Dear Friends in Christ, Today is January 15, 2019 and I begin my seventh year as your Rector here at St. James’. I am grateful for all the blessings that God has given us here these last six years. I was working on the 2018 Parochial report and writing up a Rector’s report to deliver to the Vestry this evening and it gave me a chance to reflect on all that we have accomplished together. Our mem-bership at St. James’ was 419 members reflected on the 2012 parochial report. This year we are showing an increase in membership of 32 new members which gives us a membership of 558 members as of December 31,2018. This means that we have had an increase in membership of 139 new members over this six-year period which is an increase of over 33%. Our aver-age Sunday attendance has also increased from 140 in 2012 to 175 for both 2017 and 2018. This means that 1590 more peo-ple are coming to Church a year than there were in 2012. Our finances have also seen amazing growth where we had 85 pledges for almost $190,000.00 in 2012 to 124 pledges for $268,000.00 for this upcoming year. There has also been a lot of changes to the campus in the last six years. We have fixed the basement issues and are now using the space every Sunday for our Church School program. We have a new roof on our main building, and we have expanded the seating in the sanc-tuary by installing new pew hymnal holders and by hanging the kneelers in the pews. As I look out toward the Glebe House, I see the work being accomplished to bring about our vision of a new Outreach House. A place where those in need get help and a place where we can fulfill our baptismal cove-nant to “seek and serve Christ in all persons loving your neigh-bor as yourself.” (BCP 305) As I think about all that we have accomplished and how blessed we have been and are, I could-n’t help but think that our name, St. James’, is such an appro-priate name for this parish. In the “catholic” epistle of St. James the author writes, “Show me your faith apart from your works and I by my works will show you my faith.” (James 2: 18). It is through our works of outreach and hospitality that we fulfill our Baptismal Covenant to “proclaim by word and exam-ple the Good News of God in Christ …to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as yourself …. (and to) (Continued…)

Rector

The Rev. Dr. Mike Sowards, D. Min. 215-251-8856

Vestry

Barbara Bateman, Rector’s Warden

610-489-9712

Drew Beck, Warden-in-Transition 610-631-2488

Joanne Tatem, People’s Warden 610-631-2488

Jon Yenney, Vestry Secretary

610-454-0179

Buildings & Grounds

Gene Goff 610-489-0765

Steve Jackson 610-831-1987

Communications

Drew Beck 484-752-8244

Education

Mike Sowards 215-251-8856

Finance

Dale Pennapacker, Treasurer

610-933-5177

Josh Ilgen 610-454-1230

Outreach Ministries

Jackie Dahlen 610-792-0935

Peggy Spinozzi 610-489-1739

Parish Life

Ned Travis 610-310-1827

Joanne Tatem 610-631-2488

Member Ministries

Barbara Bateman 610-489-9712

Bill Kilgour 610-290-6338

Epistle Editor

Lisa Reinhardt 610-489-7564

St. James’

Episcopal Church knowing and serving God by serving others

Collegeville, Pennsylvania 610-489-7564

The

Epistle

February & March

2019

Continued… strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.” (BCP, p. 305) As this season of Epiphany gives way to the season of Lent, let us not forget those “a-ha” moments where we glimpsed the immeasurable love of Christ in ourselves and in others. May we always strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in this broken world and may Christ bless our efforts to do the work God has given us to do! Yours in Christ,

Fr. Mike+

The Rev. Dr. Mike Sowards+

Rector

St. James’ Episcopal Church

2nd Annual Spring Women's Retreat

Rev. Kris Peterson - Presenter

WHEN – SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019

WHERE – ST.. JAMES' CHURCH - PLATTS HALL

REGISTRATION (COFFEE & PASTRY) – 9:30 AM

RETREAT – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

PROGRAM WILL CLOSE WITH EUCHARIST

REGISTRATION AND LUNCH $12.00

PLEASE WATCH FOR PROGRAM DETAILS AND LINK TO REGISTRATION FORMS IN

SPRING ISSUES OF "HAPPENINGS" EMAIL AND THE APRIL/MAY ISSUE OF ST. JAMES' EPISTLE

Next Epistle Submission

is March 15

Committee leaders please send in

your communication forms to the

office

office@stjames-episcopal.org

for review and inclusion in the

April/May Edition of the Epistle by

March 15th.

August through November 2018 Vestry Highlights for the Epistle

August 21st

New Outreach House Bids- Less expensive lights met specifications, saving $10,000

Discussion of using our tax-exempt status to buy materials to save $40K

Outreach- 175 backpacks were distributed this month

Member Ministry- there have been 18 new members since May, New Member Breakfast

scheduled for October 14th

Finance - Hoffsells’s Estate- We have received initial payment and will receive the remainder of

principal by the end of the year

September 18th

After thorough discussion, Vestry selected Halteman Brothers as the contractor for the Outreach House project.

