St. James' Episcopal Church

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

2012-02-07T22:33:00.003-05:00

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake & Sausage Supper

St. James’ Episcopal Church

105 S. Sixth Street, Goshen

corner of 6th and Lincoln

533-4984

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

5:30 – 7:30pm

Free Will Offering

Come and Join Us For This Fun Evening!

St. James' Annual Meeting

2012-01-19T22:14:00.000-05:00

Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday January 22nd

Mass 10:00am

Followed by a Carry-In Brunch

before the Annual Meeting

Epiphany Mass

2012-01-04T20:46:00.000-05:00

Epiphany Mass

Friday January 6th, 5:30pm

Christmas Eve Mass

2011-12-12T21:08:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve Service

Saturday December 24th

Caroles Begin at 7:00pm

led by the St. James' Singers

The Christmas Mass Begins at 7:30pm

Join Us for the Celebration of the

Birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Light Refreshments will follow the

Service in Upper Latta Hall

Note: There will be no Mass on

Sunday December 25th

CHEESEBALLS FOR SALE - GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST!!!

2011-12-12T20:57:00.002-05:00

St. James' Famous Cheeseballs are a

Seasonal Favorite for the Holidays

Available at the Church for $6.00 each

If no one is available at the Church,

please contact:

Pat Robinson: 574-329-1708

Fr. Larry Biller: 574-457-6315

Holiday Auction was a Great Success!

2011-11-22T20:31:00.006-05:00

Thanks to everyone who donated items, attended
and purchased, and helped with the annual holiday
auction! This year's auction was well attended and everybody had plenty to eat and had a fun evening.

Proceeds will help in community outreach and other
church projects.

"Father" Christmas was our Auctioneer

Holiday Auction

2011-11-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

St. James’ Annual Holiday Auction

Monday November 14th

Refreshments Start at 6:00pm

Auction Begins at 6:30pm

Come Join Us For a Fun Filled Evening!

Proceeds From St. James’ Holiday Auction Benefit

Christian Outreach Programs As Well As Church Projects

St. James' Euchre Party

2011-10-04T22:35:00.002-04:00

Euchre Party

Saturday October 29th 6:00pm

Latta Hall (Parish Hall Basement)

$6.00 per person

includes Pizza, Soft Drinks, Snacks,

and (of course) Cheeseball and Crackers

Join Us for a Fun Night of Euchre

Halloween Costume Optional

Combined Mass with All Saints'

2011-10-04T22:24:00.001-04:00

Glad we could have All Saints' Syracuse join us for the October 2nd Sunday Mass and carry-in lunch.

We appreciate getting to know All Saints' members

and look forward to future times together.

A good time was had by all!

A special thanks to Scott McKee and family for

furnishing the delicious smoked meats.

Parishioners enjoying the lunch in Latta Hall

Combined Mass with All Saints'

2011-09-20T22:33:00.006-04:00

Mass at St. James' in Goshen with

All Saints' from Syracuse

10:00am Sunday October 2nd

Carry-in Meal to Follow the Mass

Join us!

Goodbye Mil and Best to You!

2011-08-01T20:42:00.012-04:00

St. James’ has lost a very valuable member, as Milbourne Taylor has moved to Michigan. There is no way that we can replace him. There is only one Mil and we have been blessed to have him here at St. James’ for over a decade.

He was great with our older group in Sunday School. Our children learned a lot from Mil. He did a great job preparing the kids for baptism and confirmation.

Mil will be missed and we hope that we all can keep in touch with him. Mil, have a great life in Michigan and remember you are always welcome at St. James'.

Your Family at St. James'

Father presented Mil with a Book of Common Prayer as a
gift on Sunday July 24th during a reception in Mil’s honor.

Summer Picnic with All Saints' at Lake Wawasee 2011

2011-07-18T22:01:00.005-04:00

Thank you All Saints' Episcopal Church for hosting the annual combined mass and picnic on July 17th.

Good food, fun, and fellowship were enjoyed
by all on a beautiful summer day.

Kids sure had fun swimming as adults visited.

St. James' is looking forward to hosting

All Saints' on October 2nd in Goshen.

Delicious burgers and hot dogs were cooked by
Ron, Larry, and Sam from All Saints'.

Katie, Lisa, Dorothy, and Pat enjoyed the shade
and watched the boats go by.

Annual Church Picnic at All Saints' Syracuse

2011-06-25T23:35:00.000-04:00

Sunday July 17th at 10:00am

Annual Picnic with All Saints' in Syracuse

Food (Lunch) ~ Fun ~ Fellowship

Bring Your Lawn Chairs - Bring Your Swimsuits

7812 East Vawter Park Road (on Lake Wawasee)

Syracuse, IN 46567

574-457-2178

St. James' Euchre Party

2011-06-25T23:32:00.000-04:00

Euchre Party Saturday July 16th 6:00pm

Latta Hall (Parish Hall Basement)

$6.00 per person includes Pizza, Soft Drinks, Snacks, and (of course) Cheeseball and Crackers

Join Us for a Fun Night of Euchre

BBQ Fund Raiser was a Success!

2011-06-25T23:00:00.002-04:00

Thank you everyone who helped with the BBQ

fund raiser - it was a success!

St. James' ~ Nelson's BBQ Fund Raiser

2011-06-04T12:00:00.003-04:00

St. James' Annual Nelson's BBQ
Fund Raiser

Saturday June 18th 10:00am to 2:00pm

Delicious Nelson's Port-A-Pit Chicken, Pork Chops,

Ribs, and Pit Potatoes.

Advanced Tickets Available:

Chicken Half $5.00 each

Pork Chops $5.00 each

Full Slab Ribs $8.50 each

Located at the Indiana Community Bank

511 W. Lincoln Avenue, Goshen

St. James' Famous Cheeseballs will also

be available for $6.00 each.

Ascension Day Service

2011-05-29T19:35:00.001-04:00

Thursday, June 2nd 5:30pm

Ascension Day Service

Celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into

Heaven after the Resurrection

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN!

2011-04-25T22:48:00.003-04:00

Easter Sunday 2011 - A Wonderful Service to

Celebrate the Resurrection of Christ!

Acolytes Brenn and Kayleigh McKee with Jody Kyle
as Crucifer at St. James' on Easter Sunday

Coffee Hour Fellowship Followed the Easter Service

Holy Week

2011-04-11T21:33:00.007-04:00

Holy Week Schedule at St. James'

- Palm Sunday, April 17, Holy Eucharist and the Blessing of the Palms, 11:00am.

- Maundy Thursday, April 21, Mass, 6:45pm. Mass includes Washing of Feet, (Gospel of John, Chapter 13) followed by "The Watch" Thursday evening and Friday morning, (Gospel of Mark, Chapter 14).

- Good Friday, April 22, 12:00pm (Noon) Service.

- Easter Sunday, Holy Eucharist, April 24, 11:00am.

HE IS RISEN!

Parish Work Day

2011-03-27T20:07:00.001-04:00

Join us Saturday April 2nd from 9:00am until noon.

St. James' Parish Work Day.

Lunch will be provided.

We will be cleaning up the exterior

and landscaping preparing for Easter.

Pancake Supper was a Great Success!

2011-03-12T10:59:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who attended and helped with St. James' Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! Good food and great fellowship was had by all! We had a great turn-out. Check out the link to "The Goshen News" newspaper - the Pancake Supper made the front page of the Wednesday March 9th edition. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

Link to "The Goshen News" Front Page Story - St. James' Shrove Tues. Pancake Supper (Weds. 3-9-11)

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

2011-02-27T16:44:00.005-05:00

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake & Sausage Supper

St. James’ Episcopal Church

105 S. Sixth Street, Goshen

corner of 6th and Lincoln

533-4984

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

5:30– 7:30pm

Free Will Offering

Come and Join Us For This Fun Evening!

Bishop Little's Visit to St. James' February 20th, 2011

2011-02-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

St. James' was very pleased to have Bishop Little celebrate Mass with the congregation on Sunday February 20th. Bishop Little confirmed three new members and received two new members. Congratulations to new members Brent Rheinheimer, Christopher Payne, and Brenn McKee. New members received were Chris and Sharla Meyer. The Parish Life Committee hosted a delicious luncheon after the service for the Bishop, new members, guests, and the Church family.

St. James' Important Dates to Remember - Epiphany to Easter 2011

2010-12-30T19:03:00.003-05:00

January 6th, 2011: The Epiphany - Mass at 5:30pm Thursday Evening

January 23rd, 2011: Annual Meeting - Election of Officers and Other Important Business. NOTE: Mass is at 10:00am, followed by a carry-in brunch, then the meeting

February 20, 2011: Bishop Little's Annual Visitation

March 8, 2011: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

March 9, 2011: Ash Wednesday - Mass at 6:00pm

March 17, 2011: Stations of the Cross. Every Thursday at 5:45pm during Lent except for Maundy Thursday

April 21, 2011: Maundy Thursday - Mass at 6:45pm

April 22, 2011: Good Friday Service at 12:00pm

April 24, 2011: Easter Sunday

Holiday Schedule of Events

2010-11-23T22:26:00.000-05:00

December 6th: Holiday Auction 6:00pm in Latta Hall

December 19th: Decorate the Church After 11:00am Sunday Mass

December 24th: Christmas Eve Celebration Mass at 7:30pm

St. James' Cheeseballs For Sale

2010-11-14T21:30:00.002-05:00

St. James' Famous Cheeseballs

ON SALE All YEAR LONG!!!

They are Delicious!

Known in Goshen as The Best!

Perfect for Entertaining

$6.00 each

Call the Church Office to Order

574-533-4984

St. James' Holiday Auction

2010-11-14T21:20:00.003-05:00

St. James' Holiday Auction

Monday December 6, 2010

6:00pm Browsing of Sale Items and Finger Foods

6:30pm Auction Begins

Holiday Foods, Goodies, Crafts,
and Other Items

Our Famous Cheeseballs Will Also
Be Available For Sale!

Joint Mass with All Saints' October 17th!

2010-10-05T18:13:00.002-04:00

St. James' Joint Mass with All Saints', Syracuse

Sunday October 17th

10:00am at St. James' in Goshen

St. James Scallop Shell for July 2010

2010-07-06T10:31:00.001-04:00

St. James Scallop Shell for July 2010 -

St. James Quinceanera Celebration

2010-07-06T08:50:00.006-04:00

On Sunday June 13th, St. James held a Quinceanera Celebration Mass for Barbara Hernandez-Walton.

The Quniceanera Celebration Mass is a traditional service that is dedicated to mark Barbara's passing from childhood into womanhood after her 15th birthday.
Many of Barbara's family and friends were in attendance at the service. A reception was held afterward at Peddler's Village.

Congratulations to Barbara on this joyus occasion.
To learn more about the traditional celebration follow this link: Quinceanera

Allelujeah! He is Risen!

2010-04-04T18:26:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter from St. James!

St. James' altar, Easter Sunday morning, 2010.

Easter Sunday was sunny, breezy, and beautiful in Goshen, Indiana. St. James celebrated the day of resurection with a beautiful service which was followed by a lovely reception in Latta Hall.

St. James' 6th Street entrance on a beautiful Easter morning.

The occasion was made even more joyus by the baptism of William J. Hill. After the service this fine young man was honored with a cake at the reception and was presented with gifts from the parish.

Fr. Larry with newly baptized William Hill at the Easter reception.

Schedule for Holy Week

2010-03-23T14:29:00.003-04:00

Sunday March 28th – Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist and Blessing of Palms 11:00 a.m.

Thursday April 1st – Maundy Thursday Service 5:30 p.m.

Friday April 2nd - Good Friday Service 12:00 noon

Easter Sunday April 4th – Easter Holy Eucharist 11:00 a.m.

Congratulations Father Larry!

2010-03-23T14:22:00.003-04:00

On Sunday March 21st, 2010, Father Larry was honored as a “Volunteer
Outside of Administration” from the IIAAA athletic directors and
administrators from all of the Indiana high school athletic departments.
Father and Irene traveled to Indianapolis to accept the award.
Congratulations, Fr. Larry. You deserve to be recognized for
all of the years you have served Goshen High School athletics.

