Service Schedule

InvItes You to explore our lIfe and MInIstrIes at st. JaMes epIscopal church

Volume 101, Number 2 225-387-5141 • Fax 225-387-1443 • www.stjamesbr.org February 2017

MessengerThe

www.stjamesbr.org

Sundays

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Service in the church with choir(s)

10:30 a.m. As You Are Service

Chapel of the Twelve Apostles

5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Weekdays

*Nursery available

Mondays school is in session8:15 a.m. Day School Morning Prayer

WednesdaysNoon Holy Eucharist, Rite II with Healing Prayers in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles

Fridays school is in session8:15 a.m. Day School Eucharist

Christian Education

for all ages

Sunday mornings

9:15-10:15 a.m.

With your generous donation of at least $25.00 to the st.

James eYc 2017 Mission trip fundraiser, a surprise flocking

of bright pink flamingos will occur at the property of your

choosing in the Baton rouge metro area.

the flamingos will roost with your flockee for a brief period

of time, and be identified as st. James eYc flamingos. this

notice will identify you as the originator of their flock,

unless you request to remain anonymous! You can pay for

flocking or insurance online, here, or visit the eYc table in

the parish hall parlor during post-service coffee hour.

Visit solomoncenter.org or click the image for more information.

Page 2 The Messenger February 2017

In Our Thoughts and Prayers …

The Diocese of Louisiana is one church, faithful to our Lord Jesus, united in mission,

reaching out through service and proclamation to all for whom Christ died. We live in joyous

expectation of God’s transforming power, compassion, and mercy in our lives.

St. James Staff

St. James Vestry

Floral Dedications and ArrangementsArrangements on the altar of given to the glory of God, and on

January 29, in loving memory of Martin and Annette Broderick by Gary Broderick; and,in loving memory of Cathy Evans by her family.

Arrangements in the parlor on February 5 are by Joanne Anderson; on February 11 by Nancy Bogan; on February 18 by Belva Dewey;

and, on February 25 by Tricia Henderson.

It’s Time for Flamingos!It’s that time of the year again! The St. James EYC will be holding its 2017 flocking fundraiser. This great way to give back to the youth and help them with their funds, and have fun at the same time. Watch for 2017 flocking info, soon!Confirmation ClassesDo you know a teenager interested in confirmation? The spring series begins Sunday, February 5. If you or your young person are interested in this series, please contact Hannah at 225-387-5141, ext. 1224.EYC Now Meeting on WednesdaysWe’re trying a new schedule this spring! The EYC calendar is here, or contact Hannah at 225-387-5141, ext. 1224 for more information and to be sure you’re on her email list!

Youth News

The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr. Bishop of LouisianaThe Very Rev. Joe Reynolds Interim RectorThe Rev. Ralph F. Howe, Jr. Sr. Associate Rector and Day School ChaplainThe Rev. Mary Ann Garrett Associate Rector and Chaplain, St. James PlaceThe Rev. John Pitzer Associate Rector and Prior, The St. James Center for Spiritual FormationDeacon Pat Lyle Spiritual Director in ResidenceThe Rt. Rev. Robert C. Witcher Bishop-in-Residence XIX Rector of St. JamesThe Rt. Rev. James M. Coleman Bishop-in-Residence XX Rector of St. James

Margaret culbertson*charlie frey **Barbara Irwin Garon***lee Griffin ***Barbin c. Graham**catherine s. harrell**Buzzy heroman**Bill hines**Kyle landrem***

