Julie Murray

Choose from lilies ($12), assorted tulips ($11) pink azaleas ($17), blue hydrangeas ($17) and daffodils ($11). Please complete the form and return to the church office, along with your payment. You may email your form to admin@stjamescincy.org. Checks are payable to St. James (with Easter flowers in the memo line).
You may also pay online. Order forms available at church or contact the office. Deadline to order is March 31.

My Neighbor’s Place needs a volunteer once a month on a Monday to pick up food from the Freestore Food Bank on River Road and bring it to My Neighbor’s Place. He/she will need a truck or SUV type car that can hold the equivalent a flat of canned goods and other items. Many of our Monday volunteers do this with another volunteer. It takes less than two hours to complete the task. 

MNP also needs volunteer drivers on Wednesday mornings during food pantry hours. This would be a once a month commitment from 10:00-noon. The volunteer would use the church van to drive some neighbors home after getting food.  

If you are interested in volunteering, email sarah@westwoodunitedmethodist.org to get connected with the Food Pantry team.  

The Annual Meeting of the congregation of St. James will be Sunday, February 23, after the 10 a.m. service.

Now is the time to consider whether God might be calling you to serve St. James in an elected position. The vestry is seeking nominations for these positions:

• Senior Warden – 1 year term [Previous vestry service required]
• Junior Warden – 1 year term – [Previous vestry service required]
• Vestry Members – Up to 4 for varying term lengths
• Trustee – 3 year term [Responsible for endowment fund decisions]
• Diocesan Convention Delegates – Two for 2 year term
• Diocesan Convention Alternates – Two for 1 year term

It’s not too late to make a commitment to supporting St. James financially in 2025! If you would still like to pledge, there are Giving Project packets and pledge forms in the narthex. The forms can be given to the office or put in the collection plate. Pledges can also be submitted online at: https://tinyurl.com/St-James-2025-Pledge-Form.

If you have made a pledge, there are several ways to fulfill your commitment:

• Set up a regular payment through your bank’s bill pay system.
• Donate via the St. James website. We very much appreciate those who cover the fees associated with making payments.
• Write a check.
• Put cash in an envelope. Paul Schneider can provide envelopes at any time.
• IRA required minimum distribution: If you’re over 70 ½ years old, you can direct an IRA required minimum distribution as your 2025 pledge. If you have any questions, speak to your financial advisor or Paul Schneider.
  

We also are grateful to all who donate on a regular basis with pledging as well as those who give as they are able. It takes support from everyone for St. James to fulfill its mission.

The Adult Discussion Group has returned on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. We will start the season reading and discussing the Sunday’s scriptures, in preparation for the sermon. Our discussions are lively and open. The group meets in the Quiet Room at the end of the hallway on the lower level. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Brian Mickle.

The choir has begun rehearsals. If you’re willing to lend your voice to making a joyful noise to God and for God’s people in worship, contact our Music Director Betty Richardson. Choir practice is Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Choir Room.

With the high cost of groceries, many food pantries, including Westfed, are running short of food items. If you are able, please participate in our monthly food collection for our Westwood neighbors.

Westfed Food Pantry

This month, St. James is supporting Westfed Food Pantry by collecting bars of soap. Drop off your donation in the box marked Westfed in the narthex by August 4. If you can lend a hand once a month to help pack donations, please contact Linda Whittle.

My Neighbor’s Place

Donations of clothing, household items, and non-perishable food for My Neighbors Place can be dropped off at Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Ave., Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Discretionary Fund donations

Pastor Mary has recently made a number of donations to individuals and neighborhood organizations and schools and would like to make donations to others. If you are in the position to do so, gifts to the St. James Discretionary Fund would be greatly appreciated. You can do so by check or online donation with a notation for the Discretionary Fund

The Bishop of Southern Ohio, the Rt. Rev. Kristin White, will make her first episcopal visitation at St. James on September 8. If you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church or in reaffirming your baptismal vows when Bishop White visits, please let Pastor Mary know by mid-August. 

We have many volunteer opportunities for people who like to get involved in the life of our parish and neighborhood. Here are few below:

Westwood Second Saturday, Aug. 10

Westwood Second Saturdays is a volunteer-run monthly street party in the heart of the Westwood Historic Business District. These themed street parties include craft beer, music, entertainment and activities for all ages! Consider signing up for a shift at the August Westwood Second Saturdays-Feast Event. They have 55 volunteer slots to fill to be able to host the event. There will be a drawing for a $25 gift card for everyone who volunteers. Sign up HERE.

Coffee Hour

We need coffee hour volunteers for some Sundays this summer. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Volunteers handle setup and cleanup and provide the snacks and drinks. If you’ve never hosted coffee hour, someone will be willing to show you the ropes. The sign-up sheet is in the Community Hall near the kitchen door.

Counting and altar guild

Some of the essential tasks that keep parish life humming happen behind the scenes, which makes it less obvious when helped is needed. Counting the Sunday offering and preparing the altar for services are two of these opportunities. Both require an attention to detail that not everyone has, but if you do and are interested we would love to have you. Contact John Goodyear about counting. If you’re curious about Altar Guild, you can find out more by coming to the front of the church any Sunday.

All are invited to join in the fun at Harvest Home Park in Cheviot (3961 N Bend Rd.), on Sunday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will be in the front shelter, close to the parking lot. There will be a short 10 a.m. service at St. James for guests and those unable to attend the picnic. A worship service will take place at Harvest Home around 11 a.m. followed by food and fun!

Brats, hotdogs and burgers will be provided. Water and lemonade will also be provided, but feel free to bring your own beverage if you prefer. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Want to help? Contact Debbie Schoening.