The Mind of Christ
Sunday of the Passion (a.k.a. Palm Sunday) begins the emotional journey of Holy Week. Palm Sunday and Good Friday are times to pull out our betrayals and look at them. Having been betrayed by one of his disciples, one of his closest friends, was certainly the experience of our Savior.
I think it is a good thing to try to imagine the human feelings Jesus was having. If you have been betrayed by someone close to you, then you will be familiar with the disbelief, the pain, and the wondering we do in our memory, trying to look back to identify a moment when we should have seen it coming. Usually; however, we can’t see it coming. Betrayal is unexpected in the midst of a trusting relationship. Betrayal is something that happens between people where one member of the party is actively investing love and planning for their future life – until the discovery of the betrayal. Once the betrayal is known, a corruption of the relationship ensues. This is true whether you were the betrayed or the one who betrayed. Both heavy, but different burdens to bear.
The point of getting close to your own feelings about betrayal is the attempt to get close to something Jesus experienced. If we can manage to identify with him in what it feels like to be betrayed, then maybe we can begin to stretch our imagination a little further. What must it have been like to be hanging from a cross and to look out upon so many people you had known and loved? Or people you had never seen before, who sought not to offer compassion, or actively sought your further pain and destruction. How could Jesus, in that situation, look out over the world, have compassion for the crowd and say: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
May you be present with us in our commemoration of Jesus’ suffering and Christ’s victory over it. Yours in Christ,
Mother Dawn+
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Wine Returns to the Common Cup On Easter, and thereafter, we will share Communion in both kinds: the blessed bread and the wine. Worshipers may partake of the blessed wine by sipping from the common cup. Intinction (the practice of dipping the wafer into the wine) will not be used. will not be permitted. Dipping the consecrated bread into the chalice carries a high likelihood of fingers touching or plunging into the wine itself. This is an unclean and unsafe practice. While many people have waited anxiously for consecrated wine to return to use, others may come to it with a deep sense of apprehension. We are fully supportive of anyone who still chooses to wear a face mask, keep their distance, or refrain from the common cup.
Guild Hall Players presents His Passover, a theatrical celebration of the Last Supper featuring Father Dillon in the Jesus role. This perfect event for Palm Sunday weekend will be presented Friday, April 8 through Saturday April 9 at 8 pm and Sunday April 10 at 7 pm. Due to the nature of the production, no admission will be charged. Audience members can donate as they choose. Reservations 683-5686
Palm Crosses. Have you ever wondered how the Altar Guild creates those crosses that are handed out at the Palm Sunday Services? Now is your chance to learn, we will be meeting in the Lounge at 9 am Saturday, April 9. All are welcome and you need not be a member of the Altar Guild to participate.
Plans are being made for the 92nd Annual Tea and we need your help. Please email Randy Harrison at rharrison.ict@outlook.com or contact the church office. We are looking for people to help with: Bake Sales, Plant Sales and more. We will need baked goods: tea-sized sweets, cookies and bars, items for the bake sale, and musicians. Kitchen help too. Five weeks to go. Thanks! Randy Harrison, 2022 Tea Coordinator.
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Nothing will bring World Peace faster than the opening of our lives to cultures and religions unlike ours. Sister Joan Chittister.
The registration fee is $25 via Zoom and $50 in person.
Deadline to register: April 16
A few volunteers are needed to assist with welcome and hospitality. Please volunteer as we welcome others from across the diocese for this special event. Call or email the church office.
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100th Anniversary
Capital Campaign
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To date, we have 38 donors to the Centennial Capital Campaign, with donations and pledges totaling $285,757, which is 76% of our $375,000 goal.
As a reminder, we are trying to raise $375,000. Please remember that you can pledge over a three-year period. No pledge is too small. We value all contributions. All contributors will be named on a plaque at the end of the campaign. If you have any questions about the campaign, please talk to Mother Dawn, Joan Moore or Woody Swain.
