News

A Case for Love, a feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of love, will premiere in theaters nationwide on Jan. 23. The film, which includes interviews with Curry and other public figures, as well as individual stories and more, was produced by Episcopalian-led Grace-Based Films. 

The film will be shown at the Cinemark Western Hills 14 at 4 and 4 p.m.

We’re supporting My Neighbor’s Place by donating new socks and underwear for children and adults through January. You can place your donations in the marked box in the narthex. Donations of clothing and small household items can be taken to Westwood United Methodist Church during the week.

If you want to learn more about volunteer opportunities at MNP, talk to Carla Wissel, Sheila Krieger, or Mary Carson. Mary and Carla both serve on the MNP Board.

The Annual Meeting of the congregation of St. James will be held Sunday, February 25 after the 10 a.m. service. At the meeting we will elect parishioners to serve in various capacities, hear reports on the financial state of the parish and other aspects of parish life, and give thanks for parishioners who have served in significant ways in the last year.

We will elect Senior and Junior Wardens, two Vestry members, four delegates and two alternates for Diocesan Convention, and one trustee to oversee St. James’ endowments. Wardens are required by the bylaws to have served on Vestry. Other positions are open to anyone who faithfully attends and contributes to parish life.

Contact one of our current Wardens, John Murray (jkmurray312@gmail.com) or Walt Dewar (waltdewar32@gmail.com) if you are willing to be nominated for any of these positions.

The Giving Project Team is thrilled to announce that we now have a record total for pledges. As of this week, we now have $159,084 committed form 50 households. Of those, 7 are new and 27 are increases. Nearly $8,000 of the $10,264 in the increase from 2023 is from new pledges. Can we make it to $160,000?

You can still submit a pledge commitment online or complete a form at St. James. You can also change your commitment anytime by contacting Paul Schneider, our Treasurer.

This year’s Christmas offering will be divided between the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (https://afedj.org/) for their support of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City and Episcopal Relief and Development’s partnership with HIAS (https://hias.org). You can contribute via check or online here.

Al Ahli Hospital is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and has continued as much as possible to provide medical care in the midst of the war. They need funds to provide desperately needed supplies and for rebuilding after the war.

HIAS (https://hias.org) is an international Jewish humanitarian organization. They are providing mental health support to displaced individuals and groups in Israel, particularly focusing on older adults, refugees and asylum seekers.

We are collecting coats, hats, and gloves for CUP. Please bring new or gently used items for children (most urgent need) and adults and drop off in the box in the narthex by Sunday, December 3. You may also donate directly to CUP to purchase Christmas gifts for their after-school students or to support their food pantry HERE.

La Iglesia Episcopal del Espíritu Santo (The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit) in Forest Park is collecting toys to give to families as a part of this year’s celebration of Las Posadas, a Latin American tradition reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a place for Jesus to be born (the word “posada” literally means “inn” or “lodging”). Toys are needed for elementary age and under.

Toys may be dropped off in the designated box in the narthex by Sunday, Dec. 3. They do not need to be pre-wrapped but, if they are, please remember to attach notes describing what they are so they can be distributed appropriately. Contact Jake Otte, Missioner for Latino Ministries, at 513-335-3536 or jotte@diosohio.org with any questions or to arrange donations of gift cards, checks or cash.

There will be a Newcomers Reception on Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Mary Carson’s home. Everyone who is new to St. James since 2020 is welcome to come and meet Vestry members and members of the Welcoming & Engagement Team. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to the church office at 513-661-1154 or admin@stjamescincy.org.