Saturday, Nov. 25

5:00 p.m. | Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Chapel (4th Saturday)

Sunday, Nov. 26

8:00 a.m. | Spoken Holy Eucharist Rite I in the Nave

9:00 a.m. | Adult Formation Hour in the Trinity Room

10:00 a.m. | Sunday School for Children in the Atrium

10:15 a.m. | Holy Eucharist Rite II with the St. James Choir in the Nave

5:00 p.m. | Potluck Eucharist for Thanksgiving in Stillwell Hall

Monday, Nov. 27

8:30 a.m. | Monday Morning Prayer in the Sanctuary

Tuesday, Nov. 28

Noon | Prayer Shawl Knitting Group in the St. James Room

Wednesday, Nov. 29

9:30 a.m. | Yoga in the Trinity Room

Noon | Healing Prayer and Holy Eucharist in the Nave

Friday, Dec. 1

11:30 a.m. | St. James Women’s Lunch at Sol y Luna; followed by Cookie Exchange at the home of Diane King

Saturday, Dec. 2

9:00 a.m. | Intro to Centering Prayer in the Trinity Room

5:00 p.m. | Advent Lessons & Carols in the Nave (Doors open at 4 p.m.)

Update on Associate Rector Search

The search for St. James' next associate rector has been underway for the past month, advertising on our website, in the diocesan newsletter, the Episcopal News Service, as well as at seminaries. A small committee—Erin Rainey, Ellen Lind, Jimmy Chandler, and Sarah Carpenter—is helping David+ vet applicants. So far, there have been four interested applicants. The hope is to have a new associate named and in place by March 1, but this search is taking place at a time when many families are not looking to move. If it becomes clear that an associate will not be in place by March 1, an interim associate will be explored. You can find the job posting on our Website, under the About Us tab.

Thank you to all those who have already returned their stewardship commitment cards for 2024. Your commitment makes a difference! It's not too late to return your commitment card by mail, in-person or even online.

For the past several weeks, we have reflected on all the ways God has truly blessed our parish abundantly. You can revisit all our stewardship reflections from fellow parishioners about the ways God is working in their lives and at St. James at our website by clicking the button below.

Director of Music/Organist Brad Gee will be giving an up-close demonstration and explanation of the Organ Enhancement Project immediately following the 10:15 service on Sunday, Nov. 26. He will be answering any questions you may have. After the postlude is over, please feel free to come to the choir loft for this short demonstration.  

All are welcome to a Thanksgiving Potluck Eucharist on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. in Stillwell Hall. Our worship and communion will be part of the sharing of this meal and the sermon will primarily consist of table discussion during the meal. Please bring a dish to share for our meal that is ready to serve. We will depend on each other for the feast rather than having specific dishes planned. Whatever is offered will become our meal. This will be a relaxed environment and children and families are especially welcome. 

Advent Lessons & Carols is Saturday, Dec. 2 & Sunday, Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m. Plan now to attend this glorious service with The St. James Choir and Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums. While no tickets are required, contributions of any amount are welcomed and appreciated in support of the music ministry of St. James. 

Gluten-free wafers are available during communion for those with celiac disease or medical issues. You may request this gluten-free option at communion from the priest. 

At this time of year, thinking of others and giving thanks for our blessings is at the forefront. We are blessed and thankful to introduce a new ministry to St James. Those named below have been working together for over a year to introduce the St. Joseph's Guild. Named after St. Joseph, the patron saint of the dying, this new ministry consists of professionally trained individuals (listed below) who will assist clergy in visiting members of the parish in their deepest time of need. St. James is a very special place where parishioners share their talents with others. Please join us on November 26 at 9 a.m. in the Trinity Room where we will introduce ourselves and further explain the Mission of St. Joseph’s Guild and how, as a church community, we can support each other. —Colleen Bell, Valerie Hahn, Rachel Alonzo, Kaoma Massa, Tom Vallie

Join us on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5960851208 

Introduction to Centering Prayer workshop on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9-12:30 p.m. in the Trinity Room led by Chris and Rev. Wendy Pinzino. At this workshop, we will learn the method and have time to experience this ancient Prayer form. We will explore its historical and theological background and learn ways to sustain and support this practice. What a beautiful way to begin the sacred time of Advent. For more information and/or to RSVP please email Chris and Wendy at wpinzino228@yahoo.com or text/call 561-400-0157. 

