volume 10 issue 10 st. james episcopal church the...
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Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 1
December 2014
The Net
St . James Episcopal Church
St. James Mission Statement
St. James is called to serve God, Christ, and the community of Greater New London.
Adopted by the Vestry May 2001
From the Rector’s Desk
As many of you know, I’ve safely returned from my trip to Scotland … just in time to
conclude another liturgical year (the Last Sunday after Pentecost, November 16). I’ve
shared with some of you how wonderful the trip was … but also how exhausting. The Rt.
Rev’d Dr. Robert Gilles, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, along with my host, the Very Rev’d
Dr. Emsley Nimmo, Rector of St. Margaret of Scotland and Dean of Aberdeen and Orkney,
kept me very busy. For those who thought I was on vacation, I’ve quite publically called it a
“busman’s holiday” (for those unfamiliar, here’s a definition: a vacation or form of
recreation that involves doing the same thing that one does at work).
Actually, in the midst of the trip, running from one activity/event to another, it struck me that
it offered me a very real opportunity to experience the life of a priest in the Scottish
Episcopal Church, which I hadn’t experienced while in Scotland on sabbatical six years
ago. So, I had the opportunity to attend a regular Cathedral Chapter meeting, with all the
Cathedral Canons and Bishop Gilles. I was a guest at their annual Clergy/Lay Reader
Conference for two days in Banchory (about nineteen miles west of Aberdeen). I attended
their Companions in Mission Conference in Perth (some 85 miles
south). I was able to visit and celebrate the Eucharist at two or
urban parishes in Aberdeen (at St. Mary’s and St. John’s), along with
con-celebrating a Sunday Mass at St. Margaret’s. I was able to do
several hospital visits, along with a full day of geographically
dispersed pastoral calls, seemingly throughout Aberdeenshire. And,
of course, I was present at the Sung Eucharist on the Feast of Samuel
Seabury (November 14) at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen,
where a new mass setting by Paul Mealor received its world
premiere, and I was vested and seated as an honorary canon of the
Cathedral.
Of course, it wasn’t all work! I had the honor of co-hosting a dinner
at St. Margaret’s Rectory for Bishop Gilles and his wife Liz, and
Holiday Office Hours 3
Birthdays 4
Thanks 5
Holiday Activities 6-7
Music 9-10
Outreach 12-13
Financial information 14-15
Inside this issue:
Page 2 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
The Net …
is the newsletter of St.
James’ Church, New
London, Connecticut.
It is published eleven
times a year
(September through
June, and a Summer
issue) for the
information and
edification of St.
James’ members and
friends.
Submissions are always
welcome, and should
be submitted by the
tenth of the month
before publication.
While your submission is
always welcome, we
would prefer to receive
it by e-mail, or memory
stick in Microsoft Word
format (Word 97-2003
or later).
Please continue to
forward your
submissions to the
Church Office or email
them to: [email protected]
We also welcome your
comments and
suggestions. This is your
newsletter.
76 Federal Street
New London CT 06320-6601
860-443-4989
www.stjamesnl.org
another Cathedral Canon, the Rev’d Canon Isaac
Poobalan and his wife Amudha. I attended a dinner given
by Bishop and Mrs. Gilles. Canon and Mrs. Poobalan
invited me to a dinner. And, the Rt. Rev’d Frederick Darwin
(a former Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney) and his wife
Roma hosted a wonderful lunch. And accompanying Fr.
Emsley to Edinburgh, I got an opportunity to visit two
Scottish Episcopal churches (St. Mary’s Cathedral and St.
John’s), with a several hours spent at the National Museum
of Scotland.
But the most memorable events were those in which I was
with our Scottish brothers and sisters. While many here at
St. James ask about those we pray for every Sunday (Fr.
Emsley and the St. Margaret’s family), I met any number of
people who had similar comments to ours: “It is nice to put
a face with those in our prayers!”
While I was deeply honored to be named an honorary
Canon of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, at its heart the event
was about connections—connections between several
urban parishes (St. James, St. Margaret’s, St. Andrew’s);
between parish families; and, between individuals—
through regular prayer.
My thanks go out: to Fr. Emsley for hosting me for a long
two week interval; for the hospitality of the clergy and lay
people of Aberdeen and Orkney who made me feel at
home; and for capping the liturgical year with a “high”
during the clothing and seating as a Canon at the
Cathedral Church of St. Andrew.
