In This Month’s Issue:

Pastor’s Points Page 1-3

Presidents Points Page 4

Financial Report

Page 12

Birthdays & Baptismal

Anniversaries Page 5

Ministries,

Announcements

&Upcoming events Page 6-8

Prayer Needs Page 5

Thank you Page 7

School News Page 9-11

Calendar Page 14

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SEPTEMBER 2011

NOTES FROM THE INTERIM PASTOR

By the time you receive this newsletter, August will be over or nearly over, school for many will

have begun again, and fall and cooler weather will be just around the corner. As such, I was reminded

of the following story:

“Some time ago a young man asked the foreman of a logging crew for a job. „That depends,‟

replied the foreman. „Let‟s see you drop this tree.‟ The young man stepped forward and skillfully felled

the great tree. The foreman, very impressed, exclaimed, „Start Monday!‟

“The next week rolled by, but on Friday afternoon, the foreman approached the young man and

said, „You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today. We won‟t be needing you any longer.‟ „But I

thought you liked my work,‟ said the young man. „I did, but we are letting you go today because you have

fallen so far behind the other loggers. Our daily accounting shows us that you have dropped from first

place on Monday to last place by today!‟ „But I‟m a hard worker,‟ the young man protested. „I‟m the

first on the job, the last to leave every day, and I don‟t even stop for a break! You know I‟m no slacker.‟

The foreman sensed the young man‟s honesty and thought about his situation. He then asked a very

important question. „Have you been sharpening your axe?‟ The young man responded, „I‟ve been working

too hard and too long to stop and take the time.‟”

How about you? Have you been too busy this summer, too hard at work or play, or just not

aware of the importance to sharpen your axe? Without it, working or playing harder or longer will not

really enhance your life. Worship each week is vital to your faith journey. Find your way to church this

Sunday and every Sunday.

God bless,

Pastor Albert

MARTIN LUTHER ON MARRIAGE

Martin Luther was known for often giving practical and honest advice. He once said regarding

marriage, “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him

leave.”

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PASTOR’S CLASS

A Pastor‟s Class for persons interested in learning more about the Lutheran faith and joining St. James

Congregation is scheduled for the following Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m., in the Church Library: September 11, 18, 25,

with new members joining the church during the 10 a.m. service on September 25th. If interested, contact Pastor

Albert.

CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE

Confirmation Class for 7th and 8th graders will begin on Sunday, October 2nd. Classes will be held in the

Pastor‟s Office, 9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. The theme for this year‟s study will be “BELIEFS WHICH SET

APART/DISTINGUISH THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.”

The schedule through the remainder of 2011 is as follows:

October 2 November 20 – NO CLASS

October 9 November 27

October 16 December 4

October 23 – NO CLASS December 11

October 30 December 18

November 6 December 25 – NO CLASS

November 13 January 1 - NO CLASS

DEADLY DELUSIONS

Harry Weant in his book In Heaven‟s Name, Why on Earth? lists 10 Deadly Delusions that many have in

regard to stewardship. These are all statements we have heard, maybe even made, but they are false. Below is the

seventh of these delusions and Weant‟s reason why the statement is incorrect.

Delusion 7: “We must meet our own budget before we send anything to outside causes.”

Correction: “Though it is easy to criticize what some people in the Head Office might

want to do with our benevolence, these people have seen something of the

nightmares and challenges that exist beyond our own shores. True, local

congregations need to remain financially viable. However, some tend to

become slaves to their own facility. They provide amenities, fixtures and

programs that everyone will enjoy, but do not weep for a heartbreaking

world about which they know so little.”

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COINCIDENCE IS WHEN GOD CHOOSES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS!!!

WANT TO BE HAPPIER? LIVE LIKE A DOG!

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it is in your best interest, always practice obedience.

Let others know when they are invading your territory.

Take naps and always stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you‟re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle that person gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shade tree.

No matter how often you are criticized, don‟t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back

and make friends.

- Copied

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF A FRIENDLY CHURCH:

1. Speak to people, even if you do not know their name. There is nothing as nice or cheerful as a

friendly word of greeting.

2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Your smile is one of your

finest assets. Use it often.

3. When possible, call people by name. The sweetest music to any person‟s ears is the sound of

their own name.

