We come together to share the good news through "God's Love Today", even as the pandemic continues, rejoicing in our continued digital fellowship! Today, we bring you a meditation contributed by St. James parishioner, Lou Ellis:
"In this current crisis of required social distancing, it is not acceptable or correct to follow anyone too closely, but in scripture the children of God were called to follow Christ; directly, intimately ..."
Read more by clicking the blue button below. And as always, we encourage you to send your "God's Love Today" stories, photos, and videos to Lluvia Peveto via her
email
. Happy reading!
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The Messenger Makes A Comeback!
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After delays due to COVID, we're excited to let you know that St. James is bringing back our quarterly printed newsletter, The Messenger! As a reminder to those who may not be familiar, The Messenger brings together detailed parish stories that provide insight into past St. James events, future projects, and personal experiences.
The schedule for the remainder of the year is as follows:
- August, week of the 24th
- November, week of the 16th
We are looking forward to your readership, and will keep you apprised of developments and confirmed mailing dates!
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Pounding the Preacher: Welcoming the Harmon Family
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In welcoming the happy addition of
Fr. Drew and his family as St. James, we seek to make the transition as easy as possible by reaching back into the old tradition of "pounding." This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when it was common practice to welcome a new pastor and family with a pound of pantry staples, which would often include corn, wheat, sugar, butter, etc.
Please click the blue link button below to sign-up for a few remaining needs. For everyone that has signed up, please return your
items to the church by Wednesday, July 22.
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Holy Eucharist Services Continue
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St. James will continue to offer Holy Eucharist during our 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in-person, Rite II services. Use the links below to sign-up.
Please note that due to the recent rise in corona virus cases in Baton Rouge, the maximum number at each service be limited to 50. The diocese continues to be in conversation with infectious disease experts from the LSU medical school and government officials. Please keep in mind that updated restrictions or guidelines could be given by the Bishop, diocese, or government at any moment.
As always, we encourage you to continue practicing preventative methods to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 in the Baton Rouge community and at St. James by wearing a face mask, keeping social distancing, and washing your hands regularly.
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For those who are unable or not ready to attend communion during our in-person Sunday worship times, we are scheduling Eucharistic Visits during July by household in the chapel. You must register with the church office ahead of time to during a set time so that we follow all guidelines and restrictions while also ensuring the availability of one of our clergy.
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As we have returned to in-person gatherings for worship, flowers that help enhance the beauty of our liturgy have also returned. Those interested in dedicating altar flower arrangements for an upcoming Sunday as a memorial or thanks offering are encouraged to contact Sylvia in the church office (
Email
or 225-387-5141).
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Construction of our new organ is officially underway! After Goulding & Wood had to temporarily shut down due to COVID-19 restrictions, they are up and running again. They are building the inner-workings of their Opus 53, and pipe orders have been made. This means even some of the first pipes have been created.
Keyboards are also under construction in the U.K. Last week, staff from Goulding & Wood were able to come to Baton Rouge to take final measurements of the (now empty) chambers in the church. Eventually, the organ will be fully assembled in Goulding & Wood’s shop, in the exact configuration they’ll be in when they’re installed in the church!
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Join us to celebrate Fr. Ralph's legacy and coming retirement via the following ways:
Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.
:
Gather for a Retirement Motorcade Parade featuring your decorated cars, homemade cards, and selection of throws in honor of Fr. Ralph. The theme for the parade is "Let the Good Times Roll!"
- Line-up: Starting at 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Corner of 4th and Convention. Sheriff deputies will be on hand to help direct traffic.
- Other Notes: If you will miss the event, submit any cards or letters directed to Fr. Ralph to Mary Boutwell, or submit in person on a Sunday.
Donate to the Purse
:
We're looking forward to offering Fr. Ralph a "purse" to demonstrate a token of monetary appreciation for the years of ministry and aid the transition into his new season of life. There are several ways to give. Use the link below (blue button), select "Other Donations," and write "Howe Retirement" in the memo. You will receive a confirmation email once submitted. If you would rather write a check, write "Howe Retirement" in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the office or dropped in the offertory plate on Sundays.
All gifts for Fr. Ralph's Clergy Purse
must be received by Sunday, July 19.
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Sunday Online Services Continue
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Facebook
Join your fellow St. James parishioners and attendees alike online via Facebook Live for services at 9 a.m. on Sundays. If you have a Facebook account, you can login and visit the St. James Facebook page (see button link below) for the Facebook Live stream and interact with the service and digital attendees there. Click on the blue button below to be redirected to the page.
Video & Audio Link
An email will be sent on Sunday just before 9 a.m. with links to watch or listen to a recording of the service. As you may know, we have updated our YouTube Channel from Fr. Chris' personal channel to a St. James organization channel. Click the blue button to catch up on services and offerings you have missed, as well as subscribe to the new channel!
Bulletin
At the bottom of each week's Herald email, you will find a button linking you to a PDF copy of the upcoming Sunday bulletin.
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St. James Episcopal Day School will be ready to return to school on August 5th. As always, their top priority is the health and safety of the community.
Check out the latest update from their Head of School and COVID Task Force!
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