SEPTEMBER In This Month s Issue: Pastor s Points Page 1-3. Presidents Points Page 4. Financial Report Page 12

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1 In This Month s Issue: Pastor s Points Page 1-3 Presidents Points Page 4 SEPTEMBER 2011 Financial Report Page 12 Birthdays & Baptismal Anniversaries Page 5 Ministries, Announcements &Upcoming events Page 6-8 Prayer Needs Page 5 Thank you Page 7 School News Page 9-11 Calendar Page 14 NOTES FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR By the time you receive this newsletter, August will be over or nearly over, school for many will have begun again, and fall and cooler weather will be just around the corner. As such, I was reminded of the following story: Some time ago a young man asked the foreman of a logging crew for a job. That depends, replied the foreman. Let s see you drop this tree. The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled the great tree. The foreman, very impressed, exclaimed, Start Monday! The next week rolled by, but on Friday afternoon, the foreman approached the young man and said, You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today. We won t be needing you any longer. But I thought you liked my work, said the young man. I did, but we are letting you go today because you have fallen so far behind the other loggers. Our daily accounting shows us that you have dropped from first place on Monday to last place by today! But I m a hard worker, the young man protested. I m the first on the job, the last to leave every day, and I don t even stop for a break! You know I m no slacker. The foreman sensed the young man s honesty and thought about his situation. He then asked a very important question. Have you been sharpening your axe? The young man responded, I ve been working too hard and too long to stop and take the time. How about you? Have you been too busy this summer, too hard at work or play, or just not aware of the importance to sharpen your axe? Without it, working or playing harder or longer will not really enhance your life. Worship each week is vital to your faith journey. Find your way to church this Sunday and every Sunday.. God bless, Pastor Albert MARTIN LUTHER ON MARRIAGE Martin Luther was known for often giving practical and honest advice. He once said regarding marriage, Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave. 1

2 PASTOR S CLASS A Pastor s Class for persons interested in learning more about the Lutheran faith and joining St. James Congregation is scheduled for the following Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m., in the Church Library: September 11, 18, 25, with new members joining the church during the 10 a.m. service on September 25 th. If interested, contact Pastor Albert. CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE Confirmation Class for 7 th and 8 th graders will begin on Sunday, October 2 nd. Classes will be held in the Pastor s Office, 9:00 a.m. 9:40 a.m. The theme for this year s study will be BELIEFS WHICH SET APART/DISTINGUISH THE LUTHERAN CHURCH. The schedule through the remainder of 2011 is as follows: October 2 November 20 NO CLASS October 9 November 27 October 16 December 4 October 23 NO CLASS December 11 October 30 December 18 November 6 December 25 NO CLASS November 13 January 1 - NO CLASS DEADLY DELUSIONS Harry Weant in his book In Heaven s Name, Why on Earth? lists 10 Deadly Delusions that many have in regard to stewardship. These are all statements we have heard, maybe even made, but they are false. Below is the seventh of these delusions and Weant s reason why the statement is incorrect. Delusion 7: Correction: We must meet our own budget before we send anything to outside causes. Though it is easy to criticize what some people in the Head Office might want to do with our benevolence, these people have seen something of the nightmares and challenges that exist beyond our own shores. True, local congregations need to remain financially viable. However, some tend to become slaves to their own facility. They provide amenities, fixtures and programs that everyone will enjoy, but do not weep for a heartbreaking world about which they know so little. 2

3 COINCIDENCE IS WHEN GOD CHOOSES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS!!! WANT TO BE HAPPIER? LIVE LIKE A DOG! Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. When it is in your best interest, always practice obedience. Let others know when they are invading your territory. Take naps and always stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you re not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle that person gently. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shade tree. No matter how often you are criticized, don t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends. - Copied TEN COMMANDMENTS OF A FRIENDLY CHURCH: 1. Speak to people, even if you do not know their name. There is nothing as nice or cheerful as a friendly word of greeting. 2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Your smile is one of your finest assets. Use it often. 3. When possible, call people by name. The sweetest music to any person s ears is the sound of their own name. 4. Be friendly and helpful. If you want a friend, be one. 5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure. Try to look happy, and you will be happy. 6. Be genuinely interested in people. If you try, you can like everybody. Don t limit yourself to a few friends when so many likable and interesting people are around you. 7. Be generous with praise and sparing with criticism. Remember you aren t perfect either. 8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. 9. Watch for ways to serve others. What we do for others counts most in life. 10. Add to all of these a good sense of humor, a generous dose of patience, and a dash of humility. - Copied 3

