Sacred Ground: A Film Based Dialogue Series on Race and Faith
The clergy of St. James invite you to join them in participating in “Sacred Ground.”
Although our dialogue series has already begun, we are still welcoming members to access the material and work through this powerful curriculum by the Episcopal Church on the subject of race and faith.
In the course of this 10 part series we will read materials and view videos which could transform our hearts and enlighten us as fellow human beings. Each part of the series is rich with reading and viewing. So, we are allowing a whole month for each section to help participants take it all in. Each month starting June 24 we will meet in "Dialogue Circles" to discuss our experience of the materials. The link to these Zoom meetings is HERE.
If you would like access to the rich array of course materials, please sign up in the form on the page HERE.
To read more click HERE.
Although our dialogue series has already begun, we are still welcoming members to access the material and work through this powerful curriculum by the Episcopal Church on the subject of race and faith.
In the course of this 10 part series we will read materials and view videos which could transform our hearts and enlighten us as fellow human beings. Each part of the series is rich with reading and viewing. So, we are allowing a whole month for each section to help participants take it all in. Each month starting June 24 we will meet in "Dialogue Circles" to discuss our experience of the materials. The link to these Zoom meetings is HERE.
If you would like access to the rich array of course materials, please sign up in the form on the page HERE.
To read more click HERE.
Responding to the call to Racial Justice: Recommended Reading List
As we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality in our nation, we are called to listen and explore the origins and systemic nature of racism in order to respond in an informed and compassionate way. We were asked to put together a list of recommended reading to assist us in that endeavor. The following reading list comes from recommendations from the clergy and from members of the St. James community. Please consider choosing a book to add to your summer reading. Two that are required reading for the "Sacred Ground" course (above) are
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
and
Waking Up White (2014) by Debby Irving .
See the complete list HERE.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
and
Waking Up White (2014) by Debby Irving .
See the complete list HERE.
Summer Reading for 2020
Book #1
Virus as Summons to Faith: Biblical Reflections in a Time of Loss, Grief, and Uncertainty by Walter Brueggeman This brand-new publication by one of the most influential Old Testament scholars in the world has been written in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic and is already being called a “must read.” In it Walter Brueggeman offers Biblical and theological reflections on this challenging subject and will make you think more deeply and hopefully about our current situation in light of God’s presence. “In Virus as a Summons to Faith, the summons that Professor Brueggemann hears in the devastation caused by the Covid-19 virus is the same summons that all prophets hear in the midst of calamity: the call into right relationship with Living Presence, a call into deeper, more caring, and mutually beneficial relationship with all that is. In the biblical language that has long been at the core of Brueggemann's thinking, the devastating effects of the virus summon us to renew our covenantal relationship with God and to renew our responsibilities within that relationship." -- Nahum Ward-Lev, from the Foreword It is available for sale online from Wipf and Stock publishers as well as Amazon or can be ordered by your local bookseller. 
Book #2
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren Call it the ideal spiritual companion to quarantine-life or simply a way to bring the sacred into our everyday lives - this book is an invitation to see the holy in the mundane and understand the ways God is present in all our moments and days…where daily life itself becomes a liturgy. This book was the 2018 winner of Christianity Today’s “Book of the Year” in Spiritual Formation and seems as though it were written “for such a time as this.” It is available for purchase online HERE. |
Book #3:
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Even if you have read it before, this classic is always worth re-reading. In Lewis’ masterpiece of Christian satire we read the imaginary letters written between a demon veteran to his demon-in-training nephew named “Wormwood” about all the subtle ways to lead a Christian astray most effectively. Lewis’ style is fun and witty while also deeply insightful about human nature and will get the reader thinking about theology almost effortlessly. In addition, this classic is known to provoke readers into a deeper relationship with God. It is available for sale online, from local booksellers, and free through digital libraries. Daily Reading Companions
In addition to our summer books here are several recommended daily devotionals you may want to add to your daily reading and prayer with short meditations for each day: -Meditations on the Psalms for Every Day of the Year by Barbara Crawthorne Crafton (Available from Church Publishing) -The Radical Christian Life: A Year with Saint Benedict by Joan Chittister (Available from Amazon) -Bits of Heaven: A Summer Companion by Russell J. Levenson Jr (Available from Church Publishing) -Speaking to the Soul: Daily Readings for the Christian Year by Vicki Black (Available from Church Publishing) If you need assistance finding a copy of any of these books, please email rebecca@sjbts.org for information. See also our growing list on Race and Justice HERE. |
The New St. James Organ Finds a Voice
It’s a launch!
