2024 Worship Services
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Sunday, December 22, 2024
Promise
SCRIPTURE: Micah 5:2–5a; Luke 1:26-38 (39-45) (NRSVue)
The pace of Advent quickens as Mary hastens to visit her elderly cousin, Elizabeth. Upon their meeting, Elizabeth’s unborn child leaps with joy and the Holy Spirit fills Elizabeth’s spirit with a joyous proclamation of faith. We celebrate the arrival of the holy child—the one who reverses fortunes and re-creates the world with justice and peace.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Antuan Hairston, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Presence
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:7-18 (NRSVue)
On this third Sunday of Advent, joy is prevalent throughout our scriptures. Isaiah proclaims trust in God, which is a great reason to sing God’s praises. The story from Luke brings us the word of warning: be generous with those in need and be fair in our dealings with others. There is one coming who is greater than John and who has the power to draw us into the ways of God.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
Attention: Due to technical difficulties, today’s service is divided into 2 separate videos.
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Austin Morse, Narrator
- Todd Butler, Trumpet
- Michelle Chisholm, Soloist
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Passion
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 3:1-6 (NRSVue)
The message of God’s salvation is like a refiner’s fire or fullers’ soap, cleansing us of our impurities. While the advent of the Messiah is marked with hopeful expectation, preparing for this arrival places demands on our lives. With words that confront our complacency, John the Baptist warns us to repent and amend our ways. Christ is coming, bringing hope, eagerness, and anticipation. But Christ’s coming is also like a refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap, which should give us pause and fill us with trepidation.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Praise Team
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Preparations
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36 (NRSVue)
The Season of Advent is upon us! This means the tradition and remembering of the songs and stories from our beginnings. This season can be a powerful invitation to grow as disciples as we grow closer to Christ.
This Advent season we will consider the Preparation and the Passion of Advent so that we might embrace the Presence and Promise of the Christ who comes. And through all of them, we will gather to worship. So, come, let us adore him.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Everstine, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, November 24, 2024
First of All…
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 126; Matt 6:25-33 (CEB)
As we go through the month of November, many people start to think about the things that they are thankful for. But for followers of Christ, thankfulness is not just something we should focus on during one month a year. Living a life of Christian thankfulness looks different from the secular thankfulness of celebrating turkey day. Are you living a life of turkey thankfulness or of Christian thankfulness?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, November 17, 2024
The Tone of Thanksgiving
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 105:1-7 (CEB)
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Nancy Everstine, Certified Lay Servant
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Amanda Yoo, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, November 10, 2024
How to Live
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4: 4-9 (CEB)
As we go through the month of November, many people start to think about the things that they are thankful for. But for followers of Christ, thankfulness is not just something we should focus on during one month a year. Living a life of Christian thankfulness looks different from the secular thankfulness of celebrating turkey day. Are you living a life of turkey thankfulness or of Christian thankfulness?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Servant
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Praise Team
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Legacy and Love
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 22: 34-40 NRSVUE
As this series draws to a close, we may feel more or less resolved in our openness to each other. Loving our neighbors–including relatives, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers–as ourselves is no simple task. We need God. We need the love of God to show us mercy and strength to love as God loves. We need the story of Jesus–the one who loved across the lines that had been drawn in the society of his day but who also stood up for the least and the lost. We need faith that no matter the strain of differing positions, policies, and politics, we will move forward in love. Disagreeing need not be in opposition to love and grace. our world depends on all of us working for a better world filled with more kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-26 NRSVUE
Today, we continue our worship series that invites us to extend ourselves beyond the divisions we feel in this world. This week, we consider what it means to respect each other, irrespective of our differences. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T., find out what it means to me,” so sang Aretha Franklin. And she convinced us that it means a lot. Sometimes we think having respect means to agree or be the same. But that is not actually the depth of what respect is about. It comes from the Latin respectus which means “the act of looking at one often, to consider, to observe.” We are called to respect by tending to one another–regarding each other, considering each other–early and often. The reality is that common ground is sometimes not possible. As so as we live on uncommon ground, what can we do to keep tending to one another as “kin” worthy of respect despite our differences?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Listen More, Speak Less: Humility
SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4: 1-6 NRSVUE
The root of the word “human” is the same as the word “humility.” It all means literally “on the ground.” From dust we came, and to dust we shall return. When we hear each other’s fears, anxieties, and pain, we can return to the ground of hope… that we are all experiencing the pains of being human. This week we remember to look first at our neighbor as a person, not a position. Beginning conversations this way may help us to stay human and “on the ground” with one another rather than needing to come out “on top.”
