Announcements

Rectors one-minute Stewardship talk—“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’ (2 Cor. 9:15) powerfully acknowledges the sovereignty of God by the Apostle Paul. Gods generosity flows out of God’ gift of grace. Something described as “indescribable” often points to an action or object so awesome that few words can adequately describe or describe it. Now each of us has the opportunity to respond generously to God’s indescribable gift of grace. Freely receive, freely give.

A Call for Vestry Candidates—St. James Vestry attends to all business matters of the parish and are representatives of the parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the parish to its Clergy and to the Diocese. Members of the Vestry must be confirmed or received within The Episcopal Church and communicants of the parish in good standing. They serve for a term of three (3) years. Vestry members are expected to attend regular Vestry meetings (usually held on the third Saturday of each month), participate in Vestry retreats, and be active in attending and supporting parish functions. If you feel called to serve in this vital role, please contact Fr. Peter or the parish office.

The Pounding—The pounding/blessing of Fr. Peter’s home is on December 13 at 4:00 PM. The address is 4501 Paseo Azul. A pounding often happened in days of old when a new rector was hired for a parish. Congregation members might have gifted a pound of anything they thought would be beneficial for the new priest. Items might be: a pound of flour, a pound of detergent, a pound of sugar, linens, household goods, tools, etc., for his new home. The vestry thought this  would be a great way to welcome Fr. Peter into the St James family! Father Peter will provide drinks and the Vestry asks that those of us attending bring an appetizer. The Vestry hopes you will attend this joyous event.

Morning Prayer—Please join Father Peter each morning (Monday through Thursday) as we pray together at 9:15 a.m. in the Rectors office.

Adult Forum every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.!!!!!!!!!—Please join Father Peter for the Adult Forum in the parish hall, this Sunday’s topic will "Advent as a penitential season".

Rector in search of volunteers—Father Peter is in search of volunteers to help set up ministries such as meal train helping homebound parishioners with meals while they recover from surgery or any other health issues. St. James faith family, a group of volunteers to drive people to Dr. appointments, therapy etc. Remember, Father Peters stewardship campaign message? This is part of your time and talents for the good of Gods kingdom.

Calling all cooks and others!—Your help is needed Tuesday, December 30 for El Caldito Soup Kitchen. A sign up sheet is located in the parish hall. Please add your name and come help serve our community.

Angel Tree—The St. James community has shown incredible generosity in adopting gift tag wish lists. We still have 12 WISH LISTS WAITING TO BE FULFILLED. If you haven't yet participated, please consider visiting the Christmas tree in the Parish Hall to select a tag(s) that speaks to your heart. Kindly return all gifts UNWRAPPED under the tree by December 17, 2025. Thank you for ensuring that local children feel the magic of Christmas this holiday season!

Adult Spiritual Education Forum—Monday, December 1, 2025, through Jan. 5, 2026. 5:30 pm., Library, St. James Episcopal Church.  Book:  “God is in the Manger. Reflection on Advent and Christmas” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Facilitators: Jim Maxon, Terry Meyer, and others.

Blue Christmas @Saint Andrews'—The holidays can be difficult for those grieving. The world’s expectations and expressions of joy during this time can become a burden for people who have recently experienced loss. Whether you may be mourning a family member, friend, pet, lost job, or something else dear to your heart, we invite you to join us in the Kendrick Chapel at 3:30pm on Thursday, December 18th, for our annual Blue Christmas service, a time when people experiencing darkness during this season of light can express their full selves in worship—sorrow and all.

Farewell Carol—It was Christmas day ten years ago that I found St James, and Nyeta Haines, the head of the search committee for a new Music Director, found me! The beauty and traditional services at St James reminded me of my 25 years spent worshipping in an English village Anglican church. Shortly after that I accepted the position of Music Director and revived the choir. I had found my church home where my heart was at peace and my ministry flourished. With God's abundant blessings the choir continued to grow and currently fills the choir pews with joyful music each Sunday.

      My husband Charles and I have enjoyed being a part of St James's church family and value the friends we have made over the years. However, we have decided it is time to for me to retire from my position. This will allow us to free up weekends for visiting family across the USA and eventually spend more of our time at our home in Portugal.

      It is therefore appropriate that my last Sunday will be December 28th 2025, 10 years from my initial Christmas visit to St James. As I turn in my robes, I pray that St James will continue to have music that lifts hearts in worshipping our Lord.