Dear People of Saints James and Andrew,
|
|
On Sunday, March 10 Bishop Doug Fisher will make a visitation to SsJA. We will have one combined service at 9 a.m. in the Winter Sanctuary. At the service, we will celebrate confirmation and reaffirmation of faith, for those who have been preparing in Episcopal Church 101. Worship will be followed by a special coffee hour, and then Bishop Doug will meet with the Vestry.
Join us for this special worship, and bring a friend to see what the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in Western Massachusetts is all about.
|
|
|
Opportunities to Grow this Lent
|
|
|
|
Emmaus Companions Bible Study: On Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Whiteman Room, Emmaus Companions offers a bible study where folks from SsJA, community members, and those on the margins gather together to reflect on scripture. To learn more, contact Steve Houghton at steve@firefact.com.
|
|
|
|
Bible Study for Nerds: “Bible Study for Nerds” meets from 5:30-6:30 PM on the first and third Thursday of the month. Embracing the Anglican tradition of employing reason in the encounter with biblical material, the group will focus on analytic study of biblical texts (chosen according to the interests of participants,) comparing and connecting texts and exploring their historical context. If this sounds like an approach you’d like to try in understanding the Bible better, the parish office can send you the set of materials for our next meeting, Contact Rev. Molly for more information or with any questions at: office@saintsjamesandandrew.org
|
|
|
|
Wednesday Chapel Services: Join us in All Saints Chapel for Holy Eucharist on Wednesdays in Lent at 9 a.m. starting March 6. Each week will feature a different meditation and will be followed by coffee in the office. Join the event on Facebook.
|
|
Consider using an online devotional
|
|
|
|
Lent Madness (The Saintly Smack Down): Based loosely on the NCAA basketball tournament, Lent Madness pits 32 saints against one another in a single-elimination bracket. It is also a popular online devotional designed to help people learn about saints. On the weekdays of Lent information is posted at www.lentmadness.org about two different saints. Each pairing remains open for 24 hours as participants read about and then vote to determine which saint moves on to the next round. It all ends when the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. For folks who may not want to participate in the program online, pick up a Saintly Scorecard—The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2019 outside the office and learn more about the saints. You’ll still be able to follow who is winning in the tournament. Just see the large poster posted on the bulletin board for an update. This all kicks off on March 7th. If you’re looking for a Lenten discipline that is fun, educational, occasionally goofy, and always joyful, join the Lent Madness journey.
|
|
|
|
Brother, Give Us A Word: Monasticism began when a few faithful men and women went into the desert to seek God and live a life of prayer. These Desert Fathers and Mothers, as they became known, were spiritual beacons whom other sought out for their wisdom in the ways of God. The seeker would approach and ask, "Father (Mother), give me a word." The Brothers of SSJE have adapted this ancient tradition for today, offering online a daily "word" to all who seek a deeper knowledge of God, a means of handing on what we ourselves have received. You might use each day's word as a focus for your prayer. To subscribe: https://www.ssje.org/subscribe/
|
|
|
Try praying with your body
|
|
|
Stations of the Cross: If you are interested in walking the stations of the cross, feel free to do so whenever the church building is open (generally from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m where the archway entrance is kept unlocked). You can access the stations by entering the church thru front doors Booklets to guide you are available near the baptismal font, next to the first station hanging on the wall.
|
|
|
The Green Team is sponsoring a 100 Mile Potluck Lunch on Sunday, March 31 in the Parish Hall from noon to 2 pm. For a 100 Mile Potluck bring a dish made with ingredients raised or grown within 100 miles of Greenfield. Reserve the date and begin planning what to prepare! More information in our next newsletter and in upcoming announcements in church. Call or text Ella Ingraham at 860-684-4420 if you have questions or would like to volunteer.
Join the event on Facebook.
|
|
|
Safe Church Training for SsJA Volunteers: We are offering a training on Sunday, April 7 from 12-3 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Recommended for all volunteers; required for volunteers for the vestry and those who work in our outreach ministries, sunday school, ushering, or on the altar. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the Chapel hallway.
