St.

James St George Episcopal July 2016

Church From the Rector Bishop’s Visit
Church for the Future
Bishop Sean Rowe
Recently I traveled to Seattle to lead an icon paid a visit to St.
retreat that finished on a Saturday James St. George
evening. The following day I was invited to Church on Sunday,
preach at two services at the Episcopal parish June 3, 2016. An
that hosted the retreat and afterward I was enjoyable pot luck
free to enjoy the city. After dinner that breakfast was
evening, I went up to Saint Mark's Episcopal followed by an
Cathedral on Capitol Hill for sung inspiring Eucharist.
Compline. The cathedral is a large, open St. James St.
building and it was empty when I arrived at 9 George Church
PM. Within 30 minutes, the place was is now collecting
packed with a large crowd that had gathered for Night Prayer, sung contributions to
by the men's choir. This was remarkable in itself, but then I the Bishop’s
noticed that almost everyone in the building was in their 20's and Discretionary Fund
30's. That wasn't just remarkable: it was miraculous. Although to be included in a
many of the young folks brought blankets so that they could lie on “Thank You” letter
the floor around the altar and on the sides of the church, the pews to be sent shortly.
were also packed; you could hear a pin drop. There was reverence, Please be generous.
and attentiveness, and a sense that this really mattered to
them. Then, half way through the service the choir sang the Creed
and everyone stood up facing the cathedral's rose window above
the altar where the last glimmer of sunlight was just
disappearing. They stood without a cue and when the Creed was
finished, they took their places once again. After the service, the
assembly departed in silence and it was done. I was stunned.
We worry and fret that our churches are in decline. We The third annual “Mass in the Grass” with Christ
can't imagine why they don't want to be a part of what has given us Church (Forest City), St. James Church (Dundaff)
meaning and comfort for so long. We sincerely want to create a and Trinity Church (Carbondale will be held on
future for our parishes and we are aware of the need to act Sunday, August 7, 2016, at 11:00 am at Merli
soon. I'm not suggesting that sung night prayer will be the ticket, Sarnoski Park – Upper Pavilion. St. James St.
but we'd better become willing to be creative and to change and, George Church is responsible for the main dishes
perhaps most of all, to listen to those who will be the church for the and paper products.
next generation.
May God give us the courage and wisdom to allow the Everyone is welcome
changes that must come.
Parishioner Spotlight
Heather Evans lives in
Olyphant where she works as
a substitute teacher. Heather
50/50 Monthly Raffle teaches Sunday School on
The June winner of the Raffle of $197.50.00 was Peter alternate Sundays, is the Art
Moore, who donated his winnings Camp instructor and is
back to the church. For July tickets responsible for the design of
see Joannie Vihriski our web page.
 Upcoming Events
Peacemeal –
Saturday, July 9, 2016
4:30 pm
Elm Park Methodist Church
Art Camp
Monday, July 18 – Friday, July 22
9:00 am – 12:00 noon
St. James St. George Church
Kids ages 6 12 (older may
volunteer to help)
Joint Vestry Meeting with
Christ Church, Forest City -
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Time and place to be announced
Food pantry -
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
11: 00 am – 1:00 pm
St. James St. George Church
Car Wash
Saturday, July 30, 2016
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Santarelli ‘s Oil Company
443 Main Street, Peckville
Mass in the Grass
Sunday, August 7, 2016
11:00 am
Merli Sarnoski Park – Upper Pavilion
St. James St. George Episcopal Church
398 Washington Avenue
Jermyn, PA 18433
Summer Services
(Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Church Service 9:00 am
Monday, July 18 – Friday, July 22
The History of Our Church 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
by Walter Avery
Join the fun.
The The Rev. F. H. Stricker was buried Learn about famous artists and
on April 7, 1892. The Scranton create your own art works in paint,
Republican reported that “Mr. Stricker print making, drawling and collage.
was greatly respected in the Lunch provided.
community, strong in religious Cost $50.00 (scholarships available).
character, uniform in Christian Call: 570-876-4896
experience, generous to the church.
Many poor people of Jermyn can
testify to his generosity. His gifts to all
charitable enterprises in this
community were liberal and many
times has the writer known him to be
penniless when his salary came due.”
Car Wash Saturday, July 30, 2016
Funeral services were held in the
at Santarelli’s, 443 Main Street,
sanctuary of St. James Church, Jermyn,
Peckville. Come and have the youth
at 2:30 pm. A eulogy of his life was of our church wash and wax your
delivered by Bishop Rulison. Pall car. 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
bearers were fellow clergymen,
namely: Revs. Swentzel of Scranton, Contact Information
Ballantine of Green Ridge, Eckel of Address: 398 Washington
West Pittston, Slaight of Wilkes-Barre, Avenue, Jermyn, PA 18433
Balsley of Carbondale, Hall of Telephone: 570-876-4896
Honesdale and Barber of Forest City.
e-mail: ssjandg@yahoo.com
Interment was made in the church yard.
Website: ssjandg.weebly.com