On Sunday, January 26th, Fr. Mark announced the campaign for St. James’ new pipe organ. The St. James Organ Project began over two years ago when our previous organ began to fail. After much research, meticulous work by the organ committee, the leadership of the vestry, and input from the congregation, we are pleased to announce this plan for a magnificent new organ.
About the new organ
St. James by-the-Sea is proud to introduce our Rosales/Parsons Pipe Organ, a collaboration of two world-class builders: Manuel Rosales of Rosales Organ Builders in Los Angeles, California, and Parsons Organ Builders of Canandaigua, New York. Together, they have created a masterpiece for St. James with 65 Voices, 75 Ranks, 102 Stops, and 4,408 pipes. The four-manual draw-knob console at the helm of this magnificent instrument gives the organist access to six divisions: Great, Pedal, Swell, Choir, Solo, and Antiphonal.
The design of the organ takes its roots from the classic American style of organ building with traditional choruses and colorful sounds, including beautiful chorus reeds and solo voices. Along with the delicate concert flute, luscious strings, and Great Tromba Chorus, the organ culminates in the stunning Tuba Mirabilis and the one-of-a-kind Tromba Marina above the West Door.
Our Goal. $3.5 million
Building a new organ is a big commitment. This campaign aims to raise $3.5 million. Included is the cost of the organ itself, preparations to our building, and an endowment for organ maintenance and education.
Here’s the good news: we have already raised $2.6 million toward our goal. Members of our congregation have been so supportive and generous that we are almost 75% of the way to our goal.
The church has faced challenges in every generation, and each time the St. James community has risen to make the outcome even better than it was before. As we approach the season of Lent next month, take a moment to prayerfully consider your charitable giving over the next one to three years, and think about how your family can play a vital role in this bold new vision. Every voice matters, and every gift makes a difference.
Learn more
To learn more about the new organ, visit our campaign website, www.StJamesOrgan.com, where you can read about the details of the organ, see more of these beautiful images, and get the latest news on our campaign blog. (Our logo above is also always available on the footer of any page of this website.) Most importantly, spread the word and let this be a season of joy! It is a great privilege for us to embark on such a major project, and a testament to the faith and commitment of our parish community.
On Sunday, January 26th, Fr. Mark announced the campaign for St. James’ new pipe organ. The St. James Organ Project began over two years ago when our previous organ began to fail. After much research, meticulous work by the organ committee, the leadership of the vestry, and input from the congregation, we are pleased to announce this plan for a magnificent new organ.
About the new organ
St. James by-the-Sea is proud to introduce our Rosales/Parsons Pipe Organ, a collaboration of two world-class builders: Manuel Rosales of Rosales Organ Builders in Los Angeles, California, and Parsons Organ Builders of Canandaigua, New York. Together, they have created a masterpiece for St. James with 65 Voices, 75 Ranks, 102 Stops, and 4,408 pipes. The four-manual draw-knob console at the helm of this magnificent instrument gives the organist access to six divisions: Great, Pedal, Swell, Choir, Solo, and Antiphonal.
The design of the organ takes its roots from the classic American style of organ building with traditional choruses and colorful sounds, including beautiful chorus reeds and solo voices. Along with the delicate concert flute, luscious strings, and Great Tromba Chorus, the organ culminates in the stunning Tuba Mirabilis and the one-of-a-kind Tromba Marina above the West Door.
Our Goal. $3.5 million
Building a new organ is a big commitment. This campaign aims to raise $3.5 million. Included is the cost of the organ itself, preparations to our building, and an endowment for organ maintenance and education.
Here’s the good news: we have already raised $2.6 million toward our goal. Members of our congregation have been so supportive and generous that we are almost 75% of the way to our goal.
The church has faced challenges in every generation, and each time the St. James community has risen to make the outcome even better than it was before. As we approach the season of Lent next month, take a moment to prayerfully consider your charitable giving over the next one to three years, and think about how your family can play a vital role in this bold new vision. Every voice matters, and every gift makes a difference.
Learn more
To learn more about the new organ, visit our campaign website, www.StJamesOrgan.com, where you can read about the details of the organ, see more of these beautiful images, and get the latest news on our campaign blog. (Our logo above is also always available on the footer of any page of this website.) Most importantly, spread the word and let this be a season of joy! It is a great privilege for us to embark on such a major project, and a testament to the faith and commitment of our parish community.
Go See Our Photo Galleries of Many Recent Events
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Besides upcoming events, take a look at all the photos we have accumulated for many events over the last few years. Recent photo galleries to appear are of the The White Elephant Sale in February and our new outdoor services.To go to the Photo Galleries click HERE.