News From Around The Parish 03/21/2010

2010-03-23T14:13:00.002-04:00

Easter Flowers -
Donations for Easter flowers are now being accepted.
Please fill out the enclosed form if donating in Thanksgiving of
or In Memory of loved ones, and return the form in your
Easter Flower Offering envelope.

Spring Cleaning -
There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex for volunteers
for cleaning the building, and for grounds maintenance.
Many hands make work light! Please help.

Update -
Sandy Haberstich and Nancy Snobarger were both recently discharged
from Goshen Hospital and are rehabbing at The Maples.

A Happy Anniversary -
Saturday March 27, 2010, marks the Third Anniversary of Fr. Larry’s Ordination.

Chrism Mass -
On Saturday March 27, Bishop Edward Little will celebrate a Chrism Eucharist
in the Cathedral Church of St. James in South Bend at 10:00 a.m.
During the service the Bishop will be blessing the oils that are used in all of the churches in the diocese throughout the year.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

2010-01-21T09:03:00.002-05:00

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 – Pizza Party & Euchre Night at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010 – Annual Pancake & Sausage Supper from 5:30 to 7:30.

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 – Ash Wednesday Service at 6:00 p.m.

Report on Annual Meeting

2010-01-21T08:45:00.004-05:00

The 151st Annual Meeting of St. James’ took place on January 17, 2010. The meeting was held in Upper Latta Hall following the regular Sunday Mass and a carry-in brunch.

The Rev. Larry R. Biller, Priest-in-Charge of St. James conducted the meeting. There were 23 members present.

Written reports were presented from the Wardens, Committee Chairpersons and the Treasurer.

St. James' 2010 Vestry. Front row (l to r): Katie Craig, Rhoda Moriarty, Mill Taylor, Sandy Haberstich. Back row (l to r): Pat Ronison (Senior Warden), Bob McCormick, Father Larry Biller, Brent Rheinheimer, Steve Dudley (Junior Warden).

An election was held for those who had been nominated to the vestry. The results of that election are as follows:

Patrick Robinson, Sr. Warden
Steven Dudley, Jr. Warden
Brent Rheinheimer, Vestry - 3 years
Katie Craig, Vestry - 3 years
Robert McCormick – 2 years
Rhoda Moriarty – 1 year
Remaining vestry are:
Milbourne Taylor - 1 year
Sandra Haberstich – 1 year
Janet Kercher-Dudley will serve as Clerk of the Vestry but is not a vestry member.

The Parish Life Committee reported the following activities for 2009:
Jan. 11, 2009 – Annual Epiphany Brunch at Maplecrest with special honor to Chuck Wicks for his years of service as Sr. Warden, and his election as Judge of Elkhart County Superior Court No. 5.
Feb. 24, 2009 – Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake & Sausage Supper.
April 18, June 13 and Sept. 26 – Euchre parties with pizza suppers.
July 26, 2009 St. James’ Day Picnic with All Saint’s at Lake Wawasee.
August, 7, 8, & 9th, 2009 - 150th Anniversary Celebration.
Oct. 10, 2009 – Joint Service and Carry-in Brunch with All Saint’s at St. James.
Oct. 14, 2009 - St. James’ Diner’s Club met at Hopper’s Restaurant.
Nov. 11, 2009 – St. James’ Diner’s Club met at Peterson’s Steak House.
Nov. 12, 2009 – Goshen Historical Society held a dinner meeting and program at St. James’.
Nov. 16, 2009 – Annual Holiday Auction.
Dec. 6, 2009 – Celebrated Fr. Larry Biller’s one year anniversary as Priest-in-Charge at St. James’.
Dec. 24, 2009 – Christmas Eve Mass followed by a reception.

St. James' also had Noon Day Prayer Services twice a month, a rummage sale, and a coffee hour fellowship each Sunday.

Having just celebrated our 150th anniversary as a parish in 2009, and welcomed 3 young people into the fold at Bishop Little's annual visit, St. James' looks forward to another year of worship, service, and growth in 2010.

Bishop Edward S. Little’s Annual Visitation

2010-01-21T08:25:00.004-05:00

On January 3rd, 2010, St. James' Episcopal welcomed The Rt. Rev. Edward S. Little, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, for his annual visit to the parish.

Front: Bishop Edward Little. Rear: Mitzi Hernandez-Walton, Barbara Hernandez-Walton, Fr. Larry Biller, and Jorge Hernandez-Walton.

During the service Bishop Little confirmed Mitzi Hernandez-Walton, Barbara Hernandez-Walton, and Jorge Hernandez-Walton as new members of St. James.
Afterwards the new confirmands were welcomed to the St. James Parish family with a celebration in Latta Hall.

Parish Announcements 12-20-2009

2009-12-21T09:40:00.002-05:00

Thursday December 24th, 2009
Carols - With the St. James Singers at 7:00PM.
Christmas Eve Mass - At 7:30PM.
Reception to follow in Upper Latta Hall.
There is no service on Christmas Day.

The Parish Annual Meeting - Will be held in January 17th, 2010.

New Vestry Members - Will be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting, early in 2010. If you are interested in serving on the vestry, or just want to learn more about what the vestry does, see a member of the nomination committee or talk to Fr. Larry.

Bishop Little's Annual Visitation - Will take place on January 3rd, 2010. The service will include confirmations/receptions for anyone eligible. There will be a carry-in brunch in Upper Latta Hall following the service. Please sign up in the narthex if you can help with the brunch.

Bishop Little will meet with the vestry - At 9:30AM on January 3rd, 2010.

January Lay Ministry Schedule - There are still several openings. Contact Katie in the Parish Office if you can help.

Pledge Cards for 2010 - Are available in the narthex. There are still needs to be met in the upcoming year's budget. The vestry is urging everyone to prayerfully consider what they can contribute, then fill out a pledge card. Once your pledge card is completed you can place it in the collection plate or turn it in to the Parish Office.

Ordo Calendars for 2010 - Are available at the church. The Ordo Calendar allows you to keep track of the church year and lists the lectionary for each day. These extremely useful calendars come to us courtesy of Reith, Rohrer & Ehret Funeral Home. Their gift is very much appreciated.

2010 Upcoming Dates to Remember

2009-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of some upcoming important dates to remember for 2010.

January 3rd. Bishop Little's Annual Visit and Confirmation.

January 17th. Parish Annual Meeting, following the 11:00AM service.

January 31st. Snow Date for Annual Meeting.

February 16th. Pancake Supper, 5:30 to 7:30PM.

February 17th. Ash Wednesday Service, 6:00PM.

March 28th. Palm Sunday, 11:00AM.

April 1st. Maundy Thursday Service, 5:30PM.

April 2nd. Good Friday Service, 12:00 Noon.

April 4th. Easter Mass, 11:00AM.

If you'd like a printed list of these dates they are available in the narthex.

St. James Schedule of Events

2009-12-20T11:33:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the St. James' Episcopal Church schedule of events page.
This is the place to find information about upcoming events, catch up on parish announcements, and view the lay ministry schedule.
This page will be updated as frequently as possible.
If you have any questions or problems, contact the parish office at 574-533-4984.

St. James' Joint Mass with All Saints', Syracuse

Sunday October 17th

10:00am at St. James' in Goshen

Lay Ministry Schedule
March, 2010

A Happy Anniversary

2009-12-06T16:57:00.005-05:00

Fr. Larry Biller at the celebration of the first anniversary of his ministry at St. James.

Fr. Larry shows off the "church mouse" made for him by parishoner Victoria Waters.

Sunday December the 6th, 2009, was a special day at St. James.
It has been one year since Father Larry Biller became our Parish Priest-in Charge. Parishoners celebrated the occasion with a special brunch and "card shower" following the service. Father Larry's ministry has been such a blessing to the parish that this truly was a very happy anniversary, and we hope for many happy returns.

Parish Announcements 12-06-2009

2009-12-06T16:13:00.002-05:00

Nancy Snobarger - Is out of the hospital and is now recuperating at The Maples. She is currently in room 301, Bed A.

Cheeseball Sales - It will be necessary to make two more batches of cheeseballs. Dates are Dec. 7 & 14 for mixing and Dec. 9 & 16 for preparing.

Cheeseball Salespeople - For this week: Thurs., Dec. 10 - Jackie McCormick; Friday, Dec. 11 - Rhoda Moriarty; Sat., Dec. 12 - Jody Kyle.

December Lay Ministry Schedule - There are still several openings. Contact Katie in the Parish Office if you can help.

New Vestry Members - Will be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting, early in 2010. If you are interested in serving on the vestry, or just want to learn more about what the vestry does, see a member of the nomination committee or talk to Fr. Larry.

Pledge Cards for 2010 - Are available in the narthex. There are still needs to be met in the upcoming year's budget. The vestry is urging everyone to prayerfully consider what they can contribute, then fill out a pledge card. Once your pledge card is completed you can place it in the collection plate or turn it in to the Parish Office.

Bishop Little's Annual Visitation - Will take place on January 3rd, 2010. The service will include confirmations/receptions for anyone eligible. There will be a carry-in brunch in Upper Latta Hall following the service.

Christmas Eve Mass - Will be held December 24th at 7:30 PM. Sheets listing important dates to remember, as well as sign-up sheets for various services, can be found in the narthex.

Reminder: Service Time Tomorrow is 10:00 EDT

2009-10-10T18:21:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow, Sunday October 11th, 2009, the parishes of All Saints, Syracuse, and St. James, Goshen, will share a Sunday Mass.
The two parishes already share a priest, Fr. Larry Biller, and tomorrow they will worship together for the second time this year. The first time was in July when the celebration of the Mass took place at All Saints'. A picnic beside Lake Wawasee followed that service.
The joint service tomorrow will take place at St. James' in Goshen, and will be followed by a meal in Latta Hall.
Please note that the service time has been moved to 10:00am for this week only.
Everyone is welcome to attend.

St. James Celebrates 150 Years

2009-08-15T13:04:00.007-04:00

St. James' was happy to welcome Bishop Gray as Celebrant for the service.

On Sunday September the 9th, 2009, St. James culminated its 150th Anniversary Celebration weekend with a re-dedication mass. The Rt. Rev. Francis Gray, former Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, assisted by the Rev. Larry Biller, Priest-In-Charge at St. James.

To see a slideshow with many other images from St. James 150th Anniversary celebration click here: 150th Sunday Slideshow

The congregation included many guests, and old friends of the parish too.

There was a large congregation on hand to hear Bishop Gray deliver a fine sermon, as many old friends of the parish and guests attended the special service.

Goshen Mayor Allen Kauffman issued a proclamation of St. James Day in the Maple City.

Guests at the service included Goshen Mayor Allen Kauffman who presented a proclamation declaring September 9, 2009, to be "St. James Episcopal Church Day" in Goshen, Indiana. The proclamation was beautifully written and the Mayor did a wonderful job of delivering it. Everyone at St. James appreciated Mayor Kauffman taking the time to be a part of this special day.

The St. James Singers sounded woderful, as usual.

As one would expect at St. James, the meal after the service was something too. Upper Latta Hall played host to a very nice party for quite awhile in the afternoon.

The parish put on a fine meal in Upper Latta Hall after the service.

Many people worked very hard to make St. James' 150th Anniversary celebration a success. This kind of parish life and dedication bodes well for a second 150 years at St. James.

Friday Open House

2009-08-08T11:15:00.003-04:00

St. James' 150th Anniversary Celebration began Friday evening with the first day of the parish open house. Many people from the community showed up for tours despite the bad weather.
The second day of the open house continues today from Noon until 5PM. Stop by and enjoy a tour of the historic building and learn about one of Goshen's oldest churches.

There was a good crowd in Latta Hall all evening long on Friday.

A slideshow, photo albums, news articles, and other doucuments are located in Upper Latta Hall for visitors to browse.

Wanda kept the guest register and helped everyone sign in.

Pat and Chuck discuss the Wallsingham Shrine with a tour group.

The Sanctuary looked beautiful in the evening light.

A young lady looks at one of St. James' signs downtown.

A view of St. James' group downtown in this "drive-by" shot taken from Main Street. The First Fridays crowd was sparse due to the inclement weather.

