Due to recent developments in COVID-19, the session of St. James Presbyterian Church has voted to postpone in house worship through Sunday, April 26.
Please continue to access the website for Sunday Sermons and Lenten devotions.
If you have prayers or concerns please contact Theo Camara and these issues will be highlighted during the next online service. (stjamespresbyyouth@gmail.com)
PNC – How is the search for a new pastor coming? It is in progress! The PNC will be posting a short update to the website after each meeting to keep everyone at St. James aware of our progress. We began our work as soon as we were selected and have had three meetings, two of which were with representatives from Presbytery. There are notes from these meetings on the website. Some of the process is confidential, so the information in these notes will be what our responsibilities are, a general overview of the work we are doing and a timeline of our progress. Here is how to access the update section. Go to the St. James website (https://stjames-presby.org). Place your curser over the heading “Welcome to St. James” at the top of the home page. Scroll down to “St. James PNC Update” and click. The first update lists the names and contact information of each committee member in case you would like to ask a question directly to anyone on the PNC. If you have trouble navigating the website and would like a copy of the notes, please contact Karen McLaughlin at 717-497-3032 or kmcl105@aol.com and I will see that you get them.
LENTEN ADULT STUDY – Since 1634 the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, Germany, stage their world renown Passion Play, depicting the story of Jesus’ last days. This year, from May through October, approximately 2000 residents of Oberammergau will produce, direct and perform the Passion Play. Join the adult Sunday School Class throughout the season of Lent as we study Rob Fuquay’s, The Passion Play, which follows the biblical story of the Passion and discusses how over the centuries the play has been used both as a ritual of praise and a political weapon. This Lenten study begins March 1 at 9 a.m. in the library and will run through Easter Sunday.
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC MAKING –
We are pleased to announce that our St. James Kidz Music program is off to a great start, attracting several kiddos and their families. Also, our handbell choir is up and running at full speed. The current rehearsal schedule is:
1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6pm – Kidz Music. (cancelled March 15th)
2nd and 4th Thursdays at 6pm – Handbell Choir
Thursdays at 7pm – Adult Choir
Thursdays at 8:15 – Worship Team/Band
For more information or to sign up for a music opportunity, please contact Dr. Beth Trez at www.saintjamesmusicdirector@gmail.com. You can also check out what’s going on with St. James music at stjames-presby.org/music.
KIDZ MUSIC – Kidz Music is for kids in preschool to 1st grade on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evening at 6pm. Dr. Beth will teach kids about God’s love through songs, instruments and music! During that same time Sue Foster will be facilitating a devotion time with parents from the book “Night Light for Parents” by Dr. James and Shirley Dobson in Holy Grounds.
GIVE A RIDE – St James is starting a Give A Ride program for members of the congregation who are in need of transportation to medical appointments, church, the grocery store, etc. If you are able to provide a ride from time to time or are in need of a ride, please text or call Cathy Blauch at 717-586-6985. She will coordinate the program and try to ensure that rides are provided as needed. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy.
REQUEST FOR HELP – As you may have noticed we have had an ongoing issue with our front doors, we are now in the process of replacing both sets of front doors. We would appreciated any donations to help offset the cost of $ 21,000. If you would like to make a donation just mark church doors in the memo of your check. Thank you in advance for any help!
LENTEN ADULT STUDY – Since 1634 the inhabitants of the village of Oberammergau, in Bavaria, Germany, stage their world renown Passion Play, depicting the story of Jesus’ last days. This year, from May through October, approximately 2000 residents of Oberammergau will produce, direct and perform the Passion Play. Join the adult Sunday School Class throughout the season of Lent as we study Rob Fuquay’s, The Passion Play, which follows the biblical story of the Passion and discusses how over the centuries the play has been used both as a ritual of praise and a political weapon. This Lenten study begins March 1 at 9 a.m. in the library and will run through Easter Sunday.
NEW HOPE MINISTRIES – We are continuing our support of the New Hope Ministries Food Pantry. All food and personal care items are welcome. We will have featured items each month. Our featured items for February will be canned fish and canned meats.
NEXT LUNCH BUNCH – MARCH 1st – The first Sunday of each month, anyone interested in lunch and conversation is encouraged to gather in the lobby immediately following worship. Then we will choose a restaurant suiting our group size, call for a table, and head out together. Going to be delayed? Let Carol McNulty know and we will have a seat waiting for you!
PER CAPITA – Per Capita is an annual expense to St. James. We will be paying $27.20 for each confirmed member. Your donation to this expense is greatly appreciated. It is used to fund the operations and mission of the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. Please use the blue envelopes in your offering envelopes which is for the per capita. Thank you!
ATTENDANCE PADS – Please remember to pass & sign the member/guest registry at the end of your pew so we can keep in touch with you! Please write legibly and visitors please fill out all information.
SAVE THE DATE – The Fellowship committee has invited Laura Souders, a professional organizer, to speak at our church on Monday, March 30th at 7:00 p.m. You may recognize her from her frequent appearances on Good Day, PA .
