 |
|
Chapel Notes
Volume XLI Issue 15 | December Edition
|
Living in Days of Promise
Advent is the season that begins the Church's worship calendar. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and runs through Christmas Eve. We often think of Advent as a season to prepare for Christmas; a time to decorate our worship spaces and homes for celebrations around the birth of Christ; a time to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the real meaning of Christmas in our lives again. There is much more to Advent than just getting ready for Christmas.
Advent is derived from the Latin word for "arrival." In his preaching and teaching, Martin Luther talked about the three arrivals of Christ. The past arrival in Bethlehem which we prepare to celebrate again. The future arrival when all things are gathered into God's presence, which we still anticipate. Then there is the current arrival of Christ in our midst through God's Spirit. We also want to be ready so that we do not miss God's presence among us today.
During this season of Advent at St. James, we will hear again some of God's promises of appearing among us to bring gifts of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. We will remember how these promises came to birth in Jesus, how we long to see them fulfilled in God's future, and how we are called to live in the light of these promises today. I hope you will take advantage of the many worship, educational, and fellowship opportunities St. James provides during this season to help you live in the light of these promises.
Peace,
Max
|
|
Special Offering for Custodians
The Staff Parish Relations Committee invites you to make a contribution of thanks for Rogelio and José. Make checks payable to St. James UMC, with "Custodian Gift" in the memo line, or place your cash in an offering envelope and note your name and "Custodian Gift" on the front. Please have your gift in the church office no later than Tuesday, December 18.
Christmas Eve Carols and Cocoa
Looking for a relaxed, family-friendly activity on Christmas Eve? Join St. James for Carols and Cocoa in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 24. We will sing, drink cocoa, decorate cookies, and share the story of Christmas. Come after worship at 5:00 p.m. or bring your friends and family for a casual evening of fun and togetherness (pajamas welcome)!
New Year's Service of Storytelling
Join The Table on Sunday, December 30, at 5:00 PM for a service of storytelling. In the spirit of the new year, we will gather around the campfire for singing, s'mores, and the sharing of our stories of new beginnings. Bring a friend, and come for a cozy time of worship and fellowship!
Holiday Chapel Notes Schedule
The next edition of Chapel Notes will be released on Friday, January 4, to adjust for the holidays.
Calling All Makers!
Do you draw, paint, or craft? Love taking photos, writing, knitting, or making things with your hands? We're looking for you! Beginning this January, St. James will launch a new group aimed at using our creativity to enhance our spiritual lives through fellowship and worship. Makers of all ages are encouraged to be a part of this ministry. Stay tuned for info about an interest meeting in early January!
Auditions for 3 p.m. Christmas Eve Speaking Roles
Auditions will be held on Wednesday, December 5 from 4:45 p.m.- 5:45 p.m. for speaking roles at the 3 p.m. Christmas Eve service. There are 12 costumed, character roles available to all children of the church in grades 1-6 (do not have to be Children's Choir participants). There are also 2 roles available to youth in grades 7-8 (Narrator and Facilitator).
If cast for a role, children/youth will need to be present on the following dates:
- Wednesday, December 12 - 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 19 - 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
(4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. for 2 youth parts)
- Monday, December 24 - 2:00 p.m. rehearsal and 3:00 p.m.
service.
|
Wednesday Night Supper (WNS)
Join us Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. for supper. RSVP or make a permanent registration by completing the pew card, calling the church office, or at
stjamesatlanta.org/wns by noon on Monday. The programming for December WNS is included below.
- December 5 - Carols around the Table
- December 12 - Love Feast
- December 19 - NO WNS
- December 26 - NO WNS in observance of Christmas
|
|
Wednesday Pastoral Teaching
|
Wednesday Pastoral Teaching (WPT)
Join us for WPT on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. This month we are discussing The First Christmas by Marcus J. Borg and John Dominic Crossan. Copies are available for purchase in the Church Office.
|
Each year at Christmas time, the St. James family can think of no better way to honor and greet our great friends than to contribute to the Christmas Card fund. Instead of sending greeting cards, we give the amount we WOULD have spent on cards and postage to the Christmas Card Fund. This year the proceeds will go toward defraying the cost of our International Mission trip to Costa Rica and the youth mission to the Bahamas. Please have your contribution in by December 9, in order for your greeting to be announced in the bulletin on December 16. Make checks payable to St. James UMC, with "Christmas Card Fund" in the memo line. Thanks!
