Dear Friends, Your sister in Christ, Mother Bonnie+

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1 ST. JA MES EPISCOPA L CHURC H 405 EAST MA IN STREET BATAVIA, NEW YORK NEWSLETTE R OCTOBE R 2017 Dear Friends, October 4 th is the feast day of St. Francis, one of my favorite saints. We will have our 3 rd annual Blessing of the Animals on October 14 th in honor of St. Francis. He is beloved and revered for his attitude toward nature and animals, believing that all of creation is good and beautiful, and that all of creation (humans, animals, rocks and hills) is called to praise God. The core of St. Francis ministry goes deeper than just a reverence for creation. It dwells in the heart of service and love that God gives to each one of us. St. Francis was born into a wealthy merchant family but gave away all that he had and lived a joyful life in extreme poverty and serving the poor. He believed that we are each called "To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps". For over 800 years he has inspired men and women to find their wealth and happiness in the richness of the love of God and in the beauty of nature and of sharing that love and beauty with others. It is fitting that we are greeting our visitors from Uganda who themselves are dedicated to serving others and kicking off our fundraising project to support the Kasese Community Health and Education Foundation in October near the feast of St. Francis. Feeding others and helping others to feed themselves is a way of sharing love and beauty that unifies us one with the other and keeps us all present in the beautiful and sustaining gift of creation. Praised be You my Lord through our Sister, Mother Earth who sustains and governs us, producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs. Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial. Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned. Your sister in Christ, Mother Bonnie+ From Canticle of the Sun, also known as Laudes Creaturarum (Praise of the Creatures), written by St. Francis of Assisi. 1

2 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS! We pray God's blessing be with you on your special day and every day. Joan Ellison 10/3, Scott Essig 10/11, June Myers 10/19, Cal Fleming 10/22, Larry Belluscio 10/24, Anne Wolff 10/25, Sarah Rosenbeck 10/30 FROM OUR WARDENS Fall is officially here and St. James is running at full speed once again. We have accomplished much in just the past few weeks. Due to the incredibly quick work of Dave Lang and the Property Committee we have not only received the bids on replacing the boiler, but the Vestry has awarded the work to Isaac Plumbing & Heating of Rochester. They have already come out to look over the job, ordered the replacement boiler, which should be in by the time you are reading this and will have it installed by October 20 th. All of this within about eight weeks of first being aware that we had a boiler failure in order to have the work completed before we needed heat. A hardy thanks to Dave, his committee, the Vestry, Barb King and all who got this done so quickly and efficiently. The audit for the parish for 2016 has been completed. Thanks to Dave Lang (again), Theresa DeMars and Barb Pierce for doing this somewhat tedious and thankless job. This task has no glamour but people still stepped up to do it. This represents the true spirit of St. James. Also, the first meeting of the Budget Committee was held. This was just a preliminary session to determine who will be preparing what parts of the information for the budget workshop(s) which will put together the actual document. This first workshop session has not yet been set, but it will be soon. It is not too late to join this important committee. If you would like to be included, see me as soon as possible. Fall is also the season for Stewardship. The time line for this most important endeavor at St. James is out. It will begin with presentations on Sundays in October, starting today. Budget and Stewardship are closely linked together, which is why they are worked on concurrently. Both Russ and I and members of the Vestry will be available during Sunday coffee hour to explain to anyone who is unsure the important connection between putting a budget together and Stewardship. Lastly, Russ and I will be available at coffee hours to give and to gather information on the idea of sharing a bishop between the dioceses of Northwestern PA and WNY as outlined by our bishop. Our Delegates (Russ & Bonnie D. & Diane Cox) and Alternate (Dean Perry) need to know how you feel about this important issue before Convention at the end of this month. Thanks, Jim Neider Senior Warden FROM OUR DEACON Diakonia Musings Most of you see me serving at the altar on Sunday mornings as I model a servant's heart. This is not just because I took vows to be a servant, but for the congregation to witness an attitude that Jesus displayed as He served all people. What did Jesus tell the disciples? Love and serve one another. Proclaiming the gospel, the words and heart of the message of Jesus, is read in the center of the congregation because it is shared by all of us as good news. Setting the table for the Eucharist is symbolic of all of us setting a place at our tables to welcome each other at a shared meal. Praying for healing imitates Jesus as He prayed for His friends, His family, and His enemies. Dismissing all of us in peace to love and serve reminds us that we have been feed and nourished and now we go into the world as the hands and feet of Christ. 2

