It was wonderful to see so many parishioners join together for the Annual Meeting this past Sunday, October 4, at 11 a.m.

If you weren't able to make it, we invite you to watch the recording of the meeting.

We heard a report from the Regathering Task Force, celebrated Mark Snow's service as Senior Warden, and welcomed Fred Williams as our next Senior Warden. We thanked Terry Prevost for his continuing service as Junior Warden, and heard from the Regathering Task Force on their work of preparing for the time when we can once again meet in person.

We thanked our other outgoing Vestry members -- Ed Hatrick and Deb McGee -- and we elected four new members to the Vestry: Chris Cuellar, Tom Horne, Mary Lou Leipheimer, and Rebecca Page.

Thanks to all the outstanding Vestry candidates for their willingness to serve, and to all the St. James' community for pulling together to care for our neighbors near and far during this challenging time.

When our boys were young, they loved to build Lego castles. Every Lego brick known to man was incorporated somehow - spires and beams and the hinge pieces too, so that the doors and drawbridge could open and close. Lego people for these castles were specially made – the king was usually a Batman body with a Luke Skywalker head and light saber, while his queen was Hermione Granger from a Harry Potter set with WonderWoman’s hair and crown. But when it came to the castle guards, the boxy Lego figures were out. Instead, the boys chose more realistic sentries from their set of green, plastic army soldiers. These guards wore boots and helmets, and most importantly of all, weapons were molded into their hands – pistols, rifles, and grenades – the kind of fire power you really need when guarding something precious.

So what weapon does God use to guard what is precious to him? How does he keep us, the children he created in his own image, safe? What is so powerful that it can protect our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus? Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives us the ironic answer. No pistols, no rifles, no hand grenades required.

Instead, the ultimate weapon is peace. The peace which surpasses all understanding. God’s peace is all we need.

Join us as we "go live" on Facebook at 10 a.m.

See instructions here or visit 

Visit the St. James' channel on YouTube to see all archived worship services.

We'll begin the year by exploring the story of Creation. To find out more, check out Storymakers’ website.

If you would like to have a kit delivered instead, email Kay Gregg or call the church office at 703-777-1124, and we’ll be sure to get you one. 

In response to increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Loudoun during the pandemic, during October we are praying for, learning about, and financially supporting the Loudoun Homeless Services Center.

Located in Leesburg, Loudoun Homeless Services Center is a multifaceted program with services to prevent, support and help end homelessness within Loudoun and surrounding counties. The center provides an emergency shelter program for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, supportive housing to adults in need, and drop-in services for adults who need to take care of basic daily needs like meals, shower and laundry facilities.

Loudoun Homeless Services Center is a program operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas and Loudoun County Department of Family Services.

If you are able, please give generously. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity!

Please consider providing food for St. Gabriel's ministry that serves folks who are food-insecure, do not have transportation, are nontraditional renters, and due to the pandemic have not had work or had their hours severely reduced. All food donations can be dropped off at St. David's in Ashburn on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

To assist our parishioners, family, or friends, as well as support community organizations that provide key services (food, shelter, or direct aid), ​St. James' has established a COVID-19 Response Fund.

In addition, Fr. Daniel Vélez Rivera, vicar of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church (St. James' daughter church), works closely with Catholic Charities to help distribute emergency COVID-19-related rental assistance to people who are non lease-holders.

Grace to Go continues to serve to-go meals every Monday evening from the St. James' parking lot.

If you, a family member, or friend, find themselves in a place of need, please contact Fr. Earl. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are in need.

In addition, please share this list of non-profits who can assist those in need.

"In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified."

Email: fr.earl@stjamesleesburg.org

Those requesting our prayers this week: 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: Peter Schweitzer, Ann Stribling, Orma Call, Chris DeWaard, Jay Watkins, Mark and Meghan Roomsfa, Lori Turner, the Schott family, 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. 

Terry Prevost, Junior Warden

Jane Roth, Secretary

Fred Williams, Senior Warden

 St. James’ Clergy and Staff