News from St. James' Episcopal Church
Sunday, November 22, 2020
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How Do We Fit?
A reflection by vestry member Carolyn Briles
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As Christians, we often talk of how God fits into our lives, but an even more important question may be how we fit into His.
My husband is not really a coffee hour guy, but he can lay floor like a boss. And that’s what he did – twice in New Orleans with a group from St. James’ after Hurricane Katrina devastated the lives of so many. He saw God in both the need and the generosity there, and those mission trips became a significant part of who he is in Christ. Our older son loves to make the words of scripture come alive, and so he serves as a reader, confident standing at a podium and pronouncing the word Beelzebuhl. Our younger son says no thanks to being on stage, but give him a pair of garden loppers, point him toward an overgrown thicket outside of the church playground, and he has found his calling.
God’s work is dynamic and diverse, and he created each one of us to play a part.
Over the next few months, we will be showcasing the ministries and commissions of St. James’ here in the Epistle. In these ministries, you will find focus on caring - for each other in Fellowship and Pastoral Care, for all others in Mission and Outreach, and for our blessings with stewardship of Finances, Generosity, and Property. You will find focus on communicating God’s word in Evangelism and Teaching and focus on celebrating God through Worship, and Music, and Prayer.
As you read about our ministries, consider God’s call to you. What unique role were you made for?
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Join us for worship this Sunday! |
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Join us as we "go live" on Facebook
at 10 a.m.
to see our worship services.
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Socially distanced, outdoor YOUP
Sunday, November 22
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We were ready for charades by the fire pit, but last week's storm moved it to THIS week!
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Who: middle and high school youth
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What: a socially distanced youth group (YOUP) meeting
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Where: the yard by the Parish House
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When: Sunday, November 22 from 7-8 p.m.
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Why: catch up, play charades and say compline with friends
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How: bring a mask, an outdoor chair and your sense of humor
Contact Michelle at 703-626-4888 with questions.
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Video Sunday School Update! |
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Join us before church on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
For Grades K-5
It's almost Advent time! Our StoryMakers advent materials have arrived! We will be handing out materials on Saturday, November 21 from 3-4 p.m. in the church parking lot.
We will also have Advent candles available!
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Thanks for your commitment to live generously! |
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A huge thank you to all of you who have already made a 2021 pledge of giving!
Your financial support, in the form of a pledge in support of St. James', is an essential component of our ability to carry out our work. We invite you to live generously! Your spiritual gifts and talents help St. James' carry out God's mission and ministry in this place.
While each of us has been challenged during the past months to evolve in ways we never could have imagined, our work at St. James' has evolved, too:
- A Virtual Worship Team has been created and our virtual worship services are enabling us to spiritually nourish people living near and far.
- YOUP! (our youth group for middle and high school students), coffee hours, and forums are helping us stay connected.
- The Garden Project was created and is delivering to Loudoun Hunger Relief thousands of servings of fresh and longer-shelf-life vegetables.
- We are also being fed by God's Word. Sunday School and Bible study continue online, and we have begun an Old Testament Bible Study to help us remember who we are as a spiritual family.
Please prayerfully consider the amount you pledge financially, so St. James’ can share God’s love with even more people and make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community and beyond.
Together, we can do the work God has given us to do.
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As you prepare for Advent, which begins next Sunday, Nov. 29, consider these resources to guide you on your Advent journey. More to come next week! |
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Join an international community in prayer to explore the mystery and wonder of Advent: subscribe to daily meditations through Advent Word. You can sign up for daily emails here.
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If a traditional print Advent calendar is more to your liking, download and print this one from The Episcopal Church for 2020. It offers daily suggestions for engaging in the seven practices that encompass the Way of Love: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. Keep it at your desk or on your fridge and refer to it every day!
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Grace to Go Returns | Volunteers Needed! |
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Since 2009, St. James' Grace to Go ministry has regularly prepared and provided nutritious meals to families in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for these services has grown.
Each week, community members gather to prepare meals at Deli South in Leesburg.
We need volunteers so our robust program can return to meet the needs of our community.
To ensure safety, we will be observing proper protocols:
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Masks: All participants will wear safety masks while inside Deli South and preparing meals.
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Gloves: Protective food preparation gloves will be provided for participants.
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Distancing: Safe distancing procedures will be followed during meal preparation.
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Grace to Go is also in need of 5 new captains to lead cooking operations on Sundays. Captains will coordinate and direct volunteers on the meal preparation process each Sunday.
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November Monthly Mission Partner:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
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During November and mindful of Veterans Day, we are praying for, learning about, and financially supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation which was created to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001 – and to honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to ensuring we never forget the events of 9/11 and the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made by our first responders and military in the line of duty. Tunnel to Towers aims to ensure stability and security for Fallen First Responder families, Military Gold Star families, and families of Catastrophically Injured Veterans – through mortgage-free homes for surviving spouses and children.
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In need of prayer? In need of care? |
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"In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified."
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 453
Please let us know when you are in need of prayer and care.
Whom should you call?
The Rev. Earl Mullins
Emergency Number:
410-409-9386
The Church Office
703-777-1124
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When should you call?
- When you become seriously ill, are dealing with a newly diagnosed disease or condition, or are hospitalized for treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation.
- When you are experiencing a spiritual, physical, emotional or financial crisis.
- When you become concerned for the person who usually shares the pew with you because he or she has not been in church for a while.
- When you experience one of life's many transitions: a birth, a death, a job loss/change, a move, an empty nest, retirement, etc.
- When you need prayer and care, but don't want to "bother" anyone with your troubles -- please contact us anyway; you will not be "bothering" us!
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Those requesting our prayers this week: Jeff Brannock, Brianne Bailey and Family, the Lamberty Family, Alice Lynn, Mary Paul, Inez Peebles, Caroline Ennis, the Lynch Family, the Page family, John Marsh, and the Riley family, Mary Bracken, Jennifer Griffith, Tim MacNamara, for other persons: the Kevin and Margaret Sullivan Family, Heidi, Peter Schweitzer, Ann Stribling, Orma Call, Chris DeWaard, Jay Watkins, Mark and Meghan Roomsfa, Lori Turner, Charlotte, Christian Cutillo, Ruth Guerra, Miline Hughes, Erin Stanton, Barbara Rose, Nancy Hylton, Bridget Steel, Matthew Britto, Dewey, those who are unemployed or underemployed; and those serving in the armed forces at home and abroad. |
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St. James’ Vestry
Carolyn Briles
Katherine Bucklin
Chris Cuellar
Andy Durot
Jim Ferry
Tom Horne
Karen Knobloch
Mary Lou Leipheimer
Steve Mayo
Wayne Newell
Rebecca Page
Jane Roth, Secretary
Maddie Reece, Youth Representative
Treasurer
John Forcier
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St. James’ Clergy and Staff
Interim Rector
Dr. Steven Cooksey
Director of Music/Organist
Dr. Stephen Knobloch
Corner Chorale Music Director
Walter Litzenberger
Assistant Choir Director/Organist
Parish Administrator and Registrar
Janet Stayrook
Preschool Director
Adan Cortez
Lead Sexton
Francisco Ramos
Sexton
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