Communication Team Introduces Theme and Visual Identity in October 2019, the St

Newsletter of St. James Episcopal Church Walk with us in God’s love January 2020 St. James Capital Campaign Communication Team Introduces Theme and Visual Identity In October 2019, the St. James Vestry approved a major initiative to address critical building needs and to provide direction for a parish-wide vision for our future. Horizons Stewardship, a company specializing in capital campaign manage- ment, has been retained to guide our efforts. Assigned the responsibility to develop a theme and visual identity, the Communication Team is pleased to introduce them to you. CONNECTING OUR ENERGY For a Vibrant Community

Background for Campaign Theme: For every major initiative, there is a need to energize the community of stake-holders. The communications team agrees that an action-driven theme incorporating the involvement of everyone who has a past, present or future connec- tion with St. James is essential to the success of our mission. During our theme-development meeting, the communications team shared examples of multiple opportunities to make strong connections between individuals, groups and activities. These examples illustrated how the skills, strengths and energy of diverse backgrounds, ages, family structure and relationships with the church will drive our future. Using “connecting” and “energy” as our key words for the theme, the team defined seven ways in which each person with a relationship to St. James can take positive action. As we implement plans for participation in the 2020 St. James Capital Campaign, we encourage you and your group to use these as questions. We hope the responses will energize your team’s commitment to our shared vision of a vibrant future.

• Build for the future • Embrace new ideas • Strengthen faith • Create a nurturing environment • Empower others • Generate enthusiasm • Enhance learning

