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In the 25th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus gives us a vivid
reminder of our opportunity to receive Him in our lives every day.
He lays out a judgment scene in a parable, with the Son of Man
separating sheep from goats. The sheep, he indicates, come
forward to inherit the kingdom. The goats, on the other hand,
well, let's just say they don't need any winter coats where they're
going.
What is it that separates them? The Son of Man says, "I was
hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was
naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of
me, I was in prison and you visited me." The sheep ask when they
did this, and Jesus responds, as the King James Version puts it,
like this: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of
these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
This Spring, we have many opportunities to step into Christ's
presence together through worship and study. But we especially
want to highlight some ways we can serve Christ himself by
serving the "least of these." Jesus is hungry in third world
countries; serve him through our Rise Against Hunger event on
April 5. Jesus is hungry right here in Greenville too; so get
involved with St. James' pantry. Jesus' home has been destroyed
on Ocracoke Island; help him rebuild.
Our ministries make an impact in our community and in the
world. But nothing makes them more meaningful than to
remember that we have an opportunity to serve Christ himself:
"Ye have done it unto me." ~ Pastor Ben
• Service Opportunities
• Classes and Small Groups
• Ministries
Rebuilding Ocracoke — Monthly Mission Trips, page 2
St. James Food Pantry — New Time and Day; Renewed Ways to Serve, page 3 Rise Against Hunger — Meal Packing Event at St. James on April 5, 2020, page 4
Classes and Small Groups Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays (TGIW!) Thursdays Fridays Sundays NEW SMALL GROUPS Children’s Ministries Youth Ministries Weekday Ministries Important Dates in 2020
The Missions ministry of St. James UMC is organizing ongoing trips to Ocracoke Island to help the folks recover from Hurricane Dorian. The project’s foundation was laid in November when team members from St. James traveled to Ocracoke to work on two houses—removing soaked flooring, laying subfloors, and rebuilding a structure that will serve as a place for volunteers to stay on mission trips during the three years of recovery and rebuilding. Pastors Susie Fitch-Slater of Ocracoke UMC and Ivy Belch of Ocracoke Assembly of God lead combined services in the wake of destruction to both communities of faith. Let us respond to that display of cooperation and love by doing our best to help through this trying time. As the water has receded the Spirit is moving: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Let’s work to support he people of Ocracoke Island!
Contact Rev. Mark Woods to lead a team.
Our St. James UMC team worked together on Ocracoke
Island during the second weekend in November.
Officials say it will take three years to make Ocracoke
“whole” again. What can we do to help?
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19a
Storage space limitations. A furry friend on the loose. Limited times for folks to receive food bags. Two sets of volunteers serving the same people. These are some of the challenges faced by food pantry volunteers as they provide food to those in need. The St. James UMC Food Pantry stores food on the Fellowship Hall stage and in a small room next to Ben’s office. Food has been distributed on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon from a table in the Fellowship Hall. Sarah Jane Taylor, the volunteer leader for storing and packing bags, and Jenna Hill, the volunteer leader who schedules folks to distribute food, have come up with a plan that they hope will serve more people who are in need. Sharon Loy has also become an integral part of the Food Pantry. “After visiting food pantries in other local churches, we have been inspired to grow our program,” Sarah Jane said. “Smaller churches are distributing much more food and we just think St. James can do better.”
Sarah Jane Taylor, Jenna Hill, and Jim Gammell install new shelving
on the Fellowship Hall stage to make more room for Food Pantry do-
nations. Beginning in 2020, the St. James UMC Food Pantry will be
open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall.
During the winter months, Keep God’s Children Warm will now be
open on Wednesdays as well.
Changes to the Food Pantry for 2020
The pantry will allow folks to get food bags every month instead of every three months.
The pantry’s time of distribution will be Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Finally, the Food Pantry is partnering with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina to gain access to more food and to improve our food collection, storage, and distribution.
To donate food, drop off items in the bins near Marianne’s door. To volunteer to pack food bags, contact Sarah Janet Taylor at [email protected]; to volunteer to distribute food on Wednesday mornings, contact Jenna Hill at [email protected]
“These small steps are
part of a larger goal: to
grow the program to
meet the needs of our
community and form
relationships in Christ,
while serving
individuals.”
