Goals from the St. James' Vestry retreat on 3/21

On Sunday, March 21, the St. James’ Parish Vestry held a retreat (original one canceled due to snow). The purpose of the retreat was to establish goals for the year 2010. There were 6 goals established:

1. Establish Lay Visitation Program.
2. Kick-off Capital Campaign.
3. Develop Youth Facilities Plan.
4. Increase Net Membership by 40+ members.
5. Increase average pledge by $3 per week.
6. Increase percentage of pledging units from 53% to 65%.

The Vestry would appreciate your comments or suggestions. Anyone in the Parish is encouraged to attend any Vestry meeting.

Our Maundy Thursday Soup and Bread Supper, April 1

Our Maundy Thursday soup and bread supper will be held this Thursday with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Each person is asked to make a free-will offering for their soup and bread supper. The funds collected will go toward the various outreach programs which were presented each Wednesday night during Lent. Our service will follow in St. James’ Church beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Making Palm Crosses, March 27

Palm crosses are being made beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, in the parish kitchen. Please come out and help. Making of the crosses is easy to learn.

Our Fifth Lenten Soup and Bread Supper, March 24

Our fifth Lenten soup and bread supper will be held Wednesday, March 24, with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our program for the evening will be presented by Mr. Joe Emmerich of the Chillum Youth Project. Each person is asked to make a free will offering for their soup and bread supper. The funds collected will go toward the various outreach programs which will be presented each Wednesday night.

Palm Sunday Fried Chicken Dinner

A Palm Sunday Fried Chicken Dinner will be hosted by the Women of St. James’ Parish on March 28. Dinners will be ready from 10:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $15. You may eat in or carryout.

Our Fouth Lenten Soup and Bread Supper, March 17

Our fourth Lenten soup and bread supper will be held Wednesday, March 17, with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our program for the evening will be presented by Becky Miller, Community Outreach Manager of the Light House Shelter. Each person is asked to make a free will offering for their soup and bread supper. The funds collected will go toward the various outreach programs which will be presented each Wednesday night.

Dutch Mill Bulbs Fundraiser through March 28

The Women of St. James’ Parish are once again selling the popular Dutch Mill Bulbs as a fundraiser. These summer and fall blooming bulbs sell for $6.00 per package (even, no tax or shipping fees). Because the Parish will receive $3.00 from each sale, you can claim that amount for each package as a tax deduction. How nice it will be to "see" your tax donation actually blooming in beauty this summer!

Catalogues for the bulbs are now available and the deadline for placing orders, with full payment, is March 28th. Please give your order to either Wendy Crawford or Peggy Horn. You may also place it in the offering plate during one of the Sunday services.

Our Third Lenten Soup and Bread Supper, March 10

Our third Lenten soup and bread supper will be held Wednesday, March 10, with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our program for the evening will be presented by the Department of Social Services. Mrs. Christine Poulsen, Program Manager for Community Initiatives, will be the speaker. Each person is asked to make a free will offering for their soup and bread supper. The funds collected will go toward the various outreach programs which will be presented each Wednesday night.

Calling All Helping Hands: Mission Trip to West Virginia

In an effort to determine interest for a mission trip to Beard’s Fork, West Virginia again this coming summer, please contact Susan Whitehead at swhitehead84@comcast.net if you think you might wish to participate. The trip is tentatively planned for one of the last two weeks in July. The only skill required is a desire to help. Teenagers are welcome, if accompanied by a parent. The director of the Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) has indicated St. James’ Parish has been the most welcome and dedicated group of volunteers they have had. Please help maintain that tradition by joining the mission trip to Appalachia. The experience not only benefits those who are less fortunate, but also benefits the volunteers who have an opportunity to share faith and fellowship with fellow parishioners.