4. Be friendly and helpful. If you want a friend, be one.

5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure. Try to look happy, and

you will be happy.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. If you try, you can like everybody. Don‟t limit yourself to a

few friends when so many likable and interesting people are around you.

7. Be generous with praise and sparing with criticism. Remember you aren‟t perfect either.

8. Be considerate of the feelings of others.

9. Watch for ways to serve others. What we do for others counts most in life.

10. Add to all of these a good sense of humor, a generous dose of patience, and a dash of humility.

- Copied

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PRESIDENT’S POINTS

The Call Committee is continuing its important work of finding a new Pastor for St James. They are currently looking at three promising candidates, but until the interview process is complete they will not know which, if any, they will recommend. They are being very thorough and appreciate your support, prayers, and patience.

There have been several visitors to St James over the last few months and hopefully we will continue

to have more, especially with Third Army’s arrival. It is important for all of us to notice visitors and

welcome them. We do this not to grow St James, but to follow Jesus’ example of being friendly and

welcoming to strangers. God will grow St James; we need to do God’s mission. As it says on our web

page: “Where all are welcome and Jesus is Lord”. From what I’ve noticed, we are talking to visitors

after the service. So, let’s keeping giving strangers a warm welcome to St James.

In His service,

Bob Bessel

Serving you as Council President

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Messenger Due Dates

Anything that you wish to be included for

publication in the Messenger should be

turned in at the church office or e-mailed

to:

stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com

The deadline is 7 days before the last

day of the month. The Church Council

meets on the 3rd Monday of each month.

This Messenger and monthly calendar

can be found on the St. James website:

www.stjamessumter.org

Click on news and calendar to view them.

Church Council

Ministry Teams

Care: Janet Turner

Youth: Kimberley Dees

Finance: Curt Caulkins

Worship: Joyce Diehl

Property: Gary Harbath

Education Betty Harvin

Stewardship: Gary Bratton

Evangelism: Ford Kamin

Mutual Ministry: Bob Bessel

Spiritual Growth: David Armstrong

Outreach: Janet Turner

Church Officers President: Bob Bessel

Vice President: Gary Bratton

Secretary: Ford Kamin

Treasurer: Glenn Hesselbart

2011

2011

2011

2011

2012

2012

2012

2011

2013

2013

Bob Bessel

Gary Bratton

Ford Kamin

Joyce Diehl

Janet Turner

Betty Harvin

David Armstrong

Mike Stewart

Kimberley Dees

Curt Caulkins

Prayer Needs

If you have a prayer need and would like it in the next Newsletter, please E-mail me at stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com

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Did we miss your birthday? Write your name and date of birth on the back of your yellow attendance slip and we’ll wish you a belated happy birthday in next month’s newsletter.

Homebound: Ed Hart, Marilyn Kalamas, Olga Summy, Frankie Martin, Don and Jean Hoyt. Health and Related Issues: Phyllis Wisniewski, Deb Forke, Ed and Joyce Litteer, Tom Thompson (friend of the Chandler’s), Teeny Taylor (Mary Bradshaw’s mother), Prudence Roos (Lois Heal’s sister), William Kirkpatrick (Kimberly Dees’ cousin), Dot Barrineau, Serena Loney, Rena Morin (Shirley Veins’ sister), Antonio Kong (father of Evelyn Keys), Nola Geddings (Hazelee Hallman’s sister), Marianne Reither (Susan Wild’s mother), and Lynne Praetzner (friend of Ken and Evelyn Keys).

BAPTISIMAL ANNIVERSERIES:

Ashley Crawshaw 9/30/01

Zachary Denton 9/4/05

Samantha Hicks 9/24/06

Haydon Lyons 9/5/04

Natalie Palmo 9/4/05

Larkin Simpson 9/21/97

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SEPTEMBER

1 Brian Crawshaw

3 Andrew Bailey

5 Emery Vallier

8 Karen Hesselbart

12 Peter Hackett

15 Josh Soileau

17 Taylor Brunson

18 Karen Bailey

20 Shawn Burroughs

21 Stan Salter

22 Marlene Lee

24 Sarah Alexander

Vacation Bible School Update

Our Vacation Bible School was a big success; we had 47 eager children that joined our Big Jungle

