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Advent Family Event
December 19th after the 10:30 service we will be hosting a Family Advent Event for all families with children. Come and enjoy a pizza lunch, games, activities, and gift! Every family will need to bring a $5-$10 family friendly gift for the gift exchange. (Examples: Games, Puzzle, Craft kits etc.) Let's have a little Advent fun together!
Spiritual Habits - 29 - Joy...
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” ― Rumi.
Not many of us understand the power of simple and small things in life. To be an effective and transformational person in this world is that we do things, whatever that be, from our soul. Not for the outcome or success of it. But for the truth and genuineness of what we do. Do it for the right reason and let the result flow. When we do things from the abundance of our hearts and true to our soul, then we will experience the true joy that can not be stolen by criticisms, failures, or disappointments. They are all part of our authenticity and that is what brings us joy.
Fr. Jos
RECTOR
Our Love and Prayers Today!
This Weeks Heart Awards Go to These Two Great People
Tessa Melancon & Linda Sneed
Tessa Melancon
I met a prayer warrior in Tessa when I came to St. James four years ago. I didn't realize how much of her life was patterned around weaving and bread making until I saw all that she does. But it is more than weaving and bread making that fascinated me. It is the Benedictine spiritual life behind these activities and prayer call through it that blessed me abundantly. Her ministry at the altar as a dedicated altar guild member is a blessing beyond words. Her commitment to our Church, finance committee, wordsmith and her willingness to bless the Presbyterians when she goes to church with her husband Jim is such an example of how even if there is denominational differences we can take care of the soul of the other. Thank you for all you do, Tessa, and you are a blessing to all of us.
Linda Sneed
Linda and her quiet ministry of prayer are not known to a lot of people. Because she remains behind the scene and prays. We all see Linda Sneed and her husband Mark on Sunday mornings and every night at Compline. Most of us only know these two tall people as quiet souls. But Linda's heart is not quiet when she talks to the Lord for you and your concern. She is a gentle, loving, and caring person, I am so blessed to know. She is a companion to Marge in helping her coordinate the intercessory prayer ministry. I am blessed to know her and blessed by her prayers. Thank you Linda for your quiet and beautiful ministry of prayer, compassion, and care that keeps us all going even when we don't know it. Your quiet service is an example for all of us.
Who are the gardeners of our souls next week? Any guesses or suggestions? Send to fatherjos@gmail.com
Advent Soup Suppers and Study
Minuen Odom
Dates: Wednesdays - Dec 15, 22
Minuen Odom is leading a study on The Beatitudes. A simple soup supper will be served at 5:30 pm and "Blessed Are They" will follow at 6 pm. Please plan to join us!
How Long, O Lord?
Study of the Book of Prophet Habbakuk
by Dr. Chris Dodson
Dates: Sundays in Advent - Nov: 28, Dec: 5, 12, 19
Yoga Schedule
Yoga will be taking a break from Dec. 20th-January 1st. Penny will be back after the New Year!
Outreach for Advent and Christmas
It's time to Share Our Blessings for the Holidays!
 
A number of seasonal Outreach projects have been designed for you and your family to participate in various ways. 
 
Advent Tree Gifts - ornaments on the Advent tree list the items needed for the project the St. James Youth & Children will complete for forgotten seniors in a local nursing facility. Take an ornament, buy the item and return it to St. James 15th
Hams for Field's Holiday Food Baskets ($$)
Crosslines Share Your Christmas (focus on Seniors) ($$)
 
Special remembrances for St. James shut-ins ($$)
Youth and Children
EKC and EYC: This week Ms. Kimby will be in with Mother Cathy helping out in the Bolivar church. Please have your child pick-up a children's bulletin with your Sunday bulletin to read, color and enjoy! We will have Sunday School next week and don't forget the family Advent Event after church on the 19th! (See announcement above for more information.)
We would love to hear from you! Share pictures, video, thoughts or questions with on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StJamesSpringfield
2021 Advent Word prompt words announced
The prompts for 2021 #AdventWord are:
  • December 3: Fulfill
  • December 4: Heart
  • December 5: Praise
  • December 6: Everlasting
  • December 7: Offering
  • December 8: Messenger
  • December 9: Splendor
  • December 10: Repent
  • December 11: CompassionDecember 12: Expectation
  • December 13: Share
  • December 14: Exult
  • December 15: Stir
  • December 16: Gladness
  • December 17: Bountiful
  • December 18: Sing
  • December 19: Blessed
  • December 20: Feed
  • December 21: Generations
  • December 22: Magnify
  • December 23: Flock
  • December 24: Greeting
  • December 25: Child