3 Each week I see more of you also modeling a servant's attitude for one another. I hear people talking about their faith and working to understand how the scriptures influence their lives and call them to action. I see tables set by those with the gift of hospitality; opening their homes to others, serving at coffee hour, feeding those who are hungry, and taking communion to people who are shut-in at home or in a hospital. Each week we pray for those in need from a list that has been intentionally created by loved ones who let the office know who needs prayer. And lastly, I see parishioners going into the larger world looking for ways to meet the needs of victims of disasters, migrant workers, shut-ins, charities, orphanage alumni, single mothers, the hungry, refugees, the poor, and those in other parishes whose membership is graying and dwindling. Every time we model servanthood inside and outside these walls, we are answering the call to follow Jesus. Every time we display a "servant heart" without expecting anything in return, we are answering the call to be like Jesus. Every time we show love instead of judgement, criticism, hatred, impatience, superiority, or fear, we are becoming the hands and feet of Christ in the world. The laity comprises the largest part of the church by far and they have the most opportunities to see and meet the needs of others in the community. When the laity reflects the love and grace that God has shown them to others... people notice. (They think clergy should be a certain way because they are clergy.) You are the seed planters for the wider Church. I am pleased to see so many "servant hearts" at St. James assisting me in my work. Together we can make a difference. Deacon Diana Can you help? Adopt-a-Projects that need funding, time and labor Landing Restrooms Needed: Funding for purchase and installation of new sink fixtures (Cost TBD) Stair Lift into the Parish Hall Needed: Funding to purchase a new or used stair lift to make our Parish Hall handicap accessible. Outside Black Metal Stairs and Landing outside of the kitchen door. Needed: $1,000. Funding for labor and materials. This should be done soon to prevent additional rust and deterioration. (We don t want them wind up as bad as the emergency stairs and landing.) Parish Hall and Kitchen Doors Needed: $250. Funding to paint the doors, door jambs and inside trim. Nave Floor-Red Squares Needed: Labor to remove the old paint and replace it with a stronger more-lasting paint. Needed: Funding for the paint. Stay tuned, as soon as we have measured the area and figured the cost of paint we will get that information out to you in the bulletin. New Floor Mats for Building Entrances Needed: Funding for six 6-foot mats at $80 each, an 8-foot mat at $105 and a 12 foot mat at $150. These costs are approximate and may change based on number, size and quality of mats. Choir Room Windows Needed: $1,365. Funding for three new windows installed and painted. Completed Project an anonymous donor group supplied the materials and labor to paint the Sunday School room and refinish the floor. This was done as a way to express thanks and gratitude for Mrs. Judy Essig, our Sunday School Teacher. Other Ideas? We d love your ideas for new projects! 3