sue larisey**

andy Mccall*

Jay noland***

caroline ross*

anna catherine soule***

Manette sammons*

chip stirling*

david Warrington***

Gerry sulzer* .................................senior Warden

Josh pesses (ex-officio) .........................treasurer

Mary Hunt Boutwell Director of Lay Ministries

Sara Bray Cherub Choir Director & Ass’t Choirmaster

Jo Craddock Director of Communications

Mary Davis-Palms Parish Dietician

Rodger Green Facilities Director

Jason Hubbard Choirmaster

Eric Johnson Treble Choir Director & Ass’t Choirmaster

Cheryl Speights Olinde Bookkeeper

John Ozier Parish Secretary

Sylvia Rabalais Administrative Secretary

Hannah Rothermel Director of Youth Ministry

Lauren T. Ray Head of School

Herndon Spillman Organist

For the departed: Jane Ashby; Larry Blanchard; Mary Gallant, aunt of Maria Bowen; Pat BrockwayFor recent concerns of: Jeff, Louella Blackwell, Connie Henderson, Wesley, Peg Austin, Vi Henning, Fannie Compton, Bill Burnett, Kathy Crabtree, Andrea Walters, Sue Hartquist, Richard Tannehill, Jeff & Jerry Lynn Mills, Yvette Nobles, Elizabeth Reynolds, Charles Kahao, Ralph Stephenson, Brady Whitton, Joseph HoweIn our continuing prayers: Betty Romero, Kevin Stockton, Glenn Stockton, Jim Coleman, Bob Boyd, Richard Garber, Barbara Shilg, Larry Durant, Judy Calhoun, Janet Arst, Casey Dué, Peyton Feigley, Mary Jarnagin, Bessie Stockton, Kenlee Jackson, Jeff Cobb, Billy Heroman, Bobby McCall, Butch Noland, Jack Ralston, Janie LeBlanc, Babette Vlahos, Charlie Matherne, Joanne Anderson, Liam Barber, Tommy Roberson, Thomas, George Helland, Antonia Day, Christine Smith, Rex Everage, Bobby Hines, Mary

C. Elliott, Linda Heine, Catherine Strauss, Allyson Kelly, Bill Rosenbaum, Sam, Glen Ezell, Alan Farries, Jay, Faye, Erin Collins

For those in the armed forces: Rob Hutchins, Major John Lyford V, Staff Sgt William Martin USMC, PFC Don Ellen, Lt Jon Bethel, Trey Wolf ABFAN, Lt Jordan Morris, Sgt James Chambers, Major Andrew “Andy” Stone USAF, Capt Michael Oliver, Specialist Daniel Anderson, Sgt Ethan Wade, Major Charlie Hines, Capt Mathis Guy Hall USMC, Airman Avery Frink, Pvt Mike Lee, Philip S. Mullenix MD US Army, KC - USMC

Of thanksgiving for the safe return from duty of: Chad Hornsby SFAAT US Army,

For those in law enforcement: Sgt. Carol Landry, Deputy Chad Tate, Chief Detective John East, Officer Eddie Kay, Louise Myers, Sgt. Jeremy Hummert, Detective Brock Bunch, Taylor McDonald, Detective Adam Lea, Trooper Paul L. Toups Jr., Officer Nick Tullier, Walter

Infants and toddlers are welcome at all services, but, as parents desire, may also be lovingly cared for by trained staff in our nursery/wiggle room on the first floor of the Parish Hall between 8:45 a.m. and noon on Sunday mornings, and for other events as announced.

Children’s Chapel offers another opportu-nity for movement and learning by young children. Those who would like to attend, should meet at the back of the church at the sequence hymn (just before the Gospel reading), where they will be led to class for an age-appropriate lesson on the readings for the day, and engage in an activity or craft. The group will return to the church in time for communion with their families.

Nursery Information

February 2017 The Messenger Page 3

St. Joan of Arc Study Group - ECW Chapter Meeting

joan of arc

All women of the church are invited to the Joan of Arc Study Group, held at noon on the first Wednesday of the month, during the academic year, hosted by various members of the group.

The Joan of Arc Study Group is looking at some of the Miracles of Jesus in their 2016-2017 first-Wednesday meetings. The group next gathers for study on Wednesday, February 1 at noon, hosted by Belva Dewey.

Please contact Nina Broyles for more information on the Joan of Arc Study Group.

Parish Family NewsBirths

Owen Randall Harpole was born on December 27, 2016 to Amanda Powell Harpole and John David Harpole.Anna Bailey Carr was born to Shellie and Patrick Carr on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 2:47 a.m., weighing 9 lbs., 5 oz.

BaptismsEleanor Tripoli Gray Simmons, infant daughter of Mary McGuire Gray Simmons and Jessie Lee Simmons, was baptized on January 8, 2017.

Susan Rolfs and John Sykes, this year’s Gumbo co-chairs, invite you to get involved with Gumbo 2017! Gumbo kicks off on Friday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Bishops Hall — but the plan-ning has been underway for weeks.