How Rise Against Hunger
Helps the Hungry
How long would it take to pack 25,000 meals?
With the right number of volunteers (100 +),
about one and a half to two hours.
The Rise Against Hunger Experience is
coming to St. James. Through this hands-on
service event, volunteers can touch the lives
of millions of people around the world in
critical need by packaging meals.
We plan to pack 25,000 meals at St. James
through the work of 100 volunteers working
for less than two hours or 50 volunteers
working for four hours. The event will follow
our next One Church Service, scheduled for
9:30 a.m. on April 5.
Rise Against Hunger is committed to
providing nutrition and resources for the
world’s most vulnerable while simultaneously
engaging and inspiring volunteers around the
globe to take action. For more information,
please visit www.stjconnect.org or
Riseagainsthunger.org
We need all hands on deck to Rise
Against Hunger at St. James UMC:
• Organizers
• Set-up crew
• Meal Packers
• Clean-up crew
Register yourself, your family, or your
entire class or small group at
stjconnect.org.
For more information, please contact
Frank Fisher at
Meal Packing Event April 5, 11:00 a.m., CLMC
Mondays
Prayer Shawls
Share your gift of knitting or crocheting—or come and learn one of those gifts—as you create shawls bathed in prayer. These prayer shawls will then be given to people in our church, community, and around the world who will be blessed by knowing they are wrapped in God’s love. Ongoing, 10:30-Noon, Room 21 Led by Lynn Gammell [email protected]
GriefShare Losing a loved one to death takes a toll on us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This group will help you get through this difficult time guiding you from mourning back to joy in Christ. You can join GriefShare at any time and come for as many or as few sessions as you want. The cost of the series is $15.00. Scholarships are available; please email Joyce Day at [email protected]. If childcare is needed, it must be requested two weeks prior to the need. January 27-April 20, 7-9 p.m., Retreat House Led by Dane Sergeant, Janet Berry, and Jennifer Corbett Register online at stjconnect.org
Tuesdays
St. James Prayer Team
This ministry is for anyone who has a heart for prayer! The team meets to pray for prayer needs offered on Prayer Request cards and other sources. Ongoing, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Library Led by Mike Arny [email protected]
St. James Jammers
St. James Jammers jam informally and play mostly gospel and country music with some rock and roll. On the first and third Mondays Jammers play off campus. They also play at the farmers market every Saturday morning at 10:00 and at local nursing homes. Second, fourth, and fifth Mondays, 6:30-8 p.m., CLMC Commons Led by Harvey Estes and Anne Heritage To be on the email list to be notified about the Jammers’ activities, contact Harvey Estes at [email protected] Note: A beginners group of Jammers meets on the first and third Sundays at 3 p.m. in the CLMC Commons (see Other Sunday Groups section, below).
Wednesday Weekdays
InStitches Quilters
This class is for persons of all skill levels including beginners who want to learn. The group makes baby quilts for church families, items for Spring Fling, and other items. Ongoing, 10 a.m.-Noon, Room 21 Led by Elizabeth Collins [email protected]
Thy Kingdom Come: Lectio Divina with the Gospel of John
Join Marianne Leventry for this 37-week encounter as we let go and use all of our senses to see, smell, taste, hear, and feel some of what Jesus experienced using the Gospel of John. Lectio Divina (sacred reading) is a deep way to slowly read, pray the scriptures and enrich our relationship with Jesus Christ. The class began September 4, 2019, and will resume January 8 and run through June 2020. Folks are welcome to join! For more information, contact Marianne at [email protected]. Through June, Noon-1 p.m., Conference Room Led by Marianne Leventry [email protected]
TGIW
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
stjconnect.org Classes Begin Jan. 8!
Come together on Wednesday evenings for fellowship and
formation! First, attend the TGIW meal prepared and served at 5:15 p.m. by a ministry or class. Hear a very short message about a ministry of the church. Then, attend a TGIW class on one of many captivating and faith-building topics.