4 NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM ST. JAMES Highlights from the September 19 th Vestry Meeting Bishop Franklin will be making his Parish Visit on October 29 th. He has announced his mandatory retirement in April, To that end, a stratagem is being studied that would involve electing Bishop Sean Rowe, who is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania as Provisional Bishop. The two bishops have talked together about discerning the possible advantages to shared ministries between our two diocese. We need your feedback to our Convention delegates (Bonnie and Russ Dvorznak, Diane Cox, Dean Perry, or to Mother Bonnie and Deacon Diana.) The proposal will be voted on at the Convention this October. Enquirer s Class: Mother Bonnie will be holding an enquirers class for confirmands and for those who wish to be received. Any member of the congregation is invited to attend. The Audit Committee completed its work Boiler: Isaac Heating has been given a contract to replace the 2 nd boiler at a cost of $30,000. Property Committee: Dave Lange talked of the need to have long range planning and he explained a chart he worked on with Russ Dvorznak. This is a 12 year plan that includes projects and estimated costs for each year. One item on the chart which appears every year is $20,000 for masonry work. Dave Lange stressed that work delayed or not done will lead to higher expenses in the future. On the chart, the proposed work for 2017 is: Install replacement windows in the Choir Room -- $2000, Paint exterior masonry on Parish Hall -- $3500, Church boiler replacement -- $38,000, Insulate and ventilate the Rectory attic --$1500 for a total cost of $ Boiler came in $8000 below estimate and it was decided to put windows on Adopt-A-Project. Financial Manager: It was decided to stay with Merrill Lynch. Stewardship: It is time to start the Stewardship Campaign. An emphasis will be put on the needs of the building and the importance of pledging over giving. Cathy Judkins, Clerk Bishop s Visit We will welcome our Bishop, The Right Rev. R. William Franklin to St. James on Sunday, October 29 th. That day we will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. Scrip Scrip Cards will be on sale at Coffee Hour every Sunday. Stop by and see how easy it is to support St. James with your usually shopping! Prayer Corner When offering your prayers to the Lord at home, please include the following people who are loved ones of our parish family: Tim, Sally, Matt, Glenn, Aiden, Carol, Fern, Diana, Carter, Marilyn, Carla, and Shirley 4

5 Outreach You are invited to Pay it Forward in Kasese, Uganda Please join us in supporting an exciting new project in the Kasese, Uganda community! Over 50 alumni from the KCHEF education program and guardians have joined together to form the KCHEF Alumni and Guardian Association. This organization has developed a business venture that will assist in funding the primary education for orphans and other vulnerable children in the community. This is a true example of how those that benefit from a program joined together to pay it forward to the next generation! St. James is embarking on a year-long fund-raising effort to support the KCHEF Alumni and Guardian Association s plan to organize an economic cooperative which plants, harvests and mills maize to benefit all segments of their community. The KCHEF maize milling project partners with schools, businesses, and farmers to mill and provide maize at a low price. Proceeds from the project will fund the elementary school children in the KCHEF Education Program as well as provide economic gain for all groups in the projects. CHERA s goal is to raise $21,500 to support this project for milling equipment, staff development, training, and production control. Please join CHERA and the KCHEF alumni in this exciting venture that brings hope and a future to orphans and other vulnerable children in Kasese, Uganda. Your generous gift - in any amount - is greatly appreciated. Please contact Joan or Jim Ellison for more information: or jdellison@gmail.com CHERA Community Health and Education for Rural Africa is a Board of Directors from across the eastern United States. It is an all-volunteer board committed to the mission of the Community Health and Education for Rural Africa, Inc. CHERA is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation in the state of New York committed to the principles of accountability, professionalism, honesty, care, respect for every person, trust, non-discrimination, and strategic partnerships. For more information, see cherahealth.org. CHERA provides financial support and advisement to the KCHEF (Kasese Community Health and Education Foundation) Medical Center and Educational Program in Kasese, Uganda to transform healthcare delivery and educational opportunities in the Rwenzori region of Uganda. With local leaders and highly trained staff drawn from the community, the KCHEF medical clinic focuses on obstetric and pediatric medical care, and provides urgent care for all. The education program provides funds so that the region s most vulnerable children may complete their education and lead their community into the future. With these pillars of stability in place, hope and progress are real and growing in the Rwenzori region of western Uganda. Founded in 2002, KCHEF (formerly the Bishop Masereka Medical Center) responds to the most pressing need of Kasese: to reduce the number of women who die in childbirth and to ensure that all children see their 5th birthday. 5