As we enter this new liturgical year (beginning with the first
Sunday of Advent, November 30), we are called into a
season of anticipation; a time of waiting for the Advent
(coming) of our Messiah, Jesus Christ the Lord. As the world
around us grows ever more secular, as our congregations
(in this nation and Scotland) struggle to witness to our faith
in the God who created us (as opposed to the god of
money, or career, or wealth, or possessions), let us strive
together to keep this Advent holy. Let us focus on our
preparation for the arrival of our Messiah. Let us slow
ourselves down from the chaos, and quiet ourselves from
Rector’s Desk, cont’d
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 3
the turmoil of this holiday season. Let us seek to be present to the call of God, the voice of
one crying in the wilderness …
“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of
light, now in the time of this mortal life …”
(from The Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, BCP 211)
Rector’s Desk, cont’d
The calendar during Advent is
much more than the place to
count down Christmas
shopping days.
The exciting Advent poster, at
both entrances of the Church,
includes suggestions for each
day focusing on the mind, the
soul, the heart, and strength.
Living Well through Advent
is fun to read and a
reminder of the true
meaning of the season.
“Give us grace to cast
away the works of darkness,
and put on the armor of
light.”
from The Collect for the First
Sunday of Advent,
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 211
Advent 2014 Calendar Advent began Sunday, November 30
Bishop Gilles asking Fr. Michel to confirm his ordination and
installation vows.
The newly installed Canons, Lisa Eunson and Fr. Michel, with
Bishop Gilles, and the composer of the newly-commissioned
Seabury Mass, Professor Paul Mealor.
Page 4 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
December Birthdays The names on this list reflect the information as recorded in the Church database. Is your
name (or a family member’s name) missing? If so, please contact the Church Office and
provide us with the accurate information!
6 Joan Jones
6 Elizabeth Ahnell
8 Sade Velez
9 Victoria Brennan
13 Nicholas Streeter
15 Carole Shores
16 John Dillon
16 Lucy Patterson
18 Lynda DeVivo
19 Ines Granville
19 Hayden Fraser
22 Joy Hewitt
22 Michael Culbertson
23 Mary Hulme
27 Anaya Collins
28 Martha Delancy
As we enter the holiday season, the Parish Office
will observe the following holiday schedule:
Wednesday, December 24—Office closes at 12:30
p.m.
Thursday and Friday, December 25
and 26—Christmas holiday—Office closed.
Wednesday, December 31—New Year’s
Eve— Office closes early.
Thursday, January 1—New Year’s Day—Office
closed.
Regular Parish Office hours resume Monday, December 29, after Christmas, and Friday,
January 2, after New Year’s Day.
Regular Parish Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Do you have some spare time this holiday season? Do you have “extra” family members
home for the holidays? Are you looking for a place to help out? There is much to do—extra
bulletins, The NET, and many other end-of-year items—as we prepare to close out the year.
To volunteer, please call Ellen at the Parish Office, 860.443.4989.
Holiday Parish Office Hours
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 5
To Those who’ve already made their offering for God’s work in the world, through their 2015
pledge.
To Jerry Miller and the Budget Committee for their hard work on the 2015 budget.
To Ron Steed and the Stewardship Committee for challenging us to new giving levels for
2015.
To Grace Barnum, Stephanie Brandon, and Ed Janusz for their hard work creating our new
Parish ministry listing and pledge card.
To All of the volunteers for another year of helping us produce, prepare, and mail The NET.
To Florence Bath, Mary Ellen Harris, Jean Rogers, Jean Uguccioni, and Greg Rice for their
time preparing the Stewardship packets for mailing.
To Sue Chojnacki for providing coverage in the Parish Office while Ellen was on vacation.
To the Capital Improvement Committee for continuing to keep on track with all the major
improvements necessary for the Church, Parish Hall, and grounds.
To All the volunteers who help us succeed with our all Parish outreach ministries.
To Martha and Ralph Anderson for trimming and weeding our grounds during the summer.
Thank you to my church family for all the cards, concern, and
prayers for me on the recent death of my daughter. You truly
made a very sad time more bearable.
Deanna Bossdorf
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Christmas Poinsettias and Greenery Now that Advent has arrived, we think of many tasks that have to be done in our own lives
and in our Parish life. One of these takes place on Sunday, December 21, with the
Greening of the Church. There are a number of ways that you can participate in this
tradition, but one way is by giving memorial donations for friends and family or thanksgiving
donations for the blessings in your life. These donations are used to purchase the Christmas
decorations. The memorial envelope is attached but if you should mislay it, we will have
more in the Church or the Office—the deadline for inclusion in the Christmas list is
Wednesday, December 17. Thank you.
