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FROM THE RECTOR:
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St James’,
About Coffee Hour, part II. Last week I wrote about the importance of coffee hour: https://mailchi.mp/632d83a136c7/kneemail-from-saint-james-01-may-ad-2019?fbclid=IwAR3Zljhii-lhc0NfFfwnf8VTen1oe7FHYi8nf-18r7JWnpu9GIlD5yTom9U.
I wrote about the theology and “psychology” such a social time, both for those in the parish and for our visitors, and the important Christian ministry of hospitality. This week, I promised to write something about the “how” of inviting visitors to coffee hour.
Most of you, when you sit in church, are sitting in a pew, with pew in front of you, and one behind. These three pews, when it comes to visitors, is your “mission field.” It is a very simple thing, either before Mass (quietly, as you take your pew) or during the Peace, to introduce yourself to those around you. Use something like “I am Douglas, good morning.” If you don’t recognize them, you can add, “I don’t believe I’ve met you before.” It takes about 10 seconds. The genius here is that no one can take offence if you accidentally greet a longtime member as if they were a visitor. You have simply stated the fact that you haven’t met them!
If, in the course of your greeting, you discover that the person is a visitor then, at the end of Mass, say “I’m going across to the Great Hall for a coffee/mimosa, please join me.” Again, very simple—if they don’t want to, or already have plans, they’ll say, “No thanks, not today,” of something similar. If they agree, you will walk with them to the coffee area, both to be hospitable, and because they won’t know where the coffee is! If they come, be sure to introduce them to at least three other parishioners. If they don’t come, they will still be left with the impression that St James’ is visitor-friendly. Win, win.
Whether they come for coffee or not, after Mass accompany them to the church door, and introduce them to me or Fr Daly (you will have remembered their name, right?).
So, to sum up the knee mail of this week and last, this is what I am asking of you:
- Greet those around you, either before Mass or at the Peace.
- Stop coffee hour, even for a few moments. Give the gift of yourself, both to those who are already members of the household of God and to visitors.
- Invite visitors (and your fellow parishioners!) to come with you.
- At the door, after Mass, introduce any visitors to the clergy.
- Be hospitable. Put yourself in a stranger’s shoes. Get them a drink. Include them in your conversation and introduce them to at least three others.
As I have said, hospitality is an important Christian ministry. As St Benedict says, “Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ.”
Yours with every blessing,
Rev. Douglas Anderson, Rector
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT SAINT JAMES':
Wednesday Nights are in recess until the Fall.
FRIDAY MORNING:
Cornerstone Mass at 10:30 AM.
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER:
The May Festival of our Lady and Recognition of Graduates at 10 AM Mass
Low Mass at 8 AM.
Sung Mass at 10 AM.
Nursery provided from 10 AM onwards.
Coffee Hour after the 10 AM mass
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Did you know that you can now securely give to
Saint James' Church online?
Visit http://saintjamestxk.org/giving/ for details!
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ITEMS OF PARTICULAR NOTE
NEW MEMBER/CONFIRMATION/RECEPTION classes will begin in Fall 2019.
ROSARY GROUP is now in summer recess.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING will not meet in May.
SUMMER CAMP. If you are thinking of camp for the summer, please consider the diocesan camp, All Saints, for your child. There are scholarships available. The link below will take you to registration information, etc. https://www.campallsaints.com/en/summercampschedule.html
A SCHOLARSHIP is available for the benefit of youth in our parish wishing to further their education. Guidelines and application forms are available from the church office. Deadline for completed applications is June 1. When considering your memorials, please consider giving to the Scholarship fund for the benefit of our youth and their future.
CALENDAR ITEMS:
- Monday, May 20th: RSOS BOARD MEETS at Noon
- Monday, May 20th: ST JAMES’ VESTRY MEETS at 5:30pm
- Thursday, May 23rd: ST JAMES’ DAY SCHOOL GRADUATION at 6:30pm
- Friday, May 24th: SJDS TEACHER MORNING PRAYER at 8:30am
- Monday, May 27th: MEMORIAL DAY, parish office closed
- Thursday, May 30th: SJDS BOARD MEEETS at 5:30pm
- Monday, June 17th: RSOS BOARD MEETS at Noon
- Sunday, June 23rd: LINDY LAWRENCE WINDOW DEDICATION after the 10am Mass
- Sunday, August 25th: FEAST OF DEDICATION & HOMECOMING SUNDAY
- Sunday, December 8th: VISITATION OF THE BISHOP at the 10am Mass.
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PARISH NOTICES
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
Mary Nell Short (5), Mike Lowe (7).
CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES:
None Listed
WEEKLY HOUSEHOLD PRAYERS:
James & Lou Wilson
REST ETERNAL.
Rest Eternal grant unto them, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon them.
Anniversaries of death falling this week:
Jerry Greenwood, 2014; Terry Moore, 2018, Eleanor Sharer, 2006.
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NOTICES
Christian Education Classes are in recess until the start of school.
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PARISH GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
THE FLOWER DONOR CHART is in the Narthex (porch) to sign-up to give flowers in memory or in thanksgiving of a loved one, or you may call or e-mail Martha Bean at 903-547-6911 – e-mail wpmvb@windstream.net . The cost is still just $35 per donor, per Sunday. What a great way to honor or remember those who are important in our lives! You can also now arrange and securely pay for your flower donations online by clicking HERE.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING is an Order for Episcopal women founded in 1885. We are a prayer and service group who meets once a month. We regularly take part in worship, study, and aid our Clergy as asked. If you are interested in more about us, please call or e-mail Lova Wile (903-832-2533 lova@cableone.net ), Tammy Cowdery (903-277-2148 cowdery@txkusa.org ), or Gail Crisp (903-838-0942 gjcrisp@cableone.net )
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LAY SERVER SCHEDULE
| THOSE WHO SERVE |
May 12th
Easter IV |
| Reader 8am |
Chayta Mills |
| C.B. 8am |
Scott Bruner |
| C.B. 10:00am |
David Warrick
Billy DeLoach |
Acolytes
10:00am |
Erica Stanley
Austin Miller
Henry Kyles
Mason Miller
Trip Keyes
Grant Rampy |
| Reader 10am |
Pam McCoy |
Ushers 10am |
Nick Williamson
Josh Burks
Tom Coleman
Chuck Firmin |
| Altar Guild |
Team 2 |
| Household Week |
Lillard Winters |
Vestry
Lock Up |
Tracy Jones
Philip Jordan |
BY WAY OF REMINDER:
It is our custom to send out reminders to those serving the following Sunday on three occasions: Tuesdays (by email), Wednesdays (via the Knee Mail), then then again on Thursdays (by email, with the Bulletin). It helps the Office to know of any conflicts sooner rather than later!
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