Shoe Drive for Uganda
St. James UMC member Riley Buehner, is collecting shoes for Ugandan Scouts, and will deliver them this December when travelling to Uganda. Please drop off gently used tennis shoes, flip-flops and sandals outside the Narthex every Sunday through December 24. Large shoe sizes are especially needed, but all sizes are welcome. Monetary donations for the purchase of shoes are also welcome.
Make Wishes Come True for the UM Children's Home
In this season of Advent, The Table is collecting gifts to support the United
Methodist Children's Home! Wish Lists can be picked up outside the church office or at worship at The Table. Gifts from the Wish List will be given directly to 140 children in the Children's Home's Foster Care ministry and another 40 young adults and families in their residential programs. If you would like to be part of making Christmas special for these families, bring new and unwrapped gifts to the donation basket outside the church office by Sunday, December 9.
Christmas Eve Offering
This Christmas Eve our offering will go to support our mission partners Buckhead Christian Ministries and Action Ministries. Both of these organizations share the love of Christ with people who are experiencing hardships and during this season of gift giving what better way to spread Christmas joy than to give to those who are in need. Offering will be taken at all our Christmas Eve Services (December 24
3:00 p.m.,
5:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.) as well as our Cocoa and Carols gathering at 7:00 p.m.
As we approach the year's end, I recall all of the great things that St. James UMC offers and has accomplished. From three excellent worship experiences each week, to dozens of small groups for adults, youth, and children, we are creating meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in faith. In addition, our Children's Ministry hosted over 140 children for VBS, our Youth Ministry anticipates a Confirmation class of 16 young people, and our Music Ministry is reaching our community through music lessons and growing children's choirs. Plus, St. James has made an impact in the world through countless mission activities, such as packing backpacks for Woodward Elementary, a Habitat for Humanity build, serving at Trinity Table, and the Costa Rica mission trip. All of these great achievements and experiences are made possible through your generous support of St. James and its ministries. Take time this month to prayerfully consider contributing to the 2019 budget so that we can increase our impact on this community and around the world. I will be in the fellowship hall after both morning worship services on Sunday, December 9th to share more about 2018 and our projected 2019 budgets.
- William Schoeffler, Finance Chair
Christmas International House (CIH)
Christmas International House is a ministry of hospitality for international college and graduate students during their winter break, allowing them to travel to a new city and stay in an American home to learn about our culture and experience
first-hand how we celebrate Christmas. AMIS is looking for hosts for 3-4 nights anytime during December 18 to January 2. Find out more online at:
amis-inc.org, or email:
[email protected], or call: 404-846-4396.
|
New Sunday School Class
A new Sunday School class geared toward parents of young children is gathering on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. in Room 305. Come as you are, and meet with other people navigating the parenting years. During the class we will study a variety of topics designed to help us grow in our faith, and as parents. For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Lobello Edwards at
[email protected]. If you are not a parent of a young child, St. James has other opportunities to connect. Contact Elizabeth to discuss our other options.
We'd love for you to join us on February 8 - 10, 2019 at the St. James UMC Women's Retreat "Be Deeply Loved" in Seagrove, Florida! Together we'll explore how to be deeply loved by God: how to recognize it, own it, revel in it, and share it. Along the way, we'll make prayer beads, relax by the beach, enjoy wonderful food, and delight in each other's company-all signs of God's deep love for us. Find more details and sign up at
stjamesatlanta.org/event/womens-retreat/ or contact the church office. A $50 deposit is required upon registration.
|
2019 PEP Winter/Spring Registration
Registration for Preschool Enrichment Programs begins on November 30. All Fall classes will be returning for 2019. More information and online registration can be found online at
stjamesatlanta.org/PEP.
Need to brush up on your speaking & leadership skills? Come join us at the Brookhaven Toastmasters Club! We normally meet every Tuesday from 6:45 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. in the church parlor. Because of the holidays, our meeting dates for December will be the 4th and 18th. Please contact our President, Jessica Heilweil (
[email protected]) for more information.
|
Baby's First Christmas
Will this be your child's first Christmas? Please join us in the Fellowship Hall at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 2 as we commemorate the season with fellowship, fun, and a take-home for your family.
