The Tower Chimes. The Newsletter of

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1 The Tower Chimes The Newsletter of St. James Episcopal Church 1 St. James Place, Goshen, N.Y Parish Office (845) stjamesgoshen@frontier.com The Rev. M. Carl Lunden, Rector October Relational Evangelism: Invite a friend to Church On Sunday, November 3rd, All Saints Sunday From the Rector To most Episcopalians the idea of doing evangelism never crosses their mind. The idea of speaking about your faith to family and friends, let alone strangers, seems to go against the very private emphasis on faith in the Anglican tradition. Many Episcopalians are happy to join and participate in Church activities as long as it doesn t affect their life outside of the Church or require too much of their time and commitment. The Christian life though, is one of total commitment. We are in a time during which the values of our society are shifting under our feet and we can no longer rely on membership in the Church as cultural norm. Christianity used to be a dominant reality of American life but in the last 40 years that has declined to the point that society is far more secular than religious. We are living in a new environment; if we don t present the gospel in what we do and in what we say the Church will continue to decline and the message of God s saving love will go unheard and unseen. We Episcopalians need to get serious about evangelism! Jesus makes evangelism a priority for his disciples (meaning us!): Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV) Perhaps the way to look at Evangelism is not from the perspective of other Christian groups. I don t believe that cold calling, going house to house and ringing doorbells, or publicly handing our tracts, are viable options today. We live in a skeptical time in which all proselytizing is suspect and seen as undesirable and false. The reality is that God has already placed many non-christian, un-churched people in our lives. We don t have to go and look for Commitment Sundays: October 6, 13, 20, 22 Fill out your pledge card and return by October 27th

2 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES September 2013 them; they are already there! How many people in your life do not know Christ and are desperately searching for life s meaning and God s unconditional love? How many of the people you love and care for need to hear that God loves them and brings meaning to their life? The odds are that they won t without you in their lives to share your life in Christ with them. I believe that the best approach for us in the Episcopal Church is Relational Evangelism. Relational Evangelism is based on the rapport we build with people in our lives over periods of time that earns us the privilege to share the gospel of Christ Jesus with them. Through friendship and relationships of trust we create opportunities to share the faith that is in us and the life-changing presence of Christ in our life. If we care about others, then we need to give them the message of abundant life and salvation. It does not have to be preachy, but it does need to come from the heart. Part of this endeavor is to cross-pollinate your un-churched friends with your faith community (namely Saint James). As a parish church we exist to welcome seekers into our midst. God has placed the other members of Saint James in your life to aid you in welcoming people to our Church (this is why it is so important to come to church EVERY SUNDAY). Therefore, in an effort to practice Relational Evangelism I am asking that everyone at Saint James work on inviting someone to Church on Sunday, November 3 rd, all Saints Sunday. This should give you plenty of time to think about and prepare to invite someone. Don t grow weary when they say they seem un- interested or can t make it. In fact, pray about it and ask them again. The persistence of love will pay off. You may find it a lot easier than you think, but be prepared to follow up because one visit to Church is just a beginning. To help with this process, I will hold two discussions on Relational Evangelism on Sunday, September 29 th after the 10:30 a.m. service, and Sunday, October 6th after the 10:30 a.m. service. Fr. Carl + LADIES NIGHT AT THE RECTORY Please Come and bring a friend! Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m. 118 South Church Street, Goshen Please bring your favorite snack or beverage to share. Question? Contact Sharon Lunden: or mrsfathercarl@gmail.com If you need to talk with Father Carl he is available either at the Parish Office: or the Rectory: Please feel free to call him any day in the week for any pastoral reason.

