Our Weekly News & Updates |
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Friends,
Greetings from God's Holy Hill, Shrine Mont! We had a fantastic weekend. Karen Davies and all her many helpers were beyond superb. Many thanks to all of them. Miriam and her helpers had wonderful programming for the kids. I am so appreciative.
I presented some visions for next steps for us to those gathered at the retreat, and I wanted to share these with the whole congregation.
We are getting through the continued impacts of COVID, and we are thriving. Our community and support of one another has been admirable in these "unprecedented times." We are up to 50% of our pre-COVID levels, and studies have repeatedly shown that those who took and continue to maintain Hybrid Worship (Online and In-Person) are the ones who are thriving now. We were ahead of the curve, and that is how many of our new faces found us. Families with children and youth have been hesitant to come back. We continue to offer what we can for them. We miss the energy and hope children bring our Church Family. We maintained important ministries like the Free Clinic and AA after about a four-month hiatus, with the Bishop's permission. There is a great need for us to maintain and increase connections with a hurting world.
Decades ago, Mother Teresa said this, and it is now even more true: "In the developed countries there is a poverty of intimacy, a poverty of spirit, of loneliness, of lack of love. There is no greater sickness in the world than that one." In response to a hungry and hurting world, I want to share a concept I am thinking of as "Jimmy's Porch." In the south we have the old tradition of meeting and greeting friends on the porch. We sit. We talk. We connect. Hospitality and welcome are hallmarks of our identity. We do this naturally and well, as many of our newcomers have shared. But if we are intentional about how we do that, more and more will come and join in. In health areas, yoga classes, Zumba, and other activities can happen as they are allowed. Spirituality focused things like Centering Prayer, Prayer Groups, Lectures and Classes, and public Reconciliation Work shows people what we hold most dear and invite them into join with us. Discipleship is the key to everything, and Sunday School, our emerging Small Group work, Book Group and Campus Ministry are all so important, but these are often not the first step for most people. Often, "safe" and "public" activities are the easiest draws. 4th Quarter does this (and the other categories I mentioned), movie nights, concerts, and StewFest when we can resume that. All of these need to be infused with that spirit of Hospitality and Welcome, like friends, old and new, joining with us on the porch.
But to do this, we need people to take ownership and sign on. We have gotten some paid staff to help, with Becky+ is now our Associate Rector. We are so thankful! We are in the process of requesting a new deacon, but it will take time. But we need lay leadership now more than ever. We need a technology guild as focused and good as our Altar Guild, to maintain and improve our "hybrid" reality. But all the roles, acolytes, Sunday School helpers, Youth group, small group, everything could use an infusion of people who will commit. With things so uncertain, signing up and maintaining is needed even more now. The old 80/20 rule (80% do 20% of the work and vice versa) is much closer to 90/10 or worse.
We need to look at improving or adding to our physical plant, as well. Outdoor space is becoming more and more important. Our parking lot has needed work for a few years. This is an expensive undertaking. Our trees are also getting to a certain age, most having been planted when we began life on this campus when it was built. We would be able to weather more "uncertainty" if we had a covered outdoor space, and we are in the midst of receiving a final bid for a pavilion. It would be about the same size as Brydon Hall and could handle 200 people eating under it, and worship, and exercise classes, and weddings, and concerts, and... There are 1,001 ways this could be a big help. To do these campus improvements we are looking to do a Capital Campaign. Much more on this to come, as the Vestry explores all of these. These are not set in stone, but areas we are looking at seriously in the days to come. From memorial gifts and seed gifts toward this effort we have already received money or pledges over $100,000, and we have not even officially started!
How can we do all this? Especially during these uncertain days? We cannot focus on the deficits, and I am not talking about a monetary one. We are a people of faith, and God has given us all we need. We need to rely on that. We are not proposing these steps out of fear or worry. People run from the smell of desperation. We do this because we are a people of faith, and we want people to grow in the loved of God and their neighbor as they step into who God made them to fully be. As long as we disciple, there will be a church. That is why we do all the things we mention above. If we want more in the budget, we disciple. As one church says, the last thing of people to get converted is their wallet. If we need more hands to join in the labor, we disciple. Service comes from appreciative hearts. As we continue into this reshaped and evolving world, I am so thankful to be a part of a faith community that is exactly that, a faith-filled community. If you have questions, thoughts, ideas, concerns, please talk with me or our wardens or your Vestry member. We want you to be part in shaping our future!
All God's blessings,
Rock+
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Tuesday, October 19, 2021
- 10am- Book Club
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Link to join Zoom call
Wednesday, October 20, 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 21, 2021
- 6pm- Handbell Choir
- 7pm-Parish Choir
Sunday, October 24, 2021
- 8am- Eucharist: Rite I (no music)
- 8:45am- Adult Sunday school (Brydon Hall)
- 9am- Children's Sunday school (Zoom)
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Link to join
- 10am- Eucharist: Rite II (music)
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Link for bulletin
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Link to watch
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6pm- Journey to Adulthood youth event
Monday, October 25, 2021
- 10:30am-Grief Group
- 5:30pm-Centering Prayer Group
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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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Hot off the press! We've just gotten in the November, December, January edition of the Forward Day by Day. Please feel free to come by and get a copy or pick one up on Sunday. If you would like us to mail it to you, please send us an email with your name and mailing address. |
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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. It is a tradition at Saint James the Less that we include the names of parishioners and loved ones that have died in the last year, or years ago if you'd like to include them. All Saints are welcome! 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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You are invited to join the Ira Andrews Lecture Series with Dr. Steven Tuell Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021 at 3pm. Dr. Ira Andrews was a clergy person in the United Methodist Church and a former professor and Dean of Students at Randolph-Macon College. The goal of the Ira Andrews Lecture series is to bring notable persons of faith to engage the campus, the church and the larger community in a deeper intellectual and dynamic understanding of faith and discipleship. “Being the Bible Guy: Does the Bible Matter Today?” Ever since his time at Randolph-Macon College (1992-2005), Steve Tuell has been known as “the Bible Guy,” a title he gladly accepts.
But, what difference does the Bible make to how people live and think today? This Ira Andrews Lecture will consider how the Bible does affect our lives, for better and for worse, and how a better knowledge of the Bible could improve our world.
He will be the guest lecturer for a discussion (open to the public) at 3:00 p.m. in Duncan Memorial’s sanctuary on Oct. 24. The event will be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Masks required.
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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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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 purcha se 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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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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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
Peter Paul is in need of these supplies on behalf of their students. The collection boxes are in our hallway.
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School Supplies: glue, scissors, folders, erasers and pencil pouches
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Laundry supplies: Travel size detergent or 4 pods, rolls of quarters
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Hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, chapstick, Vaseline, pads, tampons, face wipes and wash clothes
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Meals-to-go: pop-top food- soup, beans, canned meat, tuna packets, water (reusable bottle), crackers, chips, fruit cups
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Winter weather items: hand warmers, fleece blanket, hat, gloves, thick socks
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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, Jimmy Smith, Jeff Lawrence,, 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, especially Anne Riddle.
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 who suffer from addiction, dependency or co-dependency of any sort; for twelve-step programs, recovery programs, therapists, and addiction counselors.
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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October 19
Bob Chamlee
Nancy Chamlee
Chip Roberts
Isobel Smith
October 20
Patrick Reagan
Quinn Cauthorne
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October 22
Jake Epperson
Matt Meade
October 23
Paul Feeley
October 25
Bob Batten
Tish Sanders
Lettie Dyer
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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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