News | St. James United Methodist Church

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Week of May 13, 2012

Weekly Blog. Don’t forget to read Dr. III’s weekly blog every Friday at blog.stjamesumc.com/.

Striving for Excellence. The church-wide theme for 2012 is “Striving for Excellence: Stewardship, Worship, Compassionate Outreach and Authentic Faith Development. Our theme this quarter (April - June) is worship. We are discussing the results of the worship survey with the ministries and persons involved in an effort to offer excellent worship to a Mighty God.

Communications. If you would like to stay up-to-date about the life and ministries of St. James, click on Subscribe to our Mailling List from the St. James homepage to choose which mailings you receive.

Spring Bulletin Change. With Spring comes new life. This Spring we are going to bring new life to the bulletin, including electronic bulletins. Check your e-mail inbox for an e-bulletin as we continue to go green. The bulletin is also available on the church’s website. Just go to the News and Events tab on the home page. Other changes coming soon. Stay tuned.

Daily Devotion Blog. Start your day with our daily devotion blog which accompanies Disciplines: A Book of Devotions 2012. You can find the blog on the church’s homepage.

HeBrews Ministry. The HeBrews fellowship will not be held this Sunday and the remainder of this month due to holidays and graduation events. During the summer months of June through August, HeBrews will be held only for sponsorship events. Please contact Lisa Hardwick at 816-305-6699 if you would like to sponsor HeBrews during the summer months.

EXCITING WORSHIP

Pentecost Sunday. Sunday, May 27, is Pentecost Sunday: the day we celebrate the birth of the Christian church. This year Pentecost falls on Memorial Day weekend. Due to the holiday, we will have one worship experience at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School will begin at 8:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome to wear church casual attire. This year's theme is "Earth, Wind and Fire."

Baptism Information. Baptisms are generally scheduled on the second Sunday of each month. The last baptism information sessions for this quarter will be June 16 at 10:00 a.m., in Room 2D. If you would like to participate in an upcoming baptism, please download the baptism form on the website and submit to Pastor Sherri PRIOR to the information session.

AUTHENTIC FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Ministry Leaders Meetings. Pastor Sherri and the NLDT are seeking to meet with the Ministry Leaders as a follow up to the April 21st Leadership Conference. Please call or email Pastor Sherri to schedule a meeting. The possible dates are May 19 at 9:00 a.m., May 23 at 3:00 p.m., and May 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School for all ages (nursery-adults) is quickly approaching. SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 25 - 29. You can register to participate or volunteer in the Ministry Mall during HeBrews. For more information contact the church office or see Maya Greer or Monique Rivera.

Youth Ministry. For updates on the Youth Ministry, scholarship and upcoming events please follow STJUMCYOUTH on Twitter and/or LIKE 'St James UMC Youth Minister' on Facebook.

Young Adults. All young adults ages 18-29 are welcome to join us TODAY in Room 2B at 9:45 a.m. Our discussions are “Real Talk” and SWAP (Salvation with a Plan).
Spring Faith Development Classes. Spring Classes begin this week.

Personal Financial Education & Empowerment Ministry. If you missed these workshops the first time around, you won’t want to miss them this time. Under the leadership of David Whalen, guest financial professionals will lead workshops educating and empowering participants to be stewards of their financial resources. (Facilitator: David Whalen, Tuesdays, Apr 17-Jun 5 at 6:00pm)

Confronting the Controversies Part 2. This class is cancelled.

Dissecting The Lord’s Prayer. We will take an in depth look at this prayer that Jesus gave to the disciples. (Facilitator: Rev. John Macklin, Tuesdays, Apr 17- Jun 5 at 6:00pm)

Journey through Deuteronomy. What did Moses have to say to the Israelites and why is it relevant for us today? Come and find out as we travel through Deuteronomy feeding our mind, body and spirit. (Facilitator: Pastor Sherri, Wednesdays, Apr 18-Nov 28 at 11:30am)

COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH

Christian Sympathy is extended to Ile Haggins and Dwayne Smith at the passing of their father and grandfather.

Family Fun Fest. We are looking forward to another amazing Family Fun Fest outreach to the community on June 23 from 12 noon- 4:00 p.m. All ministry leaders are asked to have a table to promote your ministry. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. Please contact Pastor Sherri for more information.

Legal Ministry. On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. a Legal Team representative is present to answer legal questions. This is a free service. Please contact the Church Office for scheduling.

Acolyte Scholarship. Applications for the Alan and Austin Campbell St. James Acolyte Scholarship are now available. High school seniors who served as acolytes and maintained active involvement in church ministries are eligible. The deadline to submit applications is May 25. Applications packets are available in the Worship Committee mailbox.

Calling all High School Seniors. All 2012 high school grads, please send your name, high school and grad date to Min. Tina before May 13th at 816-582-4080 or tharris@stjamesumc.com. Also, follow STJUMCYOUTH on Twitter to get info on scholarships/grants and internships.

Connecting with the Military. The Cub Scouts and former military personnel are reaching out to active duty members. We want them to know that we appreciate their service and that we are thinking of them. If you have a loved one who is currently serving or are former military and want to join us, contact Andre Butler at 816-223-1532.

College Students. College students who received the “Mr. Bill” Johnson Scholarship within the last three years may submit a renewal application by June 1. Applications are online at www.stjamesumc.com.

GriefShare. A new 13-week support and encouragement group for persons grieving the death of someone close to them begins in May. The Griefshare Session meets Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in the Youth Room.

Not Just The Blues. This is a depression support group designed to provide a safe and accepting place to release frustrations and fears, as well as receive comfort and encouragement as people share their struggles living with depression and various types of mental health challenges. The group gathers every 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. For more information contact Sherry Dicus or Rev. Valentine.

DivorceCare. Many people will tell you that separation and divorce are two of the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. We begin Thursday, May 24 at 6:15 p.m. with an information session. Groups meet once a week for 13 weeks. For more information contact Keith Rainey, Olivia McFalls-Watson or Rev. Laurice A. Valentine.

DivorceCare Facilitators. Have a heart for people who are hurting because of the devastation of separation or divorce? Have a passion to help people heal through Christ? If this describes you, please pray about becoming involved in DivorceCare. You need only have a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a heart for people in separation/divorce and be led by God to help. We will provide you with training. You will not be alone, but be part of a team with continued support. If you feel God is leading you to serve, contact Rev. Valentine at 816-304-5299 or lvalentine@stjamesumc.com.

Bettylu’s Closet. Clothing donations can be delivered to the church weekdays between 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Contact Bobbie Faulkner at 816-822-0299 to have clothes picked up. Sorters are needed each month the Tuesday and Wednesday before the 3rd Wednesday. Thanks for all your contributions and efforts as we continue to be of service to our community.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Prayer. The Pastoral Team meets for prayer every Monday morning. If you have prayer requests/concerns, prayer cards are located in your pew. You can also send a prayer request or offer a praise report by going to Forms on the St. James website.

Pastoral Counseling. Counseling is available by appointment only. Contact Rev. Dr. Laurice Valentine at 816-783-7845 for an appointment.

Van Ministry. To arrange transportation for a Sunday worship service, you must call 816-444-5588, ext. 202 every Saturday before 6:00 p.m. Please note: the van ministry has a 30-mile pick-up radius in any direction.

Audio Ministry. If you would like to order a CD or DVD of worship celebrations, place your order after service today on the second floor in the Sound Room. CD’s are $7.00 and DVDs are $10.00. Make checks payable to St. James UMC. All orders must be prepaid.