We are having an All-Parish Advent Wreath-Making workshop on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. in Stillwell Hall! Join us as we create our own unique Advent wreaths for your home during the season leading up to our celebration of Christ’s birth. St. James will provide the bases, candles and some greenery but we encourage you to bring your own evergreen clippings to share for the gathering to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.

Beginning this Sunday and through Dec. 17, we welcome you to write Advent Blessing greeting cards to parishioners who aren't able to be with us in-person. The cards will be delivered to parishioners during the week of Christmas. Visit the table in Stillwell Hall on Sunday mornings, choose a card, and write a note or blessing to parishioners at home or in care centers.

Soon we will be transforming a section of the North Lawn into an open air Sanctuary Garden Chapel! This park-like setting will be a re-grading and improvement of the north side of the property to allow for more use of this space for weddings, services, funerals, and special religious events.

We are excited to offer the opportunity to contribute to the installation of a grove of redbud and holly trees in dedication to a friend or family member.

For more information or to submit a dedication, click here.

Our next yoga classes will take place on Wednesdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the Trinity Room. Participants need to arrive 10 minutes early and be ready to begin promptly. Individuals who might have come to chair yoga are welcome and we will adapt poses into chair versions. Contact the instructor, Dianne Hunter, for any questions.

All St. James Women are invited to lunch on Friday, Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at Sol y Luna Mexican Restaurant (1715 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791) in Laurel Park. Afterward, join us for a cookie exchange at Diane King's home. Contact Diane at echomtn1@yahoo.com or 828-674-1461 to RSVP.

The next Men's Fellowship Breakfast is Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. at the Mustang Cafe (140 Tracy Grove Rd, Hendersonville). Please wear your nametags.

Calling all St. James artists and crafts-people!

SAVE THE DATE and start creating for our 2024 Art and Soul Gala and Silent Auction set to take place on Saturday, March 16 from 3-5:30 p.m. at St. James. Join us for a special, fun afternoon of fine art and crafts created by St. James parishioners and friends. Artwork will be available for purchase. Enjoy wine, snacks, live music and a thrilling silent auction with artwork and gift baskets from community vendors! Stay tuned for more information! Brought to you by the St. James Fun Force.

Now more than ever, help is needed in Gaza and all of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Click here to learn more about how to support our friends in the Middle East.

Coins for Change in Cuba! Start collecting spare coins and pocket change as we join with other Episcopalians to provide Vacation Bible School for children in Cuba in collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba. Contact Jack Watson for more details. Bring your coins to the Christmas Pageant on Dec. 24 at 10:15 a.m. to join with the Magi in placing your gifts before the Christ Child.

Stewardship Tip from the Creation Care Ministry:  Do a little less yardwork! According to Audubon, "leaf litter provides nutrients to plants and habitat for overwintering insects, a vital food source for birds." And, as "natural fertilizers, leaves help return nutrients to surrounding trees and plants, reduce flooding, air, water and noise pollution (from leaf blowers) and can save time and money."

We are having an All-Parish Advent Wreath-Making workshop on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. in Stillwell Hall! Join us as we create our own unique Advent wreaths for your home during the season leading up to our celebration of Christ’s birth. St. James will provide the bases, candles and some greenery but we encourage you to bring your own evergreen clippings to share for the gathering to ensure there are enough supplies for everyone.

St. Nicholas Party 🎅🏼 on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 5–6 p.m. in Stillwell Hall for our families, especially with younger children. Join us for German Christmas sweets and a screening of the Peanuts Christmas special. A little bird hinted that St. Nicholas himself will visit.

Our St. James Christmas 🎄 Pageant will be on Christmas Eve at 10:15 a.m. during the Sunday Service. All children, from babies to high school teenagers, are welcome to join us as angels, shepherds, kings, animals, Mary, Joseph, and narrators. Please email or text Diane King at echomtn1@yahoo.com or (828) 674-1461 if interested. 

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Sunday School is offered every Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Atrium by the Trinity Room for ages 2 through 5th grade. Children will return to the church during the Peace.

Tired of Emails? Youth and Parents Can Stay Connected with St. James via text! Join our Remind account by texting @2fhfhb2 to 81010. We will post upcoming events, photos, and reminders here and all will go directly to your phone.

Fall & Winter Programs Brochure Available! Be in the know every week! Pick up our hot-off-the-press formation brochure today and mark your calendars for events and gatherings for all ages.

To ensure that you receive St. James emails in your inbox, please add office@stjamesepiscopal.com to your contact list. If you have issues getting our weekly emails, call Mindy at (828) 693-7458 or email mindy@stjamesepiscopal.com.