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Servant
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, October 13, 2024
The Polarization Within: Compassion
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 11: 6-9 NRSVUE
Today, we continue our worship series that invites us to consider the qualities that will help us navigate the divisions we are experiencing in our world. This week, we consider compassion. Why do we need this quality more than ever now? Because we are complex beings living in a complex world. We sometimes deal with conflict within us in addition to the conflict between us. Research tells us that because we humans are desperate for a sense of cohesion and belonging in these confusing times, we are hanging onto ideological generalities instead of treating ourselves and each other with the compassion required to alleviate despair. Compassion grows when we are able to know ourselves and one another on a deeper level and act out of understanding.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Praise Team
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Blue and Red Make Purple: Kindness
SCRIPTURE: Luke 6: 31-36, NRSVUE
Today we begin a bold and brave worship series in which we face the spiritual consequences of the divisions in our society. With divisiveness–and anxiety about that divisiveness–at an all-time high, how does our faith equip us to survive, and perhaps even thrive spiritually, in this moment? There is no more important time to be talking about the “doing unto others” in ways that we hope will foster kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love in the world than right now. The scriptures offer a clear message: caring for one another as persons not positions, is at the core of our faith.
We’ll start with this fun fact: more than 99% of our DNA is the same from one human to another.
We’ll start with this fun fact: more than 99% of our DNA is the same from one human to another.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Bless
SCRIPTURE: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50 (NRSVue)
The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is To Hope and Act with Creation
Celebrate and work with those in common cause for Creation across affiliation; lift up the young (Mk 9). Learn to see the world as generous, beautiful, and supportive along with Jesus and Francis (Lk 12).
Celebrate and work with those in common cause for Creation across affiliation; lift up the young (Mk 9). Learn to see the world as generous, beautiful, and supportive along with Jesus and Francis (Lk 12).
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Children’s Message
Sunday, September 22, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 31:10-31; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 (NRSVue)
The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is To Hope and Act with Creation
The desire for greatness (Mk 9) and greed for pleasure (Jm 3) are opposed to God’s way and destroy Creation. In Creation Justice There are many witness of women to celebrate including St. Brigid, St. Hildegard von Bingen, Rachel Carson, Sallie McFague, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Elizabeth Johnson, Annie Dillard, Wangari Maathai, Katharine Hayhoe, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Greta Thunberg.
The desire for greatness (Mk 9) and greed for pleasure (Jm 3) are opposed to God’s way and destroy Creation. In Creation Justice There are many witness of women to celebrate including St. Brigid, St. Hildegard von Bingen, Rachel Carson, Sallie McFague, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Elizabeth Johnson, Annie Dillard, Wangari Maathai, Katharine Hayhoe, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and Greta Thunberg.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, September 15, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 (NRSVue)
The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is To Hope and Act with Creation
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures.
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures.
However, the times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used and abused.
What could it mean to “take up one’s cross and follow Jesus” regarding creation. This may fit well with the focus on “Acting” in a Climate Care ministry.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
Sunday, September 8, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22:1-2; 8-9; 22-23; James 2:1-17; Mark 7: 24-37 (NRSVue)
The theme for the Season of Creation 2024 is To Hope and Act with Creation
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures.
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures.
However, the times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used and abused.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future.
To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and be quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles.
Do we know what’s going on in the struggles? Do we know what’s to be decided?
This week we will focus on Learning by reviewing recent theological calls to action.
This week we will focus on Learning by reviewing recent theological calls to action.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
Sunday, September 1, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Song of Solomon 2: 8-13; James 1: 17-27; Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21 23 (NRSVue)
The Season of Creation takes place from September 1 through October 4. This is an ecumenical season for Christian communities around the world to celebrate God as Creator and all of God’s creation. We remember our call as human beings and people of faith to care for, respect, and live in right relationship with our non-human fellow creatures.
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Speaker
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Let’s Praise the Lord
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100
Nothing is alone; we are interconnected and interdependent on one another and all of creation. We need God, maker, redeemer, and sustainer of all creation. So today… let’s just Praise the Lord!