3 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES September 2013 Sunday School News Sunday School at St. James is off to a stupendous start!!!! We have approximately 40 students, and of course we would love to see our program grow! Children are invited to register for Sunday School at any point during the year. Remember that instruction begins at 10:15 and concludes after about an hour. (It depends on the sermon.) Those children who are not picked up by their parents are escorted into church to join their families during the peace. The timing isn t always perfect, but we do our best. The Pre-K, K, 1 class is enjoying the Godly play curriculum with Lorraine Mabee and Keri Hunt. Each morning the children begin the lesson on the circle rug and experience a story from the Bible. We would like to send a very special thank you to Mrs. Lola Lofman for creating a beautiful Baptismal ensemble for our Godly play Doll. Stop by the classroom to check out her amazing handiwork! With some help from Kyle Mabee, Dana and Steve Sgambati are teaching the 2 nd and 3 rd grade class. This month, the children are learning about the life of Jesus, and they are concentrating on The Lord s prayer. They are also learning a special song each month. Marci Hanners and Evan Mabee work with the 4 th, 5 th and 6 th grade students. The class will be working on pieces from Godspell along with regular instruction about the life of Jesus. A favorite activity of the class is taking a walk together and getting some fresh air. Anna-Marie Noe and Kelly Kennedy work with the 7 th and 8 th graders. They have lively discussions, write their own prayers, and have also included a walk as part of their Sunday School experience. Please be sure to participate in the Sunday School Fundraiser on October 6 th. We will be selling mums for $6. We would like to thank Marci for organizing the fundraiser. Volunteers are an integral part of our program. When you see one of our teachers, let them know you appreciate their hard work. I know they do it because they love the children, but sometimes, it s nice to hear a thank you. If you have any questions regarding our Sunday School program or the Children s ministry, please contact me at smatula@frontiernet.net or stop to chat at coffee hour. We welcome all feedback and suggestions. God Bless, Tammy Matula

4 Xxxx x St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES October 2013 The Tower Chimes is the official monthly publication of St. James Episcopal Church. The Rev. M. Carl Lunden Rector Deacon Tom Liotta Minister of Music Genie McMonigle Parish Secretary October Greeters Schedule 2013: Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Romans 16:16 9 A.M. October 6 - Donna Carbone October 13 - Evelyn Clark October 20 - Malcolm Diaz October 27 - Jackie Kessler November 3 - Bryan Giudice 10:30 A.M. October 6 - Nicole Wiggins October 13 - Dona Ash October 20 - Jackie Bloem October 27 - Val Bynum November 3 - Ed Fritsche VESTRY Chris Tippin, Warden Debby Brown, Warden Dona Ash Val Bynum Edward Connor Steve Matula David Meffert Tom Nixon Bryan Giudice Jessica Ann Sutton Wayne Wilson Jerre Coleman, Treasurer Nicole Wiggins, Assistant Treasurer Kathy Martin-Brown Clerk of the Vestry Altar Flowers October: October 6 October 12 October 20 October 27 Wiggins Liotta/Mahoney Debby Brown Andrea Yesupatham A Special Thanks to all Donors! WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY FOR October with Fr. Carl on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel We are reading The Gospel of John We are Meeting on October 1, 8, (off the 15) 22, 29 ALWAYS BRING YOUR BIBLE. Come and join us anytime!

5 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES October 2013 From Our Junior Warden... First and foremost there are a few parishioners we need to extend a huge thank you to. Pete Ochsner has spent hours scraping, glazing and repainting leaving the cloister windows looking brand new! Many, many thanks Pete for your hard work. I am also thrilled to pass on the news that our 2014 Garden Tour is scheduled for June 21 st thanks to Marsha Burke and Ursula Degenhardt. This is a huge undertaking with the proceeds replenishing our Building Restoration Fund. Please be sure to thank both of our Co-Chairs when you see them for keeping this vital fundraiser and community event alive. As you know the fall season not only blesses us with God s outdoor beauty, it also kicks off the annual Stewardship Campaign. It s time once again to prayerfully consider your pledge of time, treasure and talents to St. James. Not only do we pledge for the church but also for our own spiritual well being. Please keep in mind that while your pledge of treasure helps us to plan the annual budget, we love to see the congregation get involved in the myriad of activities that make up St. James. Think about balancing your pledge to include giving of your time and talents. There are many committees, odd jobs and fundraisers that you may be well suited for. Not to mention it s a wonderful way to become better acquainted with your St. James family. Father Carl announced on September 15 th that November 3 rd is Bring a Friend to Church Day. No doubt we all know someone who is without a church. Look to your neighborhood, your gym or simply your circle of friends and tell them how much St. James means to you. We who were not born and raised in Goshen joined our church because of someone else s encouraging words. See if you can encourage someone to come and visit. In closing, more good news: ASTAR has agreed to replace the cracked boiler jacket at no cost to the church. Yahoo and God Bless you all. Debby Brown, Junior Warden Saint James Church will Celebrate Creation as we commemorate The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with a Service and Blessing of Animals on Sunday, October 6th at 2 p.m. Children and Adults are invited to bring their pets for a blessing. Come join us!