Christ in Culture: Movies, Music, and Theology Mark Woods, Room 23 This class will explore current and past cultural trends that shape the way we speak about God. Each week will feature a movie or some form of popular entertainment. During the class sessions we will explore the theological themes inherent in the movie/music for the week. Each week, on your own time, you will be asked to view a movie/song or some other culture entertainment venue. The class session will be spent in discussion together. If you watch Netflix, Amazon, Prime, Hulu, Disney+ or YouTube this is a class for you. If not, still take the class.
Companions in Christ: The Way of Prayer Joyce Day, Joyce’s Office Prayer is conversation with God. Through prayer, we enter into the heart of God and allow God to enter more fully into our hearts. If you desire to deepen your relationship with God, this group can open the way. During our ten weeks together we will explore different methods of prayer and explore different images of God.
Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World Deb Culbertson and Tom Pohlman, Room 307 From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a God whose creative power and loving care embrace all that exists. Yet the significance of the Bible’s extensive teaching about the natural world is easily overlooked. Creation Care invites participants to open their Bibles afresh to explore the place of the natural world within God’s purposes and to celebrate God’s love as displayed in creation.
Hymn Studies ‘Lizabeth Collins, Room 311 Hymn Studies will take a look at traditional Methodist hymns, uncovering stories and scriptural background. In cooperation with the Worship Planning group, we will look at hymns scheduled for upcoming services to add depth to your worship experience. (Singing is encouraged but not required.)
Ora et Labora Dennis Adams, Parlor There is a rule of faith that states, “as we pray, so we believe, as we believe, so we live.” You are invited to participate in an eleven-week group that will be submitting to the guidance of Scripture in prayer and to the guidance of prayer in living. It is based upon the practice of lectio divina. It will move beyond an intellectual meditation upon scripture to become an intentional practice of “ora et labora” (prayer and work). Ora/prayer – Participants will seek to let the Scriptures guide them in forming specific prayers. Labora/work – Participants will seek specific ways to shape their lives according to what they are praying. Community – Participants will be doing this in sacred community where they will encourage each other.
Searching the Bible Through Photography Sandra Harvey, Conference Room Do you enjoy studying scripture? Do you have a DSLR camera and are ready to say goodbye to relying on AUTO-MODE? Then this class is for you! During our 7-week journey, you will learn photography skills to enhance your photos and search for the meaning of scriptures through your own photography. Requirements: DSLR Camera
Trustworthy Phyllis House, Room 24 In this class, we invite you to study the book Trustworthy by Lysa TerKeurst. When hard times come and it seems God is deviating from the plan we assume our life should follow, this 7-week study explores the deeply applicable Scriptures contained in 1 and 2 Kings.
Wednesday Women A Study on the Life of Joseph Edie Snider and Nancy Bettis, Room 22 No doubt there have been, or will be, times in your life when your circumstances lead you to wonder if God is there, if He cares, or if things are slipping out of His control. Surely similar thoughts ran through the mind of Joseph as he suffered through betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment. But throughout the story of the Old Testament Joseph, we are constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness. No matter what we walk through, God’s presence is constant; His provision is enough; and His purposes are unstoppable. Join this study of Kelly Minter’s Finding God Faithful. Class sessions include a video, discussion, and a workbook.
TGIW (Thank God It’s Wednesday) — continued
TGIW (continued)
Worshiping Well Ben Alexander, Chapel This group will explore the definitions and purpose of worship. We will look at the history and styles of worship. We will examine the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, and discuss Word and proclamation. We will attempt to answer the questions of the roles of music and creeds in worship. We will examine how we pray during worship.
The Write Stuff Harvey Estes, Curriculum Library This is a writing workshop with the focus on your journey. The main thing each individual will do is write and each may share what they have written if they choose to. The main purpose is to explore this simple question: how does writing bring me closer to God? We will not do a literary critique of each other's work, but rather focus on how the writing helps us on our individual journeys.
Sponsor a TGIW Meal
To raise money for your
organization, consider preparing
and serving a TGIW meal.
