March Madness. Wednesdays Lenten Series at St. James March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 6pm. Friday, March 17 6:30pm- Family Bingo

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1 St. James Episcopal Church 9 Williams Street Clinton, NY Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Clinton, NY Permit No. 24 Deliver to Addressee or Current Occupant Mardh 2017 March Madness Wednesdays Lenten Series at St. James March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 6pm Friday, March 17 6:30pm- Family Bingo Sat., March 25 5:15pm - Parish Potluck

2 St. James Episcopal Church N E W S L E T T E R March 2017 St. James Episcopal Church 9 Williams Street Clinton, New York office@stjamesclinton.org REGULAR SERVICES: Saturday, 4pm Sunday, 9:30am, nursery provided Church office hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-12pm Staff: Minister of Music: Richard Lloyd Sexton: Mujo Salkic Administrative Assistant: Tacie Languein Godly Play Director: Sharon Pick Vestry: vestry@stjamesclinton.org Senior Warden: John Pick Junior Warden: Pat Davis Kathy Collett John Crossley Chris Fox Randy Grant Sue Hecklau Deb Lucas Terry Neil Sharon Pick Randy Wilson Treasurer: Jan Wilson Webmistress: Patricia Jue Newsletter: Pat Evans Leadership Group Chairs: Communications: Kathy Collett Fellowship: Terry Neil Finance: Mike Baldwin Investment: Craig Heuss Outreach: Pat Evans Property Management: Sharon Williams Search: Karen Anderson & Randy Wilson Worship: Kathy Collett Youth: Rahel Elmer Reger EF St. James is a community where we come together in Christ to develop spiritually; find opportunities for outreach; receive comfort when in need; and engage in sacred experiences through our liturgy, music, fellowship, and mutual ministry. 2

3 Worship About Lent After the celebration of Christmas and the joy of Epiphany, the season of Lent is the time when we look inward at ourselves and make changes in preparation for Easter. It is a time for personal and collective transformation. There are several ways we do this in the Episcopal Church, and here at St. James. Solemn reflection The readings and prayers during worship are more penitential. There are no flowers on the altar. The altar is draped in Lenten array, hangings of rough beige trimmed in black and ox blood red. At St. James we will use Eucharistic prayer C. This prayer has been called the Star Trek Prayer the vast expanse of interstellar space. Yes, I can see some of you rolling your eyes and shaking your heads already. But allow yourself to get past this, and into these words you [God] brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill But we turned against you, and betrayed your trust; and we turned against one another Again and again, you called us to return. In Prayer C, we acknowledge the many ways we (individually and corporately) have fallen short. Similarly, for the Confession of Sin we will confess that we have denied your goodness in each other, in ourselves, and in the world you have created. We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf. We are penitent, we prepare, we look for transformation. (and yet spoiler alert... in the fullness of time you [God] opened for us the way of freedom and peace. ) Putting away Alleluia The Book of Common Prayer, from which our worship service comes, has these instructions ( rubrics ): In Lent, Alleluia is omitted and Except in Lent, add Alleluia. We do not say or sing the word Alleluia during Lent. The Building Faith Center for the Ministry of Teaching at the Virginia Theological Seminary website suggests Putting away the Alleluia for Lent is like putting away a favorite toy for a while to appreciate it better later. To make this symbolism even more real for children, the Building Faith folk suggest making a banner or decorating a sheet of paper with the words Alleluia, and then putting it in a dark corner or closet, or even burying it in the ground in a water-proof container, in anticipation of Easter, when it is brought out in celebration (and when the Alleluia returns at the Great Easter Vigil when we sing out Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.) Growing Closer to God (and others) in Lent Lent is also linked with sacrifice. Sacrifice seems