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Spiritual Habits - 28 - Facing Sun!!
Meister Eckhart, a great contemplative said it all in this quote above. If we can be grateful, thankful for all the blessings in life, which you and I have plenty of, it will be enough. When I drive I regularly listen to some wise and successful leaders of the world. One common theme I find in their lives is their attitude of gratitude and humility. Their willingness to learn from their mistakes, and their attitude of gratitude to God and others for the good and the bad, made them who they are in this world.
I have learned over the years being thankful is the greatest prayer. If you would like to pray daily without ceasing, without worrying about the correct words to use, and without memorized prayers, then here it is, "Thank you, Lord." Amen. Try this little prayer, and I promise you, your life and those around you will change dramatically.
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving
I am grateful to each of you.
I thank God for you!
Let us together be thankful & make the rainbow!
Fr. Jos
RECTOR
Our Love and Prayers Today!
Our Hearts Awards Today Go to These Two Great People
Elaine Atkinson and Nancy Terry
Elaine Atkinson
One of the first people I came to know at St. James is Elaine. My first dinner in Springfield was at her place before I was called here as your Rector. Then I came to know a lot of ministries that she is engaged in. One of the things I learned through all of these is if Elaine says yes to something, I can rest easy that night. It will be done. The number of outreach projects she is involved in, and the hospitality ministry she leads, all run without a glitch. We are one of the small churches in our diocese that does an enormous work in outreach because of Elaine, and yes, the outreach committee. Am grateful for her, her ideas, her willingness to listen, help, and care for those who need to be loved and supported are all blessings beyond words. If you want a solution to a problem, call her. Thank you, Elaine, for being a gardener of our souls.
Nancy Terry
A very quiet, unassuming lady who comes to church with a smile and an attitude that makes me feel like, "all will be well." Nancy is the other invisible hand of the outreach group. She is faithful in her ministry with the outreach, reading, and praying that I am grateful for the gentleness of her presence and commitment to ministries that change lives. In four years I have learned that she is another person who if she says she will do something, you can take it to the bank. She is a happy human, pleasant to be around. I agree with other people say about Nancy that, "She never has a harsh word to say about anybody," an wonderful gift that we all could learn from. Thank you for being a gardener of our souls!
Who are the gardeners of our souls next week? Any guesses or suggestions? Send to fatherjos@gmail.com
Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving at St. James - November 25th @1 pm
A couple of years ago, that, of course, was prior to the pandemic, we came together for a Friendsgiving celebration at St. James on Thanksgiving Day. It is the celebration of Thanksgiving for those who are alone and don't have families to go to. Bob and Kathleen Jackson provided smoked turkey and ham, and every person who came in brought in a side dish of some sort or pies. If you are alone or would like to be with someone on Thanksgiving day, join us. Bring a dish to share and celebrate Thanksgiving with us. November 25th at 1 pm.
Faithful Waiting With Mary
Advent Women's Retreat and Luncheon
December 4th, 10-12
On December 4th Mother Cathy Cox of Boliver will lead a women's retreat from 10 to 12 noon at St. James. Most of you know who Mother Cathy is. But for others who are new, Cathy is a great teacher, social justice advocate, and a wonderful person to get to know. She is honest, direct, and kind. You will enjoy this time with her if you can carve out about a couple of hours on December 4th, ending with our annual Advent Luncheon at noon.
Elaine Atkinson is preparing for this wonderful annual event to be a great time to connect and care for one another after about two years of isolation. I encourage all women to attend and quick-start your Spiritual Journey during this advent season.
Save December 4th to attend both the retreat and advent luncheon
Advent Soup Suppers and Study
Minuen Odom
Dates: Wednesdays - Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
It is not too soon to plan to attend St. James' Advent 2021 series.
Minuen Odom will lead 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
"How long, O Lord?" It's the central question to our celebration of Advent. How long will we be surrounded by evil? How long will we endure injustice? Maybe most importantly, how long before God intervenes to set it all to rights? It's an important question, and we're far from the first to ask it. This question is also one asked by the prophet Habbakuk as he surveys the world around him. He presses God for an answer in a series of complaints, and the answers that come back aren't necessarily ones that we'd anticipate. So this advent, as our Soup Suppers consider the ways of inhabiting the world that God blesses, be sure to join us in Sunday School as we press for answers about how to understand and respond to the wickedness and oppression that has us imploring, "Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel."
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 Christmas fun together!
Women's Advent Retreat
and Luncheon
Women's Advent Retreat and Luncheon
All Women of St. James are cordially invited to a Women's Advent Retreat and Luncheon.
The event will take place Saturday, December 4th at 10 AM
Mother Cathy Cox will present an Advent Program " Faithful Waiting with Mary." Our traditional Advent luncheon will follow at noon.
This event combines the elements of our past quiet day with a dynamic program, followed by a joyful gathering of our St. James friends and family. We did Not do any "secret Pals" last year due to Covid so there is no need to bring gifts or food. This is a perfect opportunity to donate a small gift from our Advent Tree for a senior or woman in need. It is also a wonderful event to bring a friend who might also need a moment of reflection in this busy season. Please reserve your place at the table with Elaine A. 417-496-6122.
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 ($$)
2021 Advent Word prompt words announced
The prompts for 2021 #AdventWord are:
  • November 28: Promise
  • November 29: Strength
  • November 30: Soul
  • December 1: Path 
  • December 2: Justice
  • 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

Youth and Children
EKC and EYC: This week in 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Paul writes about faith and love for one another as a plea to God's people. As we enter this Advent season let us not forget to be faithful and loving not only to God but to one another. We must remember that the way to love God is to love his creations.
We would love to hear from you! Share pictures, video, thoughts or questions with on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/StJamesSpringfield