4 PRESIDENT S POINTS The Call Committee is continuing its important work of finding a new Pastor for St James. They are currently looking at three promising candidates, but until the interview process is complete they will not know which, if any, they will recommend. They are being very thorough and appreciate your support, prayers, and patience. There have been several visitors to St James over the last few months and hopefully we will continue to have more, especially with Third Army s arrival. It is important for all of us to notice visitors and welcome them. We do this not to grow St James, but to follow Jesus example of being friendly and welcoming to strangers. God will grow St James; we need to do God s mission. As it says on our web page: Where all are welcome and Jesus is Lord. From what I ve noticed, we are talking to visitors after the service. So, let s keeping giving strangers a warm welcome to St James. In His service, Bob Bessel Serving you as Council President Messenger Due Dates Church Council Ministry Teams Anything that you wish to be included for publication in the Messenger should be turned in at the church office or ed to: stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com The deadline is 7 days before the last day of the month. The Church Council meets on the 3 rd Monday of each month. This Messenger and monthly calendar can be found on the St. James website: Click on news and calendar to view them. Bob Bessel Gary Bratton Ford Kamin Joyce Diehl Janet Turner Betty Harvin David Armstrong Mike Stewart Kimberley Dees Curt Caulkins Care: Janet Turner Youth: Kimberley Dees Finance: Curt Caulkins Worship: Joyce Diehl Property: Gary Harbath Education Betty Harvin Stewardship: Gary Bratton Evangelism: Ford Kamin Mutual Ministry: Bob Bessel Spiritual Growth: David Armstrong Outreach: Janet Turner Church Officers President: Bob Bessel Vice President: Gary Bratton Secretary: Ford Kamin Treasurer: Glenn Hesselbart 4

5 . 1 Brian Crawshaw 3 Andrew Bailey 5 Emery Vallier 8 Karen Hesselbart 12 Peter Hackett 15 Josh Soileau 17 Taylor Brunson 18 Karen Bailey 20 Shawn Burroughs 21 Stan Salter 22 Marlene Lee 24 Sarah Alexander SEPTEMBER Did we miss your birthday? Write your name and date of birth on the back of your yellow attendance slip and we ll wish you a belated happy birthday in next month s newsletter. Prayer Needs If you have a prayer need and would like it in the next Newsletter, please me at stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com Homebound: Ed Hart, Marilyn Kalamas, Olga Summy, Frankie Martin, Don and Jean Hoyt. Health and Related Issues: Phyllis Wisniewski, Deb Forke, Ed and Joyce Litteer, Tom Thompson (friend of the Chandler s), Teeny Taylor (Mary Bradshaw s mother), Prudence Roos (Lois Heal s sister), William Kirkpatrick (Kimberly Dees cousin), Dot Barrineau, Serena Loney, Rena Morin (Shirley Veins sister), Antonio Kong (father of Evelyn Keys), Nola Geddings (Hazelee Hallman s sister), Marianne Reither (Susan Wild s mother), and Lynne Praetzner (friend of Ken and Evelyn Keys). BAPTISIMAL ANNIVERSERIES: Ashley Crawshaw 9/30/01 Zachary Denton 9/4/05 Samantha Hicks 9/24/06 Haydon Lyons 9/5/04 Natalie Palmo 9/4/05 Larkin Simpson 9/21/97 5