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7 Music at St. James While Theresa DeMars is on leave of absence as our choir director, we joyfully welcome Mr. Dillon Hirsch as our interim choir director from now through the end of Mr. Hirsch is a master s-level graduate student in conducting at Houghton College. He hails from Elba and brings with him experience in both vocal and instrumental performance and conducting. Welcome Dillon! Bell Choir New Members Needed! Our BELL CHOIR will start rehearsals in November to prepare for the Christmas season. As you can tell, the LESS you know about music, the better. If you can tell one color from the other, you can play. Please ask Dawn (musdmark@aol.com) for more information. Property Committee Report Last month it was discovered that one of the church s two very large steam boilers had failed and needed to be replaced. The Property Committee sent requests for proposals to seven heating contractors, including five local and two regional. Three bids were received and the Vestry decided to award the contract to Isaac Commercial and Industrial Services of Rochester, at a total cost of $30, Competitive bidding resulted in a savings to St. James of $7,110.00! Work began on September 27 th and the new boiler is expected to be operational well before the October 20 th completion date which we specified. We are making progress toward a State of Good Repair at St. James, one project at a time. Dave Lange Property Committee Chair Ebay Fundraising Project Do you have items that you no longer want or need that might be saleable on EBay; and you would be willing to donate the sale price to St. James. We are looking into this possibility. More details coming soon. 7

8 Financial Summary for St. James Episcopal Church as of September 27, Year to Date 2016 Year to Date Income Parishioner Giving 84,564 82,900 Non-Pledge Giving 18,498 5,258 Income from Investments 56,550 28,000 Other Income 8,132 11,131 Total Income 167, ,289 Expenses Diocesan Pledge 16,115 15,124 Outreach Expense Personnel 98, ,662 Worship and Program Expense 11,880 9,719 Administrative Expenses 15,743 14,826 Building Expenses** 52,395 35,642 Total Expenses 194, ,974 Difference (26,703) (51,685) **This includes roofing costs of $18, that will be paid from memorial funds. RECIPE CORNER We don t have a new and wonderful recipe shared by a fellow parishioner this month! Submit your favorite recipe to the Office for future Newsletters! FROM THE DIOCESE Journey s Weekend Fall 2017 The next Journey s weekend for our middle school aged youth (grades 6-8) will be Friday November 17 to Saturday November 18 at the Diocesan Ministry Center. Journey s is a program that allows the youth to explore different ways of finding how God may be found in their lives. The underlying premise of the program is that we are all on a spiritual journey and that in all journeys there are choices, bumps, smooth passages, dead ends, and unexpected surprises. If you are interested, please ask Mother Bonnie+. She serves on the Diocesan Jr. High Youth Events team, and is a part of planning this event. 8

9 September 22, 2017 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Last weekend at a meeting of the clergy of the Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, Bishop Franklin announced that he will retire on April 3, 2019, as required by the canons of the Episcopal Church. His letter says he has returned from sabbatical full of energy and ideas that we will explore together over that time. Chief among those ideas, as we discussed with the clergy of both dioceses, is the possibility of our dioceses sharing a future. At our upcoming diocesan conventions, we will propose that we spend the next year convening discussions among leaders across our region about how we might create more opportunity for mission by working together. This process will culminate in October 2018, when our dioceses plan to meet together for a joint convention in Niagara Falls. If our discussions in the next year are fruitful, as we hope they will be, we would anticipate that in 2018, the Diocese of Western New York would elect Bishop Rowe as its bishop provisional for five years beginning in April 2019, when Bishop Franklin retires. During the first three years of the partnership, our two dioceses would work together to deepen our relationships and develop shared mission priorities. In October 2021, we would re-evaluate the partnership and then, in October 2024, decide whether we wanted to continue it beyond the five-year mark. In proposing a partnership between our dioceses, we are not seeking simply to save money, although we believe that will be possible, and we are not aiming just to share a bishop. We believe that our dioceses have complementary strengths and challenges, and that together we are well suited to respond to God s call in our region. Our communities share an industrial past, a Rust Belt culture, and a love for the natural beauty of the Lake Erie watershed, and our congregations are home to resilient people who know that by working together and staying focused on mission, we can weather uncertain times and a changing church. Between now and our conventions October 27 and 28 in Western New York and November in Northwestern Pennsylvania we hope that you will join us in praying about the opportunity we have before us and thinking about your hopes, concerns, and questions. We look forward to being together soon and to embarking on this year of discernment about the future that God has in store for the people of both our dioceses. Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin Bishop of Western New York James Isaac President, Standing Committee Diocese of Western New York The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania Jack Malovich President, Standing Committee Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania You 9