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100th Anniversary Labyrinth |
Plans are in the works for the Labyrinth. Memorial Day weekend is our goal to start on the installation. If you would like to buy a brick, or several, there is still time, through April 15. Click here for more information.
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Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lessons appointed for Sunday of the Passion
Palm Sunday
The Liturgy of the Palms
The Liturgy of the Word
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The Good Friday Offering 100 is celebrating a century of gifts rejoicing in 2000 years of good news. Money given at the Good Friday service will be go to DFMS Protestant Episcopal Church.
We would like to thank everyone who donated to the IRC for the refugees coming to Wichita. The IRC was overwhelmed by our generosity. Please know that all items will be going to help families set up new lives. Thank you!!!
Adult Forum: Going off the Lectionary Grid will pick up again after Easter Sunday. All are welcome!
Saturday, April 9 and 23, are our gardening dates in April. gardening work. The crew will continue with raking, pruning and general cleanup. Any and all help is invited for the Volunteers generally meet at 9 a.m.
Earth Day Earth Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. Special prayers for Creation will be included in the liturgy.
New Acolyte Training Anyone desiring to begin service as an acolyte is invited to an introductory training session on Sunday, May 1st. The training will be held in the church and will begin shortly after the 10:45 service. Acolytes carry torches (candles), carry the cross, ring the bells, and assist clergy at the altar. Lectors and chalice bearers are trained separately.
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Children and Youth
Calling all Kids: The Easter Egg Hunt will be at 10 a.m. on Easter. Happy Hunting!
If you picked up a bag of empty Easter eggs please return them filled by 8:30 a.m. on Easter day. The Easter Egg Hunt for the kids will take place at 10 am on Easter day.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Paxton Blessing Box! You can drop off food at anytime, please leave items on the stairs next to the Church office Please donate non-perishable goods and hygiene products. Read more
Outreach
The St. James Outreach Committee will meet a week earlier and a half hour earlier than usual on Tuesday, April 19 at 3:30 p.m. in the church lounge. We will plan our suitcase drive for foster children, and we will plan our work for the 100 Year Project, the restoration of several Family Visitation rooms at St. Francis Ministries. You are invited to come and share your ideas.
The Outreach Committee wishes to thank St. James for this years Undies Sunday Drive. It was very successful. We collected a total of 3075 new items and of this amount 2741 were diapers in assorted sizes. Thanks for your support. Mary Klocke, Chair
As we approach Earth Day on April 22, the St. James Creation Care Committee continues to explore options for St. James to consider regarding energy efficiency, native plants, recycling, and other ways that we can make a positive impact. Check the E-Tower every week for more information and check our website for updates on legislation and other information. You can access it by going to the St. James webpage and clicking on Creation Care.
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Wichita Minster News
The Musical Service of Tenebrae The service of Tenebrae will be offered to the Wichita Minster at St. John's Episcopal Church, downtown, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 13th in Holy Week.
Father Dillon is offering Morning Prayer by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Morning Prayer Zoom Link.
YAW (Young Adults Wichita) is a ministry of the Wichita Minster led by Father Dillon. It includes members from St. James, St. John’s, Good Shepherd, and St. Stephen’s. We meet weekly, currently Mondays at 6 p.m. (time/dates subject to change). If you know anyone interested in participating, please connect them with Dillon at 256-762-5110 or at dillongreen7@gmail.com. If you aren’t a young adult (18-35) and want to be involved, we are always looking for people to provide meals for the group each week. Instructions are to prepare for six to 10 people. If you’re interested in helping out that way, please contact Dillon.
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Holy Week and Easter Service Schedule |
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Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)
Saturday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m.