Please join us on Saturday, December 8 at 9:30 a.m. This one-day experience will immerse children ages 3 - 4th grade in the story of Christmas through crafts, drama, goodies and games. 5th and 6th Graders will participate as "Junior Helpers" for the day. Learn more and register online at
stjamesatlanta.org/childrens-ministry/countdown-to-christmas/
Crawl to Christmas
Please join us on Saturday, December 8 at 9:45 a.m. While the "big kids" are busy with Countdown to Christmas, children age 4 and under (and their parents) are invited to gather with the younger members of St. James Tots for coffee, play time and fellowship in the Parlor.
Information
All children have a place to be involved at St. James! From 6th grade all the way down to birth, we have a group for you and your family. For more information, contact [email protected]!
|
Join us on Sunday, December 16, as we celebrate the season together. Instead of Sunday Night Youth, we will be partying at The Middleton Home. We'd love to see you and a friend there, you can sign up online at
Wednesday Night Youth
Wednesday Night Youth is coming in January! We will be starting programming for 7th -12th Graders from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. There is Wednesday Night Supper prior to the programs starting at 5:45 p.m. On nights where there is no Wednesday Night Supper, there will be no Wednesday Night Youth. We hope you will join us!
Email Newsletter
|
Holiday Chapel Notes Schedule
The next edition of Chapel Notes will be released on Friday, January 4, to adjust for the holidays.
|
In Honor of Pat Bowles
Jerry & Janice Gallagher
In Honor of Cynthia Lyon
Jerry & Janice Gallagher
In Memory of Eddie Austin
Skip Malone
Bill & Pam Denny Barnett
In Memory of Maura Binkley
Thomas & Peggy Bynum
Azalee Wight Class -
Cairo United Methodist
In Memory of Hal Collins
Jeffrey Powalisz
Planned PEThood of GA, Inc.
Marsha Reimink
Edward & Mary Ritter
In Memory of Lyn Ford
Deborah Bovaird
Tom & Nancy Vice
In Memory of Dick Kite and Helen Kite
Bill & Pam Denny Barnett
In Memory of Helen Kite
Bessie & May Ting Liu
In Memory of Julia Oliver
Elizabeth Wilson
In Memory of Dot Schwotzer
Bill & Pam Denny Barnett
Frank & Marilyn Humphreys
George & Kay Rogers
Alex & Mary Miltiades
Catherine Vana
Frank Mims
Seeber Family
James & Linda Hurley
United Fidelity SS
Unity Circle
Midge Gardner
Bessie & May Ting Liu
In Memory of Peaches (Tink Trexler's dog)
Tom & Nancy Vice
In Memory of Rebecca S. Van Marter
Neal Van Marter
(Fellowship Hall)
|
|
Celebrations and Concerns
|
Trisha Evans-Son Scott Evans' home (Carrolton)
Barbara Mitchell
-
Sunrise (Buckhead)
Gerre Moddelmog
-
Lenbrook Rehab
Lawrence Montgomery
-
Mann House (Sandy Springs)
Wayne Paulk
-
Pruitt Healthcare
Sympathy to the family of Maura Binkley who died on Friday, November 1. A life-long member of our church family and a student at FSU, Maura was one of two people killed in the yoga studio shooting in Tallahassee on November 1. Her parents Jeff and Margaret Binkley, her brother Sean Binkley, and her great-aunt Helen Hinson are all members of St. James UMC. A memorial service was held on November 25 in the Sanctuary.
Sympathy to Malcolm "Jock" Horrell III, his sister Gail Busby, and their family, on the death of their mother Ann Horrell, who died at the age of 93. Ann was a long-time member of our church family, and originally joined in 1969. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. on November 16 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, GA.
Sympathy to Phil Youngberg, on the death of his wife, Lynn Ford, who died on November 14. Please join us in praying for Phil.
Sympathy to Cary Cox on the death of her mother, Betty Ellington Cox, on November 5. A memorial service was held on November 10.
Congratulations to Jason and Meredith Howell on the birth of their son, William Huntley (Hunt) Howell, on November 25. Hunt weighed in at just under 9 pounds and measured 21 inches at birth. Mom and baby are doing well, and sisters Lena and Lillian are delighted to welcome their new brother!
|
Sunday, December 2
"Promise of Hope"
8:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Rev. Max Vincent
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36
Altar flowers are given to the Glory of God in loving memory
of Laura Newsom Smith and Nell Smith Gomez by Craig Smith.