to add stress to our hectic lives; denial can breed frustration and even resentment. But that is not the intent. Rather, giving up, fasting, or whatever one decides to do to observe a Holy Lent should be something that will draw one closer to God and nearer to the true self God intends a person to be. For some, it is a giving up breaking some unhealthy habit, for instance, or examining prayerfully some disordered attachment in our lives in order 3 to gain freedom from it. For others, it is a taking on adopting a healthy practice, or engaging the mind and body in new and life-giving ways, or reaching out to others. Lent is a time to connect more deeply with God, and to know that you are loved. Give something up if it helps you grow closer to God. Give (more) to others to make God s presence more real to the others and to you. If you chose to live more simply, or give up a meal or meat during Lent, consider donating the money you save to help support the St. Paul's Parish church and school, Beaudin Jean Pierre, Haiti through the St James outreach ministry program. Lent Madness! Seven years ago, the Rev. Tim Schenck, St. John the Evangelist, Hingham, Massachusetts, developed a fun, unique Lenten devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Rev. Tim chooses thirty two saints and matches them off in a tournament style contest. Each day of Lent you can learn about two saints and can cast a vote for one at The winners advance in a tournament until one is left and is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. You can also sign up for daily s at lentmadness.org. In the words of the Lenten Madness creators, If this helps people connect with the risen Christ during this season of penitence and renewal, and have a bit of fun in the process, then it continues to be worthwhile. Lenten Series The Clinton Area Ministerium invites all to our Ecumenical Lenten Series, which will be hosted at St. James Episcopal Church, on Wednesday evenings. We will start out with a light soup and bread supper at 6:00 pm. There will be a session shown from Mike Slaughter's video "Renegade Gospel", followed by a discussion moderated by one of Clinton's clergy. The program will end before 7:30 pm. Please plan to make this fascinating series part of your Lenten experience. The following is a list of dates and discussion titles: Mar. 8 - The Rev. Janet Griffiths and Patsy Glista, AIM Session 1 "Discovering the Rebel Jesus" Mar The Rev. Jeff Hale Session 2 "Revolutionary Lifestyle" Mar Scott Leonard, CLP Session 3 "The Most Important Question You Will Ever Have to Answer" Mar The Rev. Fr. John Croghan Session 4 "Seeing Jesus Today" Apr. 5 - Karen Anderson and the Rev. Jeff McArn Session 5 "The Way of the Cross" and Session 6 "Resurrection"

4 Vestry News The Vestry met on Wednesday, February 15th. Normally, you might say "not much got done," as there were only two items on the agenda. However, one of the items makes this the most productive Vestry meeting I've ever been a part of! The Search Committee presented a candidate for Vestry review for Rector of St. James'. Gary Cyr was unanimously endorsed by the search committee. At the Vestry meeting, Gary similarly "wowed" all present and was also unanimously accepted by the Vestry. Bishop Dede gave her strong endorsement and with all of the i's dotted and t's crossed, Gary will begin his journey with us on Palm Sunday weekend. I like to think I've gotten to know quite a bit about him through our various interactions during the search process and since, and I could tell you a lot about him. However, knowing him as I do, I'll leave the "sharing" to him, which I'm confident he'll do. I'll simply say he's very honest, caring, has a great sense of humor, and strives for transparency. All of the good news is somewhat tempered by the fact that Ash Wednesday was Jackie's last service with us. Jackie went above and beyond what is expected of a "supply priest' and was always there for us in a very difficult period. I wish her the best in her future endeavors. As Terry Neil will relate in greater detail in her article, we hope to be able to thank Jackie in person at a parish pot luck later this month. Oh, before I forget it, the other item on the February agenda was the presentation