ST. JAMES UNITED CHURCH: February 2006

Flamborough Review article

The following article was printed in the Flamborough Review on Feb. 17, 2006.

The art of reaching beyond church walls into the community

Megan Walchuk
Feb 17, 2006

St. James United Church has seen first hand the importance of reaching out to its full community, whether they come to church once a week, or once in a blue moon. The church, under the leadership of youth minister Andrew Hyde and new pastor, Reverend John Alsop, has implemented a number of ways to keep their community connected, despite busy timetables and differing interests.
"It's not one size fits all," said Hyde. "We view our church community as wider than just who's showing up on Sunday morning. The youth who come on Tuesday and Thursday nights are just as much a part of it as the people who sing in the choir.
"They're all part of our family."
Church organizers go out of their way to involve a wide cross-section of the population. The Mom's Morning Out is held Thursday mornings from 9:30 -11 a.m., as way for young moms to get out and meet other moms for fellowship. Other groups have been formed for youth, communion or new members. They even have a group that plays badminton.
"It's neat to see people taking their faith and sense of community beyond Sunday mornings," said Hyde. "They're forming real friendships."
For the past year, the church has offered a "Come as you are" service. "It's the same content, but it's presented a little differently," said Hyde. It's a laid-back service held in the gym, where participants can relax with coffee, and arrive in jeans. It uses power point and videos to appeal to a more visual generation.
Although it began as a way to engage younger parishioners in Sunday service, it hasn't evolved that way.
"It's been really surprising to us. We have a really good mix at both services," said Hyde. "I think it's a mindset thing, rather than an age thing. If you're more of a casual, laid-back person, you might prefer the other service. But if ceremony is important to you, you'll probably enjoy the traditional service more."
The new service is just one part of a shift away from the rigid stereotypes of church.
The church is also embarking on a congregation-wide book club, of sorts. Each member will be reading God is Closer Than you Think, and splitting off into small discussion groups, starting February 27, to coincide with Lent. The church has launched a companion blog - a web-based log - to give participants a place to discuss their thoughts and feelings.
"Even if you can't participate in a group, you can still participate online," said Hyde. The church also has a blog of its own, where it posts baptisms, thoughts and upcoming events. Because comments are allowed, it's an interactive space, open to the entire church community.
The church also thrives on partnerships. Last October, the St. James youth group teamed up with similar groups across the community, to make the Halloween food drive a phenomenal success.
In April, St. James and Grindstone Valley Bible Church will be teaming up to hold an Easter Art Show.
Local residents interested in taking part can submit a piece that relates to either the death or the resurrection of Christ. They will all be assembled at the former St. Thomas Catholic Church on Palm Sunday, April 9, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., with a service at 8 p.m. Anyone with a piece to submit can contact Hyde at andrew@ stjameswaterdown.ca or Jeff Strong at jstrong@grindstonechurch.com.
The show is a follow-up to a similar Christmas display that the two churches formed. Hyde feels the partnership is a valuable one for both congregations. "The more we do things together, the more we discover we have in common."
Anyone who would like to participate in a group, including the book discussion, can contact St. James Church at 905-689-6223.

The History of St. Valentine

This is from www.historychannel.com.

St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Happy Valentine's Day

"For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."
John 3:16

Baptisms - Feb. 12

Blessing - Devon Anthony Warris - Son of Peter & Caitlin Warris, Brother of Pippa Warris

Julian Reid Robson - Son of Janice Reid & Jeffrey Robson

Florence Apple Shin - Daughter of Christine & Jacob Shin

Water for Life

Found this old postcard of Smokey Hollow on the internet. The falls are one of the overlooked jewels of the Waterdown area. We often take it for granted. Over the next few weeks, the worship services at St. James are focusing on water and what a vital resource it is. There are many justice issues surrounding water these days - especially in places like Bolivia where water is being commodified and used as a means of making profit. Did you know that Hamilton (along with Bolivia) is one of the few areas in the world to have a privatized water supply? In the series "Water for Life" we are going to use God's call in Micah 6:8 to look at the water issues in the world. It should be an interesting series to soak in.

God is Closer Than You Think

Paul & Daphne Might are helping to coordinate the Lenten series at St. James. Check out www.godiscloserwaterdown.blogspot.com for more info on the Lenten series. The big emphasis is to get as many people as we can into one of the 9 small groups being offered. Paul & Daphne both have a HUGE passion for small groups. They really are a great way to build community and grow in faith.