St. James’ publishes a weekly newsletter sent out by e-mail. This is that newsletter for your convenience.
Date of Sunday Service: November 11
23 Pentecost
Bible Verse
"We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died."
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Pulpit Notes
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write with remarkable gratitude in my heard for the love and affection you showed me this past weekend. What a wonderful celebration.
But I also write with a certain weariness and sadness. In one month, we have had two horrific mass shootings that killed or injured nearly 600 people. That doesn’t count the many other smaller mass shootings (defined as four or more shot, not including the perpetrator).
This letter is not about gun control, though we can have that debate later if you would like. It is about the phrase “thoughts and prayers” that has been the subject of so much debate following these events. You may be aware of it, but if not, you should know that in virtually every public forum, people who wish to express sympathy and solidarity with victims have been saying the victims are “in my thoughts and prayers.”
Lately, there has been a backlash. Some say, “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. What makes a difference is action, and we need action now!”
They are not mutually exclusive. To get a handle on it, however, we should consider what prayer is, because this “thoughts and prayers” stuff is taken too lightly in our society. Especially the prayer.
In the Christian tradition, prayer is communication with God. It is first and foremost listening for what God might whisper (or yell) to us. Only after listening is it asking, requesting, praising, thanking God for any number of things. It is also simply enjoying God’s presence. Prayer is both silent and verbal.
But one thing it is not is passive. When we pray, when we request something of God, for example, we are not merely going to a prayer vending machine and putting in our dollar. We are engaging in a conversation. We are opening ourselves up to action as well, because when God talks, it is rarely to say, “Don’t you worry about a thing. You just sit passively while I take care of it all.”
No, throughout our history of relationship with God, prayer has generally led to some sort of action. Because we are God’s hands and feet in the world.
Unfortunately, often when we say we will pray for someone, we don’t actually expect anything to happen. We figure it’s okay to say, “I’ll pray for you,” and leave it at that.
Don’t do that.
First of all, when you offer to pray - pray! Say their name out loud as you lift them up to God. And then listen for what action God may call you to. If you pray earnestly, it might well be that God will call you to action. As an example, with regard to gun violence, the Episcopal Church’s position is that we are called by God to reduce it.
There are all sorts of theological reasons for this. He who lives by the sword, says the Lord, dies by the sword. More tellingly, those who depend on guns for their safety fail to understand that our hope, trust, and faith is in Christ alone. Those who would have us become an armed camp miss Jesus’ call to remember that our true home is not here but with God. It betrays a lack of trust in the one who defeats death through his resurrection.
That being said, on a purely practical level, nobody thinks gun violence is a good thing - especially at the rate we endure in this country. We all want to reduce it. Just understand that when you pray for the victims of such violence, it is an empty prayer unless it comes with a willingness to step up and actually act. What that action might be, I do not know. Frankly, that’s beside the point. The point is that we as Christians are called to more than merely tossing out easy phrases that have little or no meaning. We are called to live as Jesus would have us.
And that life, my brothers and sisters, is one where we not only talk the talk but walk the walk.
As To Church Safety: Among clergy in the region, the question has arisen about what we do as a church to increase our own safety, especially during worship. The Diocese of New York has been working on emergency plans, though they are not applicable to every situation. The Hyde Park Association of Churches will have a speaker discussing Department of Homeland Security measures for Houses of Worship.
We have a Nursery School at St. James’ and have already instituted some safety measures including the door buzzer system. We will want to explore safety in the church itself given our particular architecture.
And yet, we can never forget that we are not called to live in fear. We are called to live in a dangerous world with the freedom of those who already know where their home is. We are called to act in the world knowing that our redeemer lives and has promised we will live eternally.
Every Ash Wednesday, we impose ashes and say, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” In other words, “Remember that you will die.” No amount of planning will change that. But the reason we remind ourselves that we will die is to also remind ourselves that through Christ’s undying love, we will live.
So, if we say we are going to pray, then pray. If our prayers, let us listen carefully. And if our prayers lead us to action, then let us act. Meanwhile, even as we look to safety measures here, we will live without fear. Because when Christ is present, fear has no room.
Grace and Peace,
Chuck+
REPEAT NOTICE: EPISCOPAL VISITATION
Every two years, one of our bishops visits St. James’. Typically, at that time, we confirm those who seek confirmation and receive those who wish to enter the Episcopal Church from another denomination.
