St. James Preschool
 
As the end of summer draws near, we are eagerly anticipating the start of another preschool year. September, 2017 marks not only the beginning of the 47th year of the preschool, but also the beginning of a time of change for this program. I am excited about all the new and great things that are happening at the school and look forward to guiding us into the future.
 
In the Spring the Pre-k classes planted tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers in our new Edible Classroom, "the garden". Over the summer there will be a bountiful harvest that we will share with anyone who wants them. In addition, in the upcoming months we will install a chicken coop in the garden, under the maintenance of Stan Malone, which will house 4 chickens. Around October or November the chickens will begin laying eggs and the children will be able to use them in their cooking classes at school. Science abounds in our new Edible Classroom in many ways.  
Over the summer, we have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year. On August 28, our teachers return full of enthusiasm and overflowing with new ideas to begin preparation for the arrival of their children.  Anxious new parents, along with our savvy veterans, come for orientation on August 29, and finally, on September 5, the children's wing of the church will again bustle with sweet preschoolers.  It is so exciting!
Our philosophy states that as a ministry of St. James United Methodist Church, each person involved in the preschool is called to love as God loves and to provide a loving and creative environment for each and every child enrolled in the program. As we plan and prepare our events,
activities, and curriculum, we keep this philosophy and our mission
statement foremost in mind to ensure that all the children entrusted to our care have the best opportunity possible to thrive and develop. It is amazing to think how many children have been loved and cared for by this church ministry over the life of the school.
 
As always, the preschool will be hosting some wonderful events this year. They include: the Parent Social, book fair, and our annual carnival as the pre-eminent ones. We are grateful to all the members of the St. James community who have participated in our events in the past and invite each of you to visit our program and share again in our activities this
upcoming school year.
 
As we approach the 2017 preschool year, we look forward to all the good things a new year brings. We are proud to share in the ministries of St. James and pray to always reflect the values of this church. With God's guidance and the support of our wonderful church and preschool staff, our families, and the members of this congregation, we can
accomplish so much for the good of children and continue to grow as a preschool.  
 
Susan Viers
Preschool Director
                         
Welcome  - Rev. Jimmy Moor will be our guest preacher for both services on Sunday, July 9 as well as Sunday, July 16. Jimmy is a retired United Methodist minister in the North Georgia Conference and has served a variety of appointments including Director of Camp Glisson and as the pastor of Kingswood, St Mark, and most recently at First United Methodist Church of Tucker. Some of our church members also know Jimmy from his participation in Wednesday Pastoral Teaching. Rev. Moor retired in 2015.
 
Organ Update  - For nearly 50 years we have been blessed with the sounds of our magnificent Moeller pipe organ during our worship services. Now, after half a century with only routine repairs and maintenance, plus one expansion, it is time for a major overhaul. In addition an oboe section, made possible by an anonymous donor, will be added. We expect to have our organ back in operation by September.
 
Communion Offering  - Thank you to all who contributed to the School Supply Drive. We were able to collect $211.00 for this worthy cause.
 
Finance  - Thank you to all of you who contribute to the ministries of St. James. Just a reminder, if you contribute through a stock donation please let our Business Administrator know of your contribution in order for it to be reflected on your giving record.  Contact: swassel@stjamesatlanta.org
 
Back to School Drive  -  Please help us collect school supplies by picking up a "shopping list" in the Narthex or Church Office as we seek to send 100 students back to school with the proper tools and resources to succeed. Please bring back the supplies or donate money to help us reach our goal of filling 100 backpacks with supplies by Sunday, July 23.
 

Joint Adult Sunday School  - M eets at  9:45  every  Sunday  in the Joy  Sunday School Class (305-309).  All are welcome! Sunday, July 9, the class topic will be Emergent Christianity and will be led by Susan Lowery. The class on the following Sunday, July 16, will be lead by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Lobello Edwards.
 
Water Night at Food Trucks  - Come join us for food trucks every Sunday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. July 9 is water night, so come ready for a fun and wet evening! We will have a bouncy house on July 16!
 

 
  

WPT will resume on September 13 at 10 a.m. Possible book choices: What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell; Why did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road ? by Brian McLaren; Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott; and My Utmost by Macy Halford.
 

