January 14th, 2024

We'd love for you to join us!

We would be pleased if you joined us in person or online from the comfort of your home for church services via Facebook Live at 9:30am.

https://www.facebook.com/StJamesEpiscopalChurchMillCreek/

In the story of Jesus as told in John’s Gospel, the first disciples are called by one another. That is to say, as Jesus calls one, that one goes to find another. And when Jesus calls a third, he goes to find another still. It’s a story of invitation and acceptance and welcome, and it’s a model for ministry and evangelism, as well.

In this week’s Gospel, we hear Jesus say to Philip, “Follow me,” but instead of immediately following him, Philip goes to find his friend Nathanael and says to him, “We’ve found the Messiah! The one we’ve been waiting for!”

Any of us who have shared good news or something we’re excited about are putting ourselves in positions of vulnerability and exposure because, what if the person doesn’t share our enthusiasm? What if they don’t enjoy it the same way we do? What if they rebuke us and we lose that relationship?! For Philip, this was a risk worth taking. And Nathanael’s response?

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

“Come and see.”

This season after Epiphany is about seeing the light of Christ, opening our minds and our eyes and our hearts to the manifestation of the Good News in our midst and being able to share it when we see it. In this story and in this time, you may find yourself to be either Philip or Nathanael, but one way or another, I hope we all find our way back to the Light of Christ.

St. James’ Family Promise Host ~ Thank you

The week of December 31st, St. James’ hosted and provided meals for Family Promise.

Thank you to those of you that donated meals for these guests. Donations of money or gift cards to restaurants were welcomed and greatly appreciated. This money was used to buy dinner or other supplies.

Thank you to our volunteers who continue to support this worthwhile ministry. You are the reason we are able to continue to do this, and every family we support gets us that much closer to ending family homelessness. Thank you for all you do.

Epiphany Celebration

Thanks to everyone who came out for our recent Epiphany celebration. We shared a good meal; heard the story of the Magi; and enjoyed Three Kings Cake and other delicious desserts all before chalking our doors.

The “chalking” is part of a prayer that remembers the Magi visiting the Holy Family and is part of our own prayers asking the Lord to bless our own homes in the year to come. If you need some chalk and a copy of the prayer, let us know, and see our Facebook page for a couple of photos from the night. Please remember to send in your own chalked doors, as well!

Soup and Bread Luncheon ~ January 28th

Mark your calendars everyone! The Soup and Bread Luncheon is coming back on January 28^th after church. We're looking forward to seeing you all and warming up with a nice meal once again. If you are interested in participating there's a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall or call the office.

St. James' Mission and Outreach updates

Sharing God’s gifts with others

Reaching out to those in need

And serving them with dignity and respect…

New Castle County HOPE Center-for Individuals and Families in need of temporary housing and support services.

What started as temporary housing during the cold weather of 2020-2021 has grown into a permanent center that provides housing and support services for individuals and families who are without adequate housing in New Castle County. New Castle County (NCC) purchased the former Sheraton Hotel on Airport Rd (now named the New Castle County HOPE Center) and kept the hotel management staff to keep the facility running.  Working together, many non-profit organizations including Family Promise provide various services and support for individuals and families to obtain emergency and more significant housing and medical, psychological, and job skills opportunities as well. The hotel can accommodate 400 and suites and adjoining rooms are given to families and enable households to stay together. Housing is coordinated through the Delaware Housing Alliance. 

If you know of anyone who needs this housing, please ask them to call 1-833-FIND-BED (1-833-3463-233) and leave a message.

How can you help?

Review the list below and see where you might be able to help.

 Current items needed:

• Hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap (regular and travel size)
• Individual sized peanut butter crackers, tuna, microwavable meals (pastas, soups, etc.)
• Non-alcohol hand sanitizer
• Tide pods or other laundry pods
• NEW Underwear, and socks - all sizes, children through adult
• New or gently used t-shirts and light jacket
• New books for adults and children

Please drop the items off:

     ·        Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parish hall porch 

Please place your donations in the bin labeled Donations for HOPE Center on the porch of the parish hall. Liz will bring in the bin and any donated items at 12:30 p.m.

    ·        On Sunday, there is a container in the foyer of the church.

 We take the donations to the distribution center about every two weeks.

Thank you,

St. James' Mission/Outreach Ministry

Prayer Team Updates

The prayer team continues to lift up prayer requests shared by parishioners through emails or calls to the church office at 302-994-1584, to individual members of the prayer team, or requests left in the prayer basket in the church foyer. We collect the prayer requests and other concerns of the parish, community, and world. They are compiled weekly and then these requests are lifted up in the daily prayers of the team members. All are welcome and encouraged to share their prayers.

For those who have an immediate prayer need, we invite you to email your prayer needs and request to Carolyn Mack at cdmack37@gmail.com or call 302-565-8675

St. James' Pastoral Care Team

St. James' Pastoral Care Team continues to support our parish family and our community.

If you or someone you know is in need, we: 

·        send cards, make phone calls, and pray with you and/or for you.

·        Make home, hospital, and Eucharistic visits.

Please call the office (302-994-1584) and leave a message. Someone will get back to you. Messages are retrieved daily, seven days a week.

Please let us know if you need us or someone you know needs us. We will not know if you do not tell us.

“Blessful” Meditations

We all know that life can be a little stressful and hectic sometimes. We hope that by reading this short bible passage and watching a relaxing video will help you take a moment and reflect on God’s gifts.  

Proverbs 21:21

"Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor."

Prayer of Morning Resolve

I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.

In particular I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

 Find more Morning Psalm and prayers please visit

https://delaware.church/psalms-and-prayers/