New Landscaping Looks Fine

2009-08-03T18:19:00.001-04:00

Many members of the parish have been working very hard of late fixing up the exterior of the church.
The new landscaping looks wonderful.
View the slideshow above and see for yourself.

2009 Parish Picnic

2009-08-01T19:26:00.024-04:00

On Sunday July 26th, 2009, the parishoners of St. James held their annual parish picnic. Once again, the Wawasee Episcopal Center was chosen as the venue for the event.

Clayton and Don enjoy themselves at the picnic. To see a slideshow with many more images of the picnic click here: Picnic Slideshow

But this year, there was a difference. For 2009 the parishes of St. James, Goshen, and All Saints, Syracuse, shared a Sunday Mass and a picnic by the lake. This should not strike anyone as strange, because the two parishes also share a fine priest in Fr. Larry Biller.
The celebration of the Mass took place in All Saints' beautiful sanctuary, which is located right next to the Episcopal center on the south shore of Lake Wawasee. A very nice crowd turned out to enjoy the fine meal and beautiful weather.
Everyone is looking forward to October when St. James will host a dinner for both parishes in Goshen.

Farewell to Phyllis

2009-07-02T19:26:00.002-04:00

Phyllis Moreland cuts the cake at her farewell party in Latta Hall.

On Sunday the 20th of June, 1009, St. James said farewell to longtime parishioner Phyllis Moreland.
Phyllis has been a faithful and active member of the parish for many years. She's been active in many areas of ministry, but most of us remember her most, and fondly, for her contributuion to christian education for kids and young adults.

Father Larry bids Phyllis farewell on behalf of the parish.

There was a good turnout in Latta Hall to wish Phyllis well as she prepared to move to her new home in Kentucky.

To view a slideshow with many more images of the day click here: Phyllis' Party

Yard Sale! Saturday June 27th

2009-06-21T19:20:00.002-04:00

St. James Yard Sale!!

Saturday June 27th

8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.

Delicious Homemade Baked Goods For Sale Too!

Refreshments available; hotdogs, chips, water and soft drinks!

It’s time to go through your attic, garage, closets and cupboards!
Gather up everything you no longer use or want, and donate them to the St. James yard sale.

Please bring those items to the church Wed. June 24 thru Fri. June 26 between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will be volunteers here to price the items. Sign-up sheets for volunteers are posted in the narthex.
Each parishioner is asked to consider furnishing at least one baked good. Remember to label your baked good.

If you would like us to pick up your items, please contact Brent Rheinheimer at 574-535-0095.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Jane Rheinheimer at 574-529-1181.

Proceeds will go to toward expenses for the 150th Anniversary celebration.

New Parish Directory

2009-06-07T13:16:00.003-04:00

A new Parish Directory is being prepared, and scheduled to be ready in time for our 150th Anniversay Celebration.
Be sure to mark Monday June 29th on your calendars because the folks from Universal Church Directories will be here shooting our portraits from 12:30 until 7:00 P.M.
If you have any questions or need more information contact the parish office: 574-533-4984.

Another Euchre Party!

2009-06-07T13:11:00.003-04:00

The Last One Was So Much Fun We're Having Another One!

Euchre Party!

Saturday June 13th, 6:00 P.M.

Latta Hall

Only $6.00 Per Person

Cost Includes - Pizza, Soft Drinks, and Prizes!

Everyone Welcome - Invite Your Friends!

To sign up please contact the parish office at 574-533-4984.

Note: New or gently used card tables would be appreciated.

Preparations Continue for Our Anniversry Celebration

2009-06-07T11:57:00.004-04:00

There are a number of projects that need to be done prior to our 150th Anniversary Celebration on August 7, 8, & 9, 2009.

Donations will be greatly appreciated for any of the following:
* Rail for the back stairs.
* Ladies restroom; New faucets and toilets, Paint.
* Outside painting.
* Sixth Street concrete steps.
* Plants and shrubs for landscaping.

If you would like to make a donation towards any of these projects see one of the wardens, or send a check payable to St. James Church. Be sure to specify on what the payment is for.

Allelujah! He is Risen!

2009-04-12T15:49:00.006-04:00

St. James' altar decorated for Easter 2009.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Easter.

Vera McConnell 1918 - 2009

2009-03-22T20:10:00.004-04:00

Sadly we note the passing of long time parishoner Vera Olive McConnell.
On Saturday March 21, 2009, The Mass of the Resurrection was held for Vera at St. James.

A votive candle marks Vera's pew during mass on Sunday March 22nd.

Everyone who know Vera loved her, and she will be greatly missed.

Church School Begins Sunday, March 22

2009-03-18T22:02:00.006-04:00

St. James Church School will commence this Sunday, March 22, 2009, under the leadership of Phyllis Moreland and Milbourne Taylor.

Classes for all ages begin at 11:00 a.m.

Parents with kids planning to attend, or who have questions regarding the program, should see Phyllis or Mil.

Children in the nursery will be coloring pictures depicting favorite stories from the Old Testament.

Elementary students will learn about the Miracles of Jesus.

Middle school and high school students will be using an exciting program by Max Lucado called "It's Not About Me".

Christian Education is an important part of the ministry at St. James. Can you help? There is a need for substitute teachers, as well as for a caring and capable person to provide nursery care during the service.

St. James' Cheeseballs Available Now!

2009-03-18T21:06:00.003-04:00

They're famous! They're delicious! Best of all, they're available now!

To get your St. James' Cheeseballs contact the parish office today!
Phone: 574-533-4984
email: saintjamesparishepiscopal@verizon.net

Mark Your Calendars

2009-03-08T17:50:00.003-04:00

A reminder of some upcoming dates.....

Tuesday, March 10 - Noon Day Prayer
12:00 Noon. Bring a sack lunch and join us for social time following the service.
If you need transportation please let Fr. Larry know.

Thursday, March 12 - Stations of The Cross & Mass
5:30 P.M. Followed by a light Lenten supper. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for main dish or soup, salad, and bread.

Sunday, March 15 - Sacrament of Healing
Fr. Larry will administer the Sacrament immediately following the 11:00 A.M. service.

Thursday, March 19 - Stations of The Cross & Mass
5:30 P.M. Followed by a light Lenten supper. A sign-up sheet is in the narthex for main dish or soup, salad, and bread.

Thursday, March 19 - Vestry Meeting
6:30 P.M.

Saturday, March 21 - 150th Anniversary Committee Meeting
10:00 A.M.

Wednesday, March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation of the BVM
There will be a celebration of the Anglican/Roman Catholic Agreement on Mary at St. Matthew's Cathedral, South Bend. Sister Ann Astrell, a Schoenstadt Sister of Mary, will be the preacher at Vespers, Bishop D'Arcy and Bishop Little will share thoughts on their devotion to Mary. All are invited. The service begins at 7 P.M. Call Mother Tina Velthuizen for more information at 574-233-8197.

Saturday, March 28 - Bishop's Chrism Mass
St. James' Cathedral, South Bend, 10:00 A.M. Lay people and clergy invited to attend. There will be a healing service in conjunction with the Chrism Eucharist to meet the spiritual amd pastoral needs of many persons. You need to make reservations if you plan to attend. Call Katie in the parish office for details.

Shrove Tuesday 2009

2009-02-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

There was a very nice crowd on hand as St. James' annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper took place in Latta Hall on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
Here are a few pictures from the event.

There was a big crowd in Latta Hall for the pancake supper. Event workers report that "business" was steady all evening long.

Rhoda (left, back to camera), Jody, and Barb, stayed busy making batter and preparing food in the kitchen.

Chuck (right) and Phil (center) are cooking pancakes. Brent (left) is staying busy delivering them to be served.

Brent delivers pancakes to Sally (center) and Jane (left). Who then serve them, to be enjoyed by all.

Be sure to check our schedule for a list of other special Lenten and Holy Week services and activities.

150th Anniversary Planning Committee Report 02-21-09

2009-02-22T22:25:00.000-05:00

The third meeting of the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee was held on Saturday February 21, 2009.

Meeting attendees read the meeting notes from the January 24th meeting.

The theme for the First Friday on August 7th is the “Doors of Goshen”. Steve will work on contacting the organizer of the First Friday event to discuss publicity. Apparently there isn’t a separate brochure for every First Friday event, but we can see about getting mentioned in the event’s media article in the local papers when the August event is publicized. Steve will also look into what it takes to set-up, etc. and more general information about it. The Goshen Historical Society will also be contacted to see if we could set up a booth in front of the museum or if a theme could be coordinated with the St. James’ celebration.

Steve looked into the idea of handing out free bottled water at the First Friday event with Hawkins Water Tech and Hawkins suggested he directly contact Bill Wade at Whispering Springs in Pierceton. 1,700 bottles of water (one pallet) would be approximately $650.00 depending on the how much color would be on the bottles’ label. Father Larry will follow-up on this and get the ball rolling what the next step is to determine artwork.

Father Larry contacted the Bishop and he will be out of the area during the time of the 150th celebration. Canon Silla will be here on both Saturday and Sunday. The Bishop will record something to display at the openhouse with the slide show.

Five sub-committees were proposed as well as their proposed chairperson’s. The committee’s will be responsible for various tasks before and during the 150th celebration. The proposed committees and chairs are:

• Tours, chairperson: Chuck
• Food, chairperson: Sandy
• Mailing and Publicity, chairperson: Katie
• 1st Friday, chairperson: Steve
• Decorating, co-chairpersons: Cecelia and Wanda

The sub-committee responsibilities are as follows:
• The Tour committee will be responsible for giving tours of the Church at the openhouse.
• The Food committee will be responsible for snacks and finger foods for the attendees of the openhouses on Friday night and Saturday.
• The Mailing and Publicity committee will be responsible for forming the guest list, making and mailing out invitations and also for the local media publicity for the 150th event.
• The Decorating committee will be responsible for decorating the Church for the openhouses.

Janet will put out a sign-up sheet for Church members to volunteer for the sub-committees.

Steve and Janet will work on the history of the Church along with the help of Father Larry.

The idea was brought up to see if the display case at the Goshen Library would be available for the month of July to put a historic display together for St. James and to also promote the openhouse. Cecelia will check with the library if it is available.

Father had a letter from Norma, Father Mosier’s daughter, who sent old photos and slides she had for the Church. Steve and Janet will work on them. Katie also turned a folder over to Steve and Janet with information on the welcome flyer.

Father Larry reported he has been going through the Priest Records and shared with the group some of the interesting things he found such as how many people attended Christmas Mass in one of the years in the 1930s – over 500 people. He will continue to work on searching through the records and write down more as he finds them.

Next meeting will be Saturday March 21st, 2009.

Coming Up This Week!

2009-02-22T16:29:00.003-05:00

Coming Up This Week At St. James':

Tuesday February 24 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Call the parish office if you have any questions.

Ash Wednesday, February 25 - Service at 5:30 PM

St. James' Parish News 02-08-09

2009-02-08T21:43:00.004-05:00

Announcements:

*We Have A New Email Address - stjamesparish@verizon.net

*Coffee Host Sign-Up - There is a new coffee host sign-up sheet available covering March through August, if you wish to sign up in advance.

*Adopt-a-Bill - The "Adopt-a-Bill" bulletin board is in the upper parish hall. If you have a little extra cash at the end of the week or month, choose a sticky note with a category you wish to contribute to such as; postage, office supplies, discretionary fund, etc. Simply take a note and an envelope from the board, write your name on the note, and enclose the note in the envelope along with a check or cash in the ammount shown on the note. Then simply place the note in the collection plate. You will receive credit for "Adopting-a-Bill" on your contribution statements.

*Housekeeping Duties Begin This Month - There is a monthly sign-up sheet for housekeeping duties in the upper parish hall. Can't do any heavy work? That's okay, because there are plenty of smaller jobs to be done too. Contact Rhoda if you have any questions.

