St. James E-pistle. Date of Sunday Service: July Pentecost Pulpit Notes

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1 St. James E-pistle Date of Sunday Service: July Pentecost Pulpit Notes Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, The other day, someone asked me what priests were for. Were they really necessary? Well, I know one priest who is very necessary to MY well-being! But seriously, it s a fair question, and it leads to many others like, is apostolic succession necessary if Protestants were able to do away with it yet still thrive? And of course, What is the church for, anyway? These are actually questions that clergy ask themselves a lot. After all, we would not have gotten into this vocation if we were not convinced that what we do has value and purpose. Who wants to devote their life to something that s utterly meaningless? So, after that conversation, I went home and decided to relax with a Disney movie - Moana. If you haven t seen it, it s one of the better Disney movies and features music by Lin Manuel-Miranda of Hamilton fame. As I watched, one song came on with the phrase: We Tell the Stories of our elders in a never-ending chain.... That s when it hit me: THAT is apostolic succession! If you re uncertain what we mean by apostolic succession, it means the unbroken chain of elders (bishops) being ordained by previous elders all the way back to the apostles. Apostolic succession is the never-ending chain that connects us to the apostles and to Jesus. It s how we tell our story of relating with God after the time of the Bible. And telling our story is what we re all about. That s why we have the Bible in the first place. That s what we are all called to be - story tellers. There s nothing magical about apostolic succession other than its power to bind us together. Another question that arose from that conversation was why we have priests in the first place. Is it just to wave magic hands over the bread and wine? What happens in communion anyway? When it gets down to it, couldn t anybody be the celebrant at communion? As I ve said, the Eucharist isn t magic. Yet is does have power. We say that Christ is truly present with us in the act of communion. It s not something the priest does - Christ does it. Yet the priest stands as a sign to the congregation - a sign that we have been doing this 4526 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park NY T F W E stjamesoffice@stjameshydepark.org at

2 simple act for so many centuries because it binds us to Christ, just as it bound our ancestors to Christ. And it binds us to each other - those past and present. I ve said repeatedly that we don t perform magic in the Eucharist, BUT there is power. There is something special that happens. There is connection at the deepest level. Could anybody do it? Sure - just like an actor who memorizes a script, anybody could learn the words and the actions. But there is something to the power of having the whole church behind those actions and words - to having had the hands laid on that one person on behalf of the whole church. There is something to knowing that the one who stands before the congregation is carrying on the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain. There is something to knowing that this isn t just someone waving their arms around - it is the bond between God, ourselves, and our forebears. Of course, anyone can become a priest to do this - if that s what they re called to. Quite seriously, I hope each of you considers whether or not you are called to this vocation. It s not an absurd notion, and it doesn t require someone who s particularly saintly or talented. It only requires someone who is called, who s willing to test that call with leaders of the church, and who can embrace a life that can be weird at times but rarely boring and always filled with purpose. Grace and Peace, Chuck+ Pray for the Presiding Bishop: Please hold our Presiding Bishop, the Most Reverend Michael Curry, in your prayers. He has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is now undergoing treatment. Prostate cancer is one of the slower progressing cancers, and he is receiving excellent care with a good prognosis. SUMMER PLEDGE APPEAL: We are in full summer mode now, and that means travel. It also means it s easy to forget your pledge. This is your friendly reminder to keep up with your pledge so your St. James family can keep up with the work God has given us to do together. If you have yet to pledge for this year, it s never too late! God is good, and so is your partnership in the Jesus Movement. We Need A Defibrillator! When a group from St. James went to the firehouse for CPR training, the teacher encouraged us to invest in a defibrillator for the church. We took note of it and felt it was a good idea. However, there is no money in our budget for it. A defibrillator and wall-mount case runs roughly between $1000 and $1200. Would you be interested in contributing toward one? The parish has not yet set up a fund for a defibrillator, so don t starting sending in checks just yet, but be prepared for a call. And if you have questions, don t hesitate to contact me and ask. These are some of the best ways to save a life in an emergency, so it s well worth considering.