Contact Paula Hamlin at
252-752-6154 or email her at
Thursdays
XYZ Our eXtra Years of Zest group is for young-at-heart folks ages 55 and up. They meet monthly (except summers and December) for fellowship, fun, and interesting programs. Bring a sandwich and XYZ provides the desserts and drinks. They play games, hear interesting speakers, and just enjoy one another’s company. In December, the group meets on the first Friday for a unique Christmas party that you won’t want to miss! Third Thursdays, January-May; September-November, Noon -1:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Facilitators are Sandy Cargile and Mindy Howard. Sandy: [email protected] Mindy: [email protected].
Caregiver Support Group Being a caregiver is a sacred and challenging task. It often takes more love than we ever thought we could give, more energy than we ever thought we possessed, and more patience than we ever hoped to need. It can leave us feeling isolated, alone, and scared. This group offers support, encouragement, information, and a well-deserved break in your weekly routine. Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Library Facilitated by Kathy Dosser [email protected]
CLASS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Register online at
stjconnect.org
CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 8
Fridays
Break of Dawn Men’s Bible Study The Break of Dawn Men’s Bible Study meets for a guided study of the Bible, using Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions from the Upper Room. This study is for any man who wants a deeper understanding of God’s message to us. Come for study, coffee, and fellowship. Friday mornings, 6:30-7:30 a.m., Conference Room Led by Marvin Little [email protected]
The Grin Again Gang The Grin Again Gang is open to any man who is looking for a men’s accountability, support, prayer, and study group. We use the Upper Room devotionals as the foundation for group discussions. Friday mornings, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Curriculum Library. Led by Jim Hix [email protected]
Truth Seekers Do you know the real story behind the New Testament? Join us as we go behind the scenes with Christian scholars N.T. Wright and Michael Bird for this 9-week video Bible study of The New Testament You Never Knew. Friday mornings, 10-11:30 a.m., Room 23 Led by Lynne Garrison [email protected]
Other Formation Groups
Evangelism Team The Evangelism team members seek to be invitational about living the Christian life at St. James through outreach to visitors, neighbors, college students, and seniors. The team welcomes shoppers to Spring Fling, invites folks from the neighborhood to services, places “tickets” on students’ cars to ask them to worship with us, and reaches out to ECU freshmen and Cypress Glen seniors. Team members are ready to talk when folks respond to the message on team T-shirts: Ask me about St. James. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Parlor Led by Jennifer Adams [email protected]
Hospitality Team Join the team who welcomes folks to all services as greeters and ushers and coffee preppers at Café Connexion. Or, sign up to work the information booths on Sunday. Or, drive folks from Cypress Glen to our services on Sundays. Led by Beth Gallup [email protected]
Classes Near the Fellowship Hall The Story Joyce Day, Room 21 This class was created in part to provide a shorter class that would accommodate choir members who want to attend a class but have to leave by 10:30 am to sing in one of our worship services. Level: Beginning/Intermediate Current study: Max Lucado’s Just Like Jesus. God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus.
Bible Study Dave Carson and others, Room 22 This class studies the Bible—in depth, chapter by chapter—as members seek to discover what each passage means and how it can be applied to our lives. Level: Intermediate, for men and women of all ages. Current study: New Testament books of Paul’s letters. The class is studying Paul’s letter to the Colossians. That will be followed by 1 and 2 Thessalonians and 1 and 2 Timothy.
God of Mercy Nicole Franklin, Conference Room Members of this class study the entire Bible, following the thread of God's mercy throughout. Level: Beginning and Intermediate, for undergraduate and graduate men and women.
Faith Followers Sarah Jane Taylor and others, Room 23 Our focus is to learn more about how to be a follower of Christ in our everyday lives and how to use the knowledge to engage with others and be an example for each other and the community. Level: Beginning/Intermediate, mostly for parents of adolescents. Current study: The “live” Love & Respect Marriage Conference, a DVD study based on Ephesians 5:33
Growing Together Spencer Letchworth, Room 24 This group is flexible and topical as class members choose studies that help them face the challenges of parenthood and faith development. Level: Beginning/Intermediate, for parents of young children. Current Study: Not a Silent Night by Adam Hamilton about Jesus from Mary’s point-of-view. This study ends in mid-January. The class will then begin Max Lucado’s How Happiness Happens. Lucado explores passages of Scripture and explains how practical acts of generosity can produce a life of satisfaction and moments of joy.