Gumbo, the only fundraiser of the St. James Episcopal Church Women (or Epis-copal Church Workers!) enables them to support outreach programs such as assis-tance to the art classes taught by parishio-ners Elizabeth Whitley and Warren Green at the One-Stop Homeless Shelter, the very popular Lunch with C.S. Lewis program at St. Alban’s Chapel at LSU so students have a place to go for a meal and fellowship,

Camp Grace sponsorship for children of imprisoned women, relief funds to those affected by the August 2016 floods in our area, and the St. James We Care lunch bag ministry.

But what volunteers get from Gumbo is just as treasured! John shared at the annual meeting that when he first volunteered at Gumbo, some 20 years ago, he not only met more fellow parishio-ners and made new friends, but learned all the good restaurants and stores in Baton Rouge! Even the Day School students are involved, with fifth graders helping “bus” tables on Fridays school is in session.

Where do you see yourself at Gum-bo? There are lots of volunteer oppor-tunities — from helping share flyers and spreading the word of Gumbo, to setting up for each Friday’s lunch, taking calls, preparing to-go orders, serving table-side, clean-up, Sunday sales, and more. Sign up, for Gumbo 2017, today!

The Gumbo 2017 intro meeting is at noon on Thursday, February 2 in the Parish Hall parlor. Come, have a taste of this year’s gumbo, hear the great plans, dates, and opportunities for you. Email Susan Rolfs at susandrolfs@gmail.com or John Sykes at jsykes@brec.org to reserve your spot.

Visit stjamesbr.org/gumbo2017 to read more, download flyers, or volunteer!

email susandrolfs@gmail.com to reserve a spot at the feb. 2 luncheon

Gumbo Luncheon on Thursday, February 2

Page 4 The Messenger February 2017

March 22–24, 2017Water is a gift. Water is life. As water crises increase, access to safe and clean drinking water decreases.from flint to standing rock, many of today’s most pressing social issues revolve around water. faith communities worldwide can help.

With a sharp focus on the need for water justice initiatives in areas of access, droughts, pollution, rising tides, and flooding, trinity Institute aims to offer actionable guidance for individuals, congregations, and the larger faith community surrounding these issues. this year we’ll hear from Jeffrey sachs, christiana peppard, Winston halapua, thabo Makgoba, Katharine hayhoe, Maude Barlow, Kim stanley robinson, and others.

You’re invited to attend trinity Institute, an annual conference that takes place in new York city and at partner sites around the country via webcast, including st. James episcopal

church, opening Wednesday evening, March 22 through friday afternoon, March 24. at trinity Institute 2017 you will:

• develop a deeper appreciation for water as a sacred gift, nurturer, and sustainer of life

• Gain a thorough understanding of the relationship between water is-sues and climate change

• learn what individuals, organiza-tions, and societies can do to miti-gate and adapt to water issues of access, pollution, drought, flooding, and rising tides

• discover how the global christian community is uniquely equipped to effect change

• Get connected with opportunities to join existing projects and minis-tries

• receive guidance and support to create (or re-energize) effective water justice ministries in local con-texts

• access robust educational resourc-es, networks, and relationships to maintain ongoing impact

the st. James center for spiritual for-mation is sponsoring this partner site, and will be hosting the Wednesday evening through friday afternoon webcasts live from trinity church, Wall street.

registration is not required, but will be helpful for planning purposes. Click here, or send an email to church@stjamesbr.org with “trinity Institute” in the subject line, including the date(s) you will attend, and the total number of guests to be included with your registration.

Wednesday, March 22 (all times local) 7:00 pm Keynote Address

Economist Jeffrey Sachs will frame the realities of the global water crisis, how water makes the impact of climate change tangible, and the kinds of positive changes we can make to address the problems.

Thursday, March 23 7:45 am registration opens, continental Breakfast 8:00 am Gathering in song and prayer 8:30 am Session 1: “Water: Commons or Commodity?” 10:00 am Break 10:30 am reflection Group Meeting 11:45 pm lunch 1:00 pm Gathering in song and prayer

1:30 pm Session 2: The Global and the Local Speakers address issues in those cities 3:00 pm Break 3:15 pm reflection Group MeetingFriday, March 24 7:45 am continental Breakfast 8:00 am Gathering in song and prayer 8:30 am Session 3: “What Churches Are Doing to Make a Difference” 10:00 am Break 10:30 am reflection Group Meeting 11:45 pm lunch 1:00 pm Session 4: “Being Agents of Change” 2:00 pm Break 2:15 pm Session 5: “What Can We Do Together?”

