Special Goodbye

This Sunday, February 23rd, there will be a Special Breakfast to honor Lola Russell and to give us a chance to say our goodbyes, as she has moved on to full time work at the Diocesan Office. The Breakfast will be between the 8 AM and 10:15 Am services.

From St. James Youth

We are making Blessing Bags for the congregation to take out into the community to give to those in need. We are looking for donations of:

-gallon size zip lock bags

-hand sanitizer

-tooth brush/tooth paste

-tissues

-gloves

-mints

-crackers

-gum

-socks

Many of these items can be bought at the dollar store.

Thank you for your generosity.

We are also preparing for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. We would appreciate donations of Individually wrapped candy and Plastic Easter eggs Thank you in advance!

The youth group

. Lent 2020: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance Leading to Action

An Invitation from Presiding Bishop Curry to Turn and Pray on Behalf our Nation

[February 11, 2020] As the season of Lent approaches, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians and people of faith to turn and pray on behalf of our nation:

 

“In times of great national concern and urgency, people of faith have returned to ancient practices of repentance, prayer and fasting as ways of interceding with God on behalf of their nation and the world. This is such a moment for us in the United States.

 

“On Ash Wednesday I will join with other Christian leaders observing this Lent as a season of prayer, fasting and repentance on behalf of our nation, with continued fasting each Wednesday until the Wednesday before Advent begins.

 

“Our appeal comes during a time of profound division and genuine crisis of national character. This is not a matter of party or partisanship, but of deep concern for the soul of America.

 

“The group of religious “Elders” who share this commitment – the same group that over a year ago published the “Reclaiming Jesus” statement – includes Evangelical, Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant leaders. While we hold diverse political affiliations and positions on many issues facing our country, we find common ground in two shared convictions:

“For me, this call is rooted in my personal commitment to practice Jesus’s Way of Love, by which I turn, learn, pray, worship, bless, go and rest in the way of our savior. Especially now, drawn together by love, hope and concern, and recalling the wisdom of our ancient traditions, I am grateful to join others in the spiritual practice of prayer, fasting and repentance for our nation. If you feel called to join us in this practice, the invitation is attached. The full text, together with the “Reclaiming Jesus” document can be found on the Reclaiming Jesus website .”

 

Let us pray.

Almighty God … We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Your brother,

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

 

#ReclaimingJesus                                                                                         

ReclaimingJesus.org

Message from BJ

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Lent Madness

Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev.  Tim Schenck . In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church’s Calendar of Saints, Tim came up with this unique Lenten devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Lent Madness was born on his blog “ Clergy Family Confidential ” which has subsequently moved locations and become “ Clergy Confidential .”

The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch. If you’re not sure about terminology,  check out our glossary . It’s free!

So, each day, you sign on to the Lent Madness sight and vote for your favorite saint of that day's particular paring. Whoever wins that day's election, moves to the next round, untill there are only 2 candidates left. There will be many saints that you know, and as many that you don't... but there are always good biographical backgrounds provided for each candidate.

If you want to know more about Lent Madness, either Google search it, or simply go to Lentmadness.org.

The Episcopal Church in Delaware

The January/February 2020 edition of the online Delaware Communion Magazine has been published.

If you do not receive the magazine and other important e-news from the Episcopal Church in Delaware, you may read the magazine and subscribe for e-publications here.