Our Weekly News & Updates | |
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Good morning, Church Family!
It was so heartwarming to see us having more folks feel comfortable gathering on Sunday! It has been a long time since we had more than 100 in worship. We are so thankful.
We have a big weekend coming up with the new Organ dedication concert. I know you will want to be with us Sunday at 4 pm with a reception following. Monday night, join us as we cap off trick-or-treating around town with a community showing of "Ghostbusters." We are allowing folks to park in our lots, and then we are inviting them to come join us for the movie starting at 7 pm. This will be on the loop out front of the church. Bring a chair if you would like to join us! Tuesday is All Saints, and we hope you will worship with us at 7 pm. We have two baptisms and we hope you share in the joy of these new commitments to Christ.
Looking ahead, in my time hear we have had a yearly Election Eve service. In reaching out to our sister churches, folks are feeling really stretched coming back from COVID. We will hold a Prayer Vigil inviting those who wish to participate. We will gather at 7 pm that night. This will not be a formal service, but a gathering of the faithful holding our town, county, state, and country up to God. This so fits with our theme this year of doing things WITH UNDIVIDED HEARTS. I hope you will join us.
For all those who worked so hard to make our Shrine Mont retreat so special, I cannot thank you enough! In particular Ana made it very successful with her leadership.
Blessings, and hope to see you this weekend!
Rock+
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Wednesday, October 26, 2022
- 7:30am-Eucharist Rite II
- Breakfast following
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10:30am-Yoga Class Brydon
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12pm-Chair Yoga Brydon
Thursday, October 27, 2022
- 10am- Book Club on Zoom
- 6pm-Handbell Choir
- 7pm-Parish Choir
Saturday, October 29, 2022
- 9am- Group Exercise Class
Sunday, October 30, 2022
- 8am-Eucharist:Rite I
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9am-Adult and Children's Sunday School
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10am- Eucharist: Rite II (music)
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11:15am-Confirmation Class
Monday, October , 2022
- 10:30am-Grief Group
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10:30am-Yoga Class Brydon Hall
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12pm-Chair Yoga Brydon Hall
- 7pm-Dream Group
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7pm-Outdoor Movie- Ghostbusters
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As Bishop Susan Goff approaches retirement at the end of this year, many individuals and congregations in the Diocese are looking at ways to recognize over 40 years of service she has given us. The Board of the Trustees of the Funds (ToTF) invites the Church of St James the Less congregation to contribute to the Bishop Susan Goff Fund for Racial Justice Initiatives that the ToTF created at our September 14th Board meeting to honor the Bishop’s many years of caring and impactful service to the Diocese. At Bishop Goff’s request, this fund will provide grants for organizations in the diocese to develop education and advocacy programs for racial justice. The Executive Board of the Diocese will administer the fund and select recipients of grants from the fund. At the ToTF Board meeting, the ToTF Board raised just under $5,000 from our members to start the fund. The Diocese also announced Bishop Goff will be directing proceeds from the sale of 33 of her original works to this fund.
The ToTF invites all individuals and congregations who want to honor Bishop Goff as she heads toward retirement by joining us in contributing to this fund. Please send your donations to the Diocese of Virginia, Bishop Susan Goff Fund for Racial Justice Initiatives, c/o Ted Smith, Diocesan Treasurer, Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, 110 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220. Please direct any questions you may have to Lynn Ivey, Executive Director, Trustees of the Fund, livey@trusteesofthefunds.org or (804) 405-8397.
For clarity, this is a distinct fund from the Fund for Reparations, created at Diocesan Convention in Resolution R-10a in November 2021. That fund will be funded and managed by the Reparations Task Force and the Executive Board of the Diocese.
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We are already so looking forward to the Organ Concert and reception on Sunday, October 30th at 4pm. We are wondering if some of you may be able to help us with this event. Would you be able to bring a finger food to share? Would you be able to help set up or clean up? If yes, please email us. We are grateful for any assistance you might be able to provide. | |
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Movie on Halloween Night
We hope you will join us on Halloween night, Monday 10/31, at 7pm for a showing of Ghostbusters (the 1984 original version) outdoors. We will have popcorn and goodies for you to enjoy. Bring a chair, blanket, snacks and a friend to celebrate this night in community. Feel free to wear a costume too! It will be fun!
After the members of a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to become "ghostbusters" to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. They stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will release evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction.
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Two beloved families of ours, the Shireys and the Browns, are being celebrated and we have been invited to join in the fun. The put so much goodness in the world, it is sure to be a fun night! | |
Yoga Classes
Local resident, Lorie Lower, will be offering a Slow Vinyasa Flow yoga class beginning October 17th. Classes will be held in Brydon Hall Monday and Wednesdays from 10:30am - 11:30am. Classes will be open to all levels! Each class will cost $12, payable by cash, check or Venmo. Please bring your mat, props and water. No need to sign up! Simply show up! Any questions, please feel free to contact Lorie at lorielower@me.com
We will also offer Chair Yoga in Brydon starting Monday, October 17th on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-1pm. The rate is $12.00 per person per class. Judy Schollmann will be leading that class. She has her RYT 200, Tone Sculpt Yoga and Restorative Yoga Certifications. This will be a very gentle class with great benefits.
We hope you will join us for one (or more) of these classes!