3 Announcements Between Service Classes: This Sunday, July 29, we conclude our series on The 7 Deadly Sins. The last two of these sins we ll explore are Sloth and Wrath, seemingly unrelated but maybe not so far from each other as one might think. Youth Group: Last Sunday the Youth Group had a conversation about Social Justice - what it is, who it affects. We talked about groups that are often left on the margins of society or overtly discriminated against: African Americans, Native Americans, Women, LGBTQ persons, the poor, the sick. Then we looked at the gospel and asked ourselves, what is the responsibility of Christians with regard to social justice. Finally, we posted a banner (donated by the family of one the kids) in front of the church that reads, Hate Has No Home Here. This phrase is part of a nation-wide campaign to stand up to hate aimed at the marginalized. As an compliment to this banner, we added a message to the large signboard: Love Lives Here. Acolyte Training: Because of scheduling conflicts, we are rescheduling acolyte training. It will now be Sunday, July 29 after the 11:30 AM service. If you would like to become an acolyte, please let him know. LAY READER Training: As promised, there will be a training session for all Lay Readers, currently licensed and those who would like to be, for Saturday, July 28 at 9:00 AM. It will last no more than three hours and explore all the areas that are important to fulfilling this ministry. If you can t make this date but still want to get licensed (or renew your license) Fr. Chuck will set an alternate date for September. Please note: according to diocesan rules, all lay readers who bear the chalice must be licensed. This class should fulfill requirements for licensing. A Word About Bees: You may have noticed a lot of large bees flying around the parish house lately. These are called cicada killers. While they look fearsome and have an intimidating name, they are actually pretty harmless. They do not sting unless physically grabbed (or stepped on). Even though it looks like they are all together, they are actually solitary insects that do not act in consort - so they do not swarm. We try not to harm any insects unless necessary because they

4 are surprisingly important to the survival of all life on this planet. As an entomologist recently said on the news, if all humanity ceased to exist, the planet would recover pretty quickly. If all insect life ceased, all life would end. We suggest simply leaving them alone for now - they will only be here another month or so. Of course, please don t grab them, and you should wear shoes. REGIONAL COUNCIL AND POSSIBILITIES: Below, you will find a flyer and registration form for Regional Council. We are encouraging ALL parishioners to attend if possible - and other churches have also encouraged their parishioners to come. Want it to be an event for all Episcopalians in the Hudson Valley. But hurry! The deadline is September 21. St. James is hosting this year, so you know how to find it! The Regional Council is an annual meeting of the Hudson Valley churches - especially Dutchess and Ulster County. Each parish has two delegates, but all Episcopalians in the region are encouraged to attend. See below for registration information. ALSO: Clergy from the region this week discussed the idea of a smaller groups - Inter Parish Councils - meeting six months after the Regional Council. This would be a way for parishioners to discuss additional topics of interest and to keep relationships strong. I WANT MY CHURCH TO GROW: In April, the diocese hosted a workshop called I Want My Church To Grow. It was so popular that they have decided to host another one in our region. Right now, the proposed date for the even is November 3. This is a workshop for everyone who loves God and their parish. Topics for this include: Episcopalians Evangelize? Using Community Organizing Tools for Church Growth You Start with what You Have: Asset Based Congregational Development We Need More Money: Best Practices for Your Stewardship Campaign Everything Keeps Changing! Vestry 101 for the 21st Century

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6 The Mid-Hudson Regional Council Saturday, September 29, :30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CLIMATE CHANGE: Our role in caring for God s Creation St. James, Hyde Park ~ Registration Form ~ Parish: City/Town: Clergy Attending: Voting Delegate(s): Other Attendees: Please complete this form and send it to: The Episcopal Diocese of New York The Mid-Hudson Regional Office 30 Pine Grove Avenue Kingston, New York Please note that each parish, regardless of size, is entitled to two (2)voting delegates. All clergy are voting members. We welcome and encourage other members of your parish to attend Deadline for registration is Friday, September 21 st. Cost is $10.00 per participant checks made payable to Diocese of New York