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LAY MIN

ISTRY ASSIGN

MEN

TS - FEBRUARY 2017 (Continuously updated at: stjam

esbr.org/assignments)

Service A

ssignment

February 5, 2017 February 12, 2017

February 19, 2017 February 26, 2017

parlor a

rrangements

elizabeth noland

caroline ross Jan sum

rall M

artha Yancey

8:00 a.m.

ushers/W

elcome

Joyce rucker Joyce rucker

Joyce rucker Joyce rucker

Bessie & G

lenn stockton Bessie &

Glenn stockton

Bessie & G

lenn stockton Bessie &

Glenn stockton

eM

/Intercessor M

ickey christensen tony carter

randy Garrett

John ozier

lector

sharon hoff eld

Jane christensen Karen Kennedy

cathy Mch

ugh

altar G

uild liz carter

sharon hoff eld

dodie edm

onds Karen Kennedy

Jane christensen Jane christensen

cathy Mch

ugh cathy M

chugh

h

eather leBleu Janet row

an robin d

inapoli

10:30 a.m.

ushers

chip Middleton

rip collins randall peterson

B phillips

frank leonard

Ben reiser scott G

arver G

ary richards

John com

pton M

ike fontenot Bill lee

ford thomas

neal elliott Jr.

George clark

hays a

lexander chris Kiesel

Bob laughlin Josh pesses

linda o

hmstede

d

avid Gerard

acolytes

Mary Brandon h

arrell Bryan o

lsson Bella Jung

stephanie Kay

G

rant Griffi n

olivia landrem

W

arren ross a

ndrea Kay

M

argaret harrell

Grace G

agliano h

elene Jung adelyn Kahao

Blake Griffi n

clark olsson

Mattie ray

Jacob Johnson

eucharistic Ministers

Jane perkins d

avid Warrington

steve anderson

debra M

atherne

d

ebbie Galland

ed henderson

deborah taylor

david W

arrington

lectors d

eborah Matherne

vickie schenk steve a

nderson M

artha Yancey

chetw

in carter B phillips

shirley Young n

ancy litton

Intercessor adelaide russo

emily Kay

pat Broderick d

ouglas Kennedy

altar G

uild M

aretta creveling em

ily Kay larry M

itchum

Barbara Bearden

rieta reiser

sue larisey n

ora say Jane h

enslee

susan W

hite

a

nn holm

es

susan rolfs

as You a

re u

shers/Welcom

e Brent &

Kent caldwell

hays tow

n III M

imi riché

Brent & Kent caldw

ell

eucharistic Ministers

Brent caldwell

honey east

Mim

i riché Brent caldw

ell

desha carter

anna G

arrett h

ays town III

desha carter

lector 1 Kent caldw

ell h

oney east a

nnie furr M

onica Murphy

psalm

ist M

onica Murphy

anna G

arrett susie furr

desha carter

lector 2 desha carter

honey east

Mim

i riché Kent caldw

ell

Intercessor Katherine M

artin BB stirling

allen paterson

randy east

altar G

uild h

oney east h

oney east h

oney east h

oney east

randy east

randy east randy east

randy east

5:00 p.m.

eucharistic Minister

Jeannie frey rhodes h

ays town

John ozier

hays tow

n

altar G

uild frances G

arland elizabeth libbers

sheila feigley Betty phillips

February 2017 The Messenger Page 7

Vestry Meeting Highlights

At the January 9, 2017 meeting, following an opening meditation, Gerry Sulzer presented the Treasurer’s report in the absence of Josh Pesses. Fr. Reynolds noted that expected income from 2016 was below budget. He said the church cannot continue to function on a deficit each year, and that he will strive to make sure that income and expenses balance out. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented.

There were no motions or information from Finance. Gerry Sulzer did note that an unsolicited bid for organ repairs had been received from the company doing the organ tuning, but in light of upcoming renovations, that bid had been deferred.