6 Ministries, Announcements & Upcoming Events Vacation Bible School Update Our Vacation Bible School was a big success; we had 47 eager children that joined our Big Jungle Adventure The children participated in games, crafts and story time. We shared the love of Jesus to all of the children and had an amazing time as well. We are very appreciative of the various church members that helped turn our surroundings into a jungle. The most magnificent display was the waterfall with real running water down the mountain. We also had a jungle hut made from real bamboo. Our hallways and fellowship hall were adorned with greenery, vines and Spanish moss. We definitely brought the jungle to life. We offer a special thanks to Elton Hallman for his intuition of making our theme a reality with our waterfall and hut. We also offer a special thanks to Sep and Betty Harvin for donating the hot dogs and hamburgers for our Friday night cookout. Many thanks to those of you who brought desserts and fruit for evening meals throughout the entire week of VBS. This was a team effort and we greatly appreciate everyone that participated in various roles such as tribe leaders and their assistants, supper leaders, registration, craft, game, and snack leaders, puppeteer, story leaders, decorating and cleanup. Thank you all for your support to this very important ministry. Sincerely, Shelley Crawshaw and Lisa Bratton Sunday School will resume on September 11 th at 9:00 A.M. for the ages of 3 thru 10 and for High School consisting of 9 th 12 th grade. All classes will be held in the Sunday School building. We are in need of additional Sunday School teachers to help cover the three classes that we will be having. We have the preschool class which are ages 3 to 6. We also have the elementary class which are ages At this time, we do not have enough volunteers to maintain three teachers for all three age groups. We would gladly accept volunteers on a monthly basis which means that you would teach that entire month or if you are able to teach only once or twice a month that would be fine as well. Please contact Shelley Crawshaw ( ) or Lisa Bratton ( ) if your are able to help with Sunday School ministry Calling All St. James Ladies: Alice Drive Baptist Church is having their Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, September 20. If you have never been to this event, you will be in for a treat. They serve dinner to over 700 women and present a terrific inspirational speaker. Tickets are $12 and this is a DON T MISS occasion! Call Marjorie at the church office for ticket information by September 7 th as tickets sell out rapidly. Please see the flyer in the narthex. 6

7 On Thursday September 22 from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Tuomey Hospital is hosting Sail into Hope, Grief Retreat Day for persons wanting to find ways to take care of themselves in the midst of grief and loss. Seminars will include Scrapbooking Memories, Financial Security, Pampering Yourself, Journaling in the Celebration of Life, and Gardening as Therapy. The event is FREE and lunch will be provided but you do need to register in advance. Contact B.J. Drayton at Tuomey Hospice: Mark your calendars for October 6 th from 8:30am to 11:00am for the FREE Hypertension, Cholesterol and Diabetes screenings in the William Brice Gym Lobby. Jeanne Price Pack, RN, Community Health/Corporate Wellness Coordinator from Tuomey will be there. She will also do blood pressure checks. Drink plenty of water 2-3 days prior and make sure to do a 12 hour fast before your arrival time. Light refreshments will be available after your screening. Thanks from Girl Scout troop #2292: Dear St. James Lutheran Church, Thank you for letting us use the church grounds for our car wash and our yard sale on Oct. 1. It is a big help! Deborah, Anna, Amber, McKenzie and Kimmie Choir practice resumes on August 31 st. The choir will be practicing for a special service commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. Dear Congregation at St James, My family and I would like to express our thanks for all your prayers, expressions of concern and especially your support during my recent surgery. Don and Elaine have returned to their home in NYS and I'm on the road to recovery. Again, thank you. You are truly a church with God at it center. Sincerely, Don, Elaine & Joyce Diehl THE LULA-JUNE CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, September 6 th at 9:30. Betty Harvin will be the hostess at her home. Meet in the church parking lot to carpool to her house. CHOIR PRACTICE HAS RESUMED and the choir is preparing for a special service on September 11 th commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. FLU SHOTS: On Friday, September 9 th from NOON to 5:00pm, Walgreens will be conducting a flu clinic. Flu shots will be available to anyone: members of St. James and the general public. If you have government funded insurance such as Medicare/Medicaid, there is NO out of pocket expense to you. If you have Tri-Care through the U.S. military, there is a $3.00 co-pay for the flu shot. If you have other insurance, bring your insurance card and Walgreens can tell you if it is covered and what your co-pay will be, if any. Cash customers will pay approximately $ If you have any questions, ask or call Kimberly Dees at or her at: ktietjendees@hotmail.com. This event will be held in the Library and Narthex. 7

