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

April 28th, 2024

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Sunday Bulletin (April 28th)

Jesus says to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my father is the vinegrower,” and he goes on with some nice gardening imagery and metaphors about what happens when “the vine” is tended to and cared for. Dead branches are removed, and fruitful branches are pruned. The debris is taken away, and the healthy portions are allowed to thrive.

 

We see, though, that it’s not us who gets to make that choice or decision. Instead, it’s God who tends the vine. And that makes me wonder, how aware are we of the workings of God in our lives and our world? What are we holding on to, and are there some things that can’t grow because there is too much debris surrounding them? Or, is something waiting to thrive if we just give it a little more room to grow?

 

This image of pruning, though, isn’t meant to frighten us. Instead, it’s meant to remind us that Christ’s desire is for those who are in relationship with him to thrive and to bear fruit for the kingdom of God. As we approach our Annual Meeting (Sunday, April 28th following our service!), I hope you’ve had some time to think about the “joys” and “hopes” we’ve encouraged you to ponder. This way of thinking about what’s happening in our life together also helps us see what branches need to be “pruned” so that more fruit can thrive in the area of the kingdom of God that’s been entrusted to our care.

The Annual meeting will be Sunday, April 28th, 2024 following the 9:30am service. The Vestry will also provide brunch. During the Annual meeting we will be voting for 5 people to serve on the Vestry. Vestry members serve a 2 year term. The following people have been nominated for Vestry:


Ed Burdick

Val Hall

Chuck Haywood

Carolyn Joynt

David Niehaus

Prayer List Refresh

 

As the new month begins, please remember that our Sunday prayer will be refreshed at the beginning of each month. Names called in to the office will be prayed for beginning the first Sunday in May, and as names are added, they will be prayed for in succeeding weeks. When the next month begins, the prayer list will refresh again, and we invite you to call and add your requests at the first of next month.

 

As always, we invite you to add your own prayers either silently or aloud during the Prayers of the People each Sunday. Thank you for your continued and prayerful support of one another and all whom you hold in your prayers. 

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.  


Psalm 62:5-6


"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

Prayer for Wednesday from A New Zealand Prayer Book



O God,

the author of peace and lover of concord;

to know you is eternal life,

to serve you is perfect freedom.

Defend us your servants in every stress and danger,

that we may trust in your defense

and not fear the power of any adversaries;

through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Amen.


Let Me Compose…

 



Let us remember all that is cost Him to keep His promise.

He sent out an invitation to us through His Son,

Impending our arrival, The Father stands at the gate smiling.

Forever Faithful. Forever True.

 

Come seek, Him. He will be and is your guiding light.

He came. He died.

Even for those who are not yet…Faithful-True.

He gave up His life willingly so that we can find the life, “promised”.

For the ones here and the ones called home.

Forever Faithful. Forever True.

 

He desperately wants us to trust-believe in Him and His word.

That trust-belief strengthen-enables us.

Because He knows, we cannot handle or endure all things on our own.

 

Trust-believe, pierced for our transgressions and set us “free”!

With sorrowful eyes that hold all the love-passion…. “so divine”.

As He laid His pierced scar hand in mine.

 

Remember God and His love will strengthen-guard you as you walk the

Path of this transitory life.

So when we awake, Your Presence will be filled with an overabundance of;

Joy-Peace-Love.

To those who remain:

Forever Faithful. Forever True. 


By Faye Hart

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

302.994.1584