10 SERVICE PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER Can also be found on October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29 EM 1 Barb King Judy Essig Theresa DeMars Bonnie Dvoroznak Diane Cox EM 2 Cathy Judkins Barb Gray Jack Kershner Jo-Ann Bestine Jack Kershner Chantry EM Diane Cox Russ Dvoroznak Carol Queal Cathy Judkins Barb King 1 st Lesson Theresa DeMars Diane Cox Liz Findlay Cathy Judkins Joan Ellison 2 nd Lesson Jim Neider Joan Ellison Lilo Townsend Wayne Judkins Jim Neider Prayers of the People Steve Hawley Rose Rumery Larry Belluscio Steve Hawley Liz Findlay Acolytes Carol Queal Scott Essig Alieda Blossom Jaykob Belluscio Jo-Ann Bestine Carol Queal Alieda Blossom Scott Essig Jaykob Belluscio Keith Price Ushers Kathy & Larry Belluscio Dean Perry Glenn Hammond Peg & Alan Abrams Don Fox Dean Perry Bonnie & Russ Dvoroznak Greeters Bonnie Smith Wayne Townsend Cathy & Wayne Judkins Dean Perry Glenn Hammond Bonnie Smith Wayne Townsend Barb & Jeff Gary Element Bearers Donna Kauffman Paula Alker Karen & Harold Odell Jolene & Dick Folger Kathy & Larry Belluscio Peg & Alan Abrams Coffee Hour Outreach Team Bonnie Dvoroznak Kathy Belluscio Judy Essig Vestry Flower Delivery Liz Findlay Lilo Townsend Cathy Judkins Karen & Harold Odell Kathy Belluscio Altar Guild Pat Roblee Jolene Folger Rich Geitner Bette Rung Carol Queal Bill Coughlin Donna Kauffman Joanne Fleming Jo- Ann Bestine Karen Odell Harold Odell Kathy Belluscio Pat Roblee Jolene Folger Rich Geitner 10