8 THE GIRL SCOUTS who meet at St. James on Monday nights will hold a rummage sale on Saturday, October 1 st. If you have any items that you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please bring them to the church office by Wednesday, September 28 th. We could all do with less stuff and your donations will be greatly appreciated. Josh Hallman has graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He has accepted a position teaching 10 th grade Biology at Clinton High School and has bought his first house! In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is also coaching jr. varsity football, traveling with the varsity team, will coach the spring track team and is involved with the Special Olympics science program. We are so proud of him! A LETTER FROM Christian Charities of Sumter was received recently. They have written, We at Christian Charities want to thank you for your continuing support and recent donation of food. Your donation of food is truly a blessing as we share food with our neighbors. God provides for all of us and through you we are all able to support those in need in our community. May God bless you as we serve our less fortunate neighbors. Cecil Crayton, chairperson THERE WILL BE a WELCA board meeting in the Library on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00pm. Please call Judy Lessard at for further information. WHAT IS A DEACONESS? A Deaconess is a woman who is: consecrated by the Church to a rostered ministry of work and service, part of a Community which offers vision, encouragement and guidance, professionally trained in a chosen vocation, and has a solid understanding of Lutheran theology. She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Deaconesses serve in many ways-as teachers, counselors, administrators, health professionals, Christian educators, youth workers, information specialists, ecumenists, and more. They serve in congregations, synod offices, hospitals, social service agencies, outdoor ministries, caring institutions, universities, and more. A deaconess is a bridge connecting the Church with the needs of the world and she also works closely with a Pastor if she is called to a parish service. Church of the Holy Comforter is offering a Beth Moore Bible study called Here & Now There & Then A Lecture series on Revelation. If you have never taken a Beth Moore course you are in for an exciting adventure through the Book of Revelation. If you have taken other courses offered by Beth Moore, you know how interesting and inspirational they are. The course will be held on 11 consecutive Sundays starting on Sept. 11 th at 6:00pm. If you are interested in taking this course, or would like more information, please contact Sue Griffin, whose grandfather was the rector at Holy Comforter for many years, at or grannysue@sc.rr.com. 8

9 ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL Religion in School? Absolutely! From the Desk of the Director of Education, Brandy Mullennax As I was driving home from work the other day, I was filled with so much excitement I could hardly contain myself! There I was just in awe of God s work and the growth that SJLS has made in this past year. Several thoughts were racing through my head as I looked out at all of God s creations. I knew from the moment He led me to St. James that there was a purpose for this school greater than any of us could imagine. I prayed daily for the school and the church to embrace change and always shine the light. Every day I drive in to work and I am embraced by God s children who are so eager to learn about Him. Their smiles fill my heart and their unconditional love reminds me of the love He has for all of us. We are reaching out to eighty five families and several more want to be part of this ministry. The church has formed a committee team so that SJLS can continue to grow and do His work. If you need to be energized, walk in and see God s hand at work. I promise you will walk out feeling His love. I must warn you that our little ones love to give love away, so be careful of the hugs that grab you around your knees so tightly that you almost fall over. I continue to feel extremely blessed to have the privilege of working alongside knowledgeable and faith-filled parents, staff, and faculty who hold high expectations and continue to raise the bar for students and themselves. I pray that each person who enters our doors recognizes that our school is an extension of our Lutheran Church; a place to be highly revered and cherished. With the help of God, I am confident that our school year will be blessed as our students grow in their love, faith and knowledge of Him. I look forward to seeing all of the children and being a small part of their lives. Like the desires I hold for my own children, I want the very best for each of the children. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts regarding the school s success. Your concerns, ideas, and positive comments are appreciated and respected. Communication is vital in the school s0 success and to our overall growth and sense of community here at SJLS. We are very pleased to welcome two new staff members to SJLS. Mrs. Becky Thompson has been assigned as our new second grade teacher. Ms. Paula Underwood is our new three year old teacher. What a blessing it will be to have each of them at SJLS. Sincerely Yours in Christ, Brandy Mullennax Brandy Mullennax, Director of Education 9