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Speaker
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Community Produces Life
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104: 1,14-15,24-25, 31
Nothing in creation is wholly alone. We are designed to live in communities alongside people who love and support us, as well as within communities of other creatures—such as plants and animals—which we respect, love, care for, and rely on for sustenance. We understand that kinship means many different members and neighbors are needed for all to thrive and flourish. An important lesson is that a community is not just people we like. A human community is a diverse, interconnected, mutually dependent neighborhood that welcomes newcomers.
All human communities are in relationship with the land community that includes and surrounds us.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Speaker
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Antuan Hairston, Vocalist
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Air Sustains Life
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104: 29-33
All life on Earth depends on air. The Scriptures teach us this precious air is the very wind and breath of God, who hovered over the waters at creation and who breathes life into everything—including humans (Genesis 2:7) and animals (Psalm 104:30)! In the book of Acts, the rushing wind is the Holy Spirit, God’s own self, who comes to meet Jesus’ followers to bring them power and life. Air—and the oxygen in it—is a gift all creatures share and depend on. Reflect on you own breath- (breathing in and breathing out) how air is throughout all of creation and how air gives and sustains life in every moment of every day. Perhaps we can think of it as breathing in God’s grace and breathing out God’s praise!
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Barbara Cook, Vocalist
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Water Hydrates Life
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104: 5-13, 25-26
Water is fundamental to all life on Earth. It travels invisibly in underground pipes toward our taps for many of us, but for most people and creatures throughout the world and history, it is a precious resource God provides naturally through cycles of precipitation. The symbol of baptismal water is at the heart of the Christian faith.
As the poet of Psalm 65 reminds us, God brings the rain and waters the whole earth. There is also an ethical call to provide clean drinking water access for all creatures. Today we will connect joyfully with the tactile dimensions of water as a way of celebrating this precious gift.
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Jane Ohlmacher, Guest Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
Sunday, July 28, 2024
All Who Hunger
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104: 13-15, 27-28
Food is a gift: it is the energy that gives us life. Food is also something every living creature needs, and it is one of our most profound, daily connections to the world around us. All food comes from God through the earth’s provision. We are called to cultivate food responsibly, and we should eat food with gratitude. Genesis 1 reminds us of how “good” all the elements of creation are—including the plants giving seeds we can grow for food. How might we respond to God’s good gifts? Perhaps by giving back to God, providing for those in need, and honoring the cycles of food in the land.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Speaker
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Shelter Protects Life
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104: 1-9
Shelter is an essential need for humans and other living things: like us, creatures and many plants also need different kinds of protection to survive and thrive. The Scriptures teach us the whole earth depends on God’s care and protection (God is a rock, a fortress, and a provider). We are called to provide shelter for one another as we inhabit a world shared with other creatures.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Edie Candee, Liturgist
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Let’s Praise the Lord
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104
Today we begin a new series grounded with Psalm 104. in the coming weeks we have work to do.
While humans are a part of God’s creation, we too often forget to consider the needs every living thing has for shelter, food, water, air, and community. We also need to explore the ways humans can have compassion for the more-than-human world regarding those needs.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
Sunday, July 7, 2024
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
This third week of the “Open Your Heart” series asks us to consider living with weakness and with strength. It takes an amazing amount of humility to recognize that some of the most important teachings of life are pretty basic and really simple—like faith.
Jesus Christ, the crucified Lord, calls us to believe the good news of salvation. 2 Cor. 12:9 His grace is sufficient for us.
Let us enter into God’s new realm rejoicing, not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Everstine, Liturgist
Sunday, June 30, 2024
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8: 7-15
Where do we turn in times of trial? The psalmist invites us to wait for the Lord, more than those who wait for the morning, for God is faithful and true. In Mark’s Gospel, both the leader of the synagogue and the woman with the issue of blood turn to Jesus for healing.
And since the Christian community is the body of Christ, Paul invites us to turn to one another in our need. When others turn to us, Paul urges us to respond with love and generosity. Giving is an expression of a heart open to grace and to loving God and neighbor.
And since the Christian community is the body of Christ, Paul invites us to turn to one another in our need. When others turn to us, Paul urges us to respond with love and generosity. Giving is an expression of a heart open to grace and to loving God and neighbor.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Reena DeBerry, Vocalist
Sunday, June 23, 2024
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13
How very good and pleasant it is when sisters and brothers live together in unity!
Inhale the calming presence of God, then exhale the chaos wreaking havoc on your hearts.
As Christ speaks, “Peace! Be still,” feel your spirit relax and release the tempest all around.
Inhale the calming presence of God, then exhale the chaos wreaking havoc on your hearts.