The theme and visual identity spark the launch of the St. James 2020 Capital Campaign, a vision for our future. Now the work of committed committee volunteers begins. They will be meeting with their teams during the next three months to develop and implement action plans for their assigned responsibility. The next major point of communication is slated for February 6 when a Vision Brochure will be distributed. The brochure will outline key events and activities through Announcement Sunday in April. In addition, a timeline for building updates will be included. Underlying the entire campaign will be a focus on the power of prayer. In the coming month, you will learn more about prayer as a statement of our unity from the prayer team. While the campaign goals are serious, we hope the process to get there will be informative, inclusive of all ages and expe- riences, incorporate new thoughts and ideas, and put the fun back in fundraising! Three-Minute Theology The Gospel of Matthew The first of December was the beginning of not only Advent, but a brand new liturgical year. As we rotate through years A, B, and C, we also rotate through the Gos- pel being emphasized. During the 2019/2020 church year we will be reading most The Reverend Joshua A. Hoover, often from the Gospel of Matthew. Therefore, it seems appropriate to learn a little Rector bit more about the way that Matthew sees God and Jesus, and to better understand [email protected] what we will be hearing from this Gospel over the next year. St. James Episcopal Church Matthew was almost always the first Gospel listed in the early church and was the most quoted by the church fathers. It was probably the second Gospel to have 355 West Maple Road been written, and most scholars think that the author used the Gospel of Mark as a Birmingham, MI 48009 resource. Almost certainly not written by the disciple, Matthew, it likely came from www.stjamesbirmingham.org a church that he started that reflected a relatively wealthy, urban community, and Phone 248-644-0820 could have been written as early as 80 and as late as 100 AD. The Spirit is a monthly newsletter Matthew is the most Jewish of Gospel writers. He quotes the Greek version of He- published for members and friends brew Scriptures 61 times in his gospel (as opposed to 24 in Mark). Most of these are Jesus quoting the scriptures as a way to defend or extend his ministry. It is clear of St. James. We are always looking that Matthew identified Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. And from the genealogy in for photographs of church events! the beginning that connects him to David, among others, to the many times he tells The deadline for submission is the th us that scripture predicted this moment, Matthew wants us to see Jesus as not an 15 of each month for the following alternative, but a fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. month’s issue. Please email articles One of Matthew’s other favorite ways of seeing Jesus is as the true king. The tale of and/or photos to: churchoffice@ the wise men coming to see the birth of the new king, and mistakenly going to the stjamesbirmingham.org or call the royal palace, is only found in this Gospel. And Matthew continues the theme by Parish Administrator. stressing time after time that Jesus is the true king, above and beyond all the earthly WORSHIP SCHEDULE kings. Therefore, you can expect to hear many stories in which the Kingdom of God Sundays 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. or of Jesus is in conflict with the kingdoms of this world. Wednesdays 7:00 a.m. What else can we look forward to in this Gospel this year? In addition to stories that focus on Jesus’ kingship and conflict with earthly kingdoms, and those that focus on CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Jesus’ Jewish identity, there are a number of other things to watch for. Matthew con- Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. tains the Sermon on the Mount, the fullest set of teachings from Jesus in any Gospel PASTORAL CARE (Luke contains some parts of this). Matthew is the only Gospel source for multiple For pastoral emergencies, please parables including the Unforgiving Servant, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Labor- contact Fr. Josh Hoover at ers in the Vineyard. We will also only find here the story of Peter walking on the 810-620-5402 water and many details of the crucifixion, including Pilate washing his hands. SUNDAYS As we read Matthew’s Gospel, I encourage you to think about what you are hearing from week to week. What are themes that you might not have heard from other 8:00 a.m. Eucharist (Church) writers, and what does it mean, from Matthew’s perspective, to be a good disciple? 9:00 a.m. The Bridge (grades 7-9) As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. 9:05 a.m. Adult Forum (Lounge) 10:00 a.m. Eucharist (Church) —Fr. Josh 10:10 a.m. Church School (Pre-K Thank You through 5th grades) It was another amazing experience to walk through Advent and Christmas at St. TUESDAYS James. Jon Wickens brought St. Nicholas alive for us. John Everett, Shay Pendray, 7:00 p.m. Toastmasters (2nd, 4th) our knitters, and many volunteers made sure that we were well represented at 7:30 p.m. AA (Lounge) Winter Markt once again. Our youth under the direction of Pastor Chris—and WEDNESDAYS with the help of many others—put on another spectacular pageant, and Sara Fen- 7:00 a.m. Eucharist (Chapel) tress-Gannon and Fr. Josh prepared the food for a delicious pageant brunch. The 7:30 a.m. Fellowship & Coffee choir concert featuring the Saint Saens Oratorio was magnificent thanks to the 12:00 p.m. Bible Study (Lounge) hard work of our choir and the leadership of Glenn Burdette. Margo Campbell 7:30 p.m. MA (Lounge) again helped us organize Santa’s Helpers along with the new project of support- ing Micah 6 in their holiday efforts. The altar guild kept all the different services THURSDAYS straight and the sanctuary looking beautiful, and so many others helped to lead 12:00 p.m. AA (Breakfast Room) worship, provide hospitality, decorate, clean, and most of all love one another. SATURDAYS Photos throughout this issue reflect these and other activities. What a blessing it 9:00 a.m. Knitting (Lounge) is to be part of this incredibly giving community! Thank you all for everything you did to make it a fantastic season. 2 The Spirit Music Notes GLENN BURDETTE [email protected] Thank you to the senior choir and our wonderful soloists for all of the hard work entailed in learning and presenting the Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns on December 15, which turned out to be a presentation well worth the effort. The work made use of a string quintet, organ, and harp, and a variety of vocal combinations. Though only 22 when he composed the piece, Saint- Saëns brought to the piece a mature sense of lyrical vocal writing and overall organization. Special thanks go to our soloists: Sara Carlson, Elaine Linstedt, Lauri Christianson, Rick Jackson, Chuck Furchak, and Christopher Peters, who were all marvellous throughout. Thank you also to Shay Pendray and Margo Campbell for arranging the great reception afterward. The choir sang for the 10:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, and is now on holiday until Sun- day, January 5. On December 29 Sara Carlson served as our cantor and soloist at the 10:00 a.m. service. The choristers, who sang “Alabaré a mi Señor” so well on November 24, also sang for the 5:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, and are on break until rehearsal on January 5. The St. James Ringers played for the 5:00 service on Christmas Eve. They return to work on January 6. Two special concerts will be held at St. James in February, the anticipation of which will help us to get through January. On Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m., the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings will present a program centered on trios. On Tuesday, February 25 (aka Shrove Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m., harpsichordist Yago Mahugo will return for a recital that promises to be as thrilling as his last. —Glenn Vestry Update At their December meeting the Vestry: • Received Stewardship Report • Received Reports on Capital Campaign Projects and Repairs • Approved ordination gifts for the Rev. Christine Fentress-Gannon • Approved staff bonuses as recommended by Personnel Committee • Received report on Vestry nominations • Approved a budget for 2020 • Approved Housing allowances for clergy • Approved percentages to be taken from the Parish Fund for 2020 For more detail, the approved minutes from vestry meetings are regularly posted, along with financial statements, in Centennial Hall. Financial Update This is a summary of our financials at the end of November. More details are available on the blue and green sheets in Centennial Hall. Please feel free to talk to Vestry, Elaine Belz, or Fr. Josh if you have any questions. Actual Budgeted Difference November Income $ 39,397 $ 40,715 $ -1,318 YTD Income $ 450,622 $ 495,834 $ -45,212 YTD Expenses $ 660,059 $ 687,795 $ -27,736 YTD Total vs Budget $ -25,531 Transfer Amount from Parish Fund to date: $183,906 Budgeted Transfer for Year: $ 242,734 5% of Parish Fund (goal number for transfers): $142,000