The Altar Guild of St. James
Greening of the Church & Carol Sing
Wassail Party What good is work, if you can’t use it as an excuse
to party! Immediately following the Greening of
the Church (Sunday, December 21, right after the
10 a.m. service), all the workers are invited to the
Rectory for a Wassail Party. There will be fires in the
fireplaces, tables overflowing with food, warm and
spicy wassail to drink, and lots of good fun and
fellowship. All, regardless of age, are invited.
Please plan to help with Greening the Church, and
join us as we relax together, and enjoy some casual
fellowship at the Rectory.
beautiful and bring a splash of color into the
otherwise drab wintertime. The Altar Guild will
acquire everything we need, then they just
need our help hanging and arranging it. Bring
gloves, garden shears, and comfortable
clothes – and join us right after the 10 a.m.
service (about 11:30) in the Church. This year,
we are planning on having Andrew and Travis
at the organ console, and we invite everyone
to join in the Carol Sing—and then join the fun
at the Wassail Party.
Part of the wonderful tradition of the
Anglican Church is the “greening” of the
Church, in preparation for Christmas. It is
traditionally done after services on the
Fourth Sunday in Advent (December 21
this year). Evergreens, representing the
ever-flourishing life found in Christ, are
arranged throughout the Church: in small
clusters, in roping, in wreaths, and
occasionally even in whole trees.
Together, we can make the Church
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 7
Christmas greeting cards and picturesque note cards
featuring our Tiffany windows are for sale. St. James
ornaments and cookbooks are also available for purchase
just in time for the holidays, to have for your own use or to
give as gifts! All items will be in the Parish Hall on Sunday,
December 7 for the St. Nicholas Fair or at the Parish Office
during normal business hours. Prices start at $2.50 each
and the pricing improves with the quantity of cards you
buy.
Holiday Cards and Ornaments
Advent Parish Brunch—Join us!
Our Menu:
Pancakes
Sausage
Fruit Cup
Juice and Coffee/Tea
December 14 is our next monthly Parish
Brunch (after the 10 a.m. service), cooked
and served by the Men of St. James. We ask
a $3 per person donation—little enough for a
wonderful meal with good friends and great
fellowship. So, don’t miss it!
Volunteer for Flower Delivery to Shut-ins
If you would like to help
brighten Christmas for
members of our Parish Family
who are homebound or in
healthcare facilities, how
about taking one of our
poinsettia plants from our
Christmas decorations to him/
her? Select someone who is
near to your home or office,
and it won’t take much time
at all!
A sign-up sheet can be found in the
Parish Hall. Please put your name
next to the name of the person to
whom you’d like to take a plant. If
directions are needed, please
contact Ellen in the Parish Office,
860.443.4989.
Plants may be delivered
immediately following the Christmas
Day services or anytime during the
week after Christmas Day.
Page 8 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
The next regularly scheduled parish baptisms will be on Sunday,
January 11(the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord), as part of our
regular 10 a.m. service. If you know of someone—child or adult—
who is ready to become an “official” member of Christ’s Church,
now would be an appropriate time. Anyone considering infant
baptism, would need to have both parents and godparents
attend a pre-baptismal counseling session, while adults being
baptized are asked to have their sponsors attend with them. The
pre-baptismal counseling session will be Saturday, January 10, at
10 a.m. For more information or to schedule a place in the class,
please contact Fr. Michel.
Baptisms
Welcome Our Newest Members
Bentley Emmett Prejean
Remi Almando Calderon
Vestry Highlights The Vestry held its regular meeting on November 4.
A copy of the preliminary budget for 2015 was reviewed with the final one ready for Vestry
approval in December and Parish approval at the Annual Meeting in January. Music on
Whale Oil Row has been successful with attendance averaging between 28 and 46
people. Vestry and all Parishioners are reminded of a concert on Friday, December 5 at
7:00 p.m. featuring Raymond Nagem, associate organist of New York’s Cathedral of St.
John the Divine. The Nominating Committee will meet for suggestions of prospective
officers which will be voted on at the Annual Parish Meeting in January.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Dargel,
Parish Clerk
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 9
Please plan to join us on December 14 for our traditional Service of Lessons and Carols for
Advent. This year we’ll present some well-known favorites, such as Handel’s And the Glory
of the Lord from The Messiah, as well as works of a number of other prominent composers,
including J. Rutter, C. V. Stanford and R. Vaughan Williams. This service provides a
marvelous opportunity to enjoy the peaceful spirit of Advent, away from the bustle of
Christmas preparations.
