of
the U.S. Army, killed in Afghanistan.
• all whom we love but see no more, including George Brannock; Michael
L. Rich; Mary R. “Mimi” Lowrey (Phoebe Stanton’s sister), for whom a
memorial service is scheduled for January in San Francisco; and Lorraine
Weaver.
The Vestry
Worship
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr. · Senior Warden · Sam Hutcheson, Junior Warden
The Rev. Brenda
Husson
Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4250
David Andryc
Jennifer Charrington
Katharine Fleming
Nancy Murray
Holly Heston Rochell
Marcy Sendax
Gordon Smith
Lisa Smith
Waddell Stillman
Anne Strassner
George Wade
Campbell Wharton
Mary Malhotra,
Vestry Officer for Stewardship
sundays
8:00 a.m. · Chapel Eucharist
9:10 a.m. · Holy Eucharist
11:15 a.m. · Choral Eucharist
6:00 p.m. · Candlelight Communion
weekdays
M, T, Th, F 8:00 a.m. · Morning Prayer
Wed. 8:00 a.m. · Holy Eucharist
Thu. 4:45 p.m. · Worship for Families
The Clergy & Lay Staff
centering prayer
Mon. 6:30 p.m.
Wed. 12:00 p.m.
Fri. 12:00 p.m.
The Rev. Ryan Fleenor
Associate Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4241
The Rev. William
Peyton
Associate Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4255
The Rev. Sarah Stewart
Rockwell Fellow
[email protected]
212-774-4256
Toby Anderson
Director of Operations
[email protected]
212-774-4235
Paula Azucena
Reception
212-774-4200
Open for prayer and meditation
Sunday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue. - Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Visit Us
Grace Beacham
Parish Life
[email protected]
212-774-4231
Zoraida Benitez
Hospitality
212-774-4220
Chetram Budhram
Worship & Sr. Maintenance
212-774-4200
Calvin Butler
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Isabel Chelli
Hospitality
[email protected]
212-774-4220
parish house hours
Mon. - Fri. · 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
Saadik Desane
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Adele DeWitt
Stewardship & Operations
[email protected]
212-774-4243
Chris Dickler
Communications
[email protected]
212-774-4244
Loraine Enlow
Children’s & Youth Choir
[email protected]
212-774-4204
Susana Ferrer
Mission & Outreach
[email protected]
212-774-4236
To reach any of us during the week,
or in case of pastoral emergency at
any time, call 212-774-4200.
stjames.org
Rosa Gentile
Assistant to the Rector
[email protected]
212-774-4251
Vicki Hall
Children & Families
[email protected]
212-774-4232
Chris Harding
Youth & Young Adults
[email protected]
212-774-4239
Catherine JacksonJordan, Mission Intern
[email protected]
212-774-4257
Matthew Leaycraft
Finance & Lay Associate
[email protected]
212-774-4240
St. James’ Church is a
community that actively
shares the love of Jesus
Christ with each other,
Cathy McAleer
Accounting
[email protected]
212-774-4238
Emil Ramirez
Maintenance
212-774-4200
Mercedes Rosario
Reception
[email protected]
212-774-4200
Joel Sosa
Property Manager
[email protected]
212-774-4200
Davis Wortman
Organ & Adult Choirs
[email protected]
212-774-4233
The Rev. Craig
Townsend
Dir. Rockwell Center for
Clergy Development
The Rev. Carol
Anderson
Non-stipendiary
Priest Associate
Jean-Claude Pelissier
Verger Emeritus
Stephen Tharp
Artist-in-Residence
our city and the world.
st. james’ is an episcopal church,
a member of the worldwide
anglican communion.