Do you perceive Lent as Giving Up versus Taking Up ?
Often Lent is equated with deprivation or the giving up of things you like (caffeine, soda, sugar, cursing, dessert, chocolate). Your daily Lenten observation does not need to be an act of going without – it can just as easily be a period to take up a positive practice.
Possibly you’ve always wanted to read the bible on a daily basis or commit to a dedicated daily prayer time but couldn’t find the time in your schedule, some want to volunteer but haven’t dedicated the time to actually pick up the phone to offer services to a deserving organization or longed to learn more about the various committees of service here at St. James. Purposeful, dedicated, intentional prayer or bible reading time and is a very positive way to both observe Lent and deepen your relationship with God. Why not visit the St. James website to send an email to each committee Chair expressing interest in how you may help them ? I’m sure our annual Easter Brunch organizers will welcome extra assistance. There are so many ways to serve the church; do you possess creativity, are you a natural organizer, wondered what the ‘Altar Guild’ actually does, are you an exceptional picture taker and the infinite list could continue.
As we begin our Lenten journey for 2012, the following prayer may be helpful to begin each day:
“ Dear Lord, as I begin my Lenten journey toward spiritual growth, help me to look deep within myself and let go of the old and embrace the new life that comes from you. ”
We ask that you remember that good stewardship doesn’t lie in stashing and saving, but in giving.

It is our attitude that dictates godliness. That is true in all of our lives. When our attitude becomes one of true servanthood rather than haughty eliteness, God blesses us and it becomes a joy to be the servant of others.

We ask that you remember that good stewardship doesn’t lie in stashing and saving, but in giving.

Thank you Joe for your many years of serving our Parish!

Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds.

Remember that good stewardship doesn’t lie in stashing and saving, but in giving.

St. James is such a wonderful, giving parish home; a true exemplification of stewardship. We help our own but also our community -- food drives, benefits for the youth’s mission trip, we pray for those who are not in our own home, we serve as a meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous, tutor reading to children from a neighborhood elementary school, support less fortunate families at holiday time, the homeless when it’s frightful weather and the list goes on and on and on.

Do you ever notice that no matter how little you may think you have, there is always someone less fortunate? Typically we don’t think twice about providing towels for a shelter resident or a coat no longer worn going to someone homeless when it’s frigid but have you considered St. James on your list of the needy? Hopefully you have and your stewardship to your home community is at the top of your list when donating. During a food drive for instance, you amply select overstock of staples in your pantry but do you also consider digging a bit deeper occasionally to make a donation here at home? Know that good stewardship doesn’t lie in stashing and saving, but in giving.

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

We ask that you remember that good stewardship doesn’t lie in stashing and saving, but in giving.