Weekly e-Epistle from St. James' Mill Creek

Weekly e-Epistle

from

St. James' Mill Creek

Wilmington, Delaware

September 3rd, 2023

We'd love for you to join us!

We would be pleased if you joined us in person or online from the comfort of your home for church services via Facebook Live at 9:30am.

https://www.facebook.com/StJamesEpiscopalChurchMillCreek/

Sunday Bulletin (Sept. 3rd)

When Jesus says the words, "Get behind me, Satan!" to Peter, it's enough to catch any of us off-guard, since we rarely hear words like that from Jesus. What makes these words even tougher for us to hear is that they are to Peter, who just moments before this instance had heard from Jesus, "You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church."

It's quite a turn of events, but it's par for the course for Peter. Sometimes he's gets it so right, but other times he gets it so wrong. His understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, though, may not be too different from the one that we want to hold onto and embrace: he wants a triumphant Messiah, one who will not be killed, one who will not be given over to the detested chief priests and scribes.

Jesus's rebuke, though, may be so strong because the temptation is indeed there for him to follow through on Peter's desire for him, to rise up and rule in a triumphant manner, rightfully sitting on the throne of David. Such an act, though, does not bring redemption. It would not help the Son of Man understand the suffering of the most vulnerable, and it would prevent Him from understanding the depths of suffering that humanity might face. It's a reminder, to Peter and to us, that Jesus's suffering on the cross was a choice that was made for us, so that we might be drawn closer to God and so that God might be drawn closer to us.

Lemonade in the Circle “Thank You”!

Thank you to Eileen Marvel for scheduling and organizing our summer Sunday “Lemonade in the Circle.” Each week was a great time to gather, and the weather seemed to be in our favor almost every Sunday. Thanks to everyone who helped, and we’ll see you in the circle next summer!

*Picture by Jenny V.

Coffee Hour - Sundays after Church beginning September 10th

As “Lemonade in the Circle” comes to a close, Coffee Hour resumes on September 10 in the Great Hall. Please plan to come over after the service and enjoy coffee, tea, treats, and fellowship!

The parish office will be closed Monday, September 4th for Labor Day. Thank you very much for your kindness and understanding.

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day!

Greetings from Russ's Angels team captain, Margaret Russ.

As I mentioned back in June- Russ’s Angels will be walking again this year, hard to believe it’s our 13^th year.

If you want to join our team the walk is Saturday 10/28/23. Use the link below to join. Once you click on my page you will see where you can join the team.

Would love to have you. The walk is at the Wilmington River Front.

Many of have already donated to the team, THANK YOU. For those of you have been waiting here are the ways you can donate.

There are three ways to do it.

Use the link to my page http://act.alz.org/goto/margaretruss
You can mail/hand me a check, written to Alzheimer's Association
Or hand me cash at Church.

Please feel free to reach out to me, Margaret Russ with any questions or to chat.

russmags@hotmail.com

443-945-7230

ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS

Giving altar flowers is a wonderful way to give special thanks at various times in our lives. The flowers beautify the church and help us all to remember and thank God for our many blessings.

Anyone is welcome to give altar flowers in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving or celebration of a special event . The cost is $46, and the Flower Guild will order the flowers and place them on the altar. You may send a check to the parish office along with a note for the date you wish to give flowers and the person or event you are remembering. Liz will add your remembrance in the worship bulletin for the appropriate Sunday.

Any questions, please call Pat Minor at 302-738-3753

*Picture by Larry Heinold

St. James' Mission and Outreach updates

Sharing God’s gifts with others

Reaching out to those in need

And serving them with dignity and respect…

New Castle County HOPE Center-for Individuals and Families in need of temporary housing and support services.

What started as temporary housing during the cold weather of 2020-2021 has grown into a permanent center that provides housing and support services for individuals and families who are without adequate housing in New Castle County. New Castle County (NCC) purchased the former Sheraton Hotel on Airport Rd (now named the New Castle County HOPE Center) and kept the hotel management staff to keep the facility running. Working together, many non-profit organizations including Family Promise provide various services and support for individuals and families to obtain emergency and more significant housing and medical, psychological, and job skills opportunities as well. The hotel can accommodate 400 and suites and adjoining rooms are given to families and enable households to stay together. Housing is coordinated through the Delaware Housing Alliance.

If you know of anyone who needs this housing, please ask them to call 1-833-FIND-BED (1-833-3463-233) and leave a message.

How can you help?

Review the list below and see where you might be able to help.

Current items needed:

Hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, and soap (regular and travel size)
Individual sized peanut butter crackers, tuna, microwavable meals (pastas, soups, etc.)
Non-alcohol hand sanitizer
Tide pods or other laundry pods
NEW Underwear, and socks - all sizes, children through adult
New or gently used t-shirts and light jacket
New books for adults and children

Please drop the items off:

· Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parish hall porch

Please place your donations in the bin labeled Donations for HOPE Center on the porch of the parish hall. Liz will bring in the bin and any donated items at 12:30 p.m.

· On Sunday, there is a container in the foyer of the church.

We take the donations to the distribution center about every two weeks.

Thank you,

St. James' Mission/Outreach Ministry

Prayer Team Updates

The prayer team continues to lift up prayer requests shared by parishioners through emails or calls to the church office at 302-994-1584, to individual members of the prayer team, or requests left in the prayer basket in the church foyer. We collect the prayer requests and other concerns of the parish, community, and world. They are compiled weekly and then these requests are lifted up in the daily prayers of the team members. All are welcome and encouraged to share their prayers.

For those who have an immediate prayer need, we invite you to email your prayer needs and request to Carolyn Mack at cdmack37@gmail.com or call 302-565-8675

St. James' Pastoral Care Team

St. James' Pastoral Care Team continues to support our parish family and our community.

If you or someone you know is in need, we:

· send cards, make phone calls, and pray with you and/or for you.

· Make home, hospital, and Eucharistic visits.

Please call the office (302-994-1584) and leave a message. Someone will get back to you. Messages are retrieved daily, seven days a week.

Please let us know if you need us or someone you know needs us. We will not know if you do not tell us.

“Blessful” Meditations

We all know that life can be a little stressful and hectic sometimes. We hope that by reading this short bible passage and watching a relaxing video will help you take a moment and reflect on God’s gifts.

Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.