Adventure The children participated in games, crafts and story time. We shared the love of Jesus to all

of the children and had an amazing time as well. We are very appreciative of the various church members

that helped turn our surroundings into a jungle. The most magnificent display was the waterfall with real

running water down the mountain. We also had a jungle hut made from real bamboo. Our hallways and

fellowship hall were adorned with greenery, vines and Spanish moss. We definitely brought the jungle to

life. We offer a special thanks to Elton Hallman for his intuition of making our theme a reality with our

waterfall and hut. We also offer a special thanks to Sep and Betty Harvin for donating the hot dogs and

hamburgers for our Friday night cookout. Many thanks to those of you who brought desserts and fruit

for evening meals throughout the entire week of VBS. This was a team effort and we greatly appreciate

everyone that participated in various roles such as tribe leaders and their assistants, supper leaders,

registration, craft, game, and snack leaders, puppeteer, story leaders, decorating and cleanup . Thank you

all for your support to this very important ministry.

Sincerely,

Shelley Crawshaw and Lisa Bratton

Sunday School will resume on September 11th at 9:00 A.M. for the ages of 3 thru 10 and for High

School consisting of 9th – 12th grade. All classes will be held in the Sunday School building. We are in need

of additional Sunday School teachers to help cover the three classes that we will be having. We have the

preschool class which are ages 3 to 6. We also have the elementary class which are ages 7-10. At this

time, we do not have enough volunteers to maintain three teachers for all three age groups. We would

gladly accept volunteers on a monthly basis which means that you would teach that entire month or if you

are able to teach only once or twice a month that would be fine as well. Please contact Shelley Crawshaw

(905-1931) or Lisa Bratton (773-1938) if your are able to help with Sunday School ministry

Calling All St. James Ladies: Alice Drive Baptist Church is having their Ladies‟ Night Out on

Tuesday, September 20. If you have never been to this event, you will be in for a treat. They serve

dinner to over 700 women and present a terrific inspirational speaker. Tickets are $12 and this is a

DON‟T MISS occasion! Call Marjorie at the church office for ticket information by September 7th as

tickets sell out rapidly. Please see the flyer in the narthex.

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Ministries, Announcements & Upcoming Events

On Thursday September 22 from 9:00am to 3:30pm, Tuomey Hospital is hosting “Sail into

Hope, Grief Retreat Day” for persons wanting to find ways to take care of themselves in the midst of

grief and loss. Seminars will include Scrapbooking Memories, Financial Security, Pampering Yourself,

Journaling in the Celebration of Life, and Gardening as Therapy. The event is FREE and lunch will be

provided but you do need to register in advance. Contact B.J. Drayton at Tuomey Hospice: 773-4663

Mark your calendars for October 6th from 8:30am to 11:00am for the FREE Hypertension,

Cholesterol and Diabetes screenings in the William Brice Gym Lobby. Jeanne Price Pack, RN, Community

Health/Corporate Wellness Coordinator from Tuomey will be there. She will also do blood pressure

checks. Drink plenty of water 2-3 days prior and make sure to do a 12 hour fast before your arrival time.

Light refreshments will be available after your screening.

Thanks from Girl Scout troop #2292: Dear St. James Lutheran Church,

Thank you for letting us use the church grounds for our car wash and our yard sale on Oct. 1. It is a big

help! Deborah, Anna, Amber, McKenzie and Kimmie

Choir practice resumes on August 31st. The choir will be practicing for a special service

commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy.

Dear Congregation at St James, My family and I would like to express our thanks for all your prayers, expressions of concern and especially your support during my recent surgery. Don and Elaine have returned to their home in NYS and I'm on the road to recovery. Again, thank you. You are truly a church with God at it center. Sincerely, Don, Elaine & Joyce Diehl

THE LULA-JUNE CIRCLE will meet on Tuesday, September 6th at 9:30. Betty Harvin will be the

hostess at her home. Meet in the church parking lot to carpool to her house.

CHOIR PRACTICE HAS RESUMED and the choir is preparing for a special service on September

11th commemorating the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy.