of the 2016 Parochial Report which was also unanimously accepted by the Vestry. So, thus begins a new chapter in the history of St. James'. How appropriate that this takes place during the Lenten season! I hope St. James' is "full to the rafters" on Palm Sunday weekend to welcome Father Gary on the start of our spiritual journey together. John Pick Check out St. James' on Facebook.For each day of Lent there is a posting based on the Rev. Stephen Rozelle's Daily Inspiration for Lent.The theme of of this Lenten exercise is Taking on Being Joyful. Children s Ministry Lent is the season we prepare for Easter. These six weeks are a solemn time, overflowing with meaning. We move toward the Mystery by hearing the stories of Christ's journey toward the cross and resurrection. The children will be presented lessons on this journey and invited to choose materials from the classroom that will help tell more of the story. The birth of Jesus, his life, death and his rising from the dead will be our main focus for the next few weeks. The Mystery of Easter reminds us that Easter is full of God's mystery and joyful surprise! Also called Eastertide, this is our road to Pentecost. Let us begin our journey together by meeting in our Godly Play Room on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am. Sharon Pick Property Committee With warm weather (fingers crossed!) and a rector (yeah!) arriving, there's a lot to take care of! Thanks to everyone who came with mops, buckets, and elbow grease to help do a final cleaning in the rectory. It will look great for our new occupant! Property Management is beginning to get busy on planning for several major projects: A lot of rotten wood on the church and rectory exteriors needs replacing this year. Some new gutters have been added to reduce the problem of water hitting exterior walls. The rectory and garage will get a new coat of paint. The roof over the rectory kitchen will be torn off and a stronger roof installed. Jobs you can help with: Some office moving will be taking place during March, including painting walls and moving furniture. Please volunteer to lend a hand. Thank you. Sharon Williams Memorial Flowers for Easter Those wishing to provide an Easter plant for the altar may do so by using the special envelopes in the pews or completing the following form. If you would like to take your plant after the Sunday service, please note this on your envelope or check. A minimum donation of $20 is requested. Checks should be made payable to St. James Church Altar Guild with the notation Easter plant. Parishioner s Name: In Memory of: Will take plant after Sunday s service?: Yes: No: Please complete this form and return it to the parish office with your minimum donation of $20.00 before Monday, April 10. Thank you. Easter plants will also be delivered to shut-in members of the parish so they may know that we think of them and include them in our celebrations. If you would like to receive a plant or know of someone who would like one, please call the church office. And if you could volunteer some time to deliver a plant to a shut-in member of the parish, we would greatly appreciate it. Simply select a name from the sign-up sheets in the back of the church and make arrangements to visit. Thank you. 4

5 July 2017 Youth Pilgrimage to El Salvador: Informational Meeting Fellowship Day School News Spring is on the way and so is our next Parish Potluck! A "Thank you" Potluck is planned for Saturday, March 25, 5:15 pm. This will be an evening to thank those who have helped us through our transition time these last 18 months. We are asking folks with last names beginning A-D to bring a main dish, E-I dessert, J-P appetizer, and Q-Z salad. Co-chairs are needed for coordinating set-up and clean-up. Please let Terry Neil know if you can do this, Mark your calendars for a wonderful evening of fellowship! Terry Neil Bingo Night is back again. Everybody is invited to join us in the St. James parish hall for a fun evening of playing Bingo. There will be prizes, a concession stand and many great people. Come on March 17, 6:30-8, admission is $10 per family. In July 2017, Deacon Chuck Stewart, Companion Diocese Committee Chair, will lead the ninth Youth Pilgrimage to our Companion