St. James’ Episcopal Church
Columba of Iona
June 9, 2022
Dear Friends,
The past weekend was a wonderful celebration and welcome for Fr. Sean. Thanks to all who made it happen! I was happy to see so many come out to meet and welcome Sean and his family. This is an exciting time for St. James and each of us has a part to play in our future.
Weather permitting, Fr. Sean will celebrate “Mass on the Grass” every Saturday at 5:00 PM during the summer. Bring a folding chair and enjoy worship in the great outdoors. Sunday worship is 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. The 10:15 service is live streamed on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/stjameslanghorne
Flowers bring the beauty of creation into our worship space. Contact Linda Scammell if you’d like to sponsor altar flowers.
Many of us take summer vacation. Unfortunately, church expenses do not. Please consider paying your pledge before going away. Then, relax and enjoy!
COVID case numbers are high in the area. The vestry continues to encourage masking when in church and getting boosters as you become eligible. We will open doors and windows as weather permits to improve ventilation.
Call or email the office with the names of your graduates and their post – graduation plans so that we can add them to our prayers. God bless our graduates!
I believe many of us are sickened by the gun violence that continues to plague our country. Bishop Gutierrez encourages each of us to act and to start with prayer. Also, we can participate in the diocesan Anti-Gun Violence Commission. https://www.diopa.org/news/what-can-you-do-about-gun-violence Another opportunity is one I’ve engaged in for years through Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN), a grassroots network striving for justice and peace through public policy advocacy. Subscribe to EPPN’s email alerts: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/eppn-sign-up/
Barry Hitchen has scheduled a work day for Saturday, June 18th, 8am-noon. Many hands make light work – I hear there will be coffee and donuts.
Join me for noonday prayers every Wednesday in the church with 15 minutes of silent contemplation. Speaking of prayers, please pray for the family Ellie Cooper.
In Peace,
Chris Parker, Rector’s Warden
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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:4-6
Hello my siblings in Christ –
Thank you for making me, my spouse Laura, and our son Tyndale so welcome this past weekend. It felt like a family reunion with church in between! I am honored to serve as your Rector. Laura, Tyndale and I look forward to getting to know you better in the months and years to come as we offer our prayers and thanksgivings to God.
I am doing my best to learn, and in some cases relearn, your names. If you feel comfortable wearing your name tag, I would be grateful as it will expedite my learning. Please do not be shy about correcting me if I mispronounce your name or call you something that you do not prefer. You can call me “Father Sean,” “Pastor Sean,” or, as I was once called at a train station, “God Guy, Whatever.”
We have much for which to be thankful. We have a beautiful church in a lovely setting. We have a rich liturgical setting. We have dedicated leaders committing to keeping our parish vital and vibrant in our community. We have a theology, rooted in Scripture, that is flexible enough to accommodate a fast-changing world. We have an elegant liturgy that has been refined over many centuries. We have Christ Jesus, savior of the world, who has redeemed us and walks with us in our journey. Last but not least, we have incredible people who genuinely care about each other.
As we begin our journey together, let’s name our thanksgivings and give glory to God. This is a day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!
In Peace,
Sean+
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A Prayer for our Graduates
Holy One, guard our graduates wherever they wonder,
Lift them up when they falter and place their feet on rocks not on sand.
Give them your hand when they walk through the darkness,
Strengthen their souls with hope, keep joy in their hearts and
fill their emptiness with your love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son. AMEN
Please keep our grads in your prayers:
– Grace Pfluger is graduating from Neshaminy and will be attending Pace U in NYC in the fall.
– Mark Burnell is also graduating from Neshaminy and will be attending Chatham University majoring in social work.
– Nicole Hummel graduates Magna Cum Laude from Bloomsburg with a double major in Business Management and Economics. Nicole is Russ Mayall’s granddaughter.
– Beth Williams’ granddaughter, Emma Jones will be attending Arcadia University in the fall. Beth’s daughter, Katie Jones is receiving a Master in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock and will continue her teaching career.
-Lily Sayre is graduating from West Chester University Cum Laude in Business Management and Accounting.
-Grace Hitchen, Carol and Barry’s granddaughter, is graduating from Rider University with a degree in Biochemistry and is pursuing a career in medical research.
-Shane Freeze, grandson of Carol and Gary Corbi, graduated from the Life Works Schools in Doylestown
-Simone Pettit, daughter of Lisa and Freddie, is graduating from The Pen Ryn School and will be attending Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ in the fall.
Helpful links
Facebook Live for Sunday Eucharist at 10:15 a.m. https://www.facebook.com/stjameslanghorne
Sign-up Genius to help with counters, food delivery, acolyte, usher, reader: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050F48ACAF2DA2FD0-stjames1
The Church Office email address is: stjameslanghorne330@gmail.com
For questions or Zoom information please contact our Parish Administrator, Joanna Magee in the office M-F from 9-12:30. She may be contacted at 215-757-3766 or stjameslanghorne330@gmail.com