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THE BEACON
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
MAY 2008
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FROM FR. CESAR
The month of May brings about many changes. Most of the changes are good ones such as refreshing rain, relieving us from drought conditions, May flowers for those of us brave enough to take on the task of yard work. The reduction of long lines at department stores and restaurants are a welcoming change for some and not so for others. The reduction is brought about because of the exodus of friends and loved ones as they return to their summer homes. And so we say to our friends and loved ones, please be safe on your travels, get home safe. And also, please remember your commitment to St. James during the summer months as we remember and pray for you all.
When we tell ourselves “I will never change,” or “That will never happen,” we presume too much and believe too little. In Jesus Christ, God renders all of our final conclusions premature and all of our talk of determinism as simply bad faith. In Christ, God opens closed doors, brings resurrection, reveals possibilities, reclaims the lost, liberates the cursed and possessed, and changes the unchangeable. So why do we worry about change. Why do we allow fear and doubt to rule our lives?
Due to the changes in the economy, the drop in real estate values, increases in taxes, insurance and gasoline, it is no wonder many are afraid. But to worry, as Jesus says, will not add one day to our lives, so why worry? Some have even decided to cut back on their stewardship due to their fears.
My question has always been how do we take the first fruits of our gifts which belong to God and keep them to pay bills and make ends meet and then expect God will reward us or meet our needs?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5). Trust comes when we truly place our lives in God’s hands. Change is coming and when it arrives we will be just need to hold on for the ride. Things are tough, but God is tougher and will see you through this difficult time, if we trust in Him.
The one change we should be looking for and trusting in is the change described in 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 which says, “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed -- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. That change will be a permanent one and the one to end all troubles. We shall be like Him, perfect in every way, living without sorrows, concerns or troubles, if we trust in Him.
Instead of worrying, let us rejoice and be thankful for all the gifts that God has blessed us with and has in store for us. There is one thing in this world we can rely on, and that is God’s eternal love and care for his children. God Bless, and keep the faith!
Amen!
Cesar+
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LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND VISITORS
Who are those people who read the Bible Lessons and administer the Chalice during Holy Communion on Sundays, Wednesdays and other special services? Who are those people who visit the sick and the shut-ins in hospital or in their homes? They are Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors and they are licensed by Bishop Dabney Smith of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
This year we added a new Lay Eucharistic Minister/Visitor; Mrs. Cynthia Lamont-Wint. Cynthia has been a member of Saint James for more than ten years and has also served on our Vestry. We are pleased to have her join this Guild.
In addition to Cynthia and Ben Saddler (who is a Lay Eucharistic Minister) your other Lay Eucharistic Ministers/Visitors are: Fred Johnson, Ruby Glen, Jane Y. Kelly, Angelyn Patteson, Victor Russea and Pam Schmidt.
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CONFIRMATION AT THE CATHEDRAL
Fr. Cesar presented 8 people for Confirmation/Reception at St. Peter’s Cathedral, St. Petersburg on Saturday, April 12th. Those who were Confirmed or Received are: Gina Albury, Steve Baptist, Danielle Burdick, Joshua Chung, Sean Chung, Barbara DeSouza, Joyce Purchas and Ta’Vaughn Watkins. Congratulations to these newest members of our church family.
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
What Is the E.C.W.?
E.C.W. means Episcopal Church Women - the purpose of this organization is to add to the spiritual life of the women of Saint James and to contribute financially to the support of the church’s activities. All women of Saint James Episcopal Church are considered automatically to be a member of the E.C.W.
Our activities include:
Hosting the 10:30 am Coffee Minute on the 1st Sunday of each month except for July and August.
Our General Meetings held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm; we usually have a guest speaker or an activity such as quilting or some other craft planned. Check your Beacon or Sunday bulletin for more information on these meetings.
Looking ahead:
May 1: Board Meeting and Quilting Bee at 10 am
May 4: Host the 10:30 am Coffee Minute
May 15: General Meeting at 1 pm; guest speaker, Mrs Ramos of the
Salvation Army.
June 21: End-of-Season Social and Fellowship in the Great Hall
from 1pm to 5 pm. There will be music, food and a drawing of chances for a beautiful quilt and more. Please join us for a wonderful afternoon. Tickets are available from any E.C.W. Board member.
Please join us, we need your support.
God Bless.
Eulalee Dandy, President
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THANK YOU FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Thank you to all who participated in providing the Easter Baskets and Easter Egg Hunt for our church children. Your donations were very generous and the children all went home with baskets, eggs and a big smile on their faces!
Nydia Lowe (the Bunny’s helper)
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ALTAR GUILD
We wish to thank everyone for their generous donations towards the Easter Altar flowers. The church was full of lovely spring plants and Easter lilies due to your kind contributions.
Millie Muir-Grey, Directress |
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NEW OFFICE HOURS
Beginning June 1st, the new office hours will be
Monday through Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm
(lunch from 12 noon - 1 pm)
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THE FERRIS SCHOLARSHIP
The annual drive for the Ferris Scholarship funding is March, but because of Easter being so early this year with so many different services and activities, we have postponed our drive until April. Envelopes are available in your leaflet for you to make a contribution. Given the manifest troubles of our times, the members of the Ferris Scholarship Committee ask you to support those who are striving to prepare themselves for purposeful professions and to make valuable contributions to our society.
