Lunch in the Park is a program that provides sandwiches and fruit to people who gather at Bushnell Park in Hartford to worship. Sandwiches and lunch bags are packed by volunteers in advance. Then, other volunteers travel to Bushnell Park to hand out the bags, worship and socialize.

St. James’ Vestry meets on the fourth Tuesday night of each month. All are welcome to attend the meetings. The meetings are held in the Sanctuary and on Zoom as needed.

On Thursday, May 21 st at 7:00 pm, St. James’

Episcopal Church, 2584 Main Street, Glastonbury is hosting a presentation on Reiki, an

ancient practice for healing, by Reiki Master Libby Campbell. Reiki therapy is based on an

Eastern belief that universal or divine energy, the life force (“Ki” in Japanese), happens in all

living things. Focusing on major or minor energy centers (chakras), the healer’s hands are

held either lightly on or above the body to channel healing energy to the receiver. The

presentation will include a description of what Reiki is and how it works followed by an

actual demonstration.

t's Outreach Sunday on May 17th. On that Sunday, we will hold a Pick and Take and Make a Donation event in the parish hall from 11:30am ( after the service) to 1pm. At that time, the congregation will be able to see and select items we have culled from the basement, the lower level, and upper level. There will be no "pre selling". Items available include: carpet squares, a popcorn machine, tables, books, and lots more.  We will ask that you make a donation in whatever amount you think is fair. All money raised will go into the Outreach budget, for them to distribute as they see fit. We will collect cash and/or checks. Or you can make a donation online, noting that it will go to Outreach. See you then. 

Join us at Dunkin Park on Saturday, May 16th to share fellowship and fun as the Yard Goats play the Portland Sea Dogs at 6:10pm. We have 30 tickets available at $15 each for the right field porch. Come see a great game, eat great food and see our name on the Jumbotron. Sign up in the Atrium.  See Susan Wright for payment details and information on electronic transfer of tickets. 

All are welcome to attend the weekly Adult Choir Practice, led by Minister of Music, Eugenia Sullivan. For more information contact Eugenia by calling 860-633-8333. We look forward to you joining us as we make a joyful songs to God.

Men's Group Dinner What do you get when you combine Cinco de Mayo with the National Day of Prayer?

You get the next MENS' DINNER event, of course!  

The National Day of Prayer shares common roots with the celebration of Thanksgiving; both were national proclamations establishing a day of prayer. The fall observance was established by President Abraham Lincoln as the official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863. The spring observance was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1952 as the National Day of Prayer.  

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. 

I will figure out how to combine the two holidays because we have plenty to celebrate and plenty to pray about : )  

This month's slogan: ATTEND & BRING A FRIEND!  (or .... Atender y traer a un amigo! )

Enjoy the warming weather and please mark your calendars.

Cheers!

Dan Aramini

A Time Apart…. Lenten Meditation Series Begins

Beginning on Wednesday, February 25 from 7pm – 8pm St. James will host a Lenten

Meditation Series. During this quiet time, Libby Campbell will lead us in the

contemplative model of prayer, readings, guided meditation and silence to center and

ground ourselves and open to the healing grace and peace of the Holy One. This

intentional time apart during the reflective season of Lent will draw on readings and

prayers from John O’Donohue, John Phillip Newell, Theresa of Avila, Mary Oliver, the

Book of Common Prayer, and others. No prep, no homework, just come as you are.

Libby is a grandmother of five, a Spiritual Director (trained with Shalem Institute for

Spiritual Formation in Washington, DC), an experienced retreat and J2A pilgrimage

leader, Stephen Minister, Compassionate Care Visitor, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Reiki Master and child of God.

A tradition at St. James’, Celtic Vespers is offered during the spring and fall

seasons. Vespers or Evening Prayer is deemed “Celtic” more by the spirit of the

liturgy rather than any formal form. Christianity throughout the British Isles

flourished for many centuries emphasizing a sense of God and the saints as

personal, a helpful presence.  Women often held positions of authority.  Love of

nature, the wild and elemental were reminders of God’s gifts. Our candlelit

service features readings, prayers, and music in a meditative setting. Wild Notes

(a group known for their acoustic music with roots in Irish, Scottish, French-

Canadian, jazz, and classical traditions) and a women’s choir typically provide the

music. The service begins with the Celtic chant Tar a thighhearna (translation:

Come, Lord, Come thou Being), and attendees are invited to light a candle during

the service as they reflect on all the gifts that God has given them, remember

dear friends and family members, or seek His help and guidance. The service is

followed by a reception with a wide variety of delicious finger foods, giving the

attendees an opportunity for fellowship and conversation.