Our Weekly News & Updates
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Friends,
We have begun our Stewardship season, and I so appreciate Ana Bajsci's Stewardship Minute on Sunday. I have worked in churches or non-profits as my primary employment all of my adult life. These all need to raise funds to do the important work that they do. I have worked in churches scared of what the future will hold, like I spoke about on Sunday. I have worked in places where the was a sense of abundance and reliance on God's providence and people's generosity and had more than enough. When I worked at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School, I learned an important summation of fundraising from the Head of School.
When Mike Maruca, the Head of School, would walk prospective or current donors around he never said a word in the classroom. He might say a few words between classes in the hallway. I asked him about his "soft sell" approach one time. "People give to what they believe in. When they see you guys [the teachers] in action, they just give."
I have often found the same thing in churches, too. People give to what they believe in. This is an important year for us. We are coming out of the pandemic with an expanded ministry, doing "hybrid" work while we add in-person gatherings while maintaining our online activities. This both/and is the "new normal." It is something we were already doing before the pandemic, but we hit our current stride because we were already at it. Ana shared Sunday how this community led her to join, get married, and raise her children in this church. She believes in it with her "time, talent, and treasure" as she put it. She gives of all of these because she believes in the community, what it meant and means to her and her family, and what it could mean to those who are finding us now.
In the coming days we will be presenting some exciting directions that the Vestry and I are preparing to share. Getting our ducks in a row is almost done, and we cannot wait to share many details. Already, Becky+ has started with us as our Associate Rector, and I cannot wait to see where her ministry will flourish.
I am asking you as we prepare this year's pledge campaign, how can you support what you believe in? How can we reach and make an impact on more of our friends and neighbors? How can we bring glory to God through our faithful response to his love and grace? Nothing we could do could ever "pay God back." But our faithful response is a way to expand and join in the Kingdom work Christ has called us to do.
Blessings,
Rock+
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Tuesday, October 5, 2021
- 10am- Book Club
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Link to join Zoom call
- 11:30- Romeos & Red Hats
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
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7:30am-Eucharist Rite II
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Link to watch service
- 8pm-Youth Parent's Small Group
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Link to join Zoom Call
Thursday, October 7, 2021
- 6pm- Handbell Choir
- 7pm-Parish Choir
Sunday, October 10, 2021
- 8am- Eucharist: Rite I Worship
- 8:45am- Adult Sunday School- Brydon Hall
- 9am- Children's Virtual Sunday School
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Link to join
- 10am- Eucharist:Rite II Worship
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
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5pm- Bluegrass Mass
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Link to watch service
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6pm- Youth J2A
Monday, October 11, 2021
- OFFICE CLOSED FOR FEDERAL HOLIDAY
- Grief Group & Centering Prayer Group will NOT be meeting
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Blessing of the Animals
How beautiful to see the face of God in our faithful companions!
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The Canticle of the Sun (Canticle of the Creatures)
St. Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them. Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.
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We want to thank Larson Flanagan for the incredible ways he made our property even more wonderful. He completed his Eagle Scout project on Saturday. He put two new benches in the children's playground and refurbished an older one, along with the swing. It looks wonderful! We hope you will come by and enjoy!
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Our beloved Formation Director, Miriam Smith, and her family have been in a difficult season. If you would like to provide them a meal to make their load a little lighter, please click on their Meal Sign Up HERE. Please be aware they do have a gluten allergy. They bless so many and it would be wonderful if we could bless them right back.
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As we approach our All Saints Service on October 31, we want to remember all those loved ones who have gone before. If you would like to remember one of your beloveds please email us or call the office to give us their names. We would love to celebrate them alongside of you.
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Book Club
For those attending Shrine Mont this year, Father Rock will be holding a book club on The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. If you would like to be part of that, you can purchase the book HERE. If you would like help purchasing it, please let us know. We are happy to help! Also, if you would like to get it from the local library, they have many copies (physical copies and ebooks). We wanted to make sure you had ample notice so you could get a copy and start reading, if you like. It is a short read and will hopefully lead to some meaningful discussions.