(sign up ahead of time to participate in dramatic reading at the 10:45 a.m. service)
Holy Wednesday, April 13 at 12:15 p.m. - Service of Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
Maundy Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. - Service of Foot Washing, Celebration of the Institution of the Holy Eucharist, and the stripping of the altar
Maundy Thursday into Good Friday, 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Overnight Watch in the Chapel
(sign up on the sheet outside the chapel)
Good Friday, April 15 at 11:00 a.m. - The Stations of the Cross
Good Friday, April 15 at 12:00 p.m. - The Good Friday Liturgy
Holy Saturday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m. - Holy Saturday Liturgy
(practice for Easter Vigil service immediately following the service)
Sunday of the Resurrection
Easter Sunday, April 17 at 6:00 a.m. - The Great Vigil of Easter & Holy Eucharist
(begins with lighting of the new fire outside, and entrance into the church by the light of hand-candles)
Easter Sunday, April 17 at 8:30 a.m. - Festival Service of Holy Eucharist
Easter Sunday, April 17 at 10:45 a.m. - Festival of Holy Eucharist
Easter Sunday at 10:00 a.m. - Easter Egg Hunt (churchyard, weather permitting)
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Parish Prayers for the Week of April 8
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For our seminarian: Maddy Bishop
Pray for those serving in the military: Will Corkins, J. David Anderson-Lusk and Maureen Tanner.
Pray for those who have died: Glenna Kleinkauf, Jan Moreland (Jarl’s mother), Mike (brother of Cathy Wuu), Horace Edwards (father of Adrienne Edwards) Jean Showalter Lehr, Sallie Hager, (mother of Deb Hager),
Pray for those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness or any other adversity: Susie R., Gary & Taci F., Sue R., Ashley M., Phil S., Isabella, Cathy W., Helen B., Marcia & Lowell, Bill & Carolyn, Dave W., Carole, Kitty, Luree, Laura S., Bob & Sue, Marge, Pam M., Dal, Gus, Joan J., Martha, Betty, Sage, Joseph, Sam & Beth, Jerry, Robin S., Joy J., Judy T.
Our Parish Prayer List: All members of our parish community are asked to pray for each person on our prayer list. To share your prayers of thanksgiving (births, weddings, new jobs, anniversaries, etc.), to notify us that someone you love is serving in the military, to share that you or someone you love is suffering, or to tell us of a death, please call 316-683-5686 or email office@stjameswichita.org.
If your prayers have been answered,
we would love to rejoice with you.
Please let us know so your name may be removed
from our list of people most urgently in need. Thank you.
Prayers for Lent
Lord of all the earth, be present with the people of Ukraine. Grant that wise and peaceable counsels may yet prevail. We pray for all who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit will comfort them. And we pray for those who have influence over tomorrow, that your Spirit will convict them and call them into compassion. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Prayers from Bishop Cathleen |
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Dear Beloved members of the Diocese of Kansas,
As we witness the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and wonder what the radiating seismic impacts may be, we are reminded that in the Risen Presence of Jesus we have a Living Hope. These verses of 1 Peter, addressed to people dispersed and disenfranchised by political turmoil and violence, speak to me today:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Our Living Hope includes prayer. Let us pray as individuals and in our parishes for the people of Ukraine and all of those involved in this conflict. I ask all parishes to include prayers for Ukraine, for leaders of state and the military, for all those affected by the conflict, and for peace. Please include these prayers in the Prayers of the People this Sunday and throughout Lent. Of course there are wonderfully appropriate prayers in our own Book of Common Prayer.
- O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. - BCP 820
- Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. - BCP 816
Our staff has also gathered prayers from a variety of sources that can be accessed on our diocesan website.
Our Living Hope also includes care for those who suffer. As needs become known and avenues of aid become apparent, I ask parishes to remain open to the sharing of resources widely. Care also for those who suffer anxiety or personal grief. As part of the world-wide Anglican Communion, we have a network of support in such times. I commend both Episcopal Relief and Development and Episcopal Migration Ministries as meaningful ways to respond to this conflict. Both of these organizations are positioned to help those directly affected in the region.
Our Living Hope includes advocacy. Please remain in contact with our national leaders and those making decisions for the welfare of the world. May your Christian values guide communication with them.
As the Apostle wrote, may grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Sincerely,
+Cathleen
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