As Christ speaks, “Peace! Be still,” feel your spirit relax and release the tempest all around.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
Sunday, June 16, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 20
Today’s SCHEDULED scriptures invite us to observe the work of our Covenant God—the One who sees the king inside the child David, the greatest of all the shrubs inside the smallest of seeds, and the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. The Gospel reading reminds us that the mystery of growth and transformation unfolds over time. Paul reminds us that death makes way for the birth of God’s new creation for all who live for Christ. OUR FOCUS IS ON PSALM 20: When we experience trouble along the way, the shepherd-boy-turned-king, David, invites us to place our trust in God.
8:30 am – Chapel in the Woods
9:15 am – Friendship Time
9:50 am – Ringing of the Bell
10:00 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Edie Candee, Liturgist
- Austin Morse, Children’s Message
Sunday, June 9, 2024
SCRIPTURE: John 10: 1-10, 27-28
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Nancy Everstine, CLS
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Jane Ohlmacher, Guest Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
Sunday, June 2, 2024
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
God is full of surprises. The psalmist is surprised to be known so completely and to be so fearfully and wonderfully made. May we continue to be surprised, and may we use this surprise to continue God’s work in the world.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Trinity Sunday
SCRIPTURE: John 1: 1-5, 14, John 14: 10, 2 Corinthians 3: 17, Matthew 28: 18-20, 2 Corinthian 13: 14
Today is Trinity Sunday, a time to celebrate the fullness of God in the persons of the GOD-Father, GOD- Son, and GOD-Holy Spirit. This triune God is the one revealed by Christ when he was lifted up to bring us eternal life. The inner life of God is so holy and awe-inspiring that we are truly born from above when we are brought into communion with the Holy One.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Edie Candee, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
- Praise Team
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Transformational Pentecost
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 16: 13-20, Acts 2: 1-21, Romans 12; 1-16
The Spirit is alive and moves among us as it did in the early church! The end of our series will offer us an opportunity to commit ourselves to some important and concrete goals for our mission in the world. We are a church called to mobilize to alleviate suffering and proclaim resurrection hope through power of the Holy Spirit!
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Servant
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Calmed
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16-20, Philippians 4:4-9, Romans 15: 4-7, 13
Mental illness is one of the most common, devastating, and yet stigmatized maladies of our time. If this is an “Age of Anxiety,” we must be a church of healers and hope-givers. We will pray for those who deal with various forms of trauma and the consequences of mental illness, those who care for them, and open compassion for our own struggles.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Liberated
SCRIPTURE: John 21:9-19, Psalm 146, Exodus 3: 1-15
This country is made up of so many who escaped to the “promised land” from oppressive regimes. Throughout history, people have had to flee situations of horror. Even within our country and in our own time, there are those who live with oppression and fear. We seek to widen our understanding of what we must do to continue to work for liberation on so many fronts.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Healed
SCRIPTURE: John 21:1-8, Genesis 32: 24-32, Mark 5: 24-34
Illness of mind, body, or spirit can sap us of our life passion and energy. Sometimes illness can change the course of our lives forever, asking us to adapt in ways we never imagined. And while illness is not visited upon anyone by God’s design, sometimes limitations open our eyes to other possibilities. Today we will look for a different perspective on how we deal with any life-altering situation.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Edie Candee, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Laural Clark, Handbell Director
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Found
SCRIPTURE: Luke 24: 36-43, Psalm 84, John 10: 11-18
Have we missed seeing the things God is doing now in our lives and in our world? Jesus invites us to live with joy, constantly alert for signs of God’s grace around and within us. God is present and at work. Grace and salvation are here, and are available to us in abundance. There is cause for authentic celebration!
Note: Due to technical difficulties, only the audio is available for this service.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Antuan Hairston, Liturgist
- Austin Morse, Children’s Message
- Praise Team
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Released
SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-23, Psalm 121, Nehemiah 9:9-15
In 12-step programs, the first step is admitting powerlessness over anything that threatens to destroy our connection to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to others. This week, we consider the variety of ways addiction occurs in our lives. We will celebrate the Good News that we can refocus our lives onto things that lead us to life and connection to the Holy.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Chancel Choir
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Freed
SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:13-32; Romans 8: 12-25; Acts 16: 16-34
Have we missed seeing the things God is doing now in our lives and in our world? Jesus invites us to live with joy, constantly alert for signs of God’s grace around and within us. God is present and at work. Grace and salvation are here, and are available to us in abundance. There is cause for authentic celebration!