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Need a Ride?
Paul Davies has generously offered to drive the church van for those who might want a ride up to Shrine Mont. For those who would like a ride please let Karen know and arrive at 12:30pm at the church on October 15th. The hope is to leave by 1pm.
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Yoga on the Mountain
Becky+ will be holding a yoga class on Saturday at Shrine Mont, so please remember to bring clothes you will be comfortable moving in, a yoga mat or water bottle if you’d like to join. If you don’t have a mat, no problem! Please still join us with a towel if you’d like. All are welcome!
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Fun Social Gathering on Saturday
Saturday evening we will be having a themed social gathering. The theme is Alter Ego. Be thinking of what you'd like to dress as. You don't have to dress up, but we would love to have some fun together in this way. We are trying to gather up some fun costumes (especially for the kids) and dress up accessories to use during our time up there. If you have any that we could borrow, please bring them by the church or bring them with you to the retreat!! We also would love to have 2 face painters available. Please email Miriam if you are interested!
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Deposits
Please make sure that you pay your fees in full before you go. Prices are:
- Adults $160
- Teens $80 (ages 13-18)
- Children $60 (ages 4-12)
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Please join us this Sunday, October 10th, at 5pm for our second Bluegrass Mass. Father Rock will offer blessings, readings and prayers as we hear hymns of worship in a Bluegrass style. We will meet outside on the front side on Beverly Road. Bring your chairs and we hope to see you all there!
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Adult Sunday School is held Sundays in person at 8:45am- 9:40am in Brydon Hall, taught by Beth Harrison. We are excited to have this opportunity together! Please wear your mask and come ready to learn. It is a wonderful time of connection and growth.
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Just a reminder that the Office is closed on Monday, October 11th for the Holiday. Grief group and the Centering Prayer group will not be meeting either. They will resume on Monday, October 18th.
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Join us for fellowship in the virtual Parent Small Group. Every Wednesday at 8pm over Zoom with your favorite beverage in hand to support each other throughout this journey of parenthood and grow in faith together. HERE is the link to join. If you would like to dial in please call 301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 820 5734 4002 and Passcode: 756956.
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CHOIR REHEARSALS THURSDAY
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The Handbell Choir and Parish Choir have resumed. All are welcomed and encouraged to join these groups. The Handbell Choir rehearses Thursday at 6:00 and the Parish Choir rehearses at 7:00. We are always looking for new singers and ringers and we have a place waiting for you. In keeping with church and diocesan guidelines, wearing a mask will be needed at both of these rehearsals. If you have any questions or need additional information about these groups, please email Reggie with any questions. We look forward to seeing everybody back on Thursday and hope to see many new faces!
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Book Club is on Tuesdays at 10am. We are reading My Life with the Saints by James Martin. (10th anniversary edition) The link to purchase the book on Amazon is HERE. If you need any help or would like us to get you a copy, let us know. We will be meeting virtually (on Zoom) through November 16th. We hope you will join us! The link to join the group is HERE. If you would like to dial in over the phone please call 1-301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 864 4097 7560 and enter Passcode: 529762.
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CENTERING PRAYER WITH BECKY+
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Becky+ offers a weekly Centering Prayer group at St. James the Less on Mondays 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.
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There is a pipe replacement project underway for Beverly Road near 110 Beverly. The existing pipe under the road is an old metal pipe and beginning to rust. They will replace it with a "box culvert," which is a rectangular pipe. The work has begun and will last 3-4 weeks. During most of the project, the section of Beverly between Thompson St. and Lee Ave. will be closed.
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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.
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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!
8am- Eucharist: Rite I (no music)
10am- Eucharist: Rite II (with music)
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Children's Facebook Group
Please join our new private Facebook group for families. This will be a place to share your day to day experiences and hear a bit more about Sunday school and special events we have coming up!