New Dawn Irene Gerow, Parlor This class looks at the Scripture passages that will be preached in the Sanctuary at the 11 a.m. service or that was preached at the 8:45 a.m. service. We read the Scripture, look at background, other relevant verses, discuss how it might relate to those who lived it, and how it might apply to us today. Level: Intermediate, for senior women.
Sunday School Classes
Classes Near the CLMC
Faith Foundations Artie Rogers, Room 304 The class enjoys topical studies that make the Scriptures relevant to life today. It is discussion-based, which allows members to reflect and share their views. The emphasis is on how the verse speaks to you and how these verses impact our lives, society, and the church. The class is dynamic, accepting, and open-minded. Level: Beginning/Intermediate, for men and women of all ages. Current study: Jonah, Joel, and Amos: A Lifeguide Scripture Study. It's easy to wander away from God. Hectic schedules and the quest for success often mean that time with God gets neglected. But if we slow down long enough to listen, these three minor prophets—Jonah, Joel, and Amos—can have a major impact on the quality of our lives.
Women on the Way Laura Smith, Room 306 This group for women focuses upon issues of the heart through studies that will move you along on your journey with God. The class incorporates outside fellowship activities that help us grow in our friendships with each other as we grow in Christ! Level: Beginning, for women of all ages and stages in life. (continued next column, top)
Women on the Way (continued) Current Study: How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado. Discover how to find lasting joy in a world of comparison, disappointment, and unmet expectations! Let's learn how to have life-altering, uplifting, heart-stabilizing, peace- producing joy guided by Jesus' teachings that will produce a happiness that lasts and a reliable joy that endures through any season!
Life Enrichment Jim Hix and Mike Arny, Room 310 This class is willing to tackle the wisdom and experience of daily living under God’s direction. Our yearly studies include in-depth studies of at least one book from the Bible, seasoned with books and small group that serve as pathways for living the godly life God desires for us. Level: Intermediate, middle aged to senior adults Current Study: We will begin the new year using David Jeremiah’s Why the Nativity. We will enter the Lent-Easter Season with Adam Hamilton’s The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life. We will enhance our walk with God through chapters on Worship and Prayer, Study, Service, Giving, Sharing, and Five Practices from the Cross.
Seekers Lora Joyner, Room 311 Seekers is a diversified group in age and life experiences. We support good discussion and different points of view. We love to laugh and share. We welcome all. Level: Intermediate, for middle-aged men and women. Current Study: Letters to the Church by Francis Chan Francis Chan urges us to ask honest questions about our churches and contemplate what God wants for His Church. The purpose of the study and the book is to point us back to the Bible and cause us to fall in love with God's original design for the Church.