11 St. James Calendar Sun Oct 1 KCHEF Visitors 8:45am 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:45am Sunday School 10:00am 11:15am Holy Eucharist 11:15am 12:00pm Luncheon Honoring KCHEF Visitors Mon Oct 2 6:00pm 7:00pm Youth Chorale - Music Room 7:00pm 9:30pm Gen Chorale Rehearsal - Parish Hall Tue Oct 3 7:00pm 8:30pm Property Committee Wed Oct 4 11:00am 11:30am Holy Eucharist - Chapel 12:00pm 1:00pm Bible Discussion Group - Rector's Office Thu Oct 5 9:00am 2:00pm Thrift Store Open 1:00pm 2:00pm Deadline for Vestry Agenda Items Sat Oct 7 9:00am 1:00pm Fall Clean up Day Sun Oct 8 8:45am 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:45am Sunday School 10:00am 11:15am Holy Eucharist 11:15am 12:00pm Coffee Hour 11:30am 12:00pm Our Faith Discussion Group - Guild Room Mon Oct 9 5:30pm 7:30pm ECW Meeting 7:30pm 8:30pm Outreach Team Meeting - Guild Room Tue Oct 10 1:00pm 2:00pm Vestry Reports Due 2:30pm 3:00pm Holy Genesee County Nursing Home - 7:00pm 9:00pm Pre-Convention Workshop - Parish Hall Wed Oct 11 11:00am 11:30am Holy Eucharist - Chapel 12:00pm 1:00pm Bible Discussion Group - Rector's Office 2:00pm 3:00pm Rupprecht Fund Advisory Committee 5:00pm 6:00pm Connections Planning Team 1 st Pres Church Thu Oct 12 9:00am 2:00pm Thrift Store Open 2:00pm 3:00pm Wardens Meeting Sat Oct 14 10:00am 11:00am Blessing of the Animals Sun Oct 15 8:45am 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:45am Sunday School 10:00am 11:15am Holy Eucharist 11:15am 12:00pm Coffee Hour 11:30am 12:00pm Our Faith Discussion Group - Guild Room Mon Oct 16 6:00pm 7:00pm Youth Chorale - Music Room 7:00pm 9:30pm Gen Chorale Rehearsal - Parish Hall Tue Oct 17 7:00pm 9:00pm Vestry Meeting Wed Oct 18 11:00am 11:30am Holy Eucharist - Chapel 12:00pm 1:00pm Bible Discussion Group - Rector's Office Thu Oct 19 9:00am 2:00pm Thrift Store Open 2:00pm 3:00pm Wardens Meeting 7:00pm 8:00pm Eucharistic Visitors Meeting - Guild Room 11

12 Sun Oct 22 8:45am 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:45am Sunday School 10:00am 11:15am Holy Eucharist 11:15am 12:00pm Coffee Hour 11:30am 12:00pm Our Faith Discussion Group - Guild Room Mon Oct 23 6:00pm 7:00pm Youth Chorale - Music Room 7:00pm 9:30pm Gen Chorale Rehearsal - Parish Hall Tue Oct 24 10:45am 11:45am Communion at The Manor House 6:30pm 8:30pm Deanery Council - St Pauls Stafford Wed Oct 25 11:00am 11:30am Holy Eucharist - Chapel 12:00pm 1:00pm Bible Discussion Group - Rector's Office Thu Oct 26 9:00am 2:00pm Thrift Store Open 4:00pm 5:00pm Finance Meeting Fri Oct 27 All day Diocesan Convention Sat Oct 28 All day Diocesan Convention Sun Oct 29 Bishop's Visit 8:45am 9:45am Choir Rehearsal 10:00am 10:45am Sunday School 10:00am 11:15am Holy Eucharist 11:15am 12:00pm Coffee Hour 11:30am 12:00pm Our Faith Discussion Group - Guild Room Mon Oct 30 6:00pm 7:00pm Youth Chorale - Music Room 7:00pm 9:30pm Gen Chorale Rehearsal - Parish Hall 12

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14 St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street Batavia, NY Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Weekday Services Wednesday, 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Chapel The Second Tuesday of the Month, 2:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist at the Genesee County Nursing Home, 278 Bank Street, in the Mall Walk The Fourth Tuesday of the Month at 10:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist at The Manor House, 427 East Main Street, in the Grand Parlor Everyone is Welcome! The Rev. Bonnie F. Morris, Rector The Rev. Deacon Diana Leiker, Interim Choir Director: Dillon Hirsch, Organist: David Lange Administrator: Barbara King, Bookkeeper: Paula Alker Wardens: Sr. Warden: Jim Neider, (585) , Jr. Warden: Russ Dvoroznak, (585) , Vestry: Diane Cox, Bonnie Dvoroznak, Dorian Ely, Ron Fancher, Jack Kershner, Barbara King, Dean Perry, Barbara Pierce, Lilo Townsend Clerk of the Vestry: Cathy Judkins Treasurers: Peter Mark and Keith Price Office Phone: Website: www. stjamesbatavia.org Like us on Facebook at St. James Episcopal Church Batavia 14