Dates to Remember:

*Tuesday February 10 - Noon Day Prayer Service

*Thursday February 19 - Parish Life Committe Meeting - 4:15 PM

*Thursday February 19 - Vestry Meeting - 5:00 PM

*Tuesday February 24 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - 5:30 to 7:30 PM
We already have volunteers lined up to cook sausage, but lots more help is needed. Can you lend a hand? If so there is a sign-up sheet located in the narthex. Call the parish office if you have any questions.

2009 Lenten & Holy Week Services

2009-02-05T10:56:00.003-05:00

2009 Lenten & Holy Week Services

Ash Wednesday, February 25 - 5:30 PM

Thursday, March 5 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Thursday, March 12 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Thursday, March 19 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Thursday, March 26 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Thursday, April 2 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Holy Week:
Sunday, April 5 - 11:00 AM
Palm Sunday Mass

Thursday, April 9 - 5:30 PM
Stations of the Cross & Mass

Good Friday, April 10 - 12:00 Noon
Good Friday Mass

Easter Sunday, April 12 - 11:00 AM
Easter Sunday Mass

Noon Day Prayer

2009-02-05T10:22:00.002-05:00

Noon Day Prayer Service
Tuesday February 10th at 12 Noon
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, except February 24th (Shrove Tuesday)
Bring a sack lunch and join us for social time following the service.
If you need transportation please let Fr. Larry know.

Fr. Larry - Priest or Friar?

2009-02-04T17:20:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday February the 24th, St. James' will host it's annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.
The big news this year is that Fr. Larry has volunteered to fry the sausage for the banquet. During the relatively short time that Fr. Larry has been with us he has already proved that he is a fine priest. But the question remains, is he a good friar too?
There is only one way to find out.
See you on the 24th.

2009 Annual Meeting

2009-01-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

On Sunday January 18, 2009, St. James' Parish held it's 150th annual meeting with 21 parishioners present.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious brunch before the meeting.

Fr. Larry, Clayton, and George talk sports in the bullpen during brunch. Clayton and his Grandpa George aren't stupid, by the way. They bailed before the meeting started.

Katie, Chuck, Fr. Larry, Rhoda, and Janet are all smiles as the meeting gets underway.

Fr. Larry Biller conducted the meeting, and gave an inspirational talk about his commitment to St. James and the future of the parish.
The following officers were elected:
Pat Robinson - Senior Warden
Rhoda Moriarty - Junior Warden
Milbourne Taylor - Vestry
Wanda Giddens - Vestry

Members of the parish at the annual meeting.

Chuck Wicks was thanked for his years of service as a parish leader, and Rhoda Moriarty was commended for her accomplishments and the wonderful condition of the church. Vera McConnell and Katie Craig were thanked for their three years of service on the vestry.

Brad, Phil, and Jody enjoy a lighter moment. Must be the treasurer's report.

Katie Craig presented the treasurer's report at the meeting, and committee reports were published in the meeting packets.
Fr. Larry's comments can be found in printed form in the February issue of the Scallop Shell.

Jane and her granddaughter observe the proceedings from a distance.

St. James' Parish News 01-18-09

2009-01-18T18:03:00.002-05:00

Here are a few announcements to help keep you up-to-date:

*Saturday January 24th - 150th Anniversary Committee Meeting.
Meeting time is 10:00 AM. Please bring any artifacts or information that you have.

*Sunday January 25th - Healing Service.
Fr. Biller will offer the sacrament of healing for those who desire it.

*Tuesday February 10th - Noon Day Prayer Service.
Lunch and social time to follow. Meal is not provided so be sure to bring your own lunch!
If you need transportation please let Fr. Larry know.

* St. James' Singers.
The St. James' Singers wish to invite anyone who is interested to join them in creating a choir group. If you are interested please contact Sandy Haberstich or Steve Dudley.

* New Flower Chart.
The 2009 flower chart is on the bulletin board in the narthex if you wish to sign up for altar flowers.

St. James' Celebrates Epiphany

2009-01-15T15:44:00.000-05:00

Sunday January 11th was a special day of celebration for the St. James' Parish family.
For starters, the parish celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany with the annual Epiphany brunch, which was held at Maplecrest Country Club following the 11:00 AM service.

Senior Warden Chuck Wicks (shown to Fr. Biller's right) was honored for his service to the parish. Chuck's wife, Penny, is directly in front of them, partially hidden to the camera. Photo by Katie Craig.

Fr. Larry Biller and the St. James' Parish family also used the gathering as an opportunity to honor Senior Warden Charles Wicks for his many years of service to the parish. Chuck is retiring from the senior warden position due to his recent election as Judge of Elkhart County Superior Court No.5.
Chuck will remain a valued member of the parish and we cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for all of us over the years.

Sally & Jim Thwaits enjoy the annual parish Epiphany Brunch at Maplecrest Country Club. Photo by Katie Craig.

Annual Parish Meeting This Sunday

2009-01-14T08:46:00.003-05:00

St. James Parish (Episcopal)

Goshen, Indiana

Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday January 18, 2009

Brunch and meeting follow the 11:00 AM service.

Need more information? Call the parish office at (574) 533-4984 or email stjamesparish@peoplepc.com

New Scheduling Procedure

2008-12-31T16:52:00.003-05:00

Beginning January 1, 2009 the schedule for lay ministers, readers, greeters, and others, will be filled on a voluntary basis. A sign-up sheet will be located in the narthex before the Sunday service for you to indicate your preference of duties, dates, and times.

Contact the parish office at 574-533-4984 if you have questions or need to schedule a time to serve.

It Was God's Plan From The Beginning

2008-12-23T14:29:00.005-05:00

This Christmastide the parish family of St. James’ Episcopal Church feels that God has answered their prayers, in the form of a devoted priest and caring pastor.

Fr. Larry Biller, St. James Episcopal Church, Goshen, IN. Dave Zollinger photo.

Father Larry Biller began his ministry at St. James’ on December 7, 2008 as Priest-in-Charge. Fr. Biller, who is also Priest-in-Charge at All Saints’ Episcopal Church at Lake Wawasee says, “It was God’s plan from the beginning”.

Fr. Biller was ordained priest in the Diocese of Northern Indiana two years ago, after having served as Senior Warden and Deacon at All Saints’ for 12 years. All Saints’ had been without a priest for some time. After Bishop Edward S. Little suggested to Larry that he consider seeking ordination, he began studying for the priesthood. Five years later he was ordained and became pastor of All Saints’.

Fr. Larry Biller was born and raised in Goshen, Indiana, and was baptized and confirmed at St. James’. He and his wife, Irene, were married at St. James’. Their children, Mike, Don, and Kristan, and their grandson, Tyler, were all baptized at St. James’.

During the last few years St. James’ has been without a full time priest, and has relied on “supply” clergy for their Sunday services. Earlier this year, the St. James’ congregation held it’s annual parish picnic at All Saints’, and at that time Fr. Biller says he, “felt God telling me to do something” but he didn’t know what it was. Then in October St. James’ parish secretary Katie Craig found herself sitting beside Fr. Biller at a Diocesan Convention. She told him about the situation at St. James’ and asked if he would be interested in helping out. When Katie was talking to him, Fr. Biller says,”a light came on” and he said “yes, I think I can help you out”.

But some things still had to be cleared first. The bishop had to give his approval, both churches would have to change their times of Sunday services, and most importantly, Fr. Biller had to have Irene’s approval!

Fr. Biller went home from convention and said to Irene “I have something to talk to you about”. Instead of waiting for him to tell her what it was, Irene simply said, “You are going to help St. James”.

Service times at both churches were changed to allow travel between Syracuse and Goshen. The service at All Saints' is now at 9:15 a.m. and Goshen’s service is at 11:00 a.m.

During the week Fr. Biller is at St. James on Tuesday mornings and all day on Thursdays to be available for pastoral care and to attend to other duties. He is also available at any time for home visits, for sickness and hospital visits, or to help whenever needed.

You can reach the St. James Parish office at 574-533-4984.

“God has placed me here to serve, not to be served”, says Fr. Biller. He brings love and compassion for the Lord and His people at St. James’.

Christmas Service Schedule 2008

2008-12-23T12:29:00.005-05:00

St. James Episcopal

Service Schedule for Christmas 2008

Wednesday December 24th

Christmas Eve

4:30 PM Carols

5:30 PM High Mass

Father Larry Biller, Celebrant

Reception in Latta Hall following the service....

Please join us!

Thursday December 25th

Christmas Day

No Service At St. James

If you need more information please contact the parish office at 574-533-4984.

One Pastor, Two Churches

2008-12-22T09:38:00.002-05:00

Reporter Monica Joseph filed a fine article titled "One Pastor, Two Churches" that appeared in last Saturday's Goshen News.
The piece is about, of course, about our new parish Priest, Fr. Larry Biller.
If you missed the article you can read it here: One Pastor, Two Churches

A Christmas Greeting From Fr. Hadley

2008-12-22T08:49:00.007-05:00

St. James' has received a Christmas greeting from Fr. Arthur Hadley. It looks like the Hadleys are enjoying pleasant weather in Texas.
Webmaster

A 2008 Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year from the Hadleys

We are beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The large tree topped by a new Moravian start lantern is up and decorated in the atrium, and the smaller tree lights up our bedroom. The smaller tree has 150 of Pauline's tatted snow flakes, the other 100 are hung in the living room - atrium windows. The Nisser and Tomtens are smiling from the clock tops.

On December 17th we hosted Art's Master Gardener thirty-five friends holiday party; so not only did we have to have the house ready but the gardens too. The gardens have expanded this year. We constructed trellises for bougainvillea all the way around the back garden with a citurs tree arbor separating the formal four raised bed garden from the informal desert stroll garden. The really new garden is a ramada. A ramada is a covered resting place with one protective wall to block the wind. Our ramada is built on top of the back end of the 25 foot wide concrete drive way.

The other major project was building a fountain in the courtyard with a mirrored wall behind, and on the other side of the courtyard a matching mirrored wall above a bench. The 6 x 6 foot mirrored walls are framed with Mexican tile. From the family room looking into the courthyard, the mirrors reflect the garden beyond the courtyard. We all enjoy sitting in the courtyard and watching the humming birds, mocking birds, doves and all the others feeding and using the bird bath.

Art has been celebrating Sunday services at Epiphany, Kingsville last spring and this fall, and in the summer he went to St. James', Goshen.

We migrated to North Twin Lake in mid-May and enjoyed our lake side home. Family and friends joined us at the summer house many weekends. In late October we visited farms and friends, arriving in McAllen November 3, just in time to watch the election returns.

Our family will gather here to celebrate Christmas.

Art and Jane Hadley

A Message From Fr. Biller

2008-12-21T16:08:00.001-05:00

St. James’ Episcopal Church
105 S. Sixth Street
Goshen, IN 46528

Phone & Fax: 574 533-4984
E-mail: stjamesparish@frontier.com
Web: stjamesparishepiscopal.blogspot.com

December 11, 2008

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

May the Love of God be with all of us as we begin this time together at St. James’. I am
Father Larry Biller, and began my ministry here as Priest-in-Charge on December 7, 2008,
doing God’s work and seeing that His will is done at St. James’.

I have been an ordained priest in the Diocese of Northern Indiana for two years, and am also
the Priest-in-Charge at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Syracuse, where I was Senior Warden
for 12 years.

Born and raised in Goshen, Indiana, I am a graduate of Goshen High School, Class of 1960.
I was baptized and confirmed at St. James’, my wife, Irene, and I were married at St. James’, and my children, Mike, Don and Kristan, and my grandson, Tyler, were all baptized at St. James’.

God has placed me here to serve - not be served, and I bring love and compassion for the Lord
and His people to St. James’. Besides the Sunday service at 11:00 a.m., I will be available on Thursdays, and I would like to have a lunchtime service where we could eat a sack lunch and visit together after Noon Day Prayer. I will also be available on Thursdays for consultations and to talk about your needs and will be available for home visits, for sickness and hospital visits, and help whenever you need me.

My office door is open to everyone who visits me, so please let me help you with any problems
or concerns and we can work it out. I feel very honored to have been called by God to pastor to the congregation of St. James’ Episcopal Church.