Those who are graduating high school in 2008, and are planning to continue their education should apply for a scholarship as soon as their plans are made firm. Applications may be obtained at the church office. Awards can be announced at their High School Awards Ceremony only if we receive enough advance. Notices are sent in January to organizations planning to award scholarships. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible if you wish to be included in the Honor Assemblies.
If a student is returning to a school of advanced studies, he or she should:
1. Submit a schedule of classes for the next year, or
2. Submit a notice from an authority of the school, or
3. Submit any document that evidences his/her return.
4. A copy of your last report card.
Any of the above actions is enough to obtain a scholarship for the new academic year. Scholarships are transmitted after the student has actually started classes. This usually means either late August or early September.
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The Brotherhood
of Saint Andrew, Inc.
Established 1883
For the spread of Christ’s Kingdom among Men and Boys in
the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion
Saint James Episcopal Church, Chapter No. 5010-S
Enjoy an afternoon of Food, Fun and Fellowship at:
The 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Dinner
with
Musical Selections by:
Pierre Harris
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 3 p.m.
Where: The Great Hall of
Saint James Episcopal/Anglican Church
Limited Seating - get your tickets early!!!
No tickets at the door
For ticket information see:
any member of the Brotherhood of Saint Andrew
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Dearest members of the family of Christ:
The joy and satisfaction I have experienced being your deacon began on the first day and has never diminished. You all have become my family and I truly love you as my family. You are Christ-centered and I know that you love the Lord deeply. I see it every time we are at worship and also at fellowship.
I feel that I have come to the end of my diaconate here at Saint James and that it is time for some other to carry on the ministry. Not only have I sincerely enjoyed serving as your deacon, I similarly have been blessed by the kindness and grace of Father Cesar. There is no finer priest in this diocese with whom I could have worked.
I plan to retire as deacon at the end of May of this year. Since none of us knows our future, except God almighty, I cannot say for sure that my retirement will be permanent or for any particular length of time. What I do know now is that this chapter of my service will end. Though I have wrestled with this decision for a great deal of time, I feel that it is the right one for now.
I do not have any immediate plans for the future and will not be transferring as deacon to any other parish. The Lord is leading me one step at a time and that is just about all I know about the journey.
I would ask you to continue to pray for Father Cesar’s ministry to you. May your knowledge and love of Christ Jesus grow with each passing day.
Please pray for me as I seek the Lord’s will, as I shall be praying for you.
In Christ’s love,
Deacon Marlene J. Simonian
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2nd Butch Patteson
3rd Torrin Browne
Rietta Futch
Nancy Maranville
Donald Orisakwe
Herbert Vaughan
4th Olive LaRoc
5th Ann Nelson
Nancilee Pelose
6th Pat Dean
| 9th Frank Strippel
10th Elton Maxwell
Frank Brownlee
Martha Clemente
Clayton Szelc
11th Merdina Morrison
Ivy Moore
12th Travers Schloss
14th George Hayden
15th Elaine Serven
Marie Ryan
Meghan Munroe
| 16th Evelyn Turner
18th Ben Saddler
20th Cody Szelc
21st Cynthia Lamont-Wint
22nd Sonia Williams
23rd Bill Setchel
24th Gay Forman
27th Florence Bircher
Arnold Burke
Madison Nero
29th Sylvia Arnott
Jarelle Baylor
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MAY BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES |
1st Jaydon Qualis
13th Jonathan Turner
Keisha Harris
14th Steadman Sawney
16th Mildred Treadway | 19th Peter Sisnett
Nancy Maranville
22nd Chris Camp
24th Nathan Blackwood
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27th Nancilee Pelose
30th Erica Moore
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MAY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
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1st Susan & Chris Turner
2nd Beryl & Douglas Lord
9th Marie & John Ryan
Maggie & Joshua Machnik
11th Ann & Peter Winkels
12th Ivy & Courtney Moore
| 13th Frances & Joe Harris
16th Franchi & Robert Szelc
22nd Ruby & Rupert Glen
23rd Nancy & Steve Baptiste
26th Lena & Edmund Matthews
The Rev Cesar & Mireya Olivero
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SAINT JAMES CHURCH
St. James Episcopal/Anglican Church is a Eucharistic,
multi-cultural body of faith, telling God’s story
and sharing God’s Love
ST. JAMES VESTRY MEMBERS and their term expiration dates:
Senior Warden: Myrt Willey (2010)
Junior Warden: Clarence Stephenson(2010)
Treasurer: Frances Harris (2011)
Clerk: Liz Krakowski (2009)
Larry Kappauf (2009)
Lydia Pritchard (2009)
Cynthia Russea (2009)
Ann Scotten (2009)
Tony Bannister (2010)
Enid Farquharson (2010)
James Albury (2011)
Pam Schmidt (2011)
Pete Sisnett (2011) |
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