A few words from our Ushers
on the satisfaction of being an Usher.
As we prepare for the new program year, we find we have a need for more ushers. There are few ministries in the church that are more essential and rewarding. But you don’t have to take our word for it, here are a few testimonials from our current ushers:
"Serving an usher is the best example of being a foot soldier in a church. You are in direct contact with the congregation, the clergy, and the choir, as well as guests. This vital role helps link the entire church family and gives you the satisfaction of productivity."
–Wyn Brown
"As an introverted-leaning individual, and one who, in the past, had attended church passively, ushering has allowed me to get to personally know regular members of St. James's and the Clergy, and be actively involved with the services. Ushering has also inspired me to be willing to consider accepting other positions in support of the Church."
–Chad Clinger
"From my earliest memories, it was ushers who welcomed us to every church service and ushers who helped us know what to do during the service. I was honored to begin in this servant ministry in my teens and have found it fulfilling ever since."
–Brink Brinkley
"Those in charge offered me a TSA/Global Entry Pass to St. Peter at the Pearly Gates! How could I refuse?"
–John Reynolds
If you’re beginning to think that being an usher is a ministry that suits you, please contact our head ushers: Brink Brinkley (11:15 a.m. ushers), at asb3rd@aol.com or (804) 840-9618, and
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This week's eChimes features |
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- Welcome Sunday
- Kick Off schedule
- Blessing of the Backpacks
- Strengthening the ties between St. Catherine’s and St. James’s.
- Young Family Social
- Sunday School and Youth Group
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- Fall Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont
- The Celebration
- Let's us hear your musical voices
- Confirmation registration is open
- Several ways Youth can participate in worship services
- Prayers of the People
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We’re two weeks from the beginning of the new program year, the first year in a while where everything will be up and running the way we remember it.
We’ll have three Sunday morning services (yes, the 7:45 is back!), a full schedule of Adult Formation programs on Sundays and Wednesdays, and all the other activities you’ve come to expect from St. James’s–plus some new programs we’ll share more about soon.
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Blessing of the Backpacks
This Sunday at 10 am Service
Our blessing of the backpacks is this Sunday, August 28th, at the 10am service.
During worship, we will extend a blessing to all returning students and teachers. Bring your backpacks, teacher bags, or just yourself!
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Strengthening the ties between St. Catherine’s and St. James’s.
With the full support of John McCard, the Rev Amelia Archer is excited to announce that she will also be serving at St. Catherine’s this school year. “I’m looking forward to helping out at St. Catherine’s and strengthening the ties between St. Catherine’s and St. James’s,” she says.
This means that in addition to her full-time commitment to St. James’s, Amelia will also serve part-time as the Interim Chaplain at St. Catherine’s for the 2022-23 school year, leading their chapel programs and providing pastoral care. Congratulations!
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Our FIRST Young Family Social is just around the corner.
Our first Young Family Social will be on Saturday, September 10 from 4-6 pm
at 400 Woodlawn Avenue, Richmond.
Everyone with a child living at home is invited. Just bring your family and a favorite beverage. We’ll provide water, lemonade, and snacks. We can’t wait to see you! Moving forward, we’ll be holding these socials the second Saturday of each month. So keep on eye on social media and the eChimes for updates.
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Registration is open for
Sunday School & Youth Group!
To register, please click here.
We will kick off our program year on September 18th with an open house and informational meeting.
The first classes will begin on September 25th.
Sunday School and Youth Group are from 10:15-11:00 am each Sunday.
To find out more information about our program offerings, go here.
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THE FALL PARISH RETREAT IS OCTOBER 21-23 AT SHRINE MONT
The Fall Parish Retreat is a lovely time to Connect and Reconnect with each other and with our Lord in the beautiful, peaceful place that is Shrine Mont. We are currently at full capacity, but we strongly encourage you to add your name to our wait list. In years past, a good number of people on the wait list have ending up attending because of double bookings, cancellations and other reasons.
As a reminder, the cost for two nights of lodging and six meals is $285 for families (or two adults) and $185 for singles. Plus there’s free childcare!
If you have any questions, reach out to Julie and Howard Eckstein, co-chairs of our Parish Retreat, at jecksteinlaw@gmail.com.
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Save this date: October 26
That’s the date of our first ever Celebration: A feast of goodwill and connection. It will take place at the Dewey Gottwald Science Center and features dining, entertainment, and countless chances to Connect & Reconnect.
More details to follow.
But make sure you mark your calendar for
this very special event.
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We want to hear your musical voice.
If you or your child has been thinking about joining a choir, Fall is the perfect time!
The choirs are filled with singers of varying degrees of training and experience. Some read music, others learn by ear, some have amazing voices and others are just learning how to produce beautiful sounds. Everyone’s contribution is essential. We encourage you to join. You will be so very welcomed.
Here is a list of the choirs, the day and time they rehearse, and the date of their first rehearsal. Give Mark or Virginia a call (355-1779, ext. 323 or 324) for more information.
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Cherub Choir (K – 2nd grades) – Wednesday, September 14, 4:00 p.m.
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Children’s Choir (3rd – 5th grades) – Wednesday, September 14, 5:00 p.m.
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Youth Choir (6th – 12th grades) – Sunday, September 11, 12:30 p.m.
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West Gallery Choir (9:00 a.m. service) – Wednesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m.
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Guitar Ensemble (9:00 a.m. service) – Wednesday, September 7, 8:30 p.m.
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Parish Choir (11:15 a.m. service) – Thursday, September 8, 7:30 p.m.
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Singing Class meets on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. for 6 weeks, starting Sept. 21
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Registration for Confirmation is open.
First meeting is September 25.
Confirmation is one of the most meaningful and fascinating parts of a young person's life --especially here at St. James's, where our confirmation program has become a mode for other churches around the country.
Our kick-off meeting will be September 25th from 12:30-2:30 pm. We’ll begin with lunch at church, then have our information meeting.
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We’re inviting even more Youth to take part in our worship services.
We’re excited to invite more of our youth than ever to participate in our worship services.
For the first time, we’re inviting fifth graders to join our 6th thru 12th graders as acolytes, lectors, and ushers.
You don’t have to be just one, you can participate in as many ways as you like.
To learn more or sign up, please complete this form. |
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We do our best to keep this list current, but if you want your name added or removed, please contact Mary Brown or call her at 804-355-1779, ext. 313. |
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St. James’s Episcopal Church | DOERS.ORG | (804) 355-1779
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