The class will be taught by our Faith Community Nurse, Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy. kaubrymcavoy@aol.com
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Dates
October 25-27 Parish Retreat at YMCA Silver Bay Conference & Family Retreat Center on beautiful Lake George in New York. This parish retreat is meant for all ages - the whole familly. There will be opportunities for spiritual formation, fellowship, rest and relaxation, and maybe even a talent show. SsJA will be staying in the Bayview accommodation and the cost will be $131/adult/night at double occupancy, $65/youth/night and $46/child/night. This rate includes all meals, programming and use of meeting spaces. More information coming soon. If you think you are interested in signing up, please email Rev. Heather at heather.blais@gmail.com.
|
|
The Little Pantry is Closed
After discussion and observation, the Mission committee voted to discontinue the Little Pantry, feeling that it was a ministry whose time had run out. Many thanks to all who kept an eye on it, (especially Logan and Lucas), and who generously contributed needful items that others would find useful.
This “street side ministry” is finished, but no doubt God will lead us to other ideas, over time.
Again, thanks to all who supported this ministry - and the box will go to a new home somewhere.
Estelle Cade, for the Mission Committee
|
|
|
|
Ash Wednesday Offering: We welcome an additional donation with the use of Ash Wednesday Offering Envelopes as a special offering to the glory of God and the work God does through the church. If you do not receive pledge envelopes, please consider making an extra donation with 'Ash Wednesday Offering' written in the memo line or consider giving online via our website. Thank you for your generosity!
|
|
|
|
Spring Sunday School Schedule
March 24 and 31, 9:30 a.m.
April 14, 9:00 a.m. (9 a.m. Combined Service)
April 28, 9:30 a.m.
|
|
|
|
|
If we were playing a board game, we would be on a space labelled “Caution. Trouble Ahead.” We are living with the effects of human generated pollution and rising carbon dioxide levels that are causing rapid and unpredictable climate changes. As a result of human activities we are in the midst of a mass extinction of other life forms also with unknown consequences for life as we currently know it. Earth, our beautiful island home, may be much less hospitable for our children and grandchildren. The future is so scary to contemplate that we can be unsure what actions to take that will be meaningful and afraid to share our despair with others. We offer this prayer:
“Creator God, you make all things and weave them together in an intricate tapestry of life. Teach us to respect the fragile balance of life and to care for all the gifts of your creation. Guide by your wisdom those who have power and authority, that, by the decisions they make, life may be cherished and a good and fruitful Earth may continue to show your glory and sing your praises.”
Please join Saints James and Andrew’s Green Team’s activities and share what you are doing about environmental issues with others.
-Ella Ingraham for the Green Team ejmai127@gmail.com
|
|
Whitney’s Pantry
Thanks for the nice variety of bars of soap! Now it’s time to put “toothpaste” on your shopping lists. It doesn’t have to be a multi-pack or one of the expensive, highly-advertised brands --- the Aim or Pepsodent on the bottom shelf is just fine!
Dear Travelers: Our guests love those little bottles of shampoo, lotion, etc. that hotels provide. So bring us some souvenirs!
Doris McLeod for the Pantry Team
dorismcl219@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
Parish Leadership Day
On Saturday, March 2nd parish leaders spent the day with the authors of “Embracing Stewardship” at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
We received some new perspectives on approaching stewardship from Charles R. Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy, who provided a diverse approach to their shared conviction —stewardship belongs at the heart of each individual and each congregation.
The day included presentations by Lane and Pomroy, lunch, time for parishes to brainstorm with their team, and of course, some time with our bishop.
|
|
|
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Untalent Show
A delicious pancake dinner with LOADS of “UNTALENT”!
|
|
Ashes To Go
The moments of grace with our neighbors made the cold so worth it.
|
|
|
Prayer List: Names are on the list for 4 weeks, then removed. Feel free to add a name again.
Richard, Michael, Eileen H., Joel.
Contribute to The Newsletter: by emailing the office by March 18, 2019.
Published on the first and third Thursdays of the month.
Our Mission: We believe God is calling us to cultivate a community of love, joy, hope, and healing. Jesus is our model for a life of faith, compassion, hospitality, and service. We strive to be affirming and accessible, welcoming and inclusive; we seek to promote reconciliation, exercise responsible stewardship, and embrace ancient traditions for modern lives.
|
|
|
|
|
