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Weekly e-Epistle
from
St. James' Mill Creek
Wilmington, Delaware

June 9th, 2024

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Sunday Bulletin (June 9th)

When Jesus says, “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin,” the reader may begin to think, “Does that mean me? Am I guilty of an eternal sin? Have I blasphemed against the spirit?”

 

In that moment, the reader (who is, let’s be honest, actually us) may actually be asking the wrong question. The more appropriate question, which seems to get at what Jesus is saying, is “Where might I be actively ignoring the movement of the spirit in my life?” It’s in that ignoring or diminishing of the role of the Spirit that we begin to go astray, begin to miss our mark, begin to sin.

 

This section in Mark’s Gospel sets the stage for conflicts to come, and Jesus uses this as a moment to remind us of the importance of unity, of standing together in the midst of conflict or disagreement, and yet proclaiming our faith together. While it may seem like Jesus is casting off and putting people out, he’s really saying, “There’s a place here for all who wish to do the will of God.”

 

What is the will of God? Remembering the healing of the man with the withered hand, we remember that “the will of God,” as Mark understands it through Jesus, is whatever gives life, whatever restores to wholeness, whatever it is that allows someone to be fully who God has created them to be.

Emmanuel Dining Room ~ Thank you!


 Thank you, thank you!! - from the many (266) who were served at Emmanuel Dining Room on May 31st (and on June 1st they turned our remaining meatballs and sauce into goulash!)

St. James’ generosity and caring shone through again. Thanks to the volunteers who helped make PBJ sandwiches (see picture), brought in cookies, served the good food, and supported this ministry to make it all possible.

This is an ongoing ministry and we need your continued support to help the very needy people in Wilmington. We’re making lunch and serving again at the end of July and August. And in the summer, with school bring out if session, we serve many more children and families.

Please consider helping where you can.  Remember, every month with 31 days, we serve.


Beware of Scam Texts and Emails!

 


Fr. Ben nor anyone from St. James’ will solicit you via text message or email for gift cards of any kind. If you receive something that appears suspicious, please ignore the message and contact us at the Parish Office. Thanks to those of you who have called to verify, and please be sure to remind others about these ongoing scams.


Office Closed ~ June 13th


Due to Clergy Conference and Parish Admin Retreat the office will be closed Thursday, June 13th, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Monday Morning Bible Study Takes a Summer Break!

 

Our Monday Morning Bible Study will be taking a brief break. We’ll resume our meetings on September 9th. Enjoy your break, and we hope you’ll rejoin us when we resume!

 

Wednesdays at 10 AM - On Summer Break

 

Our Wednesday morning services will take a hiatus during the summer. Wednesday services will resume on September 11th at 10 AM.


St. James' Mission and Outreach updates

 

Sharing God’s gifts with others

Reaching out to those in need

And serving them with dignity and respect…



New Castle County HOPE Center-for Individuals and Families in need of temporary housing and support services.


What started as temporary housing during the cold weather of 2020-2021 has grown into a permanent center that provides housing and support services for individuals and families who are without adequate housing in New Castle County. New Castle County (NCC) purchased the former Sheraton Hotel on Airport Rd (now named the New Castle County HOPE Center) and kept the hotel management staff to keep the facility running.  Working together, many non-profit organizations including Family Promise provide various services and support for individuals and families to obtain emergency and more significant housing and medical, psychological, and job skills opportunities as well. The hotel can accommodate 400 and suites and adjoining rooms are given to families and enable households to stay together. Housing is coordinated through the Delaware Housing Alliance. 


If you know of anyone who needs this housing, please ask them to call 1-833-FIND-BED (1-833-3463-233) and leave a message.


How can you help?


Review the list below and see where you might be able to help.


 Current items needed:


  • Hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap (regular and travel size)
  • Individual sized peanut butter crackers, tuna, microwavable meals (pastas, soups, etc.)
  • Non-alcohol hand sanitizer
  • Tide pods or other laundry pods
  • NEW Underwear, and socks - all sizes, children through adult
  • New or gently used t-shirts and light jacket
  • New books for adults and children


Please drop the items off:


     ·        Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parish hall porch 

Please place your donations in the bin labeled Donations for HOPE Center on the porch of the parish hall. Liz will bring in the bin and any donated items at 12:30 p.m.

    ·        On Sunday, there is a container in the foyer of the church.

 We take the donations to the distribution center about every two weeks.


Thank you,


St. James' Mission/Outreach Ministry

Prayer Team Updates


The prayer team continues to lift up prayer requests shared by parishioners through emails or calls to the church office at 302-994-1584, to individual members of the prayer team, or requests left in the prayer basket in the church foyer. We collect the prayer requests and other concerns of the parish, community, and world. They are compiled weekly and then these requests are lifted up in the daily prayers of the team members. All are welcome and encouraged to share their prayers.


For those who have an immediate prayer need, we invite you to email your prayer needs and request to Carolyn Mack at cdmack37@gmail.com or call 302-565-8675

St. James' Pastoral Care Team


St. James' Pastoral Care Team continues to support our parish family and our community.

If you or someone you know is in need, we: 

·        send cards, make phone calls, and pray with you and/or for you.

·        Make home, hospital, and Eucharistic visits.


Please call the office (302-994-1584) and leave a message. Someone will get back to you. Messages are retrieved daily, seven days a week.


Please let us know if you need us or someone you know needs us. We will not know if you do not tell us.

“Blessful” Meditations


We all know that life can be a little stressful and hectic sometimes. We hope that by reading this short bible passage and watching a relaxing video will help you take a moment and reflect on God’s gifts.  



Deuteronomy 31:6 


Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

A Prayer for Sunday from the New Zealand Prayer Book


God,

you are our beginning and you will be our end;

we are made in your image and likeness.

We praise and thank you for this day.

This is the day on which you created light

and saw that it was good.

This is the day in whose early morning light

we discovered the tomb was empty,

and encountered Christ, the world’s true light.

For us your acts are gracious

and your love endures for ever. Amen.


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St. James' Mill Creek
2106 St. James Church Road
Wilmington, DE 19808

302.994.1584