Dear Parishioners--it may have been wet and rainy last weekend, but we had a great turnout for our picnic! Thanks to everyone who brought food. We had quite a spread, not surprising for St. James. A special shout-out to our Hospitality Committee for their work bringing that all together.

This Sunday we're excited for our Capital Campaign presentation. Ocean Mills, our campaign co-chair, has put together a slide deck featuring the possibilities for our Great Hall. We'll also have important updates on our HVAC project, our campaign financial status, and more. Lunch will be provided. Grab a bite eat, socialize a bit, pull up a chair, get excited about our next project, and marvel that We Can Do Things!

On Sunday, we'll also say a blessing for our 20+ pilgrims attending the Rural and Migrant Ministries weekend "delegation" in two weeks. They'll be learning about our church's work with migrant farmworkers in our state, visiting people and places to get a better sense of the needs and vulnerabilities of this community. 

Before Sunday, we have (tonight) our Spiritual Threads group in the rector's office (follow the signs, details below). On Friday, we'll be celebrating Cheryl Smith's work with our parish, especially her 13 years as Nursery School Director. That event will be off-site at Ocean Mills and Tom Finlan's home, details below.

Remember, too, the Fordham Pantry on Saturday. And, on top of all this, Daniel and his family will be moving into their new home on campus on Saturday--a full, and happy weekend here at St. James!

Your faithful clergy +

Thursday Evening Spiritual Threads, 7:00 pm

Friday Morning Prayer Online, 9:00 am (at our Youtube Channel)

Friday Evening Reception for Cheryl Smith, 5:00 pm

Saturday Fordham Food Pantry, 8:00 am

Sunday Services 9:00 (outdoors) & 10:30 am (indoors)

Children's Chapel 10:30 am

Preacher: The Rev. Daniel Bentley; Celebrant: The Rev. Astrid Storm

Capital Campaign Presentation & What's Ahead! Includes lunch, 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Welcoming all! Spiritual Threads provides a space to reflect on our lives together. Bring whatever craft you're working on, or just come enjoy the conversation. Whether you knit, crochet, quilt, needlepoint, or just like being around people who do, we'll eall explore our spirituality and develop new friendships. No RSVP needed, but feel free to email the office if you have any questions or would like to be put in touch with the group leader. We meet in the rector's office at the church--follow the signs. 

Join us to celebrate Cheryl Smith, who retired this year as director of our nursery school. Cheryl has been a gift to our St. James and wider community in her service to our school. Come express your appreciation in the company of fellow parishioners. Hosted by Tom and Ocean Finlan. See the link below to bring something and for the address. Hope you can make it!

Our parking lot is finished, and exceeds expectations--in appearance, usability, improvement to drainage. Now we get to turn to the other two projects we prioritized as a parish back in 2023: the Great Hall, and HVAC system. Come hear from our Renew and Revitalize Task Force, which meets faithfully every month to make sure we're on track. Ask questions, see renderings of the Great Hall, and enjoy a simple lunch with fellow parishioners.

Church School is now Children's Chapel. More than a new name (and mascot! pictured above), this is a fresh way for our youngest members to worship together during the first part of our Sunday Holy Communion service. Kids will gather for a short, joyful liturgy filled with prayer, song, and stories from the Bible—then dive into hands-on formation activities that bring the day's lesson to life.

Children's Chapel will be led by our High School interns, with support from our clergy. Victoria, our music director, will be teaching our Cherubs a new song each month to be shared at the 10:30 am. service!

Children's Chapel takes place during the first half of the 10:30 am service. Everyone begins worship together, with the kids leaving after the opening Collect and returning for Communion.

In last Sunday's sermon, Mo. Storm, preaching on Jesus' parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, reflected on its relevance to the "80/20 Rule:" 20% of the people do 80% of the work. The different levels of effort put in by the workers is so familiar and timeless, and tying it into church dynamics is hardly a stretch! Same goes for any organization, but in the church, we can stop and think about the beauty in how we all deserve a place at the table regardless of what we've brought. From the sermon: 

I remember hearing years ago, I think it was from Pema Chodrun, the Buddhist nun and writer, that whenever she encountered an unpleasant person or situation she’d say, Ah, my guru! 

How on earth else do we learn that magnanimity of spirit that isn’t over here counting hours put in, or wages or favor earned—how on earth else do we learn that except by being in community and running up against all these unpleasant thoughts, feelings, even people. I’m doing 80% of the work! That lazy person--is your guru.

Did you know we gather every Wednesday morning for a simple, 25-minute mid-week service? It's a great way to refresh or reset yourself spiritually. All welcome. Drop in as you can. Led by the clergy, and followed, for those who wish to join us, by an informal Bible Study. Absolutely no prior knowledge of the Bible needed.

The Fordham Pantry is a great way for the whole family to get involved in helping others in our area. Volunteers pack 300+ grocery bags for the food-insecure in the neighborhood of our partner parish, St. James Episcopal Church in Fordham. To be added to the email distribution list for this ministry (where you'll receive reminders and occasional updates), click the button below and we'll add you to our list.

All are welcome to join us as we make a trip into the city to feed the homeless. If you can't make it physically, you can also make a contribution to the cause at the link below. This is program in coordination with the Westchester-based "Midnight Run" organization. Youth and children are welcome and encouraged to participate with their families. To learn more or sign up to attend or send something, click the link below.

St. James parents and Father Daniel will be hosting a gathering of families with younger kids (10 and under, give or take) at the St. James playground (behind the church on Rochambeau Rd). Come grab coffee, pastries and snacks and enjoy getting to know one another and Father Daniel. No need to RSVP--just come as you can!

Bring Your Furry--and Scaly, and Feathery--Friends to Church! Our popular annual blessing of the animals in commemoration of the feast of St. Francis! Bring your pets to either service -- 9 or 10:30 -- for their annual blessing from the clergy! All creatures welcome!

Sunday October 4: Red Door Explorers (5th & 6th Grades), 5:30 pm

Sunday October 18: First Confirmation Class (7th Grade and up), 5:30 pm

Sunday October 25: Graveyard Tour, Kids' "Thrills and Chills" at the Organ, and Halloween Party, 5:00 pm

You can view this Sunday's bulletin at the link below. Names of all readers, servers, and acolytes are always listed on the last page of the bulletin. Readings are also there for readers to view in advance.