Sunday, December 9
"Promise of Love"
8:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Rev. AnnaKate Rawles
Luke 3:1-6
Altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of our mothers, Elizabeth Harding Moss and Marie Bayruns Salyers, by their children
Elizabeth Moss Salyers and Douglas Donnelly Salyers.
Sunday, December 16
"Promise of Joy"
8:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Rev. Max Vincent
Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7
Altar flowers are given by Tink Trexler in loving memory of her husband, Bud.
Sunday, December 23
"Promise of Peace"
8:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Rev. Max Vincent
Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:47-55
Altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in grateful memory for the life of David William Folsom by Janet, Leon, and Lamar Folsom.
Sunday, December 30
"Promise of Peace"
Wesley Covenant Service
8:45 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. Rev. AnnaKate Rawles
Altar flowers are given to the Glory of God by Sylvia and Cliff Bates
in loving memory of Barbara and Charles Bates, parents of Cliff Bates.
|
|
The Table - Modern Worship
|
Sunday, December 2 - Advent Service of Preparation
"The Promise of Hope"
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Come deck the halls with us as we prepare for Advent in worship!
Sunday, December 9
"The Promise of Love"
5:00 p.m. Rev. AnnaKate Rawles
Luke 1:68-79
Sunday, December 16
"The Promise of Joy"
5:00 p.m. Rev. Max Vincent
Luke 1:39-55
Sunday, December 23
5:00 p.m. The Promise of Peace
A Modern Service of Lessons and Carols.
Sunday, December 30 - New Year's Storytelling Service
Join us around the campfire for singing, s'mores, and the sharing of stories
|
Longest Night Worship Service
Christmas is a time of joy and expectation, but it can also be a time of sadness and grief. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregation and community. This worship service is the opportunity to mourn, to lift up the situations in our lives that make Christmas difficult, and to reach out to God seeking healing and hope. Any and all are invited to St James Longest Night service on Friday, December 21 at 6 p.m.
|
Sundays
|
Early Worship Service
|
8:45 a.m.
|
Sunday School
|
9:45 a.m.
|
Chancel Choir
|
10:30 a.m.
|
Worship Service
|
10:55 a.m.
|
The Table Atlanta
|
5:00 p.m.
|
| Sunday Night Youth |
6:00 p.m. |
| Disciple Bible Study |
6:15 p.m. |
Mondays
|
Men's Prayer Group
|
7:00 a.m.
|
Tuesdays
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
|
7:00 a.m.
|
Toastmasters
|
6:45 p.m.
|
Wednesdays
| Wednesday Pastoral Teaching |
10:00 a.m. |
| Children's Choirs |
5:15 p.m. |
| Women's Ensemble |
5:15 p.m. |
| Wednesday Night Supper |
5:45 p.m. |
Chancel Choir
|
7:30 p.m.
|
Boy Scouts
|
7:30 p.m. |
Thursdays
Fridays
| Praying Mom's Book Club |
9:15 a.m. |
Saturdays
*The Church office will on December 23 and will reopen on January 2.
|
|
Senior Pastor
Rev. Max Vincent
Associate Pastor
Rev. AnnaKate Rawles
Associate Pastor
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Lobello Edwards
Director of Family Ministries
Rev. Dr. Erin Reed Cooper
Assoc. Dir. of Children's Ministries
Meredith Howell
Assoc. Dir. of Youth Ministries
Ryan Willette
Director of Music Ministry
Michael Ervin
Assoc. Dir. Of Music Ministry
Jill McCarden
Organist
Dr. Craig Smith
|
Creative Worship Director / Director of Marketing & Communications
Calissa Dauterman
Director of Activities Ministry
Allen Whittaker
Business Administrator
Shannan Wassel
Facilities Manager
Stan Malone
Administrative Assistant
Shanelle Calvin
Preschool Director
Susan Viers
Nursery Coordinator
Susannah Withers
|
|
|
* The next Chapel Notes deadline is Monday, September 25.
|
|
Church Office 404.261.3121
Hours M-Th | 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
F | 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Preschool Office 404.237.7354
Hours 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Don't want to receive this newsletter, but still want to remain in touch with St. James UMC? Select the "Update Profile" link below to choose which emails you want to receive.
|
|
|
|
|