6 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES October 2013 Birthdays October Janet Bally 10 /1 Justin Markey 10 /10 Ellen Wuagneux 10 /13 Debby Brown 10 /14 Henry Hamilton 10 /16 Jerry Killenberger 10 /16 Thomas De Angelis 10 /17 Ben Search 10 /18 James Healy 10 /21 Liz Tarvin 10 /27 Michele Markey 10 /28 Janelle Hamilton 10 /31 Kelly Haviland 10 /31 Peter Somlai 10 /31 Wedding Anniversaries October Jeff & Ellen Wuagneux 10 /8 Peter & Beth Somlai 10 /9 John & Jennifer Stratton 10 /18 Larry & Ellen Ferrier 10 /21 Gregg & Michele Markey 10 /23 The Newsletter Deadline is the 15th of October. Please send articles to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NRSV Fall Nursery Schedule Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." 10:30 Service Sept 1 Evelyn Clark 8 Kathy Martin-Brown 15 Karen Fogerty 22 Karen Golding 29 Evelyn Clark Oct 6 Evelyn Clark 13 Kathy Martin-Brown 20 Karen Fogerty 27 Karen Golding Nov 3 Evelyn Clark 10 Kathy Martin-Brown 17 Karen Fogerty 24 Karen Golding Questions: LaWahna Search Halloween Dress Up at Church Sunday, October 27th Kids & Adults What will Father Carl wear?

7 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES October 2013 STEWARDSHIP 2014 Practicing Faithful Generosity During the Sundays in October, the Stewardship Committee will continue with the commitment campaign started on September 29 th. Members of the committee will be available before and after the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m services to assist members in filling out a pledge card. We need 100% support of the St. James membership if we are going to be successful in meeting the financial goals for Among the many important and necessary opportunities that occur in the life of St. James is stewardship. In fact, everything we do at St. James is an expression of our Christian Stewardship. Stewardship is our covenant with God. For too long our understanding and practice of stewardship focused more on our personal giving to the work of God and less on God s faithfulness to us. Stewardship became a favor we do for God and the church. Often this means the giving of money to the church. But Stewardship is more than giving money. It involves the use of our Talent- our gifts and skills. It involves the use of our Time, our leisure and business. It involves our Passion, our decisions and peace with God. Stewardship is grounded in the understanding that all we have and all that we are belongs to God and has been entrusted to us. Stewardship is a faithful response to God s generosity. Indeed, Stewardship is only possible because we can trust God to be faithful to us. Therefore I invite all members of St. James to a prayerful reflection on Stewardship beginning with the ministries of St. James and God s activity in your life. I hope the reflection will lead to a faithful response to God s presence in each of us. Please join in making a pledge to support St. James for Please keep up with your pledge for 2013 as we enter the final months of the year. Sign up to give of your time and talents for the work of the organizations of St. James. YOUR TALENT IS GOD S GIFT TO YOU WHAT YOU DO WITH THAT TALENT IS YOUR GIFT TO GOD Ed Fritsche, Stewardship Chairman