Diocese of El Salvador. The signup deadline for the pilgrimage is May 15th. An informational meeting about the pilgrimage will be Saturday, Mar. 25th, 10 a.m, St. James' Church, 96 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles. March will bring us into our spring themes at the Day School. Topics in March revolving around weather and rainbows will be highlights. We look forward to the KAC Tiny Tots Ballet and Silly Hat Day and the Egg Hunt this month. The new teachers who have joined our staff this year, Abby Stahl and Elise Morford, are dynamic, experienced, kind and energetic teachers who bring creativity and enthusiasm to our classrooms at the Day School. Reminder: The registration process has begun for next year's class; registration information is available at the Day School. Tell your family and friends with three and four year olds! Anyone interested can call the Day School ( x14) or for info at sjdayschool@gmail.com. Please SAVE THE DATE: MAY 20th for a gathering at MKJ Farm in Deansboro that will benefit the St. James Church Day School. Cindy Wirene Outreach During Lent we are again collecting for St. Paul's parish church school in Haiti. Special envelopes are in the pews and can be placed in the collection plates. Hope you didn't miss our "kick-off" coffee hour last week featuring some homemade Haitian cooking. We are also grateful to the youth group for donating $180 from the proceeds of the pancake supper to this outreach. Pat Evans Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Great cooks! Excellent service! 5

6 March 2017 The YMCA's before and after school program meets in the Parish Hall on school days from 6:30-9am and 3:30-6pm. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Ash Wednesday 7:45 am Men's Group 4pm Worship Service 7pm Service 7:30pm Adult Choir 6pm Outcast :30am Handiwork Group 7:45am Men's Group :30am Lectionary Study 6pm Outcast 5pm Zumba 6:30pm Tapestry 6pm Lenten Series 1 6:30pm Property Mgmt 6pm Outcast 4pm Worship Service 6:15pm Painting Group 8pm AA meeting 7:30pm Adult Choir :45am Men's Group 11:30am Lectionary Study 10am Fiber Arts Guild 3:30pm Youth Group 5pm Zumba 6:30pm Tapestry 6pm Outcast 6pm Outcast 6:15 Painting Group 8pm AA meeting 6pm Lenten Series 2 7:30pm Adult Choir 6:30pm Bingo Night 4pm Worship Service :45am Men's Group 11:30am Lectionary Study 6pm Outcast 5pm Zumba 6:30pm Tapestry 6pm Lenten Series 3 7:30pm Adult Choir 6pm Outcast 4pm Worship Service 6:15 Painting Group 8pm AA meeting 5:15pm Parish Potluck :45am Men's Group 11:30am Lectionary Study 3:30pm Youth Group 5pm Zumba 6:30pm Tapestry 6pm Lenten Series 4 6pm Outcast 4pm Worship Service 6:25 Painting Group 8pm AA meeting 7:30pm Adult Choir 7pm Women's Spirituality March Altar Guild: Mia Rogers, Sharon Pick & Patricia Jue March Server Schedule Date Acolytes Nursery Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Ushers/Greeters Sat. Mar. 4 Matt Weber Patricia Jue Matt & Wendy Weber Sun. Mar. 5 Liam Schmalz Emma Davis Mary O'Neill Mary Lou Iles Ben Fehlner Louis Pinto Sophia Pinto Mike Baldwin Werner Schmalz Sat. Mar. 11 Sharon Pick John Pick Sharon Pick Sun. Mar. 12 Charlotte Jones Alison & Emma Peto Lorna Grant Randy Wilson Don Neil Sydney Evans Rahel Reger Chris Evans Sat. Mar. 18 Matt Weber Wendy Weber Matt Weber Sun. Mar. 19 Gigi Pinto Emma Davis Pat Evans Bill Kistner Cynthia & John Mia Davis Sophia Pinto Kathy Collett Crossley Sat. Mar. 25 Chris Fox Patty Fox Chris Fox Sun. Mar. 26 Nick Pinto Sofie Reger Jackie Medina Brian Collett Ben Fehlner Margaret Jones Rahel Elmer Reger Barbara Swetman Werner Schmalz Sat. Apr.1 Matt Weber Patricia Jue Matt & Wendy Weber Sun. Apr. 2 Kate Marquardt Karen Anderson Randy Wilson Mike Baldwin Pat Davis Please pray for the families of: March Cycle of Prayer Mar. 4 Mar. 11 Mar. 18 Mar. 25 Patricia Jue & David Evans, Ryan Evans, Scott Evans, Bruce & Sharon Evans, Pat & Tom Evans, Ben Fehlner & Laura Stoll Robert Feketa, Barbara Foster, Chris & Patty Fox, Joan Frost, Mark & Jennifer Fuller, Danielle & John Furlong Mike & Mary Garcia, Jennifer Geiger, Rev. Elizabeth Gillett, Lorna & Randy Grant, Ian & Miriam Grove, Gordon Hayes, Jr. Jill Hebert, John & Sue Hecklau, Craig & Kathy Heuss, Bill & Vivienne Holland, Chuck & Holly Horner