We have all been forced to remember the preciousness and fragility of life recently. Three things happened Sunday which reinforced this for me. In my sermon I spoke to living life fully, not just choosing to act boldly, but choosing to act boldly TODAY. "Why say, 'One Day...' when we can make today, 'Day One...'" Right after church my family left to celebrate my mother's 85th birthday, and the wonderful joy that that milestone is. But while we were en route to her I learned that Fran McConnell, longtime member, had passed. So many reminders of how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" as the Psalmist puts it encapsulated into so small a space. (Ps. 139:14)

Meet the lovely Sehlhorsts, Ken and Georgia. They are the newest members of Saint James the Less! They are new to Ashland, moving here just as the pandemic started. They are such a wonderful addition to our incredible community. They bring laughter, support and goodness with them to every corner they enter. Make sure if you see them in the service you introduce yourself and welcome them here. You will be glad you did!

Our volunteers are unparalleled! They see something that needs to be done, and they do it. Since we haven't been in our kitchen space much over the past year and a half, we had some thoughtful and generous people who came and deep cleaned our pantry and kitchen space. THANK YOU! We are deeply grateful for the ways you care for our communal spaces.

Our very own beloved Lyde Longaker is a published poet! If you would like to read her work, Night Sky, published in The Pittsburgher, click HERE. We are so proud of her!

Next month Becky+ will begin offering a weekly Centering Prayer group at St. James the Less.  Beginning on Monday, September 20th at 5:30pm in the library, we will gather once a week for an hour.  Come in at the handicapped ramp at the front of the church. Park on the loop.

Centering Prayer is a method of meditation that deepens our relationship with God, relying on the principle of surrender or “letting go.”  In this form of prayer we experience God’s presence within us, closer than our breath, deeper than the thinking mind.  It is an ancient Christian practice that finds its home in the monastic sacred reading of Lectio Divina.  Our Centering Prayer group will meet weekly to learn the practice, listen to spiritual readings and insights, and reflect upon God’s presence.  No prior experience is necessary.  You do not need to commit to weekly attendance; come when you are able and as you are.

Our very own Saint James the Less Food Outreach is asking that we gather individually wrapped snacks to send home in backpacks for our food insecure students this fall. Anything that you can donate would be so appreciated. We are looking for things like individually wrapped goldfish, pudding cups, oatmeal pouches, raisins. There will be a box in the hallway that you can place the donation in. Thank you so much in advance!

Hanover Safe Place is an amazing local non-profit that supports those who are experiencing sexual and domestic violence. If you don't know them, please check out their website or social media. They do so much to support this community. They are collecting school supplies for their families for the 2021-2022 school year. If you would like to donate, you can purchase items and have them sent directly to their office on this Amazon link or, you can make donations of new school supplies in-person from the list below. Their office is open 9 to 5. If you arrive to donate school supplies, please call their office at 804-752-2728 and someone will open the main door for you. Thank you in advance for your support!

On Saturday, August 28th the Board of Supervisors will cut the ribbon on the new Hanover Museum of History & Culture at 9:30 a.m. The Museum is located in the Historic Clerk’s Building where Finance and Management Services used to be. Hanover’s new museum will be the first museum in Virginia to display a special exhibit from the Smithsonian about “Change in Rural America.” Their museum is going to be a tremendous asset to Hanover County for generations to come.

From 9:30am to 1pm on Saturday, the County will celebrate its 300^th birthday with an event on the grounds of the lawn behind the Courthouse and Museum. This event will have family activities including games for children, live music, food and ice cream. Many of Ashland's partners will have spaces throughout the lawn. They will have a welcome table near the archway and will give free gift bags with commemorative items for the first 500 families. They will have several raffle drawings for gifts that have been donated by our local business community. Patrick Henry Parson’s Cause re-enactors will be on hand to greet people and will also give performances in the historic courthouse at 11 and 12. At noon, Parks & Rec will plant three dogwood trees in observance of the 300^th birthday. We hope you will join with Hanover County in celebrating!

Join us for IN PERSON Eucharist:Rite II service on Wednesday morning at 7:30am in the church. Please still wear your masks. We will have coffee and bagels with spreads in Brydon Hall afterward. If you would like to watch live, please click HERE. We hope you will join us in whatever way you feel comfortable.

We hope you will join us for one of our in person indoor Sunday services. We still require masks when in the service since we are not yet all fully vaccinated. This is how we can continue to show love for our neighbors. The balcony is reserved for our families that have children who are still unvaccinated. They are not required to sit up there, but have the option. We still have a section of seating for social distancing as well. We hope you join us!

8:30am- Eucharist: Rite I (no music)

10am- Eucharist: Rite II (with music)

Our Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont is being held October 15-17. If you would like to go ahead and sign up, email us. You can mail us your deposit (50%) or bring it by. We so hope you will join us for this glorious time in the mountains for a deepening of your faith and time of connection together!

The cost is: (if cost is a hindrance, please let us know. We can help!)

If you would like to volunteer to be a Sunday School teacher or assistant in the fall for children or youth please, email Miriam. She would love to use your skills and talents with our awesome children and youth.

We are accepting school supplies on behalf of the Peter Paul Center downtown for their students. The collection boxes are in our hallway.

We ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. Remembering especially Gus Miller, Erin Yagla, Anna Stiles, Meredith Moon, Madge Carter, Meghann Batten, Mark Longaker, Michael Fox, Bill Blakemore, Karl Meyer, Chambers Cromwell, Melanie Fischer, Dennis Folsom, Carter and Lila, Shirley Dols, Jay Hart, Jack, Pam Bowers, Lin Varner, Connie Geisenderfer, Paul Robb, Jonathan Smith, Debra Bernard,, Beth Arrott, Rev. Dr. Susannah Metz, the Rev. Victor King, Smith family, Alex Gillette, Pam Gillette, Sally Budd, Thad Green, Matt Chamblee, Harrison May, Liz Rison and the Diocesan Search Committee for our new Bishop.

We ask your prayers for those who have died, Fran McConnell.

125 Beverly Road

Ashland, VA 23005

The Rev. Rock Higgins- Rector

The Rev. Becky McDaniel- Priest Associate

Kasey Buckland- Parish Administrator

Reggie Long- Organist/Music Director

Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director