January 2020 3 From the Associate for Epiphany—Sunday, January 5 Formation and Outreach CHRIS FENTRESS-GANNON Epiphany Celebration [email protected] The 10:00 a.m. service will feature the procession of Magi, and we will be of- G.A.P. (God’s Awesome People) Youth fering chalk and prayers for the traditional Epiphany house blessings. We invite Fellowship Gatherings you to bring Magi from your own crèche sets to church today for a special blessing. Make sure to join us for King’s Cake after the 10:00 a.m. service and First and third Sundays of each month you may be crowned Queen or King for the day. G.A.P., our Middle and High Epiphany Photo Booth School youth, will meet on Sunday, Following both services in Centennial Hall January 5 at Bowlero Lanes as part of the 9th Annual Family Bowling Have you always wanted to be one of the Wise Ones in the Christmas Pageant event and then on Sunday, January but have only gotten to play a shepherd? That can change on Epiphany when 19 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for an after- you are invited to dress up as a Wise One and take your picture with the noon of learning more about Martin Holy Child. Luther King Jr. Epiphany Star Words

When we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, we remember the star that led 9th Annual St. James the magi to Jesus. On that day, we pass out Star Words, pieces of paper cut AGolden Family Bowling Pin Event Tournament into star shapes with a printed word. We ask you to reflect on that word for the coming year. Ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and Mark your how might God be speaking to you through this simple message. So take a Star calendars Word to ponder, to pray with. Keep it in view each day and let it unfold as a to join us guide, as a teacher in time. We pray that like the magi, these words allow us all on Sunday, to go home by another road, our eyes opened to God’s presence in and around us. January 5 at 12:00 p.m. at Chalking The Door For Epiphany the recently- On the Feast of the Epiphany, families across the globe gather to ask God’s renovated blessing on their homes and on those who live in or visit the homes. It is an Bowlero Lanes in Royal Oak (4209 invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes, our comings and goings, Coolidge Highway). Pastor Chris our conversations, our work and play, our joys and sorrows. and Fr. Josh scoped the lanes out for us a few weeks ago and think A traditional way of doing this is to use chalk to write above the home’s en- that everyone will really enjoy this trance. It can also be written somewhere inside the home. change in venue. For a just $12 per When you leave church services on the 5th, you’ll get a piece of chalk and the person you can bowl two games, outline of a liturgy to take home to “chalk the door” at your house. This short rent those fashionable shoes, enjoy liturgy is a way of marking our homes, usually at the front or main entrance, two slices of the finest pizza, and with sacred signs and symbols as we ask God’s blessing upon those who live, be refreshed by all the soda (pop) work, or visit throughout the coming year. you can drink. Everyone is invited The letters C, M, B have two meanings: to this church fellowship event! RSVP now online so Pastor Chris • They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, can let the Bowling Alley know Melchior, and Balthazar. how many to expect. We had a blast • They also abbreviate the Latin wordsChristus mansionem benedicat: “May last year, don’t miss it this year! Christ bless this house.” In Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this service, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes. On your doorframe you’ll mark 20+C+M+B+20. The doorframe of the home is marked with their initials within the year as a reminder of the Magi who received God's great welcome when they visited Jesus in his first home. It's a house blessing and a reminder to make the home a place of welcome for all people.