Peace and Love in Christ,

Father Larry R. Biller
Home Phone: 260- 856-4732
Cell Phone: 574-457-6315

Sermon for October 26th, 2008

2008-10-23T18:07:00.001-04:00

Sermon for Sunday October 26, 2008
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

St. Paul traveled from Jerusalem to cities in what is now Egypt, Turkey, Greece and even to Rome. Wherever he was, he sent letters back to the cities where he had been. Some of the letters were thank you letters, some were admonitions, some were requests for assistance. Some of these letter were saved and passed on from congregation to congregation, from generation to generation. So often in Paul’s letters he give thanks for the kindness shown to him and his traveling companions.

I make no comparison of teaching or writing as Paul, but I do want and need to give thanks to you as a faithful congregation letting me share summers with you for the past three years. Like Paul, I give thanks to God in my prayers for you and your works of faith, labors of love and your steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. You have received the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. I will leave you, and my prayers for you will continue. You will have a different pastor, Sunday celebrant, but we all share the same one faith, one baptism, and one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment. And he answered the great summary of the Law:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first commandment and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

This summary of the Law is the essence of the teachings of Jesus. Love of God and neighbor. In our society materialism has become the new religion: love of money, forget God, and forget neighbors. My Money is all that counted. We are seeing the collapse of the credit/ debt economy and the diminishing stock market values, housing market, job market, commodity market. A new reality: you cannot borrow your way into prosperity; you cannot endlessly spend what you have not earned. We are going to experience some tough times; Paul called that The Wrath to come. It may be a long cold winter. People may well not have enough money to heat their homes, buy food and medicines.
We are a people who Love God with all our heart, soul and mind. And we love our neighbors as ourselves. Money and materialism is not our God. Money will pass away - a lot of it already has passed away. God does not pass away. Bidden or not bidden God is present.

Jesus taught and demonstrated that Neighbor was not only family, friends and the people that live next door. The Samaritan, long standing enemies, were neighbors; the outcasts, even the lepers were neighbors. All of God’s creation are neighbors.

In the tough times to come this winter, you will have to make some tough decisions. Are you going to spend money heating this very big building? Churches were not heated for the first two millennium, but now we expect to heat and cool this holy space. The endowment fund is not as large as you are used to. The money is gone. God is not gone; the money is gone.

People, neighbors are going to be cold and hungry this winter. Love God and Love your neighbor. What are you going to do? Not heat the church and parish hall. Use the saved money to assist the poor. Heat the building for your own comfort. Heat the building for your own comfort and open a food kitchen and place to be safe and warm for the cold and hungry neighbors? I leave you with those unanswered questions.

I give thanks to God in my prayers for you and your works of faith, labors of love and your steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. You have received the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for October 19th, 2008

2008-10-19T22:38:00.005-04:00

Sermon for October 19, 2008
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

Is it Lawful to pay taxes? Well it isn’t pleasant. We have been dealing with the property taxes in several counties in Indiana and they each seem to have their own interpretations of the new State of Indiana Law. Is our home a homestead or just a house. Well you all have seen these tax bills go up and then they get adjusted to some other stratosphere. The question asked of Jesus was even more perplexing. Should you pay tax to an occupying Roman Empire, or try to not support the oppression.

The Jewish Temple authorities did not allow payments to the Temple be paid with money from the Roman Empire because that money showed the emperor as a god. Using that tainted money would be blasphemy. So there were money changers at the temple who made a big profit changing Roman currency for temple currency. So those same temple authorities asked Jesus was it lawful to pay taxes. If Jesus said paying taxes was legal then they would say Jesus was willing to support the oppressors, but if he said that paying taxes was not legal then Jesus would be accused of treason, punishable by death. Jesus understood the impossible question with no good yes or no answer. Jesus got out of the no win question with a simple response, “Show me the money that you use to pay taxes.” And they showed him Roman currency, well then pay unto Caesar that which be longs to Caesar, and give to God that which belongs to God.

We do pay our taxes to the state, paying Caesar. We may not like all the tax forms, but we pay the tax. But how well do we pay to God that which is God’s. Do you tithe? That is the minimum. What about Thank Offerings? Thank offerings for family, friends, health, good fortune?

Oh you pay those not with National currency? Hummmmm.
Many years ago during the great Depression there was a wise and honorable man in Memphis, who was trying to raise funds for a church related college. A local well known bootlegger offered to give a great deal of money. Some other church folks learned of the offered gift and were outraged that their church and college would receive a gift of “tainted money.” The man who was receiving the gift said there is only one trouble with “Tainted Money”, is that it ain’t enough. The source of money is not the real question. Money is simply stored power. The question is how is the power of money used? We have been hearing a about huge sums of money being used by governments of the world. $700 Billion to be used quickly by the U. S. Treasury to restore confidence in the banking system and the stock market. Germany almost matched the amount, and Great Brittan, France, and lots of other nations are chipping in huge amounts of money. Will it do good?

The use of money, of any power, must always be looked at with the balance of Justice and Mercy. Just dumping money into the economy is not enough. Is the use of this huge wash of cash, unleashed power, balanced with Justice and Mercy. Will the rich just become even richer, or will those who have little gain some too. Will those people who were enticed to agree to a mortgage too large for them to pay have some mercy. Should we just say you made a bad deal and now you pay the consequences? That is Justice, but not Mercy. How do we work out a balance of Power, Justice and Mercy?

Jesus always reached out to the poor, powerless, sick and weary. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, care for the sick, imprisoned, homeless widows and orphans. Those are the admonitions of Jesus. What’s the problem with Tainted Money, it taint enough. The use of the money must be balanced with Justice and Mercy.

Thanks be to God

Holiday Auction - Mark Your Calendar!

2008-10-07T20:42:00.008-04:00

St. James’ Parish
Annual

HOLIDAY AUCTION
“Incredible Edibles”

Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

Refreshments/Browsing
5:45 to 6:15 p.m.

Auction starts at 6:30 p.m.

St. James’ Parish Hall
Corner of 6th St. & Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, Indiana

Need more information?

Call the parish office: 574-533-4984

Cheeseballs Available Now!

2008-10-07T20:18:00.007-04:00

St. James’ Famous Cheeseballs

Are available now!

Price is still just $6.00 each!

To place your order call the church office:
(574) 533-4984

These sell out quickly so place your order soon!

Sermon for August 17th, 2008

2008-08-13T18:19:00.002-04:00

Sermon for August 17, 2008
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

This year we are hearing the Gospel according to Matthew, the most Jewish of the four Gospels Mark was the first of the Gospels written probably after the execution of both Peter and Paul in Rome. Some scholars think that Mark was on a boat traveling from Italy to Israel writing in hast knowing that the original Apostles were passing away. He was in a hurry. He wanted to get the fact down; there is no birth nor ascension narratives. The Gospel according to Luke was written for the Gentiles, non Jewish, audience; Luke explains Jewish traditions and Hebrew words. Matthew’s Gospel was written for the Jewish population carefully explaining how the life of Jesus answered all of the possible predictions of the Messiah and repeats each of the actions of the Old Testament prophets.

For the past few weeks we have heard Jesus repeating actions of the great leaders of the Old Testament. In the story of the feeding of the five thousand men, plus women and children, Jesus was leading and teaching people in the wilderness, just like Moses in the wilderness following fleeing Egypt. Moses fed the people with manna from heaven and flocks of quail from the sea; Jesus fed the people with five loaves and two small fish.

Last week we hear about the apostle in a little boat on the stormy waters of Sea of Galilee Jesus comes to them in their time of terror saying, "be not afraid I am with you." In the Old Testament, Jonah was being sent by God to the town of Nineveh in what is now Syria; God wanted Jonah to tell Nineveh to repent or be destroyed. Jonah wanted Nineveh to be destroyed; so instead of going north to Nineveh, Jonah caught the first boat south to Egypt. A great storm blew up, and the people on the boat asked who is the unrighteous person on the boat; Jonah was thrown over board and the seas calm. And you know the rest of the story; a great whale swallowed Jonah and cast him up on the out skirts of Nineveh some 90 miles inland from the sea. In the Old Testament an Unrighteous Man was throne over board to calm the sea. In the Gospel The Righteous Man comes to the sinking boat and calms the sea. The Old Testament story retold with a twist.

Now today Jesus and the Apostles have moved away from Galilee over to the Mediterranean coast north of Israel in the land of the Canaanites. A Canaanite women comes to Jesus and begs him the cure her daughter who is possessed by a demon…very sick Jesus tells her that he is sent to the children of Israel, the Lost Sheep…. In the Old Testament Elijah the first of the great prophets is in exiled out of Israel, and goes to the home of a widow who was starving to death in a great long famine. She had only a little meal and oil and than they would have nothing to eat and would die. Elijah told the widow to not be afraid the meal and oil would not run out. Later the widow’s son fell ill and died, and Elijah raised the son to life.
Jesus cured the Canaanite woman’s daughter, retelling the story of Elijah with a daughter rather than a son. But there is the joke in the story. Jesus said to the Canaanite woman, "It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." And she replied, "Yes, Lord, even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table."
The Canaanite woman was willing to eat like the master’s canines, dogs. This is a true Jewish joke on the Canaanites.

Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament predictions of a prophet, and Messiah.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon For August 10th, 2008

2008-08-07T20:30:00.002-04:00

Sermon for Sunday August 10, 2008
St. James’ Goshen, IN
Arthur Hadley

For weeks now we have been hearing about the Kingdom of God being like: seeds planted, grain harvested, bread made with just a little bit of yeast, and last week the demonstration of the plenty of God’s grace in the feeding of the five thousand men plus women and children with the five loaves and two small fish, the first church picnic.

In today’s story we just hear how the church picnic ended. Jesus sent the disciples back to Capernaum in the boat. After all Andrew, Peter, James and John were professional fisher men, and knew the Sea of Galilee well. The Sea of Galilee rests between two step ranges of hills, the fertile hills of Galilee to the west and the desert hills of Jordan to the east. Because of the steep hills on either side of the lake, the wind causes great turbulence in the water. Jesus then dismissed the well fed crowd to walk home to their villages and towns. Jesus wanted alone time to rest and pray.

That night the boys on the boat ran into rough weather and waves that might swamp their little fishing boat. Suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water: were they seeing a ghost? Was one of the fish bad and they were hallucinating? They cried out in fear, and Jesus responded to their terrified voices saying, "Take heart, it is I, be not afraid." Good old brash Peter asked Jesus to let him walk on the water, and Jesus said come - come follow me. Peter jumped off the boat and started to walk and then fear gripped him and he sank in the stormy waters. Jesus lifted Peter back into the boat with the now famous admonition: "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?"

The Apostles had heard all of the teachings of Jesus in the Capernaum synagogue, on the shore at Capernaum, on the hillside along the coast of the Sea of Galilee; they had partaken of the feeding of the five thousand. But when left alone on the dark and stormy night of wind and waves of doubt and fear the Apostles were terrified. And Jesus came to them saying Be not afraid, I am with you. Jesus lifted up Peter from his fears and doubts.

It is through the fears, doubts, the terrors of the night, that the Apostles, had a great epiphany, an aha moment of revelation. Jesus is more than just an itinerant preacher from Nazareth. He was certainly that; He could explain the Kingdom of God is simple everyday terms. And He was more than healer of sickness, though He did that very well. The frightened doubting Apostles received Jesus when they were alone in a storm tossed boat. And Jesus raised them up from the stormy waters of fear and doubt. Fear not you are not alone, I am with you.

And the Apostles finally got it. Jesus is The Son of God. He is will be with us even in our doubts and fears, saying "Be not afraid, I am with you."

It is through living in fear and doubts of stormy seas that the Apostles, and we too, receive the epiphany: God is with us - Emanuel.

Come enter into the Kingdom of God.

Thanks Be to God.

Sermon for July 27th, 2008

2008-07-23T18:57:00.000-04:00

Sermon for July 27, 2008
St. James’ Goshen
Parish Picnic
Arthur Hadley

Here we are near Lake Wawasee much like when Jesus was teaching the people of Capernaum. Jesus came from Nazareth where he grew up.
The people of Nazareth, his family, brothers, sisters, cousins, rejected him, even tried to kill him. But his teachings drew a following in the sea side town of Capernaum where he called Andrew and his brother Peter who were fishermen, and another set of brothers, James and John sons of Zebedee. At first Jesus taught in the local synagogue, about 3 blocks from the coast of Sea of Galilee. Those who wanted to hear Jesus grew too large for the synagogue, and Jesus went down to the sea and got in one of the boats and went out a little so more people could hear him.