7 RURAL AND MIGRANT MINISTRY: Request for School Supply Kits Rural and Migrant Ministry will be offering a variety of summer youth programs. This year these programs include summer day programs and an overnight camp that will be held the week of August 12th at the Presbyterian Camp in Holmes, NY. These programs make a huge difference in the lives of the young people who attend and often, these experiences are life-changing. This year s theme is RESISTANCE. One of the most needed items for each child that participates in RMM s summer programs is a Back to School Supply Kit. Last year our parish family donated thirty-eight kits. Please prayerfully consider making a donation of a school kit. The kit should include 4 composition notebooks (NO spiral notebooks), 4 Sturdy (2) pocket folders, 1 package of notebook paper, 1 box of primary colored Crayola washable markers, 1 24-count box of Crayola crayons, 1 soft pencil envelope/case that includes 1 package (12) #2 pencils, 1 eraser, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 ruler, 3-6 ball point pens, 2 glue sticks, a pair of school scissors and a small package of construction paper. or if you would like us to do the shopping, please prayerfully consider making a cash donation. Cash/Checks payable to St. James Church, memo line - RMM school supplies. Special Offering envelopes can be found in the pews or in the narthex of the church. Deadline for donations: Sunday, August 5, 2018 On behalf of the campers who will benefit from your donation: THANK YOU!!! Deacon Gail on behalf of the Outreach Committee

8 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Unction No Morning Prayer INDEPENDENCE DAY 5 11 AM Bible Study 6 7 VBS! 8 VBS! Between Service Class 9 Office Closed AM Morning Prayer Episcopalians in the Park 15 Between Service Class 16 Office Closed 17 7 PM Vestry AM Morning Prayer 2 PM Hyde Park Assisted Living AM Men s Breakfast 22 Between Service Class 23 Office Closed AM Morning Prayer Lay Reader Class Youth Group 29 Between Service Class 30 Office Closed AM Morning Prayer Acolyte Class Sundays: Holy Eucharist Rite I is at 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music) is at 10:00 AM. Sunday School and nursery are available at 10:00 AM. Between Service Classes on Sundays are from 9:15 to 9:45 in the Wilks Room.

9 Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Please pray for these diocesan ministries this week. If you want to check out the entire year's calendar for intercession, it's simple to find - go to and click under "Beliefs and Practices." July 29 St. Martha s Church, Bronx 30 St. John s Memorial Church, Ellenville 31 Incarnation Conference Center and Camp August 1 St. Joseph of Arimathea Church, Elmsford 2 St. Andrew s Church, South Fallsburg, Delaware Catskill Episcopal Ministry 3 The Diocesan Liaison for Global Mission 4 Diocesan Committee to Elect a Bishop Additions To/Deletions From Prayer List Readings for July 29, 10 Pentecost 2 Samuel 18:5-9,15,31-33 Psalm 130 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35, Sermon Title for July 29, 10 Pentecost How We Use Power Hymns for July 29, 10 Pentecost Processional Hymn: Sequence Hymn: Offertory Hymn: Communion Hymn: Recessional Hymn: Lead Us, Heavenly Father Amazing Grace Thine Arm, O Lord, in Days of Old Taizé (insert) - Nothing Can Trouble Savior again, to thy dear Name we raise Gloria - S 277, Sanctus - S 124, Fraction - S 154 Last Week s Sermon The Power of No