Sunday School Classes
St. James Book Club Members of the St. James Book Club meet monthly to discuss a book that was selected and read before the meeting. The first meeting of the Book Club of the New Year will be January 26 at 4:00 p.m. The book under discussion will be I, Eliza by Susan Holloway Scott. In this novel of historical fiction, Scott tells the story of Alexander Hamilton’s wife, Eliza—a fascinating, strong-willed heroine in her own right and a key figure in one of the most gripping periods in American history. The St. James Book Club usually meets on the third Sunday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Parlor. The group will meet at 4 p.m. in February. Come join the club for some lively discussion. Led by June Parker [email protected]
St. James Jammers for Beginners This is a group similar to the St. James Jammers, who jam informally and play mostly gospel and country music with some rock and roll. But this group is for beginners to give them a chance to work on skill development. They often work with the Jarvis UMC ukulele group. First and third Sundays, 3 p.m., CLMC Commons Led by Anne Heritage and Harvey Estes [email protected]
NEW Small Groups! Other Sunday Groups
Pasta With Preachers Coming in the spring, a new small group led by Herb and Lynne Garrison. They will host simple pasta meals, during which a small group will meet to discuss contemporary topics in Christianity. A pastor will be invited to each pasta meal to provide insight and participate in the discussion. Session times and topics will be announced later in January. [email protected] [email protected]
Two New Men’s Groups Stephen Anthony will lead a new small group for men to discuss marriage and fatherhood. There will be an initial meeting on January 16 at 6:30 p.m., off campus, for interested folks to discuss meeting days and times, location, and topic. The place of the meeting will be announced through the church website, bulletins, and newsletters. [email protected] Josh Sweeley will lead a new small group for business people to discuss the challenges of continuing the Christian walk in the business world. Contact Josh if you are interested in learning more about this small group. [email protected]
Two New TGIW Classes Sandra Harvey and ‘Lizabeth Collins are leading two new small groups that will meet on Wednesday nights during TGIW: Searching the Scripture through Photography led by Sandra, and Hymn Studies led by ‘Lizabeth. See the TGIW section in this guide for more details. Register online at stjconnect.org
Any woman is invited to join UMW. Come
to a Circle Meeting and hear how you can
serve, working on such projects as Days for
Girls, the Angel Tree, Agape Boxes, the
Christmas bazaar, and TGIW suppers.
There are five circles at St. James:
Circle #1 meets on the first Monday of the
month at Noon in the Fellowship Hall.
Circle #2 meets on the first Tuesday of the
month at Noon in the Fellowship Hall.
Circle #3 meets on the first Sunday of the
month at 5:00 p.m. in the Retreat House.
Circle #4 meets on the first Monday of the
month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor.
Circle #5 meets the first Tuesday of the
month at 9:45 a.m. in the Parlor.
For more information, please contact
UMW president Faye Armstrong at
The organized unit of the United Method-
ist Women shall be a community of wom-
en whose PURPOSE is to know God, and
to experience freedom as whole persons
through Jesus Christ; to develop a crea-
tive, supportive fellowship; and to expand
concepts of mission through participation
in the global ministries of the church.
The St. James United Methodist Men meet
on the second Sunday of every month at 7:30
a.m. for breakfast and a meeting in the Fel-
lowship Hall. All are welcome!
Members of UMM participate in many
church fundraisers, most notably Spring
Fling. The group also organizes activities in
support of those with special needs by build-
ing wheelchair ramps. The Veterans Stand
Down, a day of activities in October for
homeless veterans, is UMM’s newest project.
For more information, please contact UMM
president Randy Davis at
Sunday School Classes for grades 6 to 8 are in the Youth
Room. Grades 9-12 meet in Room 308.
Classes for Confirmation: Feb. 2-March 29.
All classes are Sundays, 10-11 a.m.
TGIW Youth meet in the Game Room for devotion
and fellowship from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
The Gathering Youth are invited to come to the Gathering
in the Youth Room, Sundays, 6-8 p.m.:
Jan. 5, 12, and 26; Feb. 9, 16, and 23; Mar.
8, 15, and 22; April 26; May 3 and 17 .
Important Dates January 12 — Confirmation Info Meeting
January 18-20 — Winter Retreat
February 2 — Super Bowl Party
February 7 — Confirmation Fellowship
February 29 — Sound District Youth Event
March 6-7 — Confirmation Retreat
March 22-24 — Middle School Retreat
April 5 — Confirmation
Rise Against Hunger, CLMC
April 25 — Spring Fling
May 17 — End of the Year Party
For youth ministries, contact
Laura Goldenbaum-Yang
Sunday School Classes are held every Sunday, 10-11 a.m. for
children 3 years old up to fifth grade.
TGIW The midweek family night offers classes in
PreK-K to fifth grade. Jubilation Kids Choir
meets from 6:00-6:30 in the Choir Room. It
is open to children from PreK 3’s-fifth grade.
Wild 1’s Wild 1’s (Willing. Involved. Loving. Disci-
ples.) — fellowship for fifth graders. Wild 1’s
build relationships, have fun, and strengthen
their faith with friends. 2020 dates are:
January 3 and 17, February 7 and 21, March
6 and 20, April 3, and May 1.