4 The Spirit Coming Up Announcements Souper Bowl of Caring Headphones Available For Sensory Issues Sunday, February 2 Some people with autism and/or "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super sensory issues manage sound chal- Bowl football game, help us be mind- lenges with noise reduction ear- ful of those who are without a bowl of muffs. If you or a loved one have soup to eat." challenges with the decibel level in church please feel free to use one What began as a simple prayer over of the noise cancelling headphones thirty years ago inspired a group of young people to do something more than (available at the usher station). Also celebrate a football game. They created the Souper Bowl of Caring, and have available in a size to fit children. mobilized youth across the country to raise more than $140 million for people Are You A Techie? in need. St. James has participated since 2011 raising over $10,000 and over 1,000 lbs Part of the Capital Campaign proj- of food! How cool is that? Last year we raised $814. Can we make it to $1000 ects is a new audio-visual system in when we participate on Sunday, February 2? I bet we can! the church to be able to livestream Hunger is an issue 365 days a year. our services for those unable to make it to St. James on any given 12% of Americans struggle with hunger. Sunday. To be able to do this we’re That’s 41 million people. looking for a Tech Team to run the 13 million are children. sound board and video program. You That is why our work with the Souper Bowl of Caring is so important. Participat- will be trained by a master sound ing unites us here at St. James with the rest of the nation, and helps to teach our engineer. With enough volunteers a young people that they can make a difference by giving hope to people in need. calendar will be created to schedule volunteers for one or two services a Family Camp at Camp Chickagami month. Please contact Pastor Chris June 27 to July 1 if you are interested. St. James is hoping that we’ll have a presence at Camp Chick for Family Camp. A Big Pink Thank You… Check out their website (www.campchickagami.org) for details regarding the accommodations. Fr. Josh and Pastor Chris and their families will be there! The …goes to Liz Smith Yeats for creat- camp offers a flexible program with optional activities, time for the family, and ing the Flamingo Tree that has been time for parents to take a break. on display in the courtyard. It was a true labor of love. Thank you for Santa’s Helpers Update bringing smiles and laughs to our preschoolers, teachers, parishioners, Whether you adopted a family, and guests. brought toys by the church, or donated money, you were a part of something really special this year. Thanks to the indefatigable Margo Campbell, her encouragement to the church, and her wonderful organiz- ing, we touched many, many lives. We adopted 10 families in Royal Oak giving them things needed and things just to bring them joy. In a new effort, we gave a car packed to the gills full of toys and clothing to Micah 6, along with enough money to help them expand their offerings. This year they served 791 children, 200 more than last year, giving out 1600 toys. This increase was largely due to your efforts, and Micah 6 is grateful for our support.

January 2020 5 Vestment Gifts for the Bishop-elect The Transitions Committee believe that it would be a lovely gesture for the people and congregations of our diocese to honor our Bishop-elect by Melissa Wojciechowski—248-644-4071 contributing funds so that she can [email protected] be gifted with sets of vestments in https://stjames-preschool.org/ red and in a purple and blue shade. Each set will include a cope, mitre, about how animals endure the chasuble and stole. To add your Happy New Year! We welcomed all winter months through hibernation. of our staff and children back from contribution towards this gift from Christmas Break. I hope the break On Friday, January 17, our 4-Year- the people and congregations of the gave them all time to relax and Old and Kindergarten Readiness Diocese, go to: edomi.org/vestments. reconnect with friends and family. programs will be taking a field trip You will be directed to either donate Reconnection is so important with to Stage Nature Center. They will via credit card through Paypal or to extended family. Many children be learning all about owls. They will mail a check. have a chance to explore outdoors as enjoyed being with family who they Any funds collected exceeding well as meet a few of the owls that don’t get a chance to see very often. the cost of the red and purple sets live at the nature center. It should of vestments will be added to the The New Year brings all things be a great addition to our winter pool of contributions from family winter! The children will be learning curriculum. about the coldest season by taking and friends of the Bishop-elect to a look at winter clothing, weather On Saturday, January 24, the be used for any other vestments or characteristics and outdoor winter preschool is hosting a Family Fun Episcopal appointments that she activities. The children will learn Night. We will be providing dinner may need. Questions regarding do- and dessert for our families and fea- nations can be addressed to The Rev. turing the music of Beverly Meyer, Anthony Estes at anthonyestes@ The Music Lady. We are excited to me.com (member of the Transi- have her return and share her talent tions Committee) or Canon Jo Ann with St. James! Hardy at 313.833.4422 or jhardy@ We look forward to exciting things edomi.org. happening within our flourishing preschool in the New Year. Wishing Call for Volunteers you and your families a year filled The Transitions Team is inviting with happiness and many blessings! members of our congregations to fill a variety of roles (including the —Melissa choir) for the Consecration of the Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry as the 11th Bishop of our Diocese on Saturday, February 8, 2020! The committee is hoping for a broad cross section of volunteers from across the diocese, representing the entire geography and demographic composition of our household. All volunteers must be willing to ar- rive at the Consecration site by 7:45 a.m. on the morning of the consecration (February 8) and be prepared for rehearsals, briefings, orienta- tions and instructions at 8:00 a.m. Visit https://edomiforms.formstack. com/forms/consecrationvolunteers to learn more and to sign up! 6 The Spirit Saturday,Pastor December Chris’ 14,Ordination 2019 at the Cathedral to the Church Transitional of St. Paul, Detroit Diaconate

Adult Forum Sundays Jan. 5, 12, 19 (we are off on the 26th due to the Annual Meeting) January starts a new year which makes us think about calendars. Not only do we have weekly, monthly and yearly calendars, but we also follow the cycles of the moon, school or work calendars, and any number of other cycles. The church, also, has a unique calendar, sometimes called the Liturgical Calendar. This calendar takes us through different feasts and sea- sons, tells us what lessons to read and what colors should be on the altar. All of this may sound mysterious, but if you come to church regularly, you may have soaked up more of this calendar than you realize. Whether you have been an Episcopalian for decades or are new to our ways, during January, Fr. Josh will help demystify the liturgical calendar. He will discuss the meanings of the colors, why each season exists, and what to expect. There will also be time for your comments and questions. We look forward to seeing you on Sundays this month at 9:05 a.m. in the Lounge.