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Journey 2 Adulthood (J2A)
Don't forget to sign up for our new regional youth group offering. Our next meeting will be Sunday, October 24th. We meet for a meal and discussion a 6pm. Please complete the registration form at
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Children's Virtual Sunday School
Sunday school is BACK! We had a wonderful first session on Zoom. We look forward to seeing you all next Sunday at 9am! To join the class click HERE. If you would like to dial in, call 1 301 715 8592 and enter Meeting ID: 837 0592 6364 and enter Passcode: 987035. The coloring page will be included in the weekly family update.
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Parent Small Group
Join us for fellowship in the virtual Parent Small Group. Every Wednesday at 8pm we will meet over Zoom with your favorite beverage in hand to support each other throughout this journey of parenthood and grow in faith togethe r. HERE is the link to join. If you would like to dial in please call 301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 820 5734 4002 and Passcode: 756956.
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Reserved Family Section
We are offering the balcony as an option for families to use during worship. Many families have unvaccinated children and we want to make sure we protect you the best we can. You do not have to sit there, but know this is an option for you.
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OUTREACH
"We rise by lifting others." -Robert Ingersoll
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Emergency Food Pantry
Right outside our Saint James the Less Free Clinic we have a food pantry. It is available 24/7 and used a great deal as immediate needs come up. Please donate non-perishables to this. It would be an incredible blessing to our community.
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ACES is in need of the following items:
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Pantry: Instant potatoes, canned potatoes, tomatoes and carrots.
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Adult Clothing: Women's bras (all sizes), women's underwear (sizes 6-8), Men's undershirts (size L & XL), Men's jeans (all sizes), and Feminine hygiene - pads.
ACES is open on both Mondays and Wednesday from 8:30-1130am. Thank you for your continued support!
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POP TOPS
We are still collecting Pop Tops for Ronald McDonald house. Hang on to them or bring them by when you can. This is a valuable resource that goes to help families with children in the hospital here in Richmond.
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PETER PAUL
We are accepting school supplies on behalf of the Peter Paul Center downtown for their students. The collection boxes are in our hallway.
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Lord, we lift up this nation struggling with itself these days, reeling from this pandemic and its repercussions. Encourage us to faithfulness, righteousness, and compassion for all God’s Children. We lift up Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael, our Presiding Bishop, Susan, Jennifer, and Porter our Bishops, Rock and Becky, our priests. May they be strengthened and encouraged as the work with us to proclaim your Good News in this world. We pray for Joe, our President, Ralph, our Governor, and Steve, our Mayor, and all our elected officials. Guide them to lead us to the common good.
We ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. Remembering especially Gus Miller, Erin Yagla, Meredith Moon, Madge Carter, Meghann Batten, Mark Longaker, Michael Fox, Bill Blakemore, Karl Meyer, Chambers Cromwell, Dennis Folsom, Carter and Lila, Shirley Dols, 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, Sarah Chamblee & family, Loisanne Rockwell, Katherine Anderson, Paige, Emllyn, and Clara Meyer (and family), Wiley Hughes, Janice Halloran, and the Diocesan Search Committee for our new Bishop.
We ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. We also ask your prayers for those serving in the diplomatic corps, the military, and as missionaries: Kemper Jones, Greg Ericksen, Matthew Thomas, Philip Morison, James Ashley, Andrew Brunson, Jordan Fox, and Katherine Murphy.
We ask your prayers for those who have died.
We ask your prayers for those who grieve.
We pray for public, non-profit, and religious social service work and ministries in Metropolitan Richmond: For all in need of social services, all social service departments and caseworkers; for partnerships between the church and other institutions serving the needy.
For all those who seek peace in the world and for ourselves, that we may bring about God's Kingdom here on earth. For our enemies, and for those who wish us harm.
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored.
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THIS PAST SUNDAY'S SERMON
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October 6
Mary Lou Brown
Karen Fritter
Dawn Stockbridge
October 8
Robyn Davies
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October 9
Peter Trible
October 10
Joanne Flanagan
Tahira Abaire
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Saint James the Less Episcopal Church
125 Beverly Road
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-6336
Staff:
Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director
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Weekly E-News Deadline: If you have an announcement to be shared with the parish, please get the information in no later than noon on Monday.
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