As it turns out, Lessons and Carols will be our first service with our new organist Jonathan
White. An alumnus of the University of Oxford, Jonathan spent a year as Organ Scholar at
Canterbury Cathedral, and has been actively involved with the Royal Society of Church
Music. He is currently studying for the Master of Arts in Religion degree at the Yale Institute
of Sacred Music, with a concentration in religion and music.
There will be a reception after the service; please take that opportunity to
chat with the choristers and Simon, and meet Jonathan.
We hope to see you at Lessons and Carols! Respectfully submitted,
Katherine Brighty
Anglican Singers
Advent Lessons & Carols
Page 10 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992):
La Nativité du Seigneur
Raymond Nagem, organist
Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Savior) is arguably one of the most
important organ works of the twentieth century. Its devotional nature is remarkably direct,
for Messiaen possessed a deep-rooted faith and a penetrating theological insight, which
both illuminated his creativity and gave a strongly spiritual dimension to all his work.
Although not initially a part of the Parisian organ tradition, Messiaen grew up artistically
within it and came to explore the organ’s sonorities and tonalities in a radically different
way.
Raymond Nagem, one of the leading organists of his generation, is Associate Organist at
the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, and a C.V. Starr Doctoral Fellow at The
Juilliard School, where he teaches the survey course in organ literature and is a student of
Paul Jacobs. Mr. Nagem earned his B.A. from Yale University, where he studied with
Thomas Murray, and his M.M. from Juilliard. He has previously held positions at The Parish
of All Saints, Ashmont (MA), and Christ Church, New Haven. In addition to his
responsibilities for service playing and choral accompaniment, he works regularly with the
Cathedral Chorale and the Choristers.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Howell,
Organist/Choirmaster
Music on Whale Oil Row
Spontaneous Art on a Sunday Morning On November 23, a surprising event took place at St. James following the 10 a.m. service.
Plein Air painter, Charles Reyburn, a life-long parishioner, walked into Church carrying a
large roll of about 20 "oil sketches" of local vistas he had painted. They included one
showing St. James Church topped by a dramatic sky, another a quiet forest path at
Groton's Bluff Point, and another, a peaceful view from New London across the Thames
River to the other side including some of the Electric Boat facility. Charles quickly taped
these paintings to the walls around the Parish Hall and amazed the Coffee Hour visitors.
Athough Charles calls them "sketches", these works are really masterful paintings on paper.
They show his unique ability to capture the light and cheerful colors he finds in many
picturesque local scenes. Thank you Charles for sharing your sizable talent with us in such a
refreshing way. It was truly "A Happening"!
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 11
Would you like prayers said for the health
of a loved one? Would you or someone
you know like prayer support
during a particularly
challenging time of life? Do
you want to offer special
thanks for a new grandchild
or other joyous event?
St. James Prayer Chain would
be happy to pray with you.
The group prays for the
people included in the
Prayers of the People each
Sunday. We also pray for those who are
listed in our Morning Prayer Journal found
in the front vestibule on Sundays. Please
Prayer Chain Ministry
call Grace Barnum (860.236.5447) to add
name(s). It is up to you how specific you
make the prayer request.
You can simply give us a
name or more information
about what they need
prayers for, as you see fit. The
people in the Prayer Chain
keep the information
confidential.
You can also assist with this
ministry by speaking to
Grace Barnum. We ask you
to remember the people you pray for daily,
but how or when you pray is up to you.
Each Sunday we adorn the Altar with flowers (except during Lent), light a Sanctuary
Candle, and consume bread and wine. The Altar Guild pays for these from gifts given by
members, family and friends of St. James. If you would like to assist one week, an Altar
Flower donation is $45; sanctuary candle $5; and, communion wine or communion wafer,
$10 donation. Your donation can be made as a memorial honoring someone deceased, or
as a thank-offering to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special event in your life.
As always, more than one person can make their offering in any given week. If you’d like
more information, speak to any member of the Altar Guild, or contact the Parish Office.
Some Giving Opportunities
Page 12 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
Christmas Wish List for Adopted Families
We are adopting four families this year—two of whom are in residence at the Covenant
Shelter . We are also providing art supplies to the programs offered at the Covenant Shelter
for children.
The Christmas Tree in the Parish Hall is chock full of ornaments.
Please select an ornament with a requested item that you will
then purchase, wrap, and label with that ornament
attached.
