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

July 7th, 2024

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https://www.facebook.com/StJamesEpiscopalChurchMillCreek/


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Sunday Bulletin (July 7th)

As Jesus goes back home, it’s difficult to tell exactly when the perception of him changes. It’s almost as if they’ve heard about him, but they’re not sure the people have been right about who he is. As soon as they realize that it actually is the son of the carpenter who has been doing all these things, though, they turn on him quickly, saying, “That guy? Are you serious?”

 

“And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.”

 

For them and for Jesus this was a moment when everyone ended up being too close to something to see what they were seeing, as with that idiom, “Missing the forest for the trees.” We all know it’s possible to be too close to a situation to see the grace in it or the opportunities that exist, and so he has to go out, has to send the disciples out, to other places to be recharged, reinvigorated, and renewed. They go out with some kind of trust that what they need will be provided for them, and they found opportunities they couldn’t find closer to home.

 

We learn a lot about Jesus, the disciples, and the locals in this story, and we can learn something about ourselves, too, as we consider and wonder which role we’re playing in this story and in the story of our lives and the lives of those around us.

Beware of Suspicious Emails and Texts

 

An unfortunate feature of this modern world is that from time to time scammers will impersonate clergy in texts or emails with requests for donations, gift cards, or other favors.

 

Please know that the Parish Staff of St. James’ will not contact you in these ways. Simply delete the message and do not reply if you receive such a message purporting to be from St. James’ or Fr. Ben.


The parish office will be closed Thursday, July 4th for Independence Day. Thank you very much for your kindness and understanding.


Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!


It's June - Alzheimer's and brain awareness month.  


Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry on simple tasks. To learn more please go to www.alzheimer's.gov - Feel free to talk to me. I don't know everything but I know where the resources are.  

 

Margaret Russ - team captain of Russ's Angels.  


My team will be walking in the Walk to END Alzheimer's again this year at the Wilmington River Front.  

If you want to join our team the walk is Saturday 10/19/24 . Use the link below to join. Would love to have you.  

St. James has been a great support over the years, I want to give you the chance to help again this year.  

If you can donate there are three ways to do it.

  1.  Use the link to my page http://act.alz.org/goto/margaretruss
  2.  You can mail/hand me a check, written to Alzheimer's Association 
  3.  Or hand me cash at Church.  

Please feel free to reach out to me, Margaret Russ with any questions or to chat.  



russmags@hotmail.com

443-945-7230

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

 

Sunday Prayers of the People.  If you would like someone to be lifted in prayer at our Sunday service, please call the church office at 302-994-1584. The person's name will remain on the list for three weeks. If at that time you would like the person's name to remain on the list, please call the office again.

 

The parish prayer team continues to lift up prayer requests shared by parishioners through emails or calls to the church office, 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. 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.  



Proverbs 23:18


"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off."


A Prayer for Independence Day


Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


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

302.994.1584