We’re headed into a summer filled with fun, friendship and faith at St. James.  There are many events yet to be scheduled, so check back here periodically as details become clear and more events are added to the list.  

We do church together whenever two or three are gathered :-) If two of you would like to invite church friends that to an activity you are doing this summer, send details of your event to the office.

 

Sunday, June 4 - Dance Church - 7am

Start your Sunday bringing your body and soul alive with a half hour of gentle and heart-opening dance. We’ll meet in the Jonathan Daniels room and you can dance barefoot or wearing comfortable shoes. Wear cool, comfortable clothes and bring some water. No dancing experience necessary and all are welcome. Anyone can do this kind of free-form dancing, even sitting in a chair.

Questions? Contact Elsa

Saturday, June 24 - Games! - 2-4:30

Join us in the Jonathan Daniels room for board games and a snack. We have Taboo, Racko, Uno and Bingo to name a few.   Feel free to bring your favorite game. Snacks will be provided

Sunday, July 2 - Hundred Nights BBQ - 5pm

Families and friends across the country will be gathering in backyards to celebrate the 4th of July. But what about the members of our community who do not have a home and who depend on services provided by agencies such as Hundred Nights? This year, let’s join our neighbors to enjoy an outdoor cookout to celebrate the holiday together. All are welcome to attend, and please look for sign-up sheets in June to find out how you can contribute to the feast. The BBQ will take place behind our church, since the new building is not quite ready. This is rain or shine. We have pop up tents for the grills and we can use the Resource Center for eating if the weather is not cooperating.

Questions? Contact Theresa

Sunday, July 9 - Nine Holes of Golf - 3:30pm

Let’s put together a foursome or two and enjoy 9 holes of golf. We’ll be playing nine holes on Sunday afternoon at either Bretwood or Keene Country Club. (Bretwood is 32 dollars for 9 holes) We will start with a short driving range session to warm up, then for fun play a best ball game that will allow play to move in a timely manner, especially if some of us are beginners or rusty. We can walk or ride depending on ability. Afterward enjoy a light snack and drink, if time permits. We need to know how many are coming for this event, so if you’d like to join in, contact Michael Giannetto

Questions or to sign up: Contact Michael

Thursday, July 13 - Book Discussion - 6pm

The Book Discussion has been delayed. A new date and time will be announced later.

Join us this summer in reading Barbara Kingsolver's latest Pulitzer Prize winning novel Demon Copperhead: From the acclaimed author of The Poisonwood Bible and The Bean Trees, a brilliant novel that enthralls, compels, and captures the heart as it evokes a young hero’s unforgettable journey to maturity. Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities. We will meet in the Jonathan Daniels Room on July 13th at 6pm for discussion.

Questions? Contact Katie

Saturday, July 15 - MIP Nature and Spirit Walk - 9am - Stonewall Farm Trails, 242 Chesterfied Rd, Keene

This in an opportunity to learn about our local ecologo and reflect on our spiritual connections with the natural world and other people of faith. It will be led by Pastor Tracemay Kalvitis and Pastor Jenna Frost. This is part of a series of interfaith events that MIP will be leading for people to build relationsihps with others in the region, and refelct on your spirituality. You can plan on a 1 1/2 hour walk with stops along the way, followed by light refreshments. Sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes are sufficient. Everyone will take personal responsibility for their level of comfort and safety. Please register here: MIP Nature & Spirit Walk Sign Up or simply join us on the day of the event.

Questions? Contact Angela or Tom at monadnockinterfaith@gmail.com

Monday, Aug 7 - Monday Night Contra Dance - 7:30pm

Love live music? Love to contra dance? Want to learn? Come with a group from church to the Nelson Town Hall for the oldest continuous contra dance in New England. Beginners always welcome . Wear cool clothing and shoes that are not too sticky, and a big water bottle. Meet at the Nelson Town Hall at 7:30. If you’re a beginner, come on time for some coaching early in the dance.

Questions? Contact Elsa

Saturday, August 12 - Bob Ross Painting Class - 2-5pm

Did you know Theresa and Kerry Ford are certified Bob Ross instructors? Well, they are and they will be hosting a class on Saturday August 12 from 2-5 pm in the Jonathan Daniels room at St. James. Learn to paint some happy little trees and connect to nature spiritually the Bob Ross way. By the end of the class you’ll have a painting to bring home. All materials will be provided and you do not need to have any experience with painting to enjoy this class and to create your own masterpiece. The materials fee is $20 per person (financial aid available) and space is limited. You must contact Theresa and Kerry and sign up in advance for this event. If participants want to bring along some wine, cheese, crackers and other finger foods, we can celebrate our paintings with a little art opening together once our painting is done at about 5pm. You might also want to bring some paper towels and baby wipes along.

Want to sign up? Contact Theresa and Kerry

Sunday, August 13 - Feast of Jonathan Daniels - 9:30AM    

As usual, we are planning a special service to honor the feast day of Saint Jonathan Daniels. We’ll have a special guest preacher, and also a festive potluck coffee and fellowship time following the service. You are invited! More details are forthcoming.