Vestry voted to sell $400,000 of unrestricted invested funds to put them into a money market

position for use on the Outreach Project.

Vestry approved railings project for the front of the church. The estimated cost is $3,250. The Vestry voted to approve $6,000 in funds to cover a shortage on the Outreach House budget

through the end of the year.

October 16th

Drew discussed plans to restart our Capital Campaign following the Groundbreaking.

Member Ministry is working on a directory update to add newer members.

Buildings & Grownds noted that the power wash of the front of the church came out very well.

Education – we have 46 children registered for Sunday School, but the maximum attendance

has been 32.

November 20th

Stewardship Campaign is going well with signs of enthusiasm in our Parish. Total pledges are over $100K so far.

The Vestry authorized $1,000 for project to make a mold to replace our decomposing St. James’ statue. Project led by Dan Young, parishioner. (Note – due to initial mold cost projections, the statue will be sheltered to reduce damage and the project revisited in 2019)

Vestry approved our 2019 Offering of Sacred Gifts and Gifts for Mission to the Diocese, totaling $20, 525

Attendance continues to grow at our services, with several recent attendance totals over 200.

New Year, New Youth Fellowship Schedule! Our Youth Fellowship Program has a new calendar! Please make sure you have the updated dates/

times for Fuel, Ignite, Family Night, and more! See the calendar found in the Epistle or pick-up a

hardcopy at church.

St. James’ Parish CALENDAR some Highlights for Winter/Spring 2019

Date Time Event

4 Feb 5-7:30PM Family Night

11 Feb 1PM Good Book Club Meeting

12 Feb 7PM Communications Meeting

16 Feb 7:30PM Foyer Gathering

17 Feb 4-5:30PM Fuel Youth Group

19 Feb 7:30PM Vestry Meeting

5 Mar 5-7PM Shrove Pancake Supper

6 Mar 7AM; Noon; 7:30PM Ash Wednesday

9 Mar 1-5PM Ignite Youth Group- Bowling with the Bishop

13 Mar 7:30PM Ministerium Lenten Service -Trinity Reformed UCC

16 Mar 7:30PM Foyer Gathering

17 Mar 4-5:30PM Fuel Youth Group

20 Mar 7:30PM Ministerium Lenten Service – St. Luke’s UCC

27 Mar 7:30PM Ministerium Lenten Service – Lower Providence Baptist

30 Mar 12-3PM Musical Rehearsal

31 Mar 11:15-Noon Musical Rehearsal

3 Apr 7:30PM Ministerium Lenten Service – Augustus Lutheran

10 Apr 7:30PM Ministerium Lenten Service – St. James’ Episcopal

13 Apr 7:30PM Foyer Gathering

13/14 Apr All Services Palms & Procession

16 Apr 7:30PM Vestry Meeting

18 Apr 7:30PM Maundy Thursday Service

19 Apr 12 Noon Adult Stations & Good Friday Liturgy

2PM Children’s Stations &Egg Dyeing and Craft Party

7:30PM Stations of the Cross followed by Order for Good Friday

20 Apr 7PM Easter Vigil

21 Apr 8 AM Easter Sunday – HE 2

9AM Egg Hunt

10AM Easter Sunday – HE 2

27 Apr 8Am-4PM Women’s Retreat

28 Apr 11:15AM Spring Musical Rehearsal

4 May TBD ECW Tea

5 May 9AM Annual Meeting & Eucharist

12 May 11:15AM Spring Musical

14 May 7PM Communications Meeting

18 May 7:30PM Foyer Gathering

19 May Education Celebration Sunday

Youth Mini Golf Outing

21 May 7:30PM Vestry Meeting

27 May Memorial Day – Office Closed

1 June TBA Annual Chicken BBQ

8 June 12-3PM Spring Musical Dress Rehearsal

9 June 10AM Spring Musical

10 June 1PM Good Book Club Meeting

18 June 7:30PM Vestry Meeting

Mondays 6:30-8PM Den Meeting; 7PM AA Meetings Wednesdays: 7PM DAV Meetings; 7PM Adult Bible Study

Thursdays: 11AM Christ & Coffee; 7PM Cub Meeting; 7:30PM Boy scouts; 7:30PM Advanced Choir

February

Hoagie Sale!

Throughout the month of February, Middle School and High School students will be selling

Wawa hoagie coupons to benefit the Outreach House. Coupons will be sold for $5.00 and

can be used to purchase any Shorti Hoagie at Wawa. (Coupons never expire, so stock up!)

The Youth will be selling the coupons

after the 8am and 10am services. Cou-

pons will also be available for purchase

after the 5pm service. Payment can be

made in cash or by check (payable to

“St. James’ Episcopal Church”) and pay-

ment is due at the time of purchase.