Gerry Sulzer presented an update on the 2017 stewardship program. Incoming 2017 pledges are still below expectations. Letters have gone out to all 2016 pledging units that have not yet responded to our 2017 pledge campaign.

Father Joe Reynolds reported that the future

organization of the Mission and Vision Committee is being evaluated as to how it can best function to fill the needs of St. James.

Gerry Sulzer introduced several items in his Senior Warden Report, including a reminder to outgoing Vestry members they will be needed at 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, and 10:30 AYA services to collect and count ballots for Vestry members and present the tabulations at the Annual Meeting.

Sulzer also reported that visits to St. James had been made by two additional companies regarding the needed repair and restoration work to the church, but no bid has yet been received.

The contract with HR Solutions to outsource payroll processing, benefits administration, and human resources services for the church and Day School has not been signed. Dan West is still working out some of the contract details with the HRS attorneys.

Fr. Reynolds provided some update on

several personnel issues. He reported that Debbie Stiltner’s last day at St. James would be January 31, 2017. He said he has received two resumes for a Business Manager, but had not made any decisions concerning a hiring.

Lead pledge solicitations for a capital fund campaign to raise funds for restoration of our historic church has generated approximately 90% of needed funds for restoration. On February 12, 2017, an event will be held following the 10:30 service to roll out the campaign to the entire congregation. All funds pledged over the amount needed for immediate repairs will be placed in a building maintenance fund dedicated to future capital maintenance of the building.

Fr. Reynolds reported that the Brené Brown event has been sold out with a waiting list. Approximately $50,000 will be generated for the Bishop’s Flood Relief Fund.

By Jane Christensen, Clerk

Ed. Note: Thank you to retiring clerk, Jane Chris-tensen for providing reports for the Messenger. Her work has been greatly appreciated.

A Note From Fr. JoeThis past Wednesday, January 25, was the day on the liturgical calendar c o m m e m o r a t i n g the conversion of St. Paul. It was my turn to do the Eucharist

and Healing service that happens every Wednesday at noon. I like that service; it’s small and simple, sort of a time-out in the busy pace of daily life. All Eucharists are about healing the soul, but there is a special focus on Wednesday, and I find comfort in it.

The first Bible reading in the lectionary for that particular day comes from the book of Acts and is, of course, about Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus. Conversion was a dramatic division in Paul’s life. Before it his name was Saul, and he was a fierce persecutor of Christians. After it he became Paul and was perhaps the single most influential person, other than Jesus, in establishing and shaping Christianity as we know it.

In the appointed reading he says: “I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun,

shining around me and my companions. When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’”

It is amazing how you can read the Bible – even study it through three years of seminary, and spend the better part of a life in regular contact with it – and still find surprises. I don’t remember ever seeing, “It hurts you to kick against the goads.” It was new to me.

When the passage was read aloud on Wednesday, I thought it must be a misprint, a typo. I spent the rest of the reading wondering what it was supposed to say. “It hurts you to kick against the gods?” That doesn’t seem consistent with the rest of the Bible. “It hurts you to kick against the loads?” That doesn’t make any sense. Loads of what, and why would it hurt to kick against them?

Later in the day I went to my Bible, and there it was. “It hurts you to kick against the goads.” My Bible is annotated, and there is a little footnote there: “a goad is a pointed stick used to prod an ox or other animal.”

I have never been struck by a blinding light on the road to anywhere. God has never chosen to speak to me in a loud, clear voice. But I realize more and more that there have been signs aplenty. Signs are almost always subtle and seen only through the eyes of faith. It is always possible to ignore them and just on the same path. But, yes, there have been goads. And it is deeply true that it hurts to kick against them.

The wonderful irony is that God chose to use Paul to bring the light of Christ to the Gentile world. Saul was the most unlikely candidate for the job, the last person who would have been suggested. Saul was an enemy of Christ.

Such seems to be the nature of God. We are all imperfect vessels. We are all unlikely candidates to proclaim by our words and deeds the love of Jesus. The call is there anyway. The invitation still stands.

If you think about it seriously, my hunch is that there are God’s goads in all our lives. And while I have resisted mightily from time to time, it does hurt to kick against them.

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