We just got notice this week that the visitation is nearly a year earlier than expected. Usually, the bishop comes in December. In 2018, Bishop Mary Glasspool is coming in February. February 25 to be precise.
What that means is that we do not have a lot of time for Inquirers’ Classes! SO, if you would like to be Confirmed, Received, or would like to re-affirm your faith on February 25, please contact Fr. Chuck AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so we can set up classes.
Announcements
Between-Service Class Starting THIS SUNDAY: Starting November 12, we will have a new Between-Service Class. Called “Miracles”, it will focus on one miracle each week - usually one performed by Christ. In these classes, we’ll explore what a miracle is, what their purpose is, and how they affected people of the Bible and us. These classes start at 9:15 Sunday morning and end by 9:45. We invite everyone to join!
Men’s and Women’s Groups: The Women’s Group meeting this month is on Monday, November 13 at 6:00 PM at Coppola’s. The Men’s Breakfast is Saturday, November 18 at 8:00 AM. Hope you can make whichever one is right for you!
Outreach Meeting: Outreach will be meeting Wednesday, November 15 at 6:30 pm in the Wilkes room. Please join us!
RENEWED APPEAL: Run For Vestry: This is a new appeal to you. Please consider running for Vestry. We have several positions open (more than usual because one of our Vestry members moved out of state). This is a powerful and important ministry - not a burden. If you are asked to consider running, please think of it as an invitation from the Holy Spirit. And if this notice touches your heart, please consider that an invitation as well. The Vestry would love to have you.
Newcomers Reception: Mark your calendars for December 8! If you have been at St. James’ for a year or less, get ready to receive an invitation to our Fall Newcomer’s Reception. This is a time to meet new people, learn a little more about what’s going on here, and in general have a good time. If you are an “old-comer,” join us to help welcome new members. Festivities start at 7:00 PM.
Safe Church Training: Have you had Safe Church training? It is a program offered by the Diocese to keep all people safe from abuse of all sorts while involved in our ministries. It deals with sexual and other abuse and helps us avoid questionable situations. The training is mandated for all clergy. It is also required for all lay employees. The bishop expects all Sunday School teachers and youth workers to take the training as well as Vestry and wardens. It is open to all parishioners.
The training is available in three forms: 1) you can go to New York at announced sessions (or an annual one in our region). 2) we could hire a trainer to come to our parish and all do it together. 3) you can take the course online - you have to create an account, which you would do through me since I am the parish administrator for Safe Church. If you’re interested, and I hope you are, please see me (Fr. Chuck).
November 2017
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Office Closed
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1
ALL SAINTS
10 AM
Morning Prayer
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2
ALL SOULS
11 AM Bible Study
3:30 PM Reading Adventures
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3
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4
5:30 PM
20th Anniversary POTLUCK
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5
CHANGE CLOCKS!
Unction
12 Noon
Garden Blessing
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6
Office Closed
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7
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8
10 AM
Morning Prayer
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9
11 AM Bible Study
3:30 PM Reading Adventures 7 PM
Vestry
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10
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11
Diocesan Convention
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12
9:15
BETWEEN
SERVICE
CLASSES
START
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13
Office Closed
6 PM
Women’s Group (at Coppola’s)
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14
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15
10 AM
Morning Prayer
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16
11 AM Bible Study
3:30 PM Reading Adventures
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17
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18
8 AM Men's Breakfast
10 AM
Altar Guild Meeting
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19
12 Noon
T-Day Baskets/Youth Group
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20
Office Closed
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21
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22
10 AM
Morning Prayer
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23
Thanks-giving
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24
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25
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26
IN-GATHERING SUNDAY
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27
Office Closed
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28
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29
ALL SAINTS DAY
10 AM
Morning Prayer
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30
11 AM Bible Study
3:30 PM Reading Adventures
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1
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2
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Sundays:
Holy Eucharist Rite I is at 8:00 AM
Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) is at 10:00 AM. Sunday School and nursery are available at 10:00 AM.
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Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
Please pray for these diocesan ministries this week. If you want to check out the entire year's calendar for intercession, it's simple to find - go to http://www.dioceseny.org and click under "Beliefs and Practices."
