Ministers, Educators, Administrators and Clerks,
please share this information with your congregation.  
Nov. 20, 2019
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Happy Thanksgiving and Start of Advent
Presbytery of the James will be closed Thursday, November 28, to observe Thanksgiving. We wish each of you a blessed day with your loved ones and a blessed start to the Advent season on December 1.

The name Advent comes from a Latin word meaning to come to, to reach, or to arrive. The name for this season points to our Lord's coming to us. In Advent we look back in time to recall his first coming to us when he became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). We also anticipate his future coming in glory to complete the restoration to God of human beings and of the whole created world (Acts 3:19).
Frontier Fellowship’s 2019 Advent devotional considers some of the names of Jesus found throughout scripture, celebrating his embodiment of God’s grace that ushered in the dawn of a new Kingdom.
The 2019 Advent devotional from Presbyterians Today challenges us to fill our days of Advent with simple, practical, and loving deeds that help our neighbors — calling each act of kindness a piece of “straw” for the manager to make a soft bed for the Christ child when he arrives on Christmas.
Share Our Facebook Posts with Your Circle
Do you see our posts on Facebook? Do you find them relevant and interesting? If so, others in your church or friend circle might, too. We appreciate receiving your likes and comments and seeing you share our posts with your church followers. Interacting with us ensures Facebook continues to show you our content. 
Update Your Member List for Next Vine Mailing
Church leaders, make sure your church members are included in the Vine mailing list to keep current on the good news and happenings around the presbytery. Please provide a copy of your mailing list or directory to Presbytery of the James. Send a file electronically to Barbara Espigh at barbara@presbyteryofthejames.org. You also may mail a physical copy to our office at 3218 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA 23227. Thank you for helping us keep our records current.
Common Chords Returns Thursday
On November 21 at 7 p.m., sit back and enjoy the acoustic sounds of bluegrass and gospel or grab your guitar (or fiddle, bass, mandolin, banjo or whatever you play) and join in. Camp Hanover's monthly music fellowship is a free event with refreshments. Donations are always appreciated.
Middle and High School Students Invited to Youth Day
Teens and tweens are invited to a day of fellowship and worship at Camp Hanover on December 1 at 1:30 p.m. Individuals and youth groups are welcome, but we ask you to bring adequate adult supervision along. There is no charge for this event! Please let us know if you are coming, or bringing a group, so we know how many to expect. RSVP to Colleen Earp at colleen@camphanover.org or by calling camp at 804-779-2811.
Video Makes Quick Work of Dock Install
Interested in knowing how Camp Hanover's new Celtic cross dock was installed? Check out this time-lapse video of the process, which involved staff paddling it to its final destination.

Other News
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Bring Your Running Shoes

Madison Presbyterian Church hosts a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The program benefits the Loaves and Fishes Program serving local children and is a joint effort with Hebron Lutheran Church. The run will take place at Hoover Ridge Park.
Scholarship for Young Presbyterians

Westminster College in Pennsylvania seeks applicants for the Young Presbyterian Scholars program. The scholarship awards $19,000 per year for a total of $76,000. Nominations are due December 1 and student applications are due December 15.
Grants for Churches

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks worshipping communities to apply for grants. Projects that will be funded should connect a community’s public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. Proposals are due January 10, 2020 with funding awards announced by May.



Stated Meetings
Feb 15, 2020
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Westminster Church, Charlottesville
June 16, 2020
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Salisbury Church, Midlothian
Oct 17, 2020
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Orange Church, Orange
Office Telephone (804) 262-2074