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Women's Retreat
Ashland Presbyterian invites the women at SJtL to their Women's retreat at Richmond Hill November 11-12.
What does it mean to set down the things we carry, make them lighter, and lift up to carry on? Through a time of rest and reflection, we will explore where we find freedom and rejuvenation in our lives as they are, and what healing things we might pick up anew. Sam is a recent graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary and a theologian specializing in trauma, atonement, and resiliency. She is a Candidate for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a frequent Richmond-based supply preacher. For her, art and photography are places of rest and restoration. Sam was the student intern at Ashland Presbyterian Church in 2020-2021, the year we spent worshipping online! In addition we will rest our bodies with yoga led by Jennifer Smith, and be introduced to one of Sandi Goehring's "old friends" from the Christian Mystical tradition.
For more information click here.
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Young Adult Virtual Bible Study
We are thrilled that Abby Thompson will be holding a Young Adult Virtual Bible Study on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, starting on October 19th. HERE is the link to join the Zoom. If you need to dial in, please call (301) 715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 813 9756 3505 and Passcode: 829494.
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Bishop Consecration
You are invited to the Ordination and Consecration of the Rev’d Canon E. Mark Stevenson as XIV Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, Saturday, December 3, 11:00 a.m. at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road, Henrico, Va.
Attendance at the Ordination and Consecration is open to all members of the Diocese, but registration is required for all participants, including laity. Here is the link for laity registration if you would like to attend. There is no limit how many we can bring, but EVERYONE must register.
We are looking for Choir Members to join in the united choir. Reggie has this information if you would like to do that. Also, we have been invited to have a Banner Bearer carry our SJtL banner in the service. Please reach out to the office if you are interested. It will be an unforgettable day!
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All Saints Service
We will be celebrating All Saints, remembering our beloved friends and family that have passed, on Tuesday, November 1st at 7pm. If you would like to include the name of a loved one to be read aloud, please email Kasey or call the office, 804-798-6336, to give their name. Please have all names in by Thursday, 10/27.
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Brunswick Stew Sale
Our annual tradition is back! We are thrilled!
We will be selling our famous "Bishop's Blessed Brunswick Stew," available for pick up Saturday, November 12th between 2-6pm. We only have 130 quarts left. They will be $12 a quart. If you would like to reserve a quart for yourself or your family, please do that HERE, or you are welcome to call Kasey and she can set you up. (804-798-6336). You can pay when you pick it up via check, cash or card.
We will be preparing the food on Friday, November 11th and cooking and selling it on Saturday, November 12th. If you would like to be part of the cooking and distribution team, please click HERE to sign up or just let Kasey know.
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Election Eve
Typically on Election Eve we hold a service as we prepare to elect our next leaders. This year we will gather to pray on behalf of our country. We all have worries for the current state of things. One of the great things about our faith is that we also have hope. Let's get together and celebrate that common thread and pray for what is to come. on Monday, November 7th at 7pm.
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Sign up to bring meals for the Clinic Volunteers HERE
- Help stock our Emergency Food Pantry (outside the clinic)
- Send in your Pop Tops for McDonald House
- Bring in Hygiene or laundry items for Peter Paul
- Donate to ACES (see below)
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Pantry: Pasta sauce, Canned meat (tuna, ham, salmon, chicken, etc.), Beans (with pork, baked, white beans, black beans, etc.), Hot and cold cereal (healthier brands preferred), Personal care items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.), Cleaning products (laundry soap, dish soap, etc.)
Adult Clothing: Men's boxers and boxer briefs (all sizes), Men's shoes (all sizes), Men's underwear, Men's jeans, Men's extra large winter clothing (sizes 2x, 3x, 4x), Women's underwear (all sizes)
Children's Clothing: Girl's underwear (sizes 8 and 16), Large kid's socks, Baby wipes (we are completely out)
ACES is open on both Mondays and Wednesday from 8:30-11:30am. Thank you for your continued support!
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Empowering Neighbors
A new local community service non-profit organization by the name of Empowering Neighbors, Inc. is looking for volunteers to staff a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance office in Ashland for the upcoming tax season. See the FAQ document for more information.
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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, Paul, and Jennifer, our Bishops, the Bishop Elect, The Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson and family, Rock+, our priest, and Dawn+, our Deacon. 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, Glenn, 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, Meghann Batten, Michael Fox, Bill Blakemore, Dennis Folsom, Paul Robb, Debra Bernard, Smith family, Court Warfield, Andrea Alexander McCallum, Tom Ficklin, Janet Taylor, Jessica and family, Joy Stevenson, David Turner, Kim Keene, Brad Rose, Wendy Vaughan, Sara Reece, Richard Rennolds, Andy Newchok, Jim Smith, May & family, Joe Beane, Pam Bowers, Bettilee, Iana Mason, Sally Temple, Diane Wood, Bob Hughes, Bill Mercier, Shirley Miller, and Allison Provencher.
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 governments and governing bodies of Metropolitan Richmond: For the Mayor and City Council of Richmond, the City Administrator, and all city employees.
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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Proper 25
October 23, 2022
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October 26
Fern Tharrington
October 27
Bill Harrison
October 30
Kolbey Hogeboom
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October 31
Eleanor Urquhart
November 1
Sally Ellithorpe
Paul Davies
Aaron Toscasno
Benjamin Toscano
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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. | | | | | |
