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Spiritual Habits - 19
Reading the Beatitudes!
Did you know Mahatma Gandhi read the beatitude every single morning of his life for over 40 years? What gave him the courage to do what he did, was the power of the Gospel. Anyone who lived an exemplary life did so because they read the Holy Scriptures of their faith regularly.
Reading Holy Books opens your heart to a realm that otherwise remains closed to us. Not because it is closed to our understanding, but because our inner eyes are clogged with other things that obstruct the view of the treasures in the Scriptures.
If you love the poor, want to serve the world, care for nature, want freedom, look no further, but read the Beatitude every day. If you are interested in knowing how to live a spiritual life, look no further, start reading the Scriptures. I know I say this often. I keep harping on it, because most of us, who are reading this note, are in their second to last stages in life. We are moving from one stage to the next eventually to reach the ultimate goal of being with God and with those whom we love dearly. This is not to get ready for death but to live life well as we go through this moment. Only those who know life is not ended here can live life beautifully. That starts with the knowledge God is in it all the time and getting in touch with God is the stability with which we should all live every day.
Fr. Jos+
Newcomers Dinner
The vestry is excited to announce a dinner for those who are new to St. James Episcopal Church on October 9th at 5:30 pm.
We are blessed to have several new people in the St. James community. We would love for you to join us for this dinner so that we may know each other better. The leaders, along with the members of the church and the rector, will provide the food for the gathering. Please click on the link if you would like to join us as our honored guest or welcoming member of St. James so that we have an accurate count of people attending the dinner. It will be held at Mike's house right across from the church. (If you have already responded to the email, you do not need to respond here.)
Adult Sunday School -
Ladder to the Light!
Our Sunday school study, starting on September 12th, will be a book study. It is a great book by a wonderful author. Bishop Steven Charleston. Here is the link to buy the book - Ladder To The Light - before September 12th. You can get a Kindle copy or paperback of the book through Amazon. You can also get this book as part of your unlimited subscription through SCRIBD App on your mobile device. If you are not familiar with SCRIBD, it is an app that gives you unlimited books and audiobooks, and more for a monthly subscription of 9:99. (Once you have the book, please read the first chapter, The Rung of Faith before September 12th.)
Youth and Children
EKC: Sharing is hard! Jesus says, "Who wants to be first must be last!" How can we share when it's something important to us. Let's see how Cookie monster handles sharing cookies with Elmo! Also let's play a game to see which one of us gets to be first as the King and Queens of the mountain!
EYC:
In Mark 9:30-37 the disciples argued about who would be the most important person in heaven. Jesus sat down, called the twelve, and said to them. "Whoever want to be first must be last of all and servant of all." The concept of karma, cause and effect, action and reaction isn't a new one. What we give we get back. Life has a way of teaching the lesson we most need to learn by giving us understanding by way of our own actions. So, what does the bible truly say about karma and as Christians how do we approach this idea? Is loving one another as we love ourselves in turn loving ourselves? Is the way we treat others a reflection on how we think we also should be treat?
Let's talk about it and play a little game to test it out.
EKC will meet at 9:30 am.
EYC will meet directly after the 10:30am service.
We will end EYC at 12:30 pm. Snacks will be provided.
We would love to hear from you! Share pictures, video, thoughts or questions with on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StJamesSpringfield
Blessing of The Pets
In honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Sr. James Episcopal Church
2645 E Southern Hills Blvd, Springfield, MO
@ 4:00 pm on the Parking Area (weather permitting)
Phone: (417)881-3073 Email: office@sj.church
Human Guidelines:
Wear a face mask
Stand at least three (3) feet apart
Stay home if you are feeling sick
Owners of all faith are welcome with their animals. If your pet does not feel comfortable around other animals, or cannot attend in “person”, please bring a picture or an item such a collar, leash, favorite toy, etc. to be blessed.
Trunk or Treat!
St. James will be hosting a Halloween Trunk or Treat this year on October 31st. 6-9pm. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be served and children will be able to trick or treat the trunks. A costume contest (by grade k-5, 6-12th and adults) will be held at 6:30 pm followed by the announcement of the winner of the "Best Trunk Award". You can sign up to decorate a trunk, bring hotdogs, buns, chips, drinks and candy, or volunteer for set-up and clean-up by contacting Kimby Tharakan by text 479-747-3757 or email stjamesspringfield@gmail.com. We will need all hands on deck for this one! Let's make memories together with our neighbors!
Crosslines Pantry Month!
St. James dedicates itself to help others through Crosslines whenever there is a 5th Thursday in the month. September is one of these months! Help support our community by helping those who need food assistance in the Springfield area. Many families rely on Crosslines for fresh produce, canned and boxed food, milk, eggs, diapers for their children, plus much more.
There are two ways you can help. You can help by mailing a check to St. James or by bringing a check to Sunday service. Mark the check “Outreach.” Or you can bring food or hygiene items to the front foyer of the church. Please bring in your canned foods, shampoo, boxed meals, etc. before Tuesday, Sept. 28th. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated by those you serve! 
Thank you, St. James! Please call Nancy Terry at 417-860-6879 if you have any questions or are willing to volunteer on Thursday the 30th at Crosslines.
Needed Prayer Warriors
The prayer chain is in need of two group leaders. It involves:
 1. Receiving an email with prayer requests and forwarding it to four people.
 2. Then texting those four people telling them that a prayer request email has been sent.
 3. Then pray the email request.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this ministry. There are no meetings, and you do not have to leave home.
Blessings,
Marge Francis
417-883-7642
mfrancis1959@att.net