Jesus taught using a series of parables: seed sown on pathway, rocky soil, among the weeds and on good ground, and then seeds sown on good soil but weed seed still sprouted and the weed and weevil had to be purified from the harvested grain. In the gospel lesson appointed for today we have four short parables that try to describe the Kingdom God is like:
A small seed that grows into a great tree.
A small amount of yeast can become the leaven for a bushel of flour.
A small Pearl that is more valuable than every thing else you can own.
Going fishing in the sea and catching so many fish the nets would begin to break and the boat so full that it might sink. At the end of the age when God comes to judge the good can be sorted from the bad fish.

The parables Jesus used could easily be understood by those who came to hear him. They were stories of farmers planting seed, and stories of fishermen, and merchants and women baking bread. The simple story of the Kingdom of God is like things you already know. A very little bit of seed or yeast can grow into greatness. A little seed can multiply a hundred fold, or a little seed the size of a mustard seed can grow into a great big mulberry tree, or a small amount of yeast can grow in the flour to become a mass of dough for loaves of bread. And even if weeds grow up and evil weevil infect the grain it can be sorted out at the end and purified. We do not try to condemn the weeds and root them out now, but wait for God to sort it all out at the end of time, just like the fishermen do when the have a large catch;they haul it all in and sort out the good from the bad later.

The apostles Andrew, Peter, James and John and all the rest heard Jesus tell these simple stories to explain God’s loving gift of salvation, A New Testament , a Gospel, good news. After Jesus’ death and resurrection the Apostles retold the stories again and again and the followers of Jesus continued to grow upsetting status quo and threatening the traditional leaders. King Herod tried to stop the followers of Jesus by executing James and arresting Peter. But the followers of Jesus kept telling the parables and preaching that the Kingdom of God is now, God loves us now. We are given salvation now. And we keep telling the stories in ways all people, all over the world, can understand.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for July 20th, 2008

2008-07-15T19:55:00.002-04:00

Sermon for July 20, 2008
Proper 11, A
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

In today’s Gospel we have heard the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. How lucky we are in the timing of the lectionary; we have harvested wheat this week. Those big combines turn through the fields cutting, thrashing, winnowing the wheat grains from the straw that is left behind in the field. What a difference mechanization makes. In the past first the wheat would have been cut and tied into bundles and then stacked into shocks. Later the shocks would have been gathered and thrashed. In the Middle East some thrashing is still done by putting the shocks of wheat bundle by bundle on the stone thrashing floor and having an ox or ass pull a wooden sled over the wheat separating the grain from the straw. The straw was removed from the stone thrashing floor, revealing the grain and the chaff, the dry covering of the grain. The chaff was removed from the grain by winnowing, tossing the chaff and grain into the air and letting the wind blow away the light chaff and heavier grain falling back to the thrashing floor.

If weeds grew in the wheat field, then the weeds had to be separated from the wheat before thrashing. The two most common weeds growing in the wheat fields of the Middle East are Syrian scabiosa, a smaller version of the garden blue scabiosa daisy, and a grass that grows much like wheat but has seed about half the size of wheat. The scabiosa seed is extremely bitter and the grass seed was thought to be poisonous.

So in the story Jesus told, the Sower of last week had sowed the wheat and Tares; weeds came up in the field. What should they do? Go out and pull the weeds or wait until the wheat was harvested. The wise owner told them to wait until harvest, then the wheat can be separated from the weeds. So the thrashing floor became the point of separation, separating the weeds from the wheat, and then separating the wheat grain from the straw, and finally separating the grain from the chaff that surrounded the wheat grain in the ear or head of wheat. To be very sure that the wheat grain was clean of all chaff, and to kill any insect eggs laid on the grains of wheat, those little insects that we all know as wheat weevil, the final step of the grain harvest was to make a fire of the wheat straw and toss the grain through the fire. The chaff would burn with a great flash, the heavier grain would pass through the flames and the evil weevil eggs would be killed in the flash of flame.

Jesus used this simple every day story of harvest to describe the coming of the Kingdom of God. That grain that was sowed and yielded 30, 60 even 100 fold, would be harvested by the master. The weeds that grew up with the good wheat would be separated and burned in the fire. That would further clean the good from the chaff and evil weevil that could cause ruin to the good wheat.

Each of us sin. We live in a world of sinfulness. But God, like the master of the field, can separate the good from the bad. Taking the sin and evil in the world in which we live, and burning it away like the chaff and separating us from the evil weevil that is on us, leaves us pure and holy for the Kingdom of God. Our sin is taken away.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for July 13th, 2008

2008-07-10T21:02:00.002-04:00

Sermon for July 13, 2008
St. James’ Goshen, IN
Arthur Hadley

For the next several weeks the Gospel lessons will be about Jesus using stories about growing seed, making bread and using bread to feed the hungry people. Jesus used stories, parables, about very common well known everyday things to explain the Kingdom of God. He used what people knew to explain something that they did not know. When trying to describe something unknown to someone you always have to start with something they already know. You and I know that the first automobiles were called "Horseless Carriages". When my two year old grandson first saw an Amish buggy, we had to explain to him that the horse and buggy were like automobiles pulled by a horse. And he would say with great glee "horse - e - buggy". A hundred years ago automobiles had to be described as a horseless carriage, but today a horse and buggy has to be explained as a horse pulling an automobile. Some of the stories that Jesus told explaining that the Kingdom of God is like something people knew really do not work very well in our society. Today’s stories still work fairly well.

A sower went out to sow some seeds. Some of the seed fell on a path and birds came and ate the seed. Other seed fell on rocky ground; the seed quickly sprouted, but had no soil for the roots and the sprouted seed withered away. Other seed fell among the thorns and weeds which grew quickly, choking out the seedlings. But other seed fell on good soil and brought forth grain some one hundred fold some sixty and some thirty.

This simple story of the sower spreading seed was understandable to the people waiting to hear Jesus as he taught near the coast of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The fields in Galilee near the fresh water lake of Galilee are flat, fertile and irrigated out of the lake and Jordan River, but as you move away from the coast lands into the hills going up to Nazareth, the land becomes rock strewn and filled with briers . The people hearing Jesus knew those fertile fields and rock strewn hills. They knew that wheat grew best in the fertile fields. But Jesus was using what they knew to explain that he was talking about the Word of God, is like the seed he was sowing: some of those hearing the Word of God were like the pathway and the birds would come and quickly eat the seed. Others were like rocky soil and others like soil already growing weeds and thorns. Some who hear the Word of God simply would not get it, like the seed on the pathway eaten by the birds. Some would hear the word and allow it to sprout, but it would soon wither and others would have the growing seedling be crowded out by weeds and thorns, the cares of the world. But some will hear the Word of God and with them it will sprout, grow and multiply by 30, or 60 or even by 100.

Wheat is a wonderful example of the multiplication of the seed to harvest. In good soil a seed of wheat will send up more than one stalk of grain, sometimes two some times three and maybe even four or five. Each stalk can produce a head with thirty to fifty new seeds. We plant about a half bushel of wheat seed per acre and expect to harvest more that fifty bushel per acre….a multiple of 100.

So the person who hears the Word of God and allows it to grow in a fertile mind, heart and soul can produce Thirty, sixty even one hundred fold. Jesus was talking to many people and He knew some would not hear or understand, some would try but fail to grow, but some would really receive the Word of God and make it grow.

And the Word of God has grown from those who heard Jesus in Galilee to Goshen.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for July 6th, 2008

2008-07-03T13:09:00.004-04:00

Sermon for Sunday July 6, 2008
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul laments the personal struggle of trying to fulfill all of the Jewish Law that would lead to righteousness. The Law started fairly simply with the Ten Commandments, but how to keep holy the Sabbath day ballooned to a whole set of rules and regulations of keeping Kosher food laws and a host of confusing rules of what constituted work which could not be done on the Sabbath. Can you rescue an ox that has fallen into a ditch. Do the rules of hospitality over rule the rules of preparing food on the Sabbath. And on and on. Trying to keep all of the laws became increasingly difficult if not impossible. Any infraction of the law was fatal. Any infraction of the law was sin, and sin led to death and damnation.

But Paul sees that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus frees humanity from the cycle of law, sin and death by giving humanity a new life and peace in the Spirit of God.

Jesus said Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The simplicity of Christianity sometimes takes on great complications from the Old Testament and later church ruling that Jesus and Paul were working very hard to avoid. The yoke of Christ is easy, my burden is light, accept life and peace. We need to trust in God to meet our needs, perhaps not all of our wants, but our needs.

Many years ago we were traveling in western Wales. One day we had a woman of maturity as our guide walking the Welsh mountain pilgrim trail leading toward St. David’s Cathedral. Our guide carried a lovely wooden walking stick. I asked her where I could buy such a wonderful walking stick. She pulled herself up to her total four foot 10, and assured me that in Wales one does not buy a walking stick God provides the proper stick at the proper time. You either find a stick or grow a stick, but you certainly do not buy a walking stick.
A few years later I was on a week retreat at a Trappist monastery, in the hills of Kentucky It was a rainy week, but I walked in the hills surrounding the monastery. I was about 3 miles away from the monastery walking along a ridge. Oops I slid down about 15 feet, badly bruising leg and pride. I needed a walking stick. I reached out my hand to find a bit of a brace to stand up. And there was my walking stick It has a place on top to hold my thumb and a bit of a twig that fits on my hand and acts as a pivot; so the pivot point allows the stick to rock as I walk. I had a need, no long a want, and there was my walking stick.

My yoke is easy and my burden is light. God provides in times of need. I wanted a walking stick in Wales; I needed a walking stick in Kentucky. God provides for our needs

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for June 22nd, 2008

2008-06-19T20:01:00.002-04:00

Sermon for June 22, 2008
Proper 7 A
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

In the portion of the Epistle from the Roman’s read moments ago, Paul is making the case that from the Fall of Adam all humanity lives in sin and death, but with the death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, all humanity lives in forgiveness and salvation. This is the beginning of the great theological shift from sinful humanity and a judgmental God dishing out damnation, to sinful humanity forgiven by a gracious loving God. Through out the Gospels we see Old Testament stories re-lived with a reversal. Two Sundays ago, we had the Gospel story of Jesus going to the dead daughter of the important man, a leader of the synagogue to raise her from the dead. In the Old Testament the story is Elijah going to the home of a widow to raise her only child, a son, from the dead. A reversal of gender, of importance. David and his band of rebellious soldiers ate holy bread from the altar when they were hungry and had no food. Jesus fed the thousands with five barley loaves and two small fish brought by a poor generous boy. Holy bread of offering reversed to humble bread of generosity.

Paul takes the reversal theology and applies it to Creation with Adam and Eve being tempted by Satan in the form of a snake to eat of the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge between good and evil, hence beginning the human trait of sinfulness. All people are descended from Adam and Eve and are guilty of the sin of knowledge between good and evil. We know what is right and wrong and choose to do Wrong. Through out the Old Testament we learn of more and more things that we should not or should do. The Ten Commandment was just a little start of all of the dos and don’ts, but we can not or do not keep the Ten commandments -- Keep holy the Sabbath day; God created all in six days and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, God rested and you shall keep the Sabbath day holy. Well, what did you do? Went shopping, Watched games on TV. That is not keeping the Sabbath holy. We come to Church on the first day of the week, a little Easter, the First day of a new Creation. The reversal of the old creation of sin, and damnation, is the new creation of forgiveness and salvation.

Through out the Gospel we are told to Fear not, do not be afraid, be not anxious. What makes you anxious, fearful? The growing costs of energy, $4.15 for a gallon of gas; I pay $4.85 for a gallon of diesel. It cost how much to heat you home last winter? Wait till this winter. Do you fear Medical bills going up 10% per year? Or is it the rise in food prices that get you going? National security, or lack of it, or the economy in general, or what is it that really worries you?