10 St. James Lutheran School Jewels are shining for God. The staff extends thanks to the Ministry Team who hosted a reception for us in August and who continue to support our ministry in God s school. I would like to personally thank those who are supporting SJLS through scholarship pledges. Several children have been able to enroll with us because of your generosity and love. It s never too late for anyone to donate to the scholarship fund as God leads. SJLS would like to extend a heart full of appreciation for Mr. Jim Bradshaw who keeps all of our computer needs taken care of. He generously donates his time so that we can all do God s work here at SJLS. Thank you, Jim! SJLS also extends a great big thank you to Mr. Gary Harbath and Mr. Ray Ziecker. These two men are constantly busy here at SJLS tending to all our property issues. Thank You! Friday, September 9 th, is Grandparents Day at SJLS. If you would like to join us as a Grandfriend for a student whose grandparents cannot attend, please call the school office ( ). The Artist of the month is Katelyn Makowske. Katelyn is the daughter of Bracey MaKowske. Katelyn is new to our three year old class and enjoys making arts and crafts that correspond to her learning units here at SJLS. Please stop by the school to see her work of art. As we complete our second week at SJLS, we joyfully anticipate what God has in store for us. In His Service with you, Brandy Mullennax 10

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15 Stewardship Message: Next to January, September is probably one of the biggest and busiest start-over months in the year. A number of congregational ministries which may have been on a summer break start up again. A new school year has started. It is interesting to note that September opens with Labor Day when we pause to thank God for honest and fruitful labor. Perhaps that is appropriate since things pick up after vacations and other summer activities and we have more opportunities for service. September also marks the beginning of autumn and that will be a welcome change for many people who this past summer were impacted by a record number of tornados, serious flooding around major rivers, heat and drought that broke many records, along with many wild fires that caused so much destruction. In spite of all the above problems God still richly blessed much of our country with seasonable weather so that seedtime and harvest prevailed and the activities of agriculture, commerce and transportation continued so that the earth was fruitful and yielded its increase to supply food for all of God s creatures. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! God s stewards appreciate new opportunities to start over again after life has become like a long, hot summer. In September many of God s faithful stewards can get involved with new and exciting volunteer activities in their churches and communities. In September many of our students can begin one of their best years of learning. In September many of our churches and schools can get involved with some of the most exciting ministries in their history. A fresh start is always appreciated. The past is behind us; the future is still in front of us but the present is where we do our work as God s stewards. God has some great things in mind for us as His stewards. He wants us to use our talents, our time, our resources and our relationships in ways that honor Him and bring blessings to those around us. Sometimes we may feel like we just can t get started! We may feel inadequate to take on new challenges. We may remember when we have tried some bold ventures before and they didn t work out. We can chase those negative thoughts away when we remember words like these from one of our well-known hymns: Let none hear you idly saying, there is nothing I can do, While the multitudes are dying and the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, Here am I, send me, send me. (LSB 826) So, keep your eyes open for some new opportunities to put your time, talents and resources to work for the Lord and His people, and when those opportunities come, GO FOR IT! In His Service, Gary Bratton, Gary Bratton, Stewardship 12

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18 St. James Lutheran Church 1137 Alice Drive Sumter, SC Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit 105 Sumter, SC Church Office Hours: Monday Friday: 8:30 1:30 Office: Fax: SERVICES: Wednesday: 10:30 am, Bible Study Noon, Holy Communion Service Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT: called by God, centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we rejoice in the Lord, proclaim His gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service and share Christ s love