Activities at St. James

Challenge for Lent 2010 - Fill our Basket

Calling all fabric artists! We are creating a fabric art basket to display at the next diocesan convention in the annual raffle, which benefits the Diocesan Fund for the Poor and Homeless. So far we have one baby blanket, that was crocheted by Norma Ewing. We need stitchers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, and other fabric artists to add items to the basket. Churches from all over the diocese create baskets, with themes ranging from food to books to wine to all kinds of creative arts. During breaks at convention, the more than 350 delegates, clergy and guests flock to the raffle tables to look over the baskets and tickets for their favorites. This raffle is an exciting event every year and a fabric art basket from St. James would draw lots of interest and ticket purchases.

From the funds raised each year, the Diocesan Fund for the Poor and Homeless gives grants to parishes, which engage in efforts to end homelessness or provide relief for those who are homeless. In 2008 St. James applied for and received a grant to assist with our clothing outreach project. In 2009 grants went to parishes involved in food pantries, community gardens, after school programs, and many other outreach ministries. While the Fund for the Poor and Homeless has established several sources of income, the raffle is its major fund raising event.

We hope to fill our fabric art basket during Lent, although the diocesan convention takes place next November, when so many outreach projects take up our time and attention. A fabric art project might serve as a Lenten discipline or maybe a way to spend some quiet time in Lenten reflection. Bring completed projects to the church and Deacon Mimi will collect them. When the basket is complete, hopefully this Easter, we will present it at the altar for a blessing. For questions contact Deacon Mimi meick3@comcast.net

Escrip

Read about eScrip to learn how it benefits St. James.

Recycling

Contact Metro 503-234-3000 or http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=24197 for answers to all of your recycling questions. As of January 1, 2009 all TVs and computers can be recycled for free.

Plastics

St. James parishioners have the opportunity to recycle many plastics at church. The recycling area is located in the hall between the narthex and the office. Boxes are designated as to type of material. Currently the plastics are being taken to Far West Fibers on Denney Road in Beaverton. For information about recycling at church, contact Elizabeth Johnson. Check here for details on what plastics can be recycled.

Electronics

In addition to plastics recycling, we are able to recycle electronics through Escrip. A green box in the recycling area is designated for these items. St. James can earn money by collecting empty laser and inkjet cartridges, used cell phones, iPods, and laptops. The more we collect, the more we earn! Escrip refills the ink and toner cartridges and refurbishes the other items and resells them. St. James can earn from $.50 an ink cartridge to $20 for a laptop. For information about recycling electronics at church, contact Cynthia Reynolds.

Quilters

The St. James Quilters meet the 1st and 3rd Mondays from noon to 2pm in the Parish Hall. No experience or sewing skills are necessary. Please contact Elesa Newell for further details.

Knitting and Crocheting for Charity

Our meetings are currently on hiatus.

Contact Elizabeth at emerkjohnson@gmail.com or visit our group at http://groups.google.com/group/st-james-knitters.