Jesus said, Fear not. God knows your needs, God knows the number of hairs on you head. God knows and cares for you; fear not.

God sent his only begotten son to be a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Sin has been over come. We have been given life ever lasting with the grace, the gift from God of Salvation. All humanity was guilty with the sin of Adam, and all of humanity is made righteous in the sight of God by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Thanks be to God

Sermon for June 15th, 2008

2008-06-12T19:19:00.002-04:00

Sermon for Sunday
June 15, 2008
Proper 6 A
(Father’s Day)
St. James’ Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

Well, Happy Father’s Day. Have you noticed that Father’s Day is seemingly less celebrated than Mother’s Day. I think our attorney Senor Warden should file an anti discrimination class action suit for Dads to get equal attention This is obviously sexual discrimination. Chuck, just think what this would do to give you name recognition in the courts of the land, and in the election process May be not.

Well it is Father’s day and in the Gospel we have Jesus calling forth the earliest Church Fathers, the twelve Disciples: first Simon, who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Mathew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus had been going through all the cities and villages:
Teaching in the synagogues,
Preaching the good news, the Gospel, that the kingdom of God is now and healing every disease and infirmity.

The ministry of Jesus was and continues to be: Teaching, preaching and healing.

But Jesus realized that alone he was not able to do all the teaching, preaching and healing; so he commissioned the twelve disciples to go out and carry on the ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. At first they were to only go to the lost sheep of Israel; later they were told to go out into all the world, every land, every tongue, every tribe, every person.

And the disciples realized they could not do it all either; so they started calling others to help with that ministry. Barnabus was called by the Apostles in Jerusalem, with the charge to go help the new Christians in Antioch. And Barnabas went to Antioch and saw the great working of the Holy Spirit and was glad of the ministries of Paul. Barnabas and Paul worked together for over a year in Antioch. The minstries of Barnabas and Paul prospered and grew. And at that time a great famine occurred in Judah, and the church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to provide famine relief.

Ministry of the Church is always Teaching, Preaching the nearness of the Kingdom of God, and healing all kinds of infirmities.

Calling new people to carry on the ministries of the Jesus, the ministries of the Body of Christ, the Church, continues. Forty five years ago, on St. Barnabas Day, I was ordained a deacon, a servant, like Barnabas, to teach, preach the nearness of the Kingdom of God, and to heal infirmities. What I teach is what I know from scripture, tradition and reason, the famous three legged stool of Anglican authority: the scriptures were selected by the church using tradition and reason; Tradition is shaped by Scripture and reason. And reason moderated with Scripture and tradition The use of scripture, tradition and reason must always be balanced together in order to be authority. I must preach that the Kingdom of God is near, it is now We must do our part to make the Kingdom of God Now, not something that is far off and always delayed. I am charged with the task of healing: not just a mother’s kiss that makes all things well, nor an occasional band-aid covering up a wound. Real healing is knowing that harm was done, but new growth can overcome the harm.

Those thing are the ministries of the Church, the Body of Christ. Jesus knew he could not do it all, the Apostles knew they could not do it all and every ordained person knows they can not do it all. The whole church, each one of us is called to do the Ministry of Jesus to Teach, Preach and Heal. Go and do the work of the Kingdom of God -- Now.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for June 8th, 2008

2008-06-05T17:57:00.002-04:00

Sermon for June 8, 2008
Proper 5 A
St. James’, Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

Well, we just heard the Gospel for the day, and Jesus was really being a very naughty Jewish young man. He was doing just about everything he could doto flaunt breaking the rules. He was walking in Jerusalem and saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth collecting taxes for the occupying Roman Empire. Tax collectors were collaborators with the enemy, traitor to the Jewish people, and the whole system was corrupt. Tax collectors collected all they could berate out of the people and then passed on to the Roman Empire some of the collections and kept the rest for themselves. Two for me, one for the empire, two for me, one for the empire, two for me, one for the soldiers that enforce my orders, one for the empire. Jesus said to Matthew, "Follow me," and he did.

Then Jesus took his disciples to have dinner with more Tax Collectors and other notorious sinners. The Pharisees, who prided themselves on keeping the Jewish rules were shocked. Why does Jesus eat with Tax Collectors and sinners? And Jesus said, "I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

Then a leader of the Temple showed up in the dinner party of Tax Collectors and Sinners, and says to Jesus, "My daughter has just died, come lay your hands on her and she will live." Jesus gets up from the dinner party to go to the dead daughter. Good Jewish boys, young men, do not bother with girls. Girls have no status at all; daughters were major liabilities. Slaves could be sold; so they had value. Girls would have to have a costly dowry in order to marry. And good Jewish fellows would be considered "un clean" if they touched a dead body. Yuck.

Well, if the intent to touch the dead body of a girl wasn’t bad enough, a women who had a flow of blood, a hemorrhage, a menstrual flow, for the past twelve years came up and touched the fringe of Jesus’ clothing. Now he really was unclean. And Jesus announced that the woman was well.
And finally Jesus, who ate with tax collectors, and sinners, offended the Pharisees, and is ceremonially un clean, goes to the dead girl’s home to raise her from the dead.

Jesus reached out to traitor and sinner, he was willing to break the rules and reached out and cured the unclean woman, and the dead daughter. He announced that he had come to call the sinners. Through out the ministry of Jesus he continually reached out to the least, a girl child, the lost, the tax collectors and sinners, and the last, the woman with a flow of blood.

We as the risen body of Christ must not forget that Jesus came to call the sinner to follow him, he did not come to call the righteous - the self righteous Pharisees - the good churchy people. He came to call Sinners. He was announced at birth to the Shepherds. Born in a stable. He died between two thieves, executed as a horrid criminal. He lived and died among the least, the lost, and the last. He rose from the dead announcing forgiveness of sin and salvation.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for June 1, 2008

2008-05-29T19:53:00.003-04:00

Sermon for June 1, 2008
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
St. James’, Goshen IN
Arthur Hadley

Jesus said, "not everyone who says to me, ’Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven…" And St. Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to Jew first and also to the Greek. For in the righteousness of God is revealed through faith….For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…."
Only those who do the will of God will enter to the Kingdom of Heaven.
OR
Since all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, they are all justified by his grace as a gift.
Is salvation granted because of our works, by doing the will of God? Or since all sin and fall short we are all justified by God’s gift of Grace.
Salvation is based on Our Works or God’s gift of grace.

This theological "Either / Or" question is the basis of the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago. And it is the questions within the Anglican Communion today. And before you all gasp and run for the doors, or fall asleep. The either / or questions is in fact the problem.

We who have faith in saving acts of Jesus, and accept that by the Gift of the Grace of God have the ability to do the will of the Father in Heaven.

When Jesus was being crucified between two thieves one mocked Jesus and the other recognized Jesus as the Son of God, and to that dieing man Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in Paradise." What was the work of that thief? But all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God, and are now justified by his grace as a gift.

The Gift of God’s Grace of Salvation is forgiveness of sin. The very work doing the will of the Father in Heaven is forgiveness of sin. Jesus forgave those who crucified him. We are forgiven and can / may even must forgive the sins of others as God has forgiven us and has forgiven all others. That is the Gift of Grace. We have all sinned and we have all been forgiven. Those who do the will of the Father in Heaven forgive others; that is the will of the Father in Heaven.

The Apostles asked Jesus to teach them to pray and Jesus replied with the prayer we all know as the Lord’s Prayer; it is our prayer.

Our Father in heaven, blessed is your name, your kingdom come your will be done. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us….

We are forgiven, we can do the work of the Father in Heaven which is forgiving each of us, by forgiving those who offend us. That is our salvation, that is the salvation of the whole creation. Forgiven, and forgiving: Doing the will of the Father in Heaven, and accepting the grace of God’s Gift of salvation is not either / or of works or grace but rather both / and. We are forgiven and can be forgiving.

Thanks Be to God.

Sermon from Farther Hadley

2008-03-26T11:37:00.002-04:00

Sermon for March 30, 2008
Second Sunday of Easter
Epiphany Church, Kingsville TX
Arthur Hadley

Hurray for St. Thomas. I really like folks who say wait a minute. Let’s not get stampeded into mass hysteria. What is really going on. Thomas heard that Mary Magdalene thought she had seen and talked with the risen Jesus, he also heard about the two fellows walking toward Emmaus who recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread and from the ten apostles that they had seen the risen Jesus the evening after the resurrection. But Thomas was not convinced and would not be moved to any quick totally illogical conclusions; he would not believe in the resurrection unless he saw and touched the risen body of Jesus of Nazareth.

And then the next week the Apostles including Thomas were gathered in a room with the door shut and Jesus appeared. Jesus told Thomas look see for yourself. Touch the wound in my side, the proof of my death. Touch, see, and believe.

Thomas was willing to question, to doubt what others had told him. Mary Magdalene was obliviously in great grief and hysterical about the apparent theft of the dead body of Jesus. We do not know who the two fellows were on the road to Emmaus, and Thomas was not willing to believe those strangers, and the ten apostles were talking nonsense and trying to pull one-upmanship on him. Thomas needed some real proof And he got it. See and touch Now believe, and through believing you may have life in his name.

Thomas, the doubter, the one who questioned, is the first to acknowledge that Jesus is My Lord and My God.

Thanks be to God.

Sermon for Easter from Father Hadley

2008-03-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

Sermon for Easter, 2008
Epiphany Church, Kingsville TX
Arthur Hadley

Alleluia, He is risen. He is risen, indeed, Alleluia

We have again heard the Easter story. Jesus died on the cross. The Roman soldiers confirmed the body of the cross was dead. Just to be sure they stuck a spear into his chest, and both blood and water flowed from the fifth wound in the body of Jesus crucified with nails through both hands and feet, his dead body wounded a fifth time to prove the body was dead. Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus, two high ranking Jewish leaders, took the dead body down from the cross and placed in a new tomb, perhaps owned by Nicodemus. The place of the crucifixion was outside the walls on the main road to Jericho, the same road that Jesus would have used coming down the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem the week before. The tomb was in a garden near the place of the crucifixion. The Garden tomb was in the old stone quarry depleted of all the good stone in order to build the Jerusalem Temple just inside the gate in the wall. Jesus was buried in stone rejected for the building of the Temple.

Psalm 118:21-24
I will give thanks to you, for you answered me and have become my salvation. The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it marvelous in our eyes.
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Jesus dead and buried in the depleted stone quarry raised to new life. Mary Magdalene, and other women came to the tomb and discovered that the large stone used to cover the cave like tomb had been rolled away. Peter and John heard from Mary that the tomb was open; they ran to the tomb and discovered that the tomb was empty. Mary Magdalene saw and heard Jesus speak to her: Do not be afraid.
The same stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

Alleluia He is risen. He is risen indeed Alleluia.

Sermon for Maundy Thursday from Father Hadley

2008-03-19T14:22:00.002-04:00

Sermon for Maundy Thursday, 2008
Epiphany Church, Kingsville TX
Arthur Hadley

No body likes to do it, but it just has to be done. Jesus and the Apostle were having a dinner party. Some knew, other suspected, and all wanted it not to be so, but this was the last supper with Jesus. They walked through the streets of Jerusalem to go to the place for the dinner.

Walking in Jerusalem is not easy; crowed, noisy, dirty. But back at the time of Jesus it was even dirtier. Donkeys, horses, camels, sheep, chickens all used the same streets as the apostles, all cleaned up wearing the best clothes. So even if you started all clean, by the time you got to the party, your feet had walked the streets of Jerusalem.

Anyone hosting a party would have some child or servant ready at the door of the house with a bowl and fresh clean water to wash the feet of incoming guest.

Jesus did the job of the lowliest servant or child; he washed the feet of each of the apostles, saying I the Lord, your teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. A servant is not greater than their master… Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Being a follower of Jesus, being a part of the risen body of Christ does have expectation We are to love one another, and we are to be like the child or servant at the door welcoming guests to the table. What ever needs to be done, we do it, even washing each other’s feet. No body really likes being a servant. Some of us do not like having another being a servant for us…We would rather do it ourselves. But part of being Christian is being a servant and allowing others to minister to us.