WNS has concluded for the season and will resume again on August 23. Have a great summer!
 




Patricia Evans--The Oaks, Carrollton
Billy Mears--Christian City Rehabilitation Center in Union City
Barbara Mitchell --Sunrise at Buckhead
Lawrence Montgomery--Manor Care of Marietta
Dot Moore--Hospice at Home
Linda Stephens --Briarwood Health and Rehabilitation Center on LaVista 

Sympathy--To Les Steiger and family on the passing of his father, Philip Steiger, on July 5 in Longmeadow, MA. Les and his family were together with his dad at the time. Funeral arrangements are for a service in Longmeadow on Wednesday, July 12.

    Additional concerns are listed outside the church office and in the Narthex.


Congratulations--To Emily and Andy Moon on the birth of their granddaughter, Eila Moon Burgess, on July 6, 2017, at NYU Langone Medical Center. The proud and happy parents are Beth Moon-Burgess and Abe Burgess.



   
Information  - To find information regarding activities and rentals, check the St. James website or e-mail activities@stjamesatlanta.org .



Sunday School  -  During the Sunday school hour this summer, children aged 4 years through 6th grade are invited to our summer program "Coloring Compassion" in room 109. Children's  Sunday  School will resume on Promotion Sunday, August 20.
 

Email Newsletter  - To receive the weekly St. James Kids, e-mail childrensministry@stjamesatlanta.org .
 
 
Information  - Please contact our Director of Music Ministry, Michael Ervin, with any music ministry related questions:   Mervin@stjamesatlanta.org



Sunday Night Youth (SNY)  - 6:00 p.m. in the youth room. No SNY on July 16 (Middle School Mission Trip).

Center for Civil and Human Rights  - We are making plans for the youth to travel on an educational trip to the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Transportation will be provided. More information to follow. Please see registration link: https://goo.gl/CP4q5S
 




Sunday, July 9
Sunday, July 16
"A Word to the Wise"
Rev. Jimmy Moor
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
 
Altar Flowers - Given to the Glory of God by Jack and Vivian Drennan in loving memory of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Jones and Mr. and Mrs. David Drennan.


"A Sower to Trust"
Rev. Jimmy Moor
Matthew 13:1-9
 
 Altar Flowers - Given to the Glory of God in loving memory of Andrew Liu by his wife, Bessie, and daughter, May Ting.







In Memory of Dr. Walter Gobbel
  ~ Laura McLemore

In Memory of Robert l. (Bob) Uhl  
  ~ Bernard and Mary Clare Kearse

In Memory of Robert l. (Bob) Uhl  
Organ Fund
  ~ Ben and Elaine Dooley
   


Sundays
Early Worship Service                   8:45 a.m.
Coloring Compassions                  9:45 a.m.
Adult Sunday School                     9:45 a.m.
Late Worship Service                   10:55 a.m.
Community Food Trucks              5:00 p.m.
Sunday Night Youth                      6:00 p.m.
*will not meet on 7.16

Mondays
Men's Prayer Group                       7:00 a.m

Tuesdays
Men's Fellowship Breakfast           7:00 a.m.
Toastmasters                                   6:45 p.m.

Wednesdays
Yoga - Aged to Perfection              2:00 p.m.
Yoga - Yoga for Life                       6:30 p.m.

Thursdays

Fridays

 Staff Directory
Senior Pastor
     Rev. Dr. John Simmons

Associate Pastor
     Rev . Emily Bagwell

Associate Pastor
     Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Lobello Edwards

Director of Family Ministries
     Erin Reed Cooper

Asst. Director of Youth Ministry
     Emily Porter

Interim Children's Associate
     Meredith Howell

Director of Music Ministry
     Michael Ervin

Assoc. Dir. Of Music Ministry
     Jill McCarden

Organist
     Craig Smith

Creative Worship Director
     Calissa Dauterman

Ministry Intern
     Matthew Johnson

Director of Activities Ministry
     Allen Whittaker

Business Administrator
     Shannan Wassel

Facilities Manager
     Stan Malone

Office Coordinator
     Dawn Terrizzi

Preschool Director
      Susan Viers

Nursery Coordinator
     Susannah Withers
 
Church Office          404.261.3121
Hours  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Preschool Office     404.237.7354
Hours  8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
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