10 Anyone who has ever been a child, seen a child, or had a child knows that one of the first words we learn is No. Parents start saying it almost as soon as children start moving around - and getting into trouble. Or wanting unreasonable things like chocolate cake for dinner. No, don t touch that! No, you can t have that becomes our mantra. After a certain number of times hearing it, however, kids figure out that they can say No, too. No, I don t wanna, becomes their mantra. No is used to protect and teach the child - and it also empowers the child who learns that they actually can influence events with a simple word. No has power. It also has harmful potential, of course. When we see someone in need and say, No, I don t feel like helping. Or when we see someone hungry and we say, No, I don t need to care - it s their own fault they re hungry. Or even when we need to take care of ourselves but think, No, I m too busy or too bad or too unworthy. But we will focus on the positive power of No for now. And perhaps the best place to start is with King David. You may remember that he was all settled in as King - finally, after years of hiding and war, he was in power and at peace. But he seemed dissatisfied - possibly because he felt guilty for having this nice new house of cedar (which is a big deal) while the ark of the covenant sat in a tent. So, he determined to build a temple. At first, this seemed like a good idea to Nathan. But God visited him that night and said A) Did I ask for a temple? B) Do not build it. And C) You don t have to build it because I got you covered. Finally God says, it ll get built when I m ready. David accepts this No to his grand plan and says Yes to God instead. What s behind this NO? Perhaps God is telling David not to be so proud - after all, David may have been thinking he needed a new building project - something grad - to seal his legacy. Or maybe God was relieving David of guilt for having a better house than the ark. One lesson we can certainly take from this is that not every great idea we have needs to be acted on. We might want to first listen to the voice of God in prayer and in each other. In the Gospel, Jesus also employs a certain NO without ever saying the word. At first, he says No to the crowd that was following them. No to their demands for healing, feeding, teaching. Instead, he tells the disciples that sometimes you have to say No in order to get the rest you need. One of our most loyal parishioners regularly steps back from positions of leadership when they feel it s time to take a break. Yet they come back. Those who don t rest often fall away forever. Jesus insists they say no to the demands of others for a while. So, the disciples say No to the crowds and Yes to rest. At the same time, compassion on occasion requires we say No to ourselves - what nurse hasn t stayed extra when duty called? What parent hasn t spent the night up with a sick child? What firefighter hasn t lost sleep while putting out blazes? Sometimes we put the needs of others ahead of our own - because we are more than just ourselves. So even as he reminds the disciples to rest, Jesus says No to himself in order to say Yes to compassion. But remember, it s only for awhile. He does make time for rest. How does this play out in our lives? These days, college campuses are trying working hard to make sure students understand that No means No. Teaching students that they have a power they often felt

11 they didn t - to refuse to do something harmful they don t want to do. When we discover that we have the power to say No, we also discover that we have the power to say Yes to what we actually DO want, or need, or feel called to. When people are new here, I try to let them know that No is a good option when people ask them to do things (at least at first). And that nobody has to say yes to everything. Saying No to one thing allows you to say yes to another. This tiny word - No - is so crucial to our being. It can save us, frustrate us, free us. And while it is always accompanied by the possibility of yes - sort of the flip side of the coin - there is very little that the world will not allow you to say No to, at least on occasion. In fact, there is only one thing we are called never to say no to. One thing to which every good no points. God s love. As PB says, if it s not about Love, it s not about God. Because THAT - the Love of God - is our eternal YES. Amen. A WORD ABOUT RECORDED SERMONS: Most weeks, I upload a recorded copy of the sermon onto my Facebook page as well as St. James YouTube channel. I have not yet figured out how to upload them to the St. James Facebook page but am working on it. You can also listen to sermons by going to YouTube ( and searching for St. James Episcopal Church, Hyde Park, NY. There, you will not only find sermons but also videos of the Fireside Chats and other videos of interest. You can subscribe to that page, and then when new content is uploaded, you will receive a notification.

12 SERMON VALUATION FORM It is not necessary to take notes during the sermon. Rather, you can take some time afterwards to recollect the sermon and its effect on you. Give yourself a few minutes for each of the questions. If you choose to share this with the preacher, it can be a powerful aid to better preaching - but this is not a form to be handed to the preacher and forgotten. It is an aid for you so you can speak directly with the preacher and answer follow-up questions. 1. WHAT ARE YOU STILL HEARING? That is, without evaluating it, what are the words or phrases from the sermon that are still echoing in your ears? Are there any ear worms? 2. WHERE MIGHT THIS BE LEADING? As a listener, where does this sermon lead you? What does it invite you to? What are the nexts steps in your faith that might arise from this sermon? 3. HOW DOES THIS SERMON PLAY? That is, how is it organized or ordered? What steps has the preacher taken you through? What structure did you notice in this sermon? What has it asked you to do? 4. HOW MIGHT THIS SERMON GROW? That is, what suggestions would you have to hone the message of this sermon, to make it more engaging, inspiring, logical, fleshed out... No sermon is ever entirely done; its themes will be revisited over time. What would help the next time be more compelling?