Please join with us as we plan for the future of St James.  It is scary, especially in these financial times, but when you know that the God is going to help you it makes everything easier.  A family that prays together stays together come and pray with us.

Summertime for many people is a time to rest and recuperate from the hectic pace of life.  Somewhere, I am unsure where, but somewhere there are folks that take the summer off.  I assure you that the summer isn’t time off for your Staff, Vestry and committees.

Rus Dvoroznak and the Buildings and Grounds folks have been very busy.  A case in point is the “make safe” program; there have been no leaks from the summer rains.  The chimney is no longer ready to fall off the Rectory, and the parish hall roof is ready to be sealed.  The parking lot has had the worst places taken care of.  These are just a few of the committee’s and some of the many things that have been accomplished so far this year. 

The committee’s for brainstorming our financial situation are gathering the numbers and putting together the programs that will lead St James back to financial stability.  It is necessary to investigate all of the possible ways to accomplish stability, not just the popular ones.  Every one has a voice and we want to hear all that you have to contribute.  The results will then be presented to our Parish family and the decision of which path to take will be decided by all of us. 

When Marisa and I discussed our first visit to Batavia and meeting the family of St James our first impression was that St. James is a rock in this community.  That here is a living sign that shouts out, “Here is Jesus Christ, come join us in worshiping him; walk with us as we feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and spread the Kingdom of God.”  This was a family that I could trust to care for my family, as I was caring for theirs.

This is exactly the message that we are trying to communicate; “St James is a place where all are welcome, for a Sunday or for a lifetime.  Come and join us in worshiping Jesus, walk with us as we feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and spread the Kingdom of God.  Here is a family that you can trust to care for your family, as we invite you to join us in caring for others.”

The Bishop is making his Parochial Visit to St James on Sunday, October 4.  He will be celebrating mass, confirming new members, and talking with the Vestry.  With this date set for his visit, confirmation/inquirer’s classes will begin Sunday, September 13 after the service, and continue for the next two Sundays.  The classes will be about 2 hours long with a break between sessions (this may seem a long time but the classes I attended were for 17 weeks – 3 hours every Sunday evening).  If you must miss a session, make up instruction will be scheduled as needed.  There will be people attending from about age 12 up to the mid-eighties.  If it has been quite a while since you were confirmed come and hear what the church is saying today.  All are welcome.

Faithfully,

Fr Ron