A preview of what St. James children are up to - more to come!
'Tis the Season of 

Thoughts from the Director
Dear Families,

'Tis the Season to....rest, anticipate, hurry along, answer repeated questions of when is Christmas, school activity 1, school activity 2, school activity 3, etc. The list can go on and on about how busy this holiday season can be and all the time wondering how it got to be so crazy. I find myself with each passing moment to just be present, take a deep breath, and embrace the actuality of this time. I even bought a daily meditation for advent book to help me, and its almost been a week into advent and I honestly haven't even cracked open the book! 

But what got me excited about this meditation book was the introduction. "'Come, Lord Jesus' (Revelation 22:20), which are the final words of the bible. This makes our entire lives, and the life of the church, one huge 'advent.'...Remember, Advent is always - until the end of days." - Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent by Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

So alas, it is not too late. Gather your kids, grab some hot chocolate, check out those amazing Chrismas lights around town and sing, "O Come, O Come Emanuel...."


Blessings,
Chelsea Whipple
Director of Christian Formation
Sunday School
Godly Play ages 3 - 1st grade

The youngsters delved into the Advent season making their own advent wreath and ornaments of the Nativity scene. The various activities that Mrs. Sandra and Mrs. Amber keep them busy and always happy!
Episcopal Children's Curriculum (ECC) 2nd - 5th grade

Not to be outdone, the older students have enjoyed learning about Advent and Old Testament biblical figures. They get to dive deep into our Episcopal traditions and find out why we do some of the things we do!
Sunday school will resume on January 7th.
Save the Date for VBS!

Date: June 25-28

Theme: TBD - We will form a committee starting in February, if you'd like to be part of the planning committee we would love to have
 you! Send us an  email and let us know.
 

Christmas Pageant 
The Pageant is on December 17th at 10:00am in the Guild Hall and put on by children, youth, and adults for the congregation. Please come watch the story of Jesus' birth.
If you or your child would like to participate in the Christmas Pageant please come to the rehearsal the day before on December 16th, 10:00am in the Guild Hall. It is such a fun time for the kids and they always love being on stage!
Young Families Fellowship
Young Family Fellowship

Meets upstairs right outside the Children's area. Come join us every Sunday that Sunday school is in session. We will resume our regular meeting times on January 7th.

Have a Merry Christmas and an even crazier New Year!
Mark Your Calendars

December 10
 Breakfast Sunday and St. Nicholas Bazaar
9:30am Guild Hall
December 16
 Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant
10am Guild Hall
December 17
 Christmas Pageant
10:00am in the Guild Hall
December 18
 Greening of the Church
5:30pm
January 7
 Sunday School and YFF resumes
January 28
 Annual Meeting
10am Guild Hall

STAY CONNECTED:
St. James Episcopal Church | 316-683-5686 | www.stjameswichita.org