January 2020 7 Consecration of the Rev. Dr. Bonnie A. Perry Mark your Calendar as the 11th Bishop of Michigan 9th Annual St. James Golden Pin Bowling Tournament Saturday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. The Ford Community & Performing Sunday, January 5, 12:00 p.m. at Bowlero, Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, 4209 Coolidge Hwy in Royal Oak. Please Dearborn. All are welcome to note the new location and time! attend—and all are invited to help! Preschool Family Fun Night Altar Guild members, acolytes, Friday, January 24, 6:00 p.m. See p. 6 for singers, EMs, vergers, and more—see details. p. 6 for details. Annual Parish Meeting Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings Sunday, January 26, following one Sunday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m. service at 9:00 a.m. Absalom Jones Celebration Our Annual Meeting is a time to February 23, 4:00 p.m., think about what we are doing as a Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit church. This year we will not only The Rev. Dr. Bonnie Perry, Bishop- think about what we did in 2019, elect, invites the People of the Dio- but also the exciting plans for 2020. cese of Michigan to attend a Choral God is at work here at St. James and Above: Surrounded by some of the fin- Evensong commemorating the life the Annual Meeting is a great place est acolytes, the newly-ordained Rev. and ministry of The Rev. Absalom to hear what that might look like, Christine Fentress-Gannon proclaims Jones, Prophet, Priest and Pastor. the Gospel as part of her deaconal min- and how you might get involved. The Rt. Rev. Shannon MacVean- istry on Sunday, December 15. This year you can learn about con- Brown, Bishop of Vermont (and native Below: Pastor Chris joins the Bishop tinuing efforts to care for our people of our own diocese) will preach. and building, help elect the leaders and three other new deacons for the Yago Mahugo harpsichord concert that will start envisioning our future, Eucharist as part of the ordination service December 14. Shrove Tuesday, February 25, 7:30 p.m., and contribute your thoughts about Provincial Youth Event the Capital Campaign. We will have See more photos from Pastor Chris’ a single service on this day in order ordination on p. 7. February 28 – March 1, 2020 to worship together as one church. Family Camp at Camp Chickagami We will then meet in Centennial June 27 to July 1. See p. 5 for details. Hall after a short break. Coffee, tea, and lots of snacks will be served. We St. James Vestry look forward to seeing you there. 2017–2020 During the Annual Meeting our Ralph Castelli, Finance children and youth will head into Katie Haenggi, Outreach the Lounge to eat snacks, including Pam Landgraf, Jr. Warden some popcorn, and watch a recent- Will Yeats, Worship ly-released DVD. 2018-2021 Bill Booth Intercessions Julee Parker, Fellowship IMMEDIATE PRAYER LIST: Kiera, Penny, Claire, Nev Curtis, Lucy, Natalie, Bill Ward, Property Mildred Smith, Grace, Betty Hall, Bill, JoAnn, Leslie Davlin, Jerin and Micah, Michele Wogaman, Sr. Warden Dave, Richard and Sue, Henry, Bob, Richard, Erica Kohut, Bud Panzera, John 2019-2022 Slocum, Rob, Barb, Ronald, Helaine, Yvonne Hawkins. John Hoeffler,Personnel SUSTAINING PRAYER LIST: Steve, Michelle Wells, Richard Wells, Vince Christina Lawson, Formation Cardinale, Bertha Pastor, Merle Goatley, Elsie Righter, Mary, Pat Semivan, Lisa, Barrett Newgeon, Property Joe Hardig, Jon Wickens, Sami and Leyla Saba, David K., Pete, Elsie Overy, Ed Sutter, Pastoral Care Tom Woodside, Alonna, Noah Russell, Carol, Maryanna Kelly, Justin Kelly, Peggy John, Ralph, Nancy, Burton Bronson. Our Mission SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Bret Anstett, Andrew and Michelle Crowe, Brian INVITE you to the table Hertenstein, Geoffrey Hertenstein, Theodore Moran, Jeff Schultz, Hugo Stange. ILLUMINATE our spiritual journey IN MEMORIAM: John Womack. SHARE Christ’s love with the world

8 The Spirit