November
12 Deputies to Diocesan Convention
13 St. Peter’s Church (Westchester Square), Bronx
14 Ascension & Holy Trinity Church, West Park
15 St. Margaret’s Church (Longwood), Bronx
16 Sisters of St. Margaret
17 Diocesan Adjustment Board
18 St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s School, Manhattan
Additions To/Deletions From Prayer List
Collect of the Day
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings for November 5, All Saints
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14- 25
Psalm 78:1-7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
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Sermon Title for November 12, 23 Pentecost
“A Bridesmaid’s Tale”
Hymns for November 12, 23 Pentecost
Processional Hymn: 61 - Sleepers Wake! a Voice Astounds Us
Gospel Hymn: 68 - Rejoice! Rejoice Believers and Let Thy Light Appear
Offertory Anthem: “What does the Lord Required of You”
Communion Hymn: 690 - Guide Me, O Thou Great Johovah
Recessional Hymn: 594 God of Grace and God of Glory
Last Week’s Sermon
“Scars”
On my right hand is a scar about 3/4” long. I got it on New Year’s Eve 1978/1979 - my senior year in high school. I was working at a pharmacy, and we were closing up for the night when a guy came in and said his car had died, and he needed a jump.
I had cables in my old VW van and went to get them, but the door was frozen shut. So I tugged and tugged on it until the handle broke off in my hand. Never did get the door open, but the scar remains to tell the story.
Also on my right arm is a mis-shaped muscle. That happened when I was eight and got my hand stuck in an electric ringer-washer. The ringers pulled my arm through all the way to my elbow before somebody could get it turned off.
More recently, I have an inch-long scar on my left knee that I got when I was going in to read a bible story to the nursery school kids. We play a little game where I knock on the door then run into the parish office before they answer it, so they think I’ve disappeared. They think I’m magic. Only this time, there was water on the floor, and I slipped and fell into the doorway. The teachers’ response? “No running in the halls!”
I actually have quite a few scars. Matching ones on my upper arms that almost look like tattoos - got them when I fell into the fire pit while playing frisbee with the boys. One on my right foot from getting stomped on by a soccer cleat, and another on the same foot from Towel Camp when After a hard day working, I put on flip flops and immediately split my toe open (playing frisbee).
Then there are the scars you can’t see. Broken relationships, losses of loved ones, unkind words someone said. These leave just as permanent a mark.
And of course, there are scars you give others. One of my sons has a scar on his face from when he was little. We were outside playing when I tripped over him and fell on top of him. He probably never feels it, but I do whenever I see him.
I think I can say with confidence that you have your own scars, too. Everyone does. Nobody gets through life without them. And if you think you don’t have scars, either you have not lived, or you are in denial.
These scars are not something to hide. They are what make us who we are. They are our story. They’re also not something we try to avoid because that would be avoiding life itself.
Now, the thing about a scar is, it is also a sign of healing. It’s no longer an open wound. When you have an open wound, that’s something to take care of - after it heals, that’s a story.
There was a preaching teacher who once said, “Preach from your scars, not your wounds.” What I think she meant was, when you preach, use the healing that’s happened in your life, not your current hurts. Current wounds have no lessons for others because you’re too caught up in them yourself.
I bring up scars because we are observing All Saints Day today. When you think about the saints, you have to think about scars.
Not just the scars of the white-robed martyrs who’ve been washed in the blood of the lamb. I’m talking about the everyday saints who preach from their scars.
To get what I mean, let’s look at the gospel. You know the beatitudes: blessed are the meek, the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who hunger for righteousness, the peacemakers, the merciful, those who are persecuted for Christ’s sake, and so on.
Each one of those attributes either arises out of life’s scars or can lead to them. The merciful, for example, have often been shown mercy themselves in painful situations. The poor in spirit have gone through things that help them know their own weakness. Peacemakers have likely known conflict and the grace of peace.
Many who seek to serve humanity do so based on their scars, the hurts they have received at the hands of life, and the healing they have experienced at the hands of God. They also understand that being a saint can lead to more hurts - we watched “42” yesterday, the movie about Jackie Robinson. Though he did the right thing, he was viciously abused both verbally and physically. But like the saints, he knew that healing was possible, and so he had the courage to persevere, just as we can have courage to seek righteousness or peace or mercy is there.
The saints are those who know their own scars and use them to preach the gospel to a Wounded world.
I do not presume to tell anyone here about their own scars. You know what yours are. All I can do is encourage you to see them as your text for preaching the gospel, as your tool for being a saint. Amen.
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