For anyone who has visited St. James Episcopal Church during its Lenten fish fries, you probably looked forward to those Friday evenings for dinner, some mingling with friends, and perhaps buying a fresh-baked dessert or two.

The volunteers who made it happen week after week — for 28 years — made the difficult decision to end the fish fries this year, and with mixed emotions, they also promised to put something in place at least one week during this time. 

St. James Episcopal Church announced that their 5th annual Pie Sale/Basket Raffle will be held Friday, Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the church, 405 East Main Street, Batavia. Admission is free.

Known for the wonderful desserts served at Lenten Fish Fries, the St. James bakers have been busy in the church kitchen making apple and pumpkin pies for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. 

Pre-order 9” homemade pies for $12 each by texting 585-356-5359 or take your chances and stop in on Friday or Saturday.

A variety of gift baskets have been assembled, including homemade quilts and afghans, a lottery tree, homemade jams, and more. Tickets will be on sale throughout the event and you need not be present to win.

Dorian Ely, one of the organizers, said, “We are so grateful. Folks have been very supportive of our recent outreach efforts, particularly contributing to our bake sales for Ukraine and the street-front Blessing Box which provides non-perishable food and personal care products to the community. We hope to see many of our neighbors coming in to purchase raffle tickets and a pie or two.” The phone number at the church is 585-343-6802.

On Saturday, October 28, St. James Episcopal Church will be hosting “Ah, Sweet Music!”, a concert and dessert tasting in Memory of David Lange to benefit the church’s organ chamber preservation. David served as the organist at St. James from 1995 until 2022.

The evening will feature a variety of music by many who knew and loved David. Appearing will be Emily Helenbrook, soprano; John Novak, piano and organ; David Hirsch, alto saxophone; The Genesee Chorale Select Ensemble with Ric Jones, conductor and Doug Hanson, piano; Brass Quintet and Percussion with John Novak, organ, Brandon Luce, trumpet, Dakota Hirsch, trumpet, Jessica Gottschall, horn, Peter Celentano, trombone, Jason Decker, tuba, and Dustin Woodard, percussion; and the St. James Choir.

In homage to David Lange’s infamous sweet tooth, a selection of St. James’ dessert specialties will be available for tasting. The event is sponsored in part by the Buffalo Chapter, American Guild of Organists; H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Homes; and an anonymous donor. Tickets are $25 for Dessert and Concert, $20 for Concert only.

Dessert Buffet 6:30-7:15 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at St. James, 405 East Main Street, Batavia, or the Genesee Chorale Box office: www.GeneseeChorale.com/box-office. For more information, call 585-343-6802.

Walk into the Rev. Cathy Dempesy-Sims’ office, and it becomes quickly evident why she would embrace an animal blessing event at St. James Episcopal Church.

Yes, perhaps she has a deeply embedded love of God’s creatures, so it would make sense that the church leader hosted the event Wednesday to provide comfort to those with pets and offer a memorial service for the ones that have died.

But to see her terrier Louie and pit bull-border collie mix Miss Maudie running around with balls and rubber bones amidst their comfy-looking pet beds — even one perched along the window cat-style — and jewel-toned metallic bowls (not two but three, because, you know, they may need treats), you know she means business.

“Pets are members of our family, and God, at the creation of humankind, told us to care for all of God’s creatures— we were even told to name all the animals (Genesis),” she said. “So I believe that God loves our pets and especially loves the bond between human and animal; it’s a sacred bond.” 

The blessing will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia. 

All pets should be on a leash or in a carrier for their protection. Donations of pet food or other pet items will be welcomed and passed along to Batavia pet food pantries and rescue groups.

Participants may also bring bring a photo of their animal friends that don’t want to travel or enjoy crowds so that they may still participate in the blessing.

Made popular by St. Francis of Assisi, who had a great sense of care and respect for all creatures, pet blessings have been a popular event in early October, attracting people with their various types of animals to the church venues.

Batavia First Presbyterian Church will be hosting the event in collaboration with St. James Episcopal Church, GO Art! and Genesee County Youth Bureau.

“We have put a lot of thought into how to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for families and children," Genesee County Youth Bureau Director Daniel Calkins said. “Although the church has done these types of events before, this is the first time this particular event will be taking place. Pastor Roula and her congregation have been very open about wanting to give back to the community, and this event is an extension of that."

The area Episcopal churches are holding a Cookie and Pierogi event in support of the Ukrainian people this Friday, May 19. Join us at St. James Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (or until sold out) for pierogi by Halnyna and cookies by St. James bakers and
friends, cash only.

St. James has joined with St. Peter's Eggertsville to assist a Ukrainian family's transition to the U.S. The mother of the family is helping to support her family by making pierogi and will be present at the sale. Proceeds will be shared with the family and Episcopal Relief and Development designated for Ukrainian humanitarian relief.

Our previous cookie and pierogi events sold out quickly, so come early for best selection. Community support would be most welcome and appreciated.

St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia, has joined with St. Peter’s, Eggertsville, to provide assistance to a Ukrainian family newly relocated to Western NY.

The family of five has received assistance with establishing their household, English language education, and emotional support. Currently, the mother who holds a masters in early childhood education but is unable to work in the U.S. due to multiple barriers, is handmaking pierogies to help support her family. Community support would be most appreciated.

Pierogies, choice of potato with cheese or just cheese, are available in bags of 12 for a suggested donation of $10 each (cash only) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 East Main St., Batavia.

It was a glorious ending to a glorious week.

“A Field of Thanks” celebration coordinated by members of the St. James Episcopal congregation concluded its eight-day tribute to military veterans, community workers and volunteers on Sunday afternoon with the presentation of flags to 81 recipients on the front lawn of the East Main Street church.

