St.

James St George Episcopal September 2016

Church From the Rector Vestry News
Looking to the Future
At the Vestry Meeting was held on Monday, August
15, 2016, Liz Race officially resigned as Senior
What are the signs of a thriving parish with a
Warden citing personal reasons. Then, at the very
future? If I were to answer that question, I
end of the meeting, Father Peter announced his
would say three things: hospitality, willingness
intention to leave the Parish.
to grow, and focus on the future rather than the
past.
Hospitality means so much more than a Sunday Church Service
smile and hug at the door. It's how we treat 9:00 am
people who come to us in the little things. It's
the cleanliness of the building, the orderliness (until further notice)
of the bulletin, the quality of preaching and
music, and it's about whether they feel that they Parishioner Spotlight
can contribute their unique gifts in this place. Hospitality is about
the healthy handling of conflict when conflict arises, about setting Liz Race lives in Waverly
aside the impulse to gossip, and about the willingness to give up "my where she is an Equestrian
pew" for the sake of Jesus Christ who shows up in the guise of the instructor extraordinaire. She
stranger---and "my pew" could be my seat in the church, some task is in charge of the food pantry
that I have made my own, my desire to have things go my way, and that is held on the last
even my ability to graciously let go of how things have always been Wednesday of the month. She
done. is also a member of the altar
The willingness to grow is closely linked to guild and a lector.
hospitality. Growth ALWAYS includes change. Allow me to say
this again: there is no growth without change. None. If a parish
community were going to grow doing things as they always did
them, they would have already grown and would have no need to
speak about it. Growth means change, and change without
punishing those who bring change.
Our past is sacred, but we only honor our past by living into
the future with courage and faith. Time doesn't stand still and it
doesn't go backwards. Those who refuse to move forward may
linger for a while, but ultimately will be lost to the vibrancy and
creativity of life, even the life of faith. Our youth are our
future. The stranger who walks through our doors is our future. The
abundant life Jesus promises is our future, if we choose it. Please, in
the name of Jesus Christ, choose it.

Sunday School will resume at 9:00 am on Sunday,

50/50 Monthly Raffle
The August winner of the Raffle of $103.00 was Ron Fowler.
Thank you to all who participated. Also, thank you to
Joannie Vihriski, who organized and ran the raffle for the past
five months. If anyone is interested in taking
over this important job, please contact Ron
Fowler or Jane Evans
September 11, 2016. In attempt to provide Christen
Education to all age groups, two separate classes
will be held each week – one for the older students,
and another for the younger children. It is hoped
that this new format will better serve the needs of
young people of our Parish. Questions??? Please
contact Carol Brownstein or Heather Evans.
 Upcoming Events
Sunday School
Sunday, September 11, 2016
9:00 am
St. James St. George Church
Peacemeal –
Saturday, September 10, 2016
4:30 pm
Elm Park Methodist Church
Vestry Meeting
Monday, September 12, 2016
7:00 pm
St. James St. George Church
Food pantry -
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
11: 00 am – 1:00 pm
St. James St. George Church
Contact Information
Address: 398 Washington Avenue,
Jermyn, PA 18433
Telephone: 570-876-4896
e-mail: ssjandg@yahoo.com
Website: ssjandg.weebly.com
The History of Our
Church
by Walter Avery
St. James St. George Episcopal Church
398 Washington Avenue
Jermyn, PA 18433
Food Pantry
A Food pantry is held at St. James Church on the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Food to be given away is picked up during the day on Tuesday. The young people
of the Parish then meet at 4:30 pm to pack bags and boxes for easy distribution
Wednesday morning. The prepared boxes and extra food are neatly displayed on
tables in the parish hall.
Volunteers are always needed to assist with necessary paper work and in helping
with the actual food
distribution. Knowing
the importance of
volunteers, St James
Church is very thankful
for the continued help
from Bank of America.
The next Food pantry is
Wednesday, September
28, 2016, from 11:00
am – 1:00 pm.
At 9:30 am on Sunday, November 22, 1916, a fire broke out in St. James Episcopal Church,
Jermyn while the congregation was engaged in service. The rear part of the church was
badly damaged, but the good work of the firemen kept the blaze under control. The contents
of the church were taken out and saved. Thankfully, he damage was covered by insurance.
The next Food Pantry will be help on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, from
11:00 am – 1:00 pm.