Questions? Email Lauren Exley at

education@stjames-episcopal.org

Christmas Pageant 2018 was a smashing success!

Have you seen “Guess Who’s Coming to Bethlehem?”

If not, head over to our

YouTube or Facebook page to

see the video. The Pageant was

performed on Sunday, Decem-

ber 23rd at the 10am service

and was attended by friends,

family, and the church com-

munity. The cast did an out-

standing job! Thank you to all

the parents who gave of their

time and talent to help with

the production!

The Good Book Club is now meeting during the day.

We meet five times a year, on the second Mondays of

October, December, February, April, and June at

1:00 P.M.

The selections for the remainder of this year are:

• April – Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

• June – The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

All are welcome!

Announcing the Pentecost Musical!

Our next drama production will be held on Sunday, June 9th at the 10am service. (This is a

change from the original schedule!) This soon-to-be-announced musical will celebrate

Pentecost and will be a great opportunity for all of our youth to come together in rehearsal

and performance.

Rehearsals/Performance Schedule

Sunday, April 28th from 11:15 – 12:00pm

Sunday, May 12th from 11:15 – 12:00pm

Sunday, June 2nd from 11:15 – 12:00pm

Saturday, June 8th from 1:00 – 3:00pm (Dress rehearsal!)

Sunday, June 9th – Call time @ 9:15am, Performance @ 10am

Save the Date:

ECW Tea Saturday, May 4th

Details to follow !

Soup Kitchen at St.

Mary’s

Cookie donations are welcome and

appreciated! Simply place the cookies

in the church kitchen the night be-

fore Saturday delivery and mark

them “For St. Mary’s”.

February : Oatmeal Raisin

March : Chocolate Chip

Please contact Altheda Anduze

610-342-2010 with any questions

Foyer Gatherings

A Foyer Gathering is an informal

evening of food, fellowship and fun at a

parishioner’s home. It’s a great way to

meet and get to know other members of

the congregation. Bring an appetizer or

dessert and beverage of choice to share

as well as an item for the Outreach

House pantry.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

Saturday, Feb 16th at 7:30pm at the

home of Joanne & Phil Tatem

Saturday, March 16th at 7:30pm at

the home of Connie O’Brien.

If you haven’t attended a Foyer yet, we

hope you’ll come to one this year!

March

3 Patty Earhart

10 Barb & Bob Bateman

Judy Taylor

17 Harriet Philibosian

Linderman Family

24 Ray Family

31 Open

Altar Flower Schedule

February

3 Leticia Rodriguez

10 Helen Bregler

17 Al Fields

24 Gabel Family

Parish Life is seeking volunteers to host a coffee hour after the Sunday 10 am services. Sign-up

sheets for Sundays in February and March are posted on the bulletin board near the coffee

station. Please consider taking a turn to foster this important fellowship time.

What does coffee hour entail?

Before Sunday morning - shop for finger food snacks (cookies, loaf cake, pretzels, grapes,

strawberries, apple slices). Note – the church supplies the coffee, tea, cups, napkins, creamer.

On Sunday morning - set up food on serving trays /baskets (available in church kitchen).

Prepare cold drink mix (lemonade/ crystal light) in pitchers and chill during service. The mix is

in the coffee hour kitchen cabinet. At the start of coffee hour, brew fresh coffee at the coffee

station and heat water for tea in electric hot pot.

After coffee hour is over, wash and put away all drink pitchers, serving trays/ baskets that

were used. Empty and turn off coffee pots and hot water pot.

You can be reimbursed for the incurred expense up to $50 if you submit the receipts to Parish

Life.

The Skippack Business Association voted Patty Packs as its charity for November Girls

Night Out! I delivered collection jars and brochures to 16 stores in Skippack!

Unfortunately Girls Night Out was a cold and rainy night ( now does that surprise you??)

When I went to collect the jars most of the stores said leave the jars through Black Friday

weekend! If you recall that also was a rainy weekend! Long story short seven stores kept

their collection jars until December 21 and the final total

collected was $1068.33! Thanks be to God and those won-

derful shopkeepers that really pushed it! The two top

stores The Wooden Duck and The Copper Partridge each

collected over

$300! I am hope-

ful they will want

to make it an an-

nual event!

Excavated soil from storm

water inlets

storm water inlets with piping - 6 of these required

stripping top soil engineering layout prior to excavation

Outreach House Construction Update!

Outreach Building Construction Project:

The first project meeting was held on January 14, 2019. Attending were representatives from

Halteman Bros. (General Contractor), GKO (Architects), Bob Bateman (Clerk of the Works),

and Dale Pennapacker (Treasurer). Detailed construction meeting minutes are available upon

request at the church office.

GKO represents the interests of the church and is the project manager for all activities. Proce-

dures for construction inspections by GKO, Lower Providence Township, and billing were

documented and agreed by all parties.

The site work is being done by Steve Folk (TSF Enterprises) and is under way. The first mile-

stone is the installation of the drainage systems and preparation for the construction of the

building pad. Completion of the basic site work is planned for the February timeframe. This

is dependent on weather conditions. (Pray for a mild winter)

Applications have begun for a new postal address which must be completed before notifying

the utilities for sewer, water, gas, and electric connections.

The construction project is currently on track for a completion in the August timeframe.

Please Note: If you haven’t had the opportunity to pledge for our Capital Campaign which

directly funds the new Outreach facility along with our larger church repairs, including but not

limited to the roof replacement, HVAC system, electrical and repairs throughout the church

building and property. Pledge cards can be found in the church foyer and can be designated

for 2019 and 2020 or a one-time gift. Contributions can also be made electronically through

Vanco which can be accessed through our website at www.stajames-episcopal.org. Questions?

Please feel free to contact Dale Pennapacker at 215-896-7424.

“My Church Is . . . . . . . . . .” Thank you to all who participated in this year's Stewardship campaign. As of January 7th, we have received 124 pledges for $265,990, an excellent response! If you have not yet returned a pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. We truly appreciate your generosity that allows the Vestry to address the practical aspects of our ministry which in turn allows all of us to live out our mis-sion to know and serve God by serving others. Please remember what your gifts will provide in 2019: • A place to worship and offer fellowship with others seeking a spiritual life, helping us be better equipped to resist the pressures and cares of this world. • A place where you are empowered through the sacraments to go into the world and minister by Word and Deed a better way to live through Christ. • A place for Christian education for youth and adults. • A place to serve others. Through our Outreach ministries, we are providing food, clothing and spiritual guidance for those in need. • A place for groups that strive for justice and peace among ALL people. Thank you as well to those of you who returned Time and Talent cards. The appropriate commis-sion area lead will be notified of your interest and they will contact you as appropriate. All of us working together is a large part of what makes St. James’ a special, blessed place from which we can come to know and serve God by serving others. May you have a Happy, Healthy and Blessed 2019. The Stewardship Committee Hear more on Stewardship from Fr. Mike at https://www.stjames-episcopal.org/stewardship/.

My Church Is… A Place to Get Involved

Altar Guild: Members work in teams to prepare the worship area before and after services, care for

altar linens and fixtures. Women AND men are welcome to do this!

Acolytes: Assist during worship service at the altar, lead the worship procession with cross and

torches; anyone from grade 6 through adult is eligible.

Buildings & Grounds: B&G meets monthly to discuss and prioritize upkeep needs of the church.

Choir (Advanced, Chancel, Junior): We have a variety of music ensembles to fit any level. The Ad-

vanced Choir rehearses weekly and processes at the 10 am service. The Chancel Choir rehearses

and performs monthly and provides a fun environment to worship. The Junior Choir welcomes

youth in Pre-K – 8th grade.

Christian Education & Youth Groups: From teaching classes to taking classes, the Education pro-

gram provides opportunities for youth and adults to learn more about their faith. Regularly sched-

uled youth groups provide a time of fellowship for our younger members.

Coffee Hour: Make coffee and provide light refreshments after the 10 am service. Sign up on the

bulletin board by the coffee pot for this important ministry of hospitality.

Communications: The Communications Committee assists with internal and external communica-

tions to inform both our parishioners and our community of events, activities and worship at St.

James’.

Counters: The Counters work as a pair on a rotating schedule every Sunday immediately following

the 10 am service to count, organize and record that week’s giving.

ECW: All women of the church are automatically members of Episcopal Church Women. We have

general meetings throughout the year (2-4) and are involved in all sorts of things around the

church.

Foyer Gatherings: Parishioners meet at host homes for food and fellowship. Sign-up sheets and

details are available on the bulletin board outside the church office.

History Center: Our History Center is located in the building at our cemetery. We occasionally

have requests for a tour of the house and the cemetery. It is filled with a cornucopia of infor-

mation.

Outreach House: Our Outreach House serves local families once a month but is always looking for

volunteers. The Outreach House has hours on Tuesdays from 12-2 pm and 6-8 pm; Wednesdays

from 9-11 am and Saturdays from 9-11 am. Client Hours are typically the third week of the month.

Parish Life: The Parish Life committee has many opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.

They lead some of our annual dinners such as the Chicken BBQ (usually early June) and the Ham &

Oyster Dinner (usually early November) as well as the Christmas Luncheon after our Nativity Pag-

eant, and special events to help fellowship throughout the church.

Ushers: Assist with seating, welcoming visitors, and collecting offerings during the 10 am service.

Worship Leaders: Read scripture and prayers and/or administer the Chalice during worship.

For more information on any of these important ministries, please call the office at

610-489-7564 or email at office@stjames-episcopal.org