Tonight, we remember Jesus at the Last Supper, and we do as we are commanded. Maundy Thursday- command Thursday. We come, we have our feet washed to be rid of the dirt of the roadway of life, and we take, bless, break and give the bread of life and the cup of Salvation.

Thanks be to God.

Parish News

2008-02-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

The 149th Annual Meeting of St. James’ was held on January 20, 2008, following Mass and a carry-in brunch. Chuck Wicks, Sr. Warden- in- Charge conducted the meeting, and there were 28 members present.
Reports were presented by Chuck Wicks and Junior Warden, Rhoda Moriarty. Outside of usual maintenance of grounds and building, the church was able to have the nave and sanctuary of
the church restored and painted; the walnut doors of the church on 6th street and Lincoln Ave. entrances were restored and refinished, and the parking lot torn up and resurfaced and restriped.
An election of the vestry results are as follows:
Chuck Wicks, Sr. Warden
Rhoda Moriarty, Jr. Warden
Janet Kercher-Dudley, Vestry - 3 years
Sandra Haberstich, Vestry - 3 years.
Remaining vestry are: Vera McConnell - 1 year.
Sarah Taft - 2 years
Katie Craig - 1 year
A remaining two year vestry slot vacated in November will be filled by appointment by the vestry in February.
The Parish Life Committee reported the following activities for 2007:
An Epiphany Brunch and gift exchange was held at Maplecrest
Country Club.
January 28 - carry-in brunch and annual parish meeting.
February - Shrove Tuesday Pancake/sausage supper.
Lenten meatless suppers following Stations of the Cross.
April 8 - a champagne brunch following Easter mass.
July 29 - Parish picnic at the home of Dave & Jane Swartley
with outdoor mass.
An August trip down the St. Joseph River had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
October - the Cheeseball Committee met on 5 evenings and made 1300 cheeseballs.
November - Euchre/pizza party was attended by 30 people in the parish hall.
November - Holiday Auction was held with many Incredible Edibles.
Christmas Eve - a reception was held following the service.
Other committee reports were included in the packet, and the committees for 2008 were set up.

Bishop Edward S. Little’s Annual Visitation
Held on January 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. The bishop confirmed Steve Dudley as a new member of St. James. A celebration followed in the parish hall.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6
A mass and imposition of ashes took place at 6:00 p.m. Father T. G. Lansford was our celebrant. Father Lansford and his wife, Mary, will be with us for two more Sundays in February, and will depart for a month’s trip to Europe.

Wednesday Lenten Services
Stations of the Cross will be held in the church on each Wednesday during Lent, beginning February 13 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a light Lenten supper in the parish hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

News from the 149th Annual Parish Meeting

2008-01-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

The 149th Annual Parish Meeting was held in Latta Hall on January 20, 2008. After attending mass in the church, the parish convened to brunch and a meeting in Latta Hall.

During the meeting it was noted that we have survived without a full-time rector for three years, and thatwe have been very fortunate to have the services of some excellent supply priests from around the diocese. Supply priests are in short supply, as there are very few available and there are quite a few churches around the diocese who are in need of them.

Rhoda Moriarty, Junior Warden, was cited for the wonderful job she has done in the past year and the accomplishments achieved. In addition to the regular maintenance that was done we were able to do some long needed projects:
1. Complete restoration of the interior of the church and nave.
2. Repair and refinishing the exterior walnut doors of the church.
3. Sound system for the church and basement.
4. Outside masonry work on the bricks.
5. Parking lot completely redone with new asphalt.
6. Basement repainted and repair work done on restrooms.

Also in the past year, we were saddened by the death of long-time member, Mary Lou Kercher. Mary Lou was recognized as one who has served the parish and was a good friend to everyone. She served many years as chairman of the Cheeseball Committee, and we were thankful for all of the hard work Mary Lou did over the years, as well as her guidance in that position.

Thankfully, we were fortunate to have Patrick Robinson take over as chairman and get us through the making and sale of the cheeseballs after Mary Lou's passing.

In 2007 we also enjoyed a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, a Fall Holiday Auction, Lenten soup and salad meals following Stations of the Cross and Christian Education; a parish picnic in August; a euchre party in November and an Epiphany Brunch at Maplecrest Country Club. A confirmation/refresher course was conducted by Senior Warden Chuck Wicks, and the Bishop
will be here for a confirmation service on January 30.

Election of officers for 2008 was held:
Senior Warden: Chuck Wicks
Junior Warden: Rhoda Moriarty
Vestry Members: Janet Kercher-Dudley - 3 year term
Sandra Haberstich - 3 year term
Vestry members remaining: Sarah Taft - 2 years
Katie Craig - 1 year
Vera McConnell - 1 year

Committees were established for 2008.
Please consider becoming a part of one of the following vital functions of the parish:
Lay Ministry
Reading Lessons
Altar Guild
Greeters
Coffee Hosts
Calling Committee
Christian Education
Cheeseballs!
Finance Committee
Long Range Planning Committee
Parish Life
Property Committee

Parish News

2008-01-16T18:55:00.000-05:00

News from Texas:
The parish enjoyed a Christmas newsletter from Fr. Arthur Hadley and his wife, Jane, who are wintering in their home in McAllen, Texas. Fr. Hadley has completed and been certified as a Master Gardener, and they included beautiful color pictures of the restoration he has completed of their courtyard. The family will be migrating back to us sometime in the Spring, and we look forward to Fr. Hadley’s wonderful sermons and his smiling face.

Meanwhile, We have been most fortunate to have Fr. Paul Tracy as our supply priest, making it from Mishawaka in all kinds of weather, including Christmas Eve. We will also have Fr. Lansford for some of the Sundays in February, and we will also have Fr. Lodwick for at least one Sunday in March.

Bishop Little to Visit January 30th

2008-01-16T18:52:00.000-05:00

Bishop Little’s Annual Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
During the service there will be one person presented for Confirmation.
A celebration and carry-in supper will take place immediately following the service, and the bishop will conduct a short meeting with the congregation. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Notice Of Annual Meeting

2008-01-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

January 20, 2008 will be the 149th Annual Meeting at St. James’.
There will be a carry-in brunch immediately following the 10:00 a.m. mass, with meeting to
follow.
There will be election of Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and several vestry members to replace those with expiring terms of three years. Vestry also will vote to fill an unexpired term of two years.
Another vacancy to fill will be secretary and treasurer positions held for several years by Katie Craig. Katie will be retiring (again) as of the Annual Meeting.
Everyone is asked to volunteer for various committees for the 2008 year. These committees are:
Altar Guild Cheeseball Comm.
Parish Life Christian Education
Finance Comm. Property Committee
Long Range Planning Calling Committee
Lay Misistry: Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Crucifers
Lay Readers
Greeters

St. James' Weekly - November 4, 2007

2007-11-03T22:46:00.000-04:00

Saint James’ Weekly
November 4, 2007

Dear Friends:

Prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. I received this prayer from a friend last week (Sandy Haberstich), and now I pass it on to you. Know that you are loved:

"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

###
There was mysterious 90-year-old Pink Panther roaming the halls of Saint James’ last Wednesday evening (Halloween eve). Actually, Cecelia C., Jane Swartley, and Sandy H. passed out 40 bags of candy with a marketing flier to eager trick-or treaters.
###
In just 5 weeks the 5:55 @ Saint James’ Saturday service begins – December 8th! This is so awesome, so exciting, SO stressful, and a huge step for our Parish. There is nothing that God can’t do. We will remain faithful and bold and positive, and He will provide. Give all of our fears, worries, anxieties, hopes, and dreams to God. Pray for the people who will be attending and for the workers who are planning. Advent is a perfect time to anticipate Jesus Christ coming into the world to save us, and a perfect time for new beginnings for us and for future members of our Church.
###
The cheese ball factory is finished with production! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard every week.
###
The painting of the lower hall, kitchen, and men’s room is finished. New ceiling tiles were also installed in the men’s room. These were much needed projects for our Parish, and will also be a welcome addition to Jimmy’s Place and 5:55 @ Saint James’.
###
Craft Closet items are still needed for kids ages 3 – 8 Sunday Schools for our Saturday night and Sunday mornings. So far, only one person has brought in a box of ribbon. Could you please dig in your closets and see what you can find?
###
Lastly, Jimmy’s Place will not meet again until December 8th. This move is to give a block of time to institute an aggressive marketing plan that the Jimmy’s Place Board of Advisors came up with a few weeks ago. We have had very good attendance at the SHOWS (100 last week!), but have not had a good core of regulars at the regular Jimmy’s Place evenings. Please bear with me on this, and please keep praying. We are NOT closing, just re-grouping and giving me time to institute this new plan. I am still convinced that God provided an avenue to start this ministry, and He will provide an avenue to continue it as well.
###

Peace,

Dave (Director of Parish Services & Jimmy’s Place)

St. James' Weekly - October 28, 2007

2007-10-27T23:10:00.000-04:00

Saint James’ Weekly
October 28, 2007

Ephesians 6: 10 – 11: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Dear Friends:

Saint Paul is talking about being strong with God’s power – and that the human effort is inadequate, but God’s power is invincible.

How many times we as humans rely on our own strength and power to get things done!
###

5:55 @ Saint James’: Please try to attend the first 5:55 @ Saint James’ service on Saturday, December 8th at 5:55 P.M.

Yesterday at Diocesan Convention, Bishop Little talked about “Church Planting”, and how when a new church is built that it’s not as threatening to the new attendees because usually most of the people are new – beginning at a new place in their lives. It’s really not unlike moving to a new town and starting fresh.

Your attendance at this first service will be most welcomed for moral and spiritual support!
###

Our Diocese is so fortunate to have a spiritual leader as Bishop Little. I’m so impressed with his insight, his vision for our Church, and his personal interaction with people.
###

We will be starting a Craft Closet for kids ages 3 – 8 Sunday Schools for Saturday night and Sunday mornings. We need all of those creative little things that you keep saving that have potential as a craft item. See Dave S. for details.
###

Thank you to those who brought candy in for our Halloween trick or treaters this Wednesday evening.
###

Dave Swartley’s business, Swartley Construction & Home Services recently moved into their new showroom and offices at 310 South Main Street, Goshen. The employees are busy remodeling the front exterior as well as the showroom for a Grand Opening celebration which is scheduled for Saturday, November 17 from 11:00 – 1:00 P.M. The Parish is invited to attend this event.
###

Jody and Phil’s open house last Sunday was wonderful. Thank you Jody and Phil. It was an honor for all of us to be part of your house blessing!
###

Peace,

Dave Swartley
Director of Parish Services & Jimmy’s Place
574-215-0043
chef601@aol.com

Euchre Night at St. James' on November 3, 2007

2007-10-26T19:56:00.000-04:00

If you like to play euchre, this is the time and the place!

Everyone is invited to join in the fun on Saturday, November 3 for Euchre-Pizza party.

The time is 6:00 p.m. in the upper hall of St. James' Parish Hall. Price is $5.00 per person.

Please contact Bob and Jackie McCormick at 574 533-0376 if you plan to attend, so that we know how much food to order.

Singles or couples are welcome, and we guarantee a good time!

It's Cheeseball Time!

2007-10-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

Cheeseball production is once again in full swing at St. James'.
The cheeseball committee estimates that we have been making the famous St. James' cheeseballs for at least 45 years now. St. James' cheeseballs are perfect for holiday entertaining, or any time of the year. They also make a great gift. They can be frozen, thawed, and frozen again. So no worries about holiday travel.
This year we will be making approximately 1300 of the delicious treats. We hope to have enough to last through the holidays, but they always go quickly so you'd better get yours now.
Due to rising costs of the ingredients and supplies over the past few years, it is now necessary to raise the price from $5.00 each to $6.00 each. This is the first price increase in many years, and we are sorry to have to do so.
Cheeseballs are available from most of the church members, or by calling the office at (574) 533-4984. If no one is there when you call, please leave a message and we will get back to you about the best time to pick some up.
Our church office is staffed by volunteers, and there isn't always someone there. So if you decide to stop by, please ring the doorbell. If no one answers, try calling the office at the number listed above or Cecelia Cushing at (574) 533-4359 to arrange for pick up.