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Chancel Choir
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday
Look Up
SCRIPTURE: Mark 16: 1-7; Psalm 118; Acts 10: 34-43
We have all gathered to receive good news. That is what we boldly proclaim today: in the midst of all that brings us down, we can look up in this moment and know that we are not alone and that life and love wins.
Three days had passed. The women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, according to custom. No doubt the journey to the tomb was heavy. Perhaps they approached with heads lowered in defeat and grief. But then they looked up and it changed their lives. The barrier that they thought would be there was gone and what they discovered instead was life. Will we look up? Will we look up from our complacency, apathy, fear and depression about “the way things are” and be filled with the promise of new life and hope yet again? Will we be part of the raising up of humanity? We can say yes to this, for Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Jim Quindlen, Liturgist
- Austin Morse, Children’s Message
- Chancel Choir
- Jane Ohlmacher, Piano
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
Sit Up
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 118; John 12: 12-16
Make no mistake, the powers-that-be in Jerusalem sat up and took notice at the actions of Jesus and his motley crew of palm-waving followers on that morning. It was a show of the “power” of love and injustice for the “least of these,” in stark juxtaposition to the military might of the Roman rulers. It was a non-violent action featuring a man sitting on a donkey — an action that has offered hope throughout the ages. Will we sit up and take notice of the injustice of this world and work to eradicate it in ways that honor that first Palm Sunday parade?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Antuan Hairston, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Laural Clark, Handbell Choir Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Lift Up
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 51; John 12: 20-33
“When nothing else would help, love lifted me!” says the old Gospel song. To be lifted up is to be drawn into the love of God. Jesus drew all kinds of people to him during his short tenure on earth, drawing no boundaries for who was invited into that love. As his hour to die drew nearer, he spread the message that all things would be enveloped in his love even after he was gone. What uplifting message will we pass on to others?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Austin Morse, Liturgist
- Tainya Clarke, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Light Up the World
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 107; John 3:14-21
John 3:16 is probably one of the most infamous and oft-quoted scriptures in the Bible. What follows that verse is important for our Lenten journey. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world, but to offer it saving light. As believers in that light, we are called to be those who will continue to light up the world through our lives so that the world might see the hope it yearns for.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Donna Benson, Certified Lay Servant
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Jeremiah Ross, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Raise Up
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 19; John 2:13-22
The story of Jesus’ response to the temple being made into a marketplace was profound and may have been another step toward his ultimate demise on the cross. He refers to raising up a new temple in three days — something his disciples later remembered as a foretelling of his resurrection. How might we raise up as the Body of Christ and be a holy temple — a holy dwelling place of God — in the world?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, February 25, 2024
Take Up
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 22; Mark 8:31-38
Jesus was very clear that following him might not be a smooth ride. He was bound to choose the just way, not the easy way, through life. To take up the cross was to lose one’s life — to let go of certain expectations of safety and acceptance in order to stand for the Gospel message of love.
How are we to take up the causes of Jesus — justice, righteousness, and mercy in our day?
How are we to take up the causes of Jesus — justice, righteousness, and mercy in our day?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
Note: Due to technical difficulties, the video froze, so only audio is available for this service.
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Children’s Message
- Laural Clark, Handbell Director
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Come Up
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 25; Mark 1: 9-15
Lent is often known as a time of giving something up in order to make room in our lives for spiritual pursuits. Rather than just “giving up” in Lent, the scriptures ask us to consider all that Jesus is “up to” and all that he asks us to be up to in his name. Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, or used to do, in a culture where “measuring up” to external standards seems impossible, this Lent we will celebrate the small things that we can do right now to respond to God’s call in our place, for our time.
The first Sunday of this series brings us to the moment at which Jesus comes up out of the waters of baptism to hear, “You are my beloved.” We are called to come up out of the depths of whatever seeks to keep us under and know that we are beloved of God.
Come up, for now is the time to be fully who you are created to be for the sake of the world.
Come up, for now is the time to be fully who you are created to be for the sake of the world.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Praise Team
Sunday, February 11, 2024
Becoming People of God: Be the Light and Let it Shine
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
The shared themes in these sections are a study in contrasts: silence vs. speaking, seeing vs. blindness, hearing vs. silence, light vs. shadows, calm vs. storm, faithfulness vs. abandonment. More specifically, what is heard or spoken in the midst of what is kept silent; what light or revelation or understanding is found in the midst of what is shadowed or veiled, hidden or confused.