All wrapped gifts should be brought to Church any Sunday,
or dropped off at the Parish Office no later than Wednesday,
December 17 at noon. Gifts will be distributed later that
week to our adopted families.
For anyone who may not have the time to shop, monetary
donations will be accepted. Please make checks payable to
St. James with “Christmas Wish List-Family” in the memo line.
Respectfully submitted,
Grace Barnum, Deanna Bossdorf, and Pat King,
Giving Tree Committee
St. James Quilters
We are happy to welcome three new members, Pandora Barnwell, Jo-Anne Foster, and
Margaret Muralllo. We would love to see even more individuals come and join us.
Our mission is to make quilts for the children at the Covenant Shelter and for the Visiting
Nurses Association (VNA) Nurse Family Partnership (which cares for new mothers) .
Our meetings are on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(EXCEPT FOR DECEMBER, WHEN WE WILL BE MEETING THE FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY). You
don't have to know how to quilt—we'll teach you. Please contact me at 860.443.0590 for
information.
Don’t forget to attend our St. Nicholas Fair on Sunday, December 7, in the Parish Hall after
the morning services. All proceeds benefit our mission as well as Parish needs.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Chartier,
Chair
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 13
Thanks to everyone who donated hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. A very special thanks
to all the knitters who provided us with over 150 homemade hats, mittens and
scarves. Their special talents are deeply appreciated.
We were able to deliver over 225 sets to the elementary children in
New London, the Covenant Shelter, and families that our Parish is
supporting for the holidays. There are many happy and warmer
students thanks to your generosity. A special thanks to my
committee: Barbara Skinner, Lori Sarkett, and Theresa
Bokoff. Many thanks and God Bless!
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Chojnacki,
Chair
This holiday season, we are requesting donations of new white socks for the
Homeless Hospitality Center Shelter guests (male and female). Our goal is to
“gift” each guest with three (3) pairs of socks. They may be wrapped (please
note on the outside of the package if they are men’s or women’s—if unisex,
no marking needed) or unwrapped. All donations should be received by
Wednesday, December 17. If you would like to help with sorting and wrapping at the
Greening of the Church on Sunday, December 21, all are welcome.
Socks for HHC
The Jumble Shoppe is decorated for
Christmas. Come see our array of
beautiful Christmas ornaments and
decorations available for purchase.
The shop will be closed December 27 in
observance of the Christmas holiday.
We wish all our volunteers, supporters, and
patrons a blessed and healthy Christmas.
Jumble Shoppe
Hats, Mittens, Gloves, and Scarves
Page 14 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
Weston Priory Retreat
Is your current (2014) pledge up
to date? Please make sure that
your 2014 contributions are
caught up as we approach the
busy holiday season.
The Vestry and Stewardship
Committee ask you to prayerfully
consider the ways—Time, Talent,
and Treasure—that you can
support St. James as it seeks
to do God’s work in our
community and the world.
Alma Peterson,
Pledge Secretary
Pledge Up-to-Date?
Advent Quiet Morning
Deanery Advent Quiet Morning—Saturday, December 13, The Rev’d Rachel Thomas will
offer a quiet morning, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. David’s Episcopal Church (284
Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry). A donation of $20 is requested for those who are
able. Contact the Parish Office to register 860.464.6516.
Retreat weekend in Weston, Vermont
December 12-14.
A special get-away for anyone who would
like to enjoy a beautiful setting for
relaxation, reflection, and a choice of
services at the Weston Priory.
Lodging is at the Colonial House Inn at a
cost of $60 per night/per person. Car
pooling is available. For reservations
contact Grace Barnum 860.235.8701 or Ellen
in the Parish Office at 860.443.4989.
Volume 10 Issue 10 THE NET Page 15
ST. JAMES CHURCH
TREASURER'S REPORT
November 4, 2014
Total Income:
Total Expenses:
Net Ordinary Income:
$299,707
$91,639
Summary:
Investment Summary:
$3,076,393
Summary:
Parish Financial Update
Page 16 THE NET Volume 10 Issue 10
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
New London, CT 06320
Permit No. 236
St. James Episcopal Church
76 Federal Street
New London, CT 06320-6601
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material, please deliver immediately.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED.
Christmas Service Schedule
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24
7:00 p.m. Family Service and Holy Eucharist with Children’s Homily
(Planned for those with children, or those who simply want to get home early.)
10:45 p.m. Choral Prelude
11:00 p.m. Festive Choral Eucharist (A “traditional ‘midnight’ mass” with music and a little incense.)
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist