The Tower
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Dear Friends:

Last March when we had meetings to get your ideas and suggestions for the future of St. James a number of you indicated that you would like to see more social events, covered dish dinners, etc.

Since the Education Wing has been closed off for construction,and we are not able to have the monthly parish breakfasts prepared by the men, we do miss not being able to visit with those who attend a different service than we do.  In a few months that will all be behind us and we will be able to enjoy our "new" facilities, and hopefully get back to normal.

I do want to bring to your attention some social events that are ongoing in the parish and invite you to participate.  Friends for Dinner is a social that is held in a home every other month.  The host provides the meat, drink and table service so all you have to do is bring a covered dish and come.  If you want to get to know people better this is a good place to do it.  The chair of this program is Alison Brookins, so if you would like to be a host, or if you have any questions you may call her at 733-7690.

We also have Breakfast Club which meets the first Thursday of each month at Spears Restaurant on N. Woodlawn at 8:30a.m.  If this fits in with your schedule do come.  No reservation is needed.  You may order food or just drink a cup of coffee and stay as long as you have time.  Everett Thompson, 634-1586 is chair of this and he would be happy to visit with you if you have any questions.

Please gather with us as we enjoy one another’s fellowship.

--Bev Calvert, Sr. Warden



Bea Kumberg, Colleen Didier, Robyn Milne, Marge Williams, and Sally Bell relax after folding the weekly bulletins.
A big “Thank You” is in order for these faithful helpers who do this behind the scene work every week.


Auditions for the Next Guild Hall Production
The Stephen Schwartz musical PIPPIN are Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1 from 1:30 to 4:00 here at St. James. The musical is an updated version of a medieval morality play about a young man trying to find the meaning of life. It is known as the "best musical set in the 9th century."

Parts available for six women and six men (teens through senior citizens) and one young boy (8-13). All must be able to sing a lot and dance at least a little. Bring a prepared pop or musical theatre song.

Performances are July 24-27. Any questions ask Phil Speary (685-2652).


Friends for Dinner
Please mark your calendars for the following dates for Friends for Dinner.

Friday, June 20
Host:
John Bell
625 N.Broadmoor
Wichita, KS
686-4712

Saturday August 16
Hosts:
Ron and Marylee Harrison and Robin Rowland
Party around the pool!
4323 E. English
Wichita, KS
686-8585

Saturday October 18
Hosts:
William and Alison Brookins
817 Crescent Lakes Circle
Andover, KS
733-7690

Saturday December 20
Hostess:
Louise Brinegar
6205 E. 10th
Wichita, KS
685-0752


New Announcements for May 25, 2008
The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God
In thanksgiving for the marriage of Matt and Betsy Foley McCrary


Deacon Ordinations
By the Grace of God
The Right Reverend Dean Elliott Wolfe
Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
will ordain

Philip Ray Hubbard
Sarah Knoll-Williams
Laurie Ann Lewis
Paul King McLain III

to the Sacred Order of Deacons
in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
at half past ten o’clock in the morning
Saturday, the seventh of June


Ordination Trip to Topeka
For the ordinations in June, we have chartered a bus for those who may not want to drive.
The price for this is $20.00 per person. You will have to bring a lunch or buy one on the way.
Hurry and sign up in the office today. Seats will go fast.



Sunday School Children’s Concert on May 11, 2008


Pentecost Reading in Many Languages
On Pentecost Sunday we read the Act reading creating a wonderful cacophony of sound.
Any of you who can read in a language other than English are invited to participate on Pentecost next year.
The lesson is Acts 2:1-11 and Dn. Deedee has the reading in many languages. If you are interested, contact her.



Many homes in the Irrawaddy river delta were destroyed by the cyclone in Myanmar.


Episcopal Relief and Development
Up to 50,000 people are feared dead from the massive earthquake that shook southwest China. Officials say about 10 million people have been affected by the quake. Many are in refugee camps, without proper shelter, food or clean water. Episcopal Relief and Development is providing ongoing support to the a.m.ity Foundation, its local partner, to distribute 240,000 kilos of rice to 16,000 people and plastic sheeting and quilts to provide shelter and warmth to 8,000 families impacted by the disaster. The situation in Myanmar remains dire. The death toll has officially reached 43,000, with international officials fearing that it could eventually top 100,000. Many are in need of consistent food, clean water and shelter. Episcopal Relief and Development continues to hold the Burmese in prayer as we work through local church partners to support those impacted by the crisis.

To help people affected in China or Myanmar please make a check out to St. James Episcopal Church and in the memo place the letters ERD.

Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief and Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief and Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/ AIDS and malaria.


St. James Calendar for May
May 25
Chick Flick Movie

May 26
Memorial Day Office Closed

May 29
Acolyte Training @ 6:30 p.m.

May 31
Phil Speary play tryouts @ at 1:30 p.m.


Dancing with the Stars - Wichita
The date has been set and tickets will soon go on sale for “Building on Hope,” a dinner and dance to benefit Episcopal Social Services Venture House, scheduled for July 13th at the Wichita Scottish Rite Center. Plan now to dance the night away while you help ESS raise much needed support.

Your generosity will help those that are unemployed and the working poor, the broken, and the friendless. You can help the most needy in the Wichita area through programs that are funded by donors like you.

Please help by buying tickets, especially a table of eight or ten, and invite your friends.

There will be silent auction items, as well as workshops that were such a hit last year, and a cash bar. Bring your wallet and plan to have a wonderful evening.

Call Episcopal Social Services Venture House at 316-269-4160


Tax Rebate
One line from the prayer attributed to St. Theresa says: "May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you".

Many of us are about to receive an extra "gift" in the form of a stimulus payment or rebate from the IRS. This is money we did not expect to receive, but God is providing us with an opportunity to be generous. Why not use just 10% of your rebate to make a special gift to St. James?

You can designate your support to the youth, the choirs, the flower fund, the capital campaign, the After School Program or many other purposes, or you can support the general operations of the church. May we give and share and love and trust in the Gospel of Jesus Christ!


The Tower
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St. James Episcopal Church   3750 E Douglas Ave   Wichita KS 67208-3708   (316) 683-5686