What do the encounters with glory call Peter, James, and John to do? What do they call us to do?
If Jesus wouldn’t let the disciples stay on the mountaintop and reminisce about the glorious sight they once encountered there, then we can’t either. This is what it means to go into the mission field.
As we head toward the Lenten season, which commences on Wednesday, lets ponder:
How will transfiguration lead to transformation in the coming season?
If Jesus wouldn’t let the disciples stay on the mountaintop and reminisce about the glorious sight they once encountered there, then we can’t either. This is what it means to go into the mission field.
As we head toward the Lenten season, which commences on Wednesday, lets ponder:
How will transfiguration lead to transformation in the coming season?
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist Jelinda Blum,
- Children’s Message Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Becoming People of God: Wings Like Eagles
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40; Mark 1:29-39
The season of Epiphany slowly moves from the darkness of waiting to the expansive light of awareness. These scriptures tell the story of our call from God and our discipleship journey. We cannot become the people of God without responding to God’s call on our lives.
God’s call informs the readings from both Jonah and Mark. The scriptures taken together reflect human distraction and willfulness and the need to be grounded in God.
We cannot become the people of God without responding to God’s call on our lives. As in music or a dance, think of our journey of becoming the people of God antiphonally (sound in return), we recognize that both God’s call and our response are needed to build the kin-dom of God on earth as it is in heaven.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Austin Morse, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Becoming People of God: Among the People
SCRIPTURE: Deut 18:15-20 Mark 1:21-28 (CEB)
We listened for the voice of God with Samuel, Philip, and Nathanael. With Jonah, Simon, Andrew, James, and John, we received the persistent and grace-filled invitation to participate with God in living out the fullness of God’s kingdom right here and right now. So, what’s next? Where does the path take us now? Discernment. When we discern the movement of God in our individual and communal lives, we are continuing the call-and-response between us and God, depending on God’s grace and guidance to show us where to go, what to do, and who to be. We practice discernment by noticing the places God is at work among us as we are ‘Becoming the People of God’.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Antuan Hairston, Liturgist
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
- Laural Clark, Handbell Director
- Saint James Handbell Choir
Sunday, January 21, 2024
Becoming People of God: Again and Again
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Mark 1:14-20 (CEB)
The season of Epiphany slowly moves from the darkness of waiting to the expansive light of awareness. These scriptures tell the story of our call from God and our discipleship journey. We cannot become the people of God without responding to God’s call on our lives.
God’s call informs the readings from both Jonah and Mark. The scriptures taken together reflect human distraction and willfulness and the need to be grounded in God.
We cannot become the people of God without responding to God’s call on our lives. As in music or a dance, think of our journey of becoming the people of God antiphonally (sound in return), we recognize that both God’s call and our response are needed to build the kin-dom of God on earth as it is in heaven.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Clarice Snyder, Organist/Pianist
- Barbara Cook, Liturgist
- Jelinda Blum, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Becoming People of God: Your Servant is Listening
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) John 1:43-51 (CEB)
We hear God’s word in many ways. In Genesis 1, God speaks and creation begins. Psalm 29 describes God’s voice as a mighty wind. As Jesus rises from the waters of the river Jordan, he hears God speak words of blessing. At the start of a new calendar year, we begin anew. As we celebrate the baptism of the Lord, we celebrate new beginnings, for God is always at work, creating and calling forth blessings.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Mary Anne Espenshade, Liturgist
- Edie Candee, Children’s Message
- Saint James Chancel Choir
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Becoming People of God: Bread, Bath & More
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1: 1-5; Mark 1: 4-11
We hear God’s word in many ways. In Genesis 1, God speaks and creation begins. Psalm 29 describes God’s voice as a mighty wind. As Jesus rises from the waters of the river Jordan, he hears God speak words of blessing. At the start of a new calendar year, we begin anew. As we celebrate the baptism of the Lord, we celebrate new beginnings, for God is always at work, creating and calling forth blessings.
9:20 am – Ringing of the Bell
9:30 am – Live and Online Worship in the Sanctuary
10:30 am – Friendship Time
- Rev. Patricia Abell, Pastor
- Antuan Hairston, Director of Music Ministry
- Jane Ohlmacher, Guest Organist/Pianist
- Nancy Janson, Liturgist
- Donna Benson, Children’s Message