Traditional Service Acolytes Acolytes bring in the light to remind us that
the light of Christ is present as we gather in
His name. When they depart carrying the
light, we remember that each of us carries
the light of Christ into the world. Children
in third grade or older are eligible to serve.
For all children’s ministries, contact
Sara Chriscoe
Program The St. James UMC Afterschool has been
a growing ministry of our church since
2005. This ministry allows us to serve
seven Pitt County Schools while encom-
passing our mission to provide a safe, en-
couraging environment where children
can participate in social, academic, and
spiritual enrichment. We offer a daily
snack, devotion time, and homework
help. After homework, our afternoons are
filled with fun activities, team games,
crafts, and free play.
Important Dates January 20 — Martin Luther King Jr.
Holiday: No School
January 21 — No School
February 10 — 2020/21 Registration
February 24 — No School
April 10 — Good Friday: No School
April 13-April 17 — Easter Break
June 5 — Last Day of School
Mission The mission of the St. James UMC Preschool
is to provide opportunities for spiritual, aca-
demic, social growth, and maturity through
qualified instruction and prayerful nurtur-
ing. We aim to make each preschooler a
confident, eager and enthusiastic learner.
Most importantly, we want them to know
just how much God loves them and that each
one of them are special!
Hours of Operation 8:50 a.m. to Noon, Monday-Friday
Important Dates January 6 — Preschool Registration for the
2020/21 year opens
February 14 — Letter of Intent Due
March 20 — Annual Preschool Fundraiser
April 10 — Good Friday: No Preschool
April 13-17 — Easter Break
May 21 — 4's Preschool Graduation
May 21 — Last Day of Preschool
The Director of Weekday Ministries is
Dana Carpenetti. Contact Dana at
PRESCHOOL AFTERSCHOOL
The Staff of St. James UMC
Ben Alexander, Pastor [email protected]
Mark Woods, Pastor [email protected]
Joyce Day, Pastor of Congregational Care [email protected]
Laura Goldenbaum-Yang, Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults [email protected]
Dana Carpenetti, Director of Weekday Ministries [email protected]
Sara Chriscoe, Director of Children’s Ministries [email protected]
James and Nicole Franklin, Directors of Traditional Music [email protected]
Frances Cain, Organist [email protected]
Tim Messina, Director of Contemporary Music [email protected]
Chris Garcia, Director of Congregational Engagement [email protected]
Marianne Leventry, Financial Administrator [email protected]
Tyrone Walston, Facilities Manager [email protected]
Tommy Shaw, Receptionist [email protected]
Paula Hamlin, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Taylor Dougherty, Nursery Coordinator [email protected]
Patrick Mitchell, Tech Coordinator [email protected]
Jesse Daniels, Custodian [email protected]
Martin Staton, Custodian [email protected]
April April 5 — Sunday Worship: One Church Service Confirmation Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing April 9 — Maundy Thursday April 10 — Good Friday April 11 — Holy Saturday April 12 — Easter Sunday April 17 — Tent Revival, 6 p.m. April 19 — Sunday Worship Unload Spring Fling Trailers April 20-24 — Spring Fling Week April 25 — Spring Fling April 26 — Sunday Worship
May May 3 — Sunday Worship May 10 — Sunday Worship May 17 — Sunday Worship May 24 — Sunday Worship May 31 — Sunday Worship
June June 7 — Sunday Worship Graduation Sunday
January January 5 — Sunday Worship Sunday School Vision 2020 January 8 — TGIW Kicks Off January 12 — Sunday Worship Sunday School Vision 2020 January 19 — Sunday Worship January 26 — Sunday Worship New Members Class
February February 2 — Sunday Worship February 9 — Sunday Worship February 16 — Sunday Worship February 23 — Sunday Worship February 26 — Ash Wednesday, Lent Begins February 29 — Talent Show Fundraiser
March March 1 — Sunday Worship March 8 — Sunday Worship Daylight Savings Time Begins March 15 — Sunday Worship March 22 — Sunday Worship March 29 — Sunday Worship