FLU SHOTS: On Friday, September 9th from NOON to 5:00pm, Walgreens will be conducting a

flu clinic. Flu shots will be available to anyone: members of St. James and the general public. If you have

government funded insurance such as Medicare/Medicaid, there is NO out of pocket expense to you. If

you have Tri-Care through the U.S. military, there is a $3.00 co-pay for the flu shot. If you have other

insurance, bring your insurance card and Walgreens can tell you if it is covered and what your co-pay will

be, if any. Cash customers will pay approximately $28.00. If you have any questions, ask or call Kimberly

Dees at 494-3812 or email her at: ktietjendees@hotmail.com. This event will be held in the Library and

Narthex. 7

THE GIRL SCOUTS who meet at St. James on Monday nights will hold a rummage sale on

Saturday, October 1st. If you have any items that you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please

bring them to the church office by Wednesday, September 28th. We could all do with less “stuff” and

your donations will be greatly appreciated.

Josh Hallman has graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He has accepted a position

teaching 10th grade Biology at Clinton High School and has bought his first house! In addition to his

teaching responsibilities, he is also coaching jr. varsity football, traveling with the varsity team, will coach

the spring track team and is involved with the Special Olympics science program. We are so proud of him!

A LETTER FROM Christian Charities of Sumter was received recently. They have written, “We

at Christian Charities want to thank you for your continuing support and recent donation of food. Your

donation of food is truly a blessing as we share food with our neighbors. God provides for all of us and

through you we are all able to support those in need in our community. May God bless you as we serve our

less fortunate neighbors”. Cecil Crayton, chairperson

THERE WILL BE a WELCA board meeting in the Library on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00pm.

Please call Judy Lessard at 499-3799 for further information.

WHAT IS A DEACONESS? A Deaconess is a woman who is: consecrated by the Church to a

rostered ministry of work and service, part of a Community which offers vision, encouragement and

guidance, professionally trained in a chosen vocation, and has a solid understanding of Lutheran theology.

She is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

Canada. Deaconesses serve in many ways-as teachers, counselors, administrators, health professionals,

Christian educators, youth workers, information specialists, ecumenists, and more. They serve in

congregations, synod offices, hospitals, social service agencies, outdoor ministries, caring institutions,

universities, and more. A deaconess is a bridge connecting the Church with the needs of the world and

she also works closely with a Pastor if she is called to a parish service.

Church of the Holy Comforter is offering a Beth Moore Bible study called “Here & Now…There &

Then A Lecture series on Revelation.” If you have never taken a Beth Moore course you are in for an

exciting adventure through the Book of Revelation. If you have taken other courses offered by Beth

Moore, you know how interesting and inspirational they are. The course will be held on 11 consecutive

Sundays starting on Sept. 11th at 6:00pm. If you are interested in taking this course, or would like more

information, please contact Sue Griffin, whose grandfather was the rector at Holy Comforter for many

years, at 775-7736 or email: grannysue@sc.rr.com.

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ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Religion in School?

Absolutely!

From the Desk of the Director of Education, Brandy Mullennax

As I was driving home from work the other day, I was filled with so much excitement I

could hardly contain myself! There I was just in awe of God‟s work and the growth that SJLS

has made in this past year. Several thoughts were racing through my head as I looked out at all

of God‟s creations. I knew from the moment He led me to St. James that there was a purpose

for this school greater than any of us could imagine. I prayed daily for the school and the

church to embrace change and always shine the light. Every day I drive in to work and I am

embraced by God‟s children who are so eager to learn about Him. Their smiles fill my heart and

their unconditional love reminds me of the love He has for all of us. We are reaching out to

eighty five families and several more want to be part of this ministry. The church has formed a

committee team so that SJLS can continue to grow and do His work. If you need to be

energized, walk in and see God‟s hand at work. I promise you will walk out feeling His love. I

must warn you that our little ones love to give love away, so be careful of the hugs that grab you

around your knees so tightly that you almost fall over.

I continue to feel extremely blessed to have the privilege of working alongside

knowledgeable and faith-filled parents, staff, and faculty who hold high expectations and

continue to raise the bar for students and themselves. I pray that each person who enters our

doors recognizes that our school is an extension of our Lutheran Church; a place to be highly

revered and cherished. With the help of God, I am confident that our school year will be

blessed as our students grow in their love, faith and knowledge of Him. I look forward to seeing

all of the children and being a small part of their lives. Like the desires I hold for my own

children, I want the very best for each of the children. Please do not hesitate to share your

thoughts regarding the school‟s success. Your concerns, ideas, and positive comments are

appreciated and respected. Communication is vital in the school‟s0 success and to our overall

growth and sense of community here at SJLS.

We are very pleased to welcome two new staff members to SJLS. Mrs. Becky Thompson

has been assigned as our new second grade teacher. Ms. Paula Underwood is our new three year

old teacher. What a blessing it will be to have each of them at SJLS.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Brandy Mullennax Brandy Mullennax, Director of Education 9

St. James Lutheran School Jewels are shining for God…. The staff extends thanks to the Ministry Team who hosted a

reception for us in August and who continue to support our ministry in God’s school.

I would like to personally thank those who are supporting SJLS through scholarship pledges. Several children have been able to enroll with us because of your generosity and love. It’s never too late for anyone to donate to the scholarship fund as God leads.

SJLS would like to extend a heart full of appreciation for Mr. Jim Bradshaw who keeps all of our computer needs taken care of. He generously donates his time so that we can all do God’s work here at SJLS. Thank you, Jim!

SJLS also extends a great big thank you to Mr. Gary Harbath and Mr. Ray Ziecker. These two men are constantly busy here at SJLS tending to all our property issues. Thank You!

Friday, September 9th, is Grandparents’ Day at SJLS. If you would like to join us as a “Grandfriend” for a student whose grandparents cannot attend, please call the school office (934-8727).

The Artist of the month is Katelyn Makowske. Katelyn is the daughter of Bracey MaKowske. Katelyn is new to our three year old class and enjoys making arts and crafts that correspond to her learning units here at SJLS. Please stop by the school to see her work of art.

As we complete our second week at SJLS, we joyfully anticipate what God has in store for us. In His Service with you,

Brandy Mullennax

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Stewardship Message:

Next to January, September is probably one of the biggest and busiest start-over months in the year. A

number of congregational ministries which may have been on a summer break start up again. A new

school year has started. It is interesting to note that September opens with Labor Day when we pause

to thank God for honest and fruitful labor. Perhaps that is appropriate since things pick up after

vacations and other summer activities and we have more opportunities for service.

September also marks the beginning of autumn and that will be a welcome change for many people

who this past summer were impacted by a record number of tornados, serious flooding around major

rivers, heat and drought that broke many records, along with many wild fires that caused so much

destruction.

In spite of all the above problems God still richly blessed much of our country with seasonable weather

so that seedtime and harvest prevailed and the activities of agriculture, commerce and transportation

continued so that the earth was fruitful and yielded its increase to supply food for all of God’s

creatures. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

God’s stewards appreciate new opportunities to start over again after life has become like a long, hot

summer. In September many of God’s faithful stewards can get involved with new and exciting

volunteer activities in their churches and communities. In September many of our students can begin

one of their best years of learning. In September many of our churches and schools can get involved

with some of the most exciting ministries in their history. A fresh start is always appreciated. The past

is behind us; the future is still in front of us but the present is where we do our work as God’s stewards.

God has some great things in mind for us as His stewards. He wants us to use our talents, our time, our

resources and our relationships in ways that honor Him and bring blessings to those around us.

Sometimes we may feel like we just can’t get started! We may feel inadequate to take on new

challenges. We may remember when we have tried some bold ventures before and they didn’t work

out. We can chase those negative thoughts away when we remember words like these from one of our

well-known hymns:

Let none hear you idly saying, “there is nothing I can do,”

While the multitudes are dying and the Master calls for you.

Take the task He gives you gladly, let His work your pleasure be;

Answer quickly when He calleth, “Here am I, send me, send me.” (LSB 826)

So, keep your eyes open for some new opportunities to put your time, talents and resources to work for

the Lord and His people, and when those opportunities come, GO FOR IT!

In His Service, Gary Bratton,

Gary Bratton, Stewardship

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St. James Lutheran Church

1137 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Return Service Requested Church Office Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 – 1:30

Office: 773-2260

Fax: 775-6021

E-mail: stjamesoffice@sc.rr.com

SERVICES:

Wednesday: 10:30 am, Bible Study Noon, Holy Communion Service

Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 am

ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSION STATEMENT: called by God,

centered in the Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we rejoice in the Lord,

proclaim His gift of Grace through liturgical worship and service and share Christ’s

love

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 105

Sumter, SC 29150