Calling the event “a gathering of people sharing stories of hope, sacrifice and love,” the Rev. Bonnie Morris, rector, shared the significance of flags in society.

“Flags are symbols. Flags serve as many things. They may be a rallying call. They may be a reminder of an ideal. The may be a call to action,” she said. “Today and this week and throughout this entire project, flags have pointed to people. They pointed to service. They pointed to dedication.”

Morris said the flags – which were put up on the church grounds last Sunday for all to see – provided “an awesome way to come together in honor of this service.”

“We are a nation of many people and each people with many gifts, serving many people. The flags that we have gathered around us this week in ‘A Field of Thanks’ are the nation’s flags, along with the Navy flag, the flag of Canada and the flag of the United Kingdom,” she said.

“They all represent courage and commitment. They represent community and country, and a people’s dedication to service.”

The program included participation by employees of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and City of Batavia Police Department, and solemn renditions of “Retreat” and “To The Colors” by Batavian Derek Reiss on the bugle. Captain Jim Ellison, Navy, Retired, of Le Roy, served as the master of ceremonies.

Undersheriff Brad Mazur read the list of the heroes’ names and sponsors while Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard members Sgt. Andrew Hale, Deputy Ken Quackenbush and Deputy Kyle Krezmien presented the flags and plaques to the honorees. Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson also had a part in the pageantry.

Categories of heroes included groups and organizations, first responders, health care professionals and members of the armed forces.

Husband and wife Kevin and Diane Skelton, of Oakfield, sponsored flags for their late fathers, James L. Skelton and Kenneth R. Howard Sr., respectively.

Both served in World War II, with the latter receiving the Purple Heart.

“I just thought it was a great way to honor everyone who served the community,” Kevin said. “We thought it was very fitting to be able to honor our fathers who served in World War II. You forget about how these people served their country and even though they didn’t talk about it much during their lives, we understand the sacrifice that they made to serve their country.”

Diane agreed, adding that it was great to see recognition beyond the military.

“I think it’s great to not only honor the veterans but also the people that did things during the COVID pandemic and people who serve the general public – corrections officers and police officers. I just think it’s a fantastic idea,” she said.

Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, was selected by the committee to accept a flag and plaque on behalf of news media professionals.

“It is an honor to represent local media at this ceremony,” Owens said. “Many people in our community made contributions to help us all during the pandemic but locally and throughout the nation, local journalists worked extra hours under extra pressure to bring their friends and neighbors truthful accurate information at a time when political forces tried to spread misinformation.

“I think all of us are proud of the work we did and are grateful for the community's recognition of our work.”

Diane Cox, of Batavia, a registered nurse at the Genesee County Jail, was honored for her work during the coronavirus pandemic when the jail was on lockdown – no visitation, no chaplain and no legal services.

“As a nurse, you just do what you do; you don’t look for rewards,” she said. “It’s a passion; it’s what you do. I was honored to be recognized.”

Cox said that comforting inmates during COVID-19 “was a whole new level of nursing care.”

“They were anxious about their own family members on the outside, being exposed to COVID or having COVID, as well as bringing it into the jail where we were,” she offered. “We were able to contain our people, our staff, and we starting giving COVID testing outside of the county because we wanted to know.”

Since then, the jail staff has received equipment of its own to be able to test on site, she said.

Event coordinator Phyllis Draycott said the idea came to her more than a year and a half ago.

“I felt that people needed a little closeness,” she said. “Well, I thought that maybe COVID would be over in June and looked at Flag Day since it is less busy than any other holiday – well, it’s really not a national holiday. So, that was why we did that.”

“ 'A Field of Thanks' began on D-Day (June 6) and ended on Flag Day eve," she said “and now everybody can take their flags home and fly them at home (on Monday).”

Draycott credited her team of Dawn and Pete Mark for their professional touch, and choir director Dillon Hirsch, for leading attendees in patriotic songs last Sunday.

She presented a checks to WNY Heroes Inc., of Williamsville, and Meals on Wheels of Genesee County, the two agencies that benefited from the proceeds of the event.

Dawn Mark, instrumental in creating the plaques, said she counted it “a privilege" to meet so many people and find out about all their history.

“And I’d do it again in a minute,” she said. “I would suggest to anybody who wanted to do an event like this to go ahead and recognize your community.”

The list of honorees and their sponsors follows:

Photos at top: A large crowd turned out Sunday for the closing ceremony of "A Field of Thanks" at St. James Episcopal Church (seated in red shirt is Phyllis Draycott, event coordinator); Genesee County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard officiating the presentation of the flags. Photos at bottom: Diane and Kevin Skelton, of Oakfield; The Rev. Bonnie Morris, rector; Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, with Sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Hale; Plaque that was presented to News Media Professionals; Draycott presenting check to John Wolf and Diana Fox, representing Meals on Wheels of Genesee County. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

In order to earn funds for local nonprofits, St James Episcopal Church is hosting a Carryout for a Cause Fundraiser through their local Batavia Applebee’s. The event will run all day today -- Tuesday, March 23 (now until until close).

Supporters simply have to order To Go, online via applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app and use Promo Code “DOINGOOD” at checkout.

By using the code, 15 percent of their check (before tax and gratuity) will be donated to St James Episcopal Church for local nonprofits in the Genesee County region, in which they support.

Orders must be placed for pick-up at their local Batavia Applebee’s, 8322 Lewiston Road.

More information on the St James Episcopal Church fundraiser here.

T.L. Cannon Companies, the parent company of Applebee's, has a long history of giving back to the communities they serve. The foundation of its business is commitment to the community and making a positive impact on the neighborhoods it serves. In 2019, the organization provided more than $1.6 million in support of local charities and organizations, and more than $26.4 million since 2008.