HARVEST FESTIVAL at ST. JAMES (see all of the pictures )

     It all started with coffee, cider and grape juice on the front lawn, set up by Janet and Charlie Skinner. As people arrived they were given a corsage made of fresh herbs grown by Maria Coffee and put together by Barbara Brayer. Barb and George Brayer greeted people and gave them a name tag made on a half apple print. As people moved around they enjoyed not only the company of people, but the beautiful decorations done by Myrna and Tom Marshall. There were shocks of corn, flowers, pumpkins, and a crate of fresh green beans. Tom brought in several bales of hay for people to sit on, as well as goats, chickens, a rooster and an Angora rabbit for the children to enjoy. Myrna's and Tom's daughter and granddaughter helped the children pet and walk some of the animals. The animals were a delight to the little children.

     We had an opportunity to introduce many new people to St. James, sharing some of our accomplishments and our mission and outreach projects. The first part of the church service was held on the front lawn, with music provided by the guitars of Tom Bidwell and Teralyn Bretherton. The service went well, and the rooster did not crow during Sandy's+ sermon.
     At the time of the peace, we moved inside the church for the Eucharist. This gave some newcomers their first opportunity to see the inside of St. James. Myrna had done her work well in the church also. The pews were decorated with small shocks of corn. At the end of very other pew was a peck basket of fresh fruit and vegetables from Nancy and William Torp's and Paul Aeschbacher's garden. The side altar was decorated with fresh fruits and vegetables. Myrna had placed wonderful harvest displays in front of the pulpit and the altar with vegetables, fruit and lovely flowers. The high altar was decorated with flowers and vines of catawba and concord grapes. It was all stunning.
     People had the opportunity to hear our beautiful organ, played by Ellie Boutwell, and hear our choir. We shared the Eucharist, eating again, Mary White's wonderful homemade altar bread and drinking wine from our area wineries that had become for us the body and blood of Christ. Always we are reminded that God blesses us with abundance, and everything we have, including our salvation, is a gift from God.
After the service we all proceeded to the Undercroft where we dined on Choice Steamship of Round and all the trimmings at a sit-down luncheon. And, what a delicious meal it was. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and the food.
     An event like this doesn't just happen. We owe many people our thanks. First to William Kingham, whose idea it all was, and who put in numerous hours making it all happen. Besides those mentioned above: Leah Nichiporuk, Barb Brayer and Marion Kingham for setting all the tables; Donna Noteware and Leah for cutting up all the vegetables; Bridget Tifft for five apple pies, Adrienne Hutcheson and Leah Nichiporuk for deep dish apple dessert; Betty and Richard Frey for working in the kitchen, and doing numerous jobs; William Tifft and Mike Morley for cooking the vegetables (We didn't know, William, that you had spent several years as a professional cook! It became obvious.); Lin Bretherton and Mary White for serving the food; Zac Pierce and Steven White for waiting tables; Bob Hunn for making the signs; Gregg Learned and Bully Hill for the grape juice; Jim and Linda Grillo for meticulously caring for the landscaping of the church; and for everyone who helped wash the dishes and clean the church afterwards.
     It was a wonderful day. The Lord has provided abundantly. Thank you, Lord.
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