8 St. James Church THE TOWER CHIMES October 2013 When we make it Personal Things can take off in the right direction or quickly take a nose dive when we make it personal. Conversations can go on for hours with little emotion involved as long as the subject matter is kept on an even keel, removing any hint of personal matters. Once words are spoken that strike a nerve, all bets are off. I m sorry, that didn t come out the way I intended, please don t take it personal. The apology might work and we may be able to move on; or we may find ourselves caught in a very tough position that may take a long time to repair. Of course, there can be an upside to this as well. Think about the times someone took special care and a little extra effort to write a simple note or pick out a personal gift that we know came straight from their hearts. In cases like this, when we make things personal, it can be well received and help build a strong relationship for years to come. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, we all know through experience that when things become personal and emotions are stirred, there is a direct impact on the relationships involved. Hopefully these interactions are positive and building stronger relationships with each interaction, but we all know that life is just not that perfect for us and even with the best intentions, our words and actions can be taken personally, and not in the manner we intended. Fortunately, there is someone who understands all of us far better than we even understand ourselves; someone who is ready to accept our praise and our misspoken words. Jesus not only hears our words and sees our actions, but also knows the intentions of our hearts. Yes, good and bad, He see all of us for exactly who we are and not only accepts our mistakes and misguided intentions, but is also ready and willing to forgive us, time and time again. The more we turn to the Lord for help, the more He is there to listen to our prayers. And the more consistently we speak with Him through prayer, the stronger our relationship with Him becomes. Jesus invites us to have a deep relationship with Him. Our relationship with Jesus can carry us through the best of times and lift us when we fall. He s always there for us and we can deepen and strengthen our relationship with Him each day, one prayer at a time, especially when, well,,when we make it personal! Have a blessed Fall season, Dom Perfetti.

9 FIELD TRIP TO CHRISTMAS ON FIFTH AVENUE We are currently planning a field trip to New York City for December 7th. The bus will drop people off in two locations, The Metropolitan Museum of Art at 81st and Fifth and Central Park South and Fifth. The shop windows will be decorated, the Tree will be up in Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular will be playing. Ice rinks will be operating at both Rock Center (expensive!) and Bryant Park (FREE! if you bring your own skates, rentals available.) A list of places of interest will be provided. The cost is $30 per adult for the bus and $25 per child (13 and under.) I am working with West Point Tours for this trip. We have 49 seats available, but will upgrade to 55 if there is demand. Seats are sold first come/ first served. Please feel free to invite friends to join us. If you have any questions, suggestions or just want more info, see Marci Hanners or call at Looking forward to a full bus and lots of fun! Don't miss this one! Please support the Sunday School Fundraiser October 6th from 9-12 noon $6.00 per mum

10 The CommuniTy Dinner at ST. JameS, october, 26 St. John A.U.M.P Church & the St. Mary Prayer group from St. John s Roman Catholic Church will host the October, 26 dinner, always held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in St. James Parish Hall. Call John Strobl at to find out how to help. We open at 4:00 p.m. to get ready for the 5:30 p.m. meal. The dinner is always held the last Saturday of each month. Please help out with this dinner. Goshen Ecumenical Pantry Inc. The next Saturday distribution at the Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry will be held October, 12 (the 2 nd Saturday of each month) from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 33 Park Place, Goshen. Please arrive by 9:00 a.m. The Goshen Food Pantry s second distribution will be held October, 24 from 6:30 to 7:15pm.(note date change due to Halloween) Help is needed; all groups (Adults, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Youth Groups, Football Teams etc.) are welcome to give us a hand. Please arrive at the pantry around 6:00pm. Bagging & unloading of food dates Bagging is done at the Goshen Food Pantry, every Tuesday morning at 9:15a.m. Unloading of Food purchased from the Food Bank in Cornwall is now done on the Wednesday after the second Saturday of the month at 5:00pm at the pantry (The next date for Food unloading is October, 16).Be part of this excellent opportunity for community service. DONATIONS NEEDED We are now taking donations of Dog and Cat food for our new Pet Pantry. We also are collecting Stuffing, Gravy, Canned Yams, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Beans, Applesauce, etc. for our Holiday Bags for Thanksgiving & Christmas. PLEASE LIKE US ON FACEBOOK