Today's reflection for Lent is by The Reverend Dr. Doug Wigner |
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John 5:30-47
"I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. "You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
I do not accept glory from human beings. But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?"
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A Reflection for Lent
In November 1979, I made my Cursillo. It is a three day experience in Christian Education, where participants have an opportunity to meet and learn from clergy and laity who are seeking to strengthen their faith. It is often called a short course in Christianity, if you can consider 15 talks to be short. It was life changing for me. I had been the rector for two years and was running on empty. After the weekend, I was filled and my prayers were answered.
So what happened? I rediscovered the power of the Spirit and why I was running on empty. I was using my power and not tapping into God’s power. Sounds simplistic, but it means recognizing that I had become separated from the vine. I was doing my prayers and such, leading courses, preaching and visiting, but not recognizing my companion along the way. The main gift I was given was the phrase – I can’t, but You can, through me! Dwelling on that phrase was a gift and a renewal to all that I needed to do in Christ’s name.
The first thing Jesus says in this portion of scripture is – I can nothing on my own. If He can’t, how did I expect to do it on my own? You would think with all the teaching and preaching about the Spirit abiding in us, that I would be the most “abidiest” person in the congregation!
Well, I wasn’t. Lent gives us that time to take stock of our lives and to see if we’re allowing the Spirit to dwell within or if we’re empty? All it takes is an acknowledgement of our emptiness and a desire to be filled!
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Keep scrolling there's lots of news to share ...
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Tuesday, March 14
Tuesday Men's Bible Study - 7:30 am, Valentine Hall
A weekly hour of fellowship, discussion of the bible and good food.
Women's Bible Wisdom - 4pm, Michaux House Library
There's also an option of participating via Zoom
This Bible study meets twice a month, on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, to read together
through a biblical book or theme at a time. We explore when and under
what conditions the passages were written.
Young Adults - 5:45 pm, location varies
We'll gather for a combination of fellowship, prayer, and Bible or book study.
For more information and/or to get on the GroupMe, contact the Rev. Blake Singer.
Wednesday, March 15
Living Faith Bible Study - 10 am via Zoom
This opportunity for fellowship, study and discussions that help to make
our Christian faith a “living faith” and apply the witness of the Scripture
to our everyday lives. Please contact Betsy for the Zoom link.
Wednesday Noon Eucharist
in the Chapel
Wednesday Night Dinner and Fun-DO-Mentals Class - 5:30 pm, Valentine Hall
And go here for information about the Fun-DO-Mentals Class
Thursday, March 16
INTERFAITH Dialogue & Dinner - 6pm, Valentine Hall
We’ll be breaking bread and sharing perspectives with our friends at Beth Ahabah.
Clergy from both congregations will talk about symbols, seasons, calendars, and
time from the Jewish and Christian perspective.
Keep scrolling there's more to read .....
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This week's eChimes features |
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• Interfaith Dialogue
• Young Family Social on Saturday
• Add some amazing to your summer
• Mission Survey Results are in
• Dylan Mass
• Join our Slave Trail walks
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• Wednesday Night Dinner and Fun-DO-Mentals
• Help make crosses for Palm Sunday
• Youth Pancake Breakfast
• Looking Ahead
• Prayers of the People
• Virginia Diocese information
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INTERFAITH Dialogue this Tuesday
This coming Tuesday, March 16, we’ll be breaking bread and sharing perspectives with our friends at Beth Ahabah.
Clergy from both congregations will talk about symbols, seasons, calendars, and time from the Jewish and Christian perspective.
Dinner is at 6pm
Dialogue is at 6:45 pm
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Young Family Social
Tomorrow, March 11
Our next Young Family Social will be tomorrow, March 11 from 4 to 6 pm at the home of Billy and Callie DeLancey (4406 Chatwell Road, Midlothian).
Come for fellowship and fun. St. James’s will provide snacks, water, and juice. Parents are welcome to bring a favorite adult beverage if you wish. These socials are for any St. James's family with children living at home.
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St. James’s Youth:
Add something amazing to
your summer.
There are so many opportunities at St. James’s to be part of a Youth mission or to volunteer this Summer – and now is the time to sign up.
By taking time this summer to give back, you’re doing more than being God’s hands in the world, you’re starting new friendships, strengthening old ones, and putting yourself in situations that will leave you feeling inspired and proud.
You can learn about our summer mission and volunteer opportunities here.
To sign up, complete this form.
You can also reach out to Katie Ricard, Director of Youth Ministry, at youth@doers.org or by calling (804) 355- 1779 ext. 334.
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The Mission Survey
Results are in!
The response to our Mission Survey was terrific. Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey – and the folks who told us they want to be part of the Mission committee. Overall, the results were very promising, and will play a key role in guiding our efforts moving forward.
Go here to see some of the highlights of the results, complete with easy-to-read pie charts and a bar graph.
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DYLAN MASS is one week away.
One of the most anticipated musical masses of the year is next Sunday. The Dylan Mass, featuring the West Gallery choir and the Guitar Ensemble performing songs by Bob Dylan, is March 19 at the 9 am service.
Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16). Prayerfully, the good way will be illuminated as we worship in the spirit and words of Bob Dylan.
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Keep on scrolling there's more to read about ..... |
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Join our Slave Trail Walks
Sat., April 1, or Sat., April 15
The Becoming Beloved Community ministry is happy to announce two opportunities to walk the historic and moving Slave Trail, led by the Rev. Ben Campbell, social justice advocate and author of Richmond’s Unhealed History.
The walks will take place on April 1 and April 15, starting at 9am. The 2.1 mile walk follows the route taken by enslaved people destined for the slave market, starting in Manchester and ending at Lumpkin’s Jail. After each walk we’ll gather for a complimentary lunch at St. James’s to discuss what we’ve just experienced.
There is a 25-person limit for each walk, and we are partnering with St. Philip’s Church, so space is limited.
Please sign up here as soon as possible. Information about carpooling from the end point back to Manchester will follow.
You can find more information about the Slave Trail here.
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Help us make crosses
for Palm Sunday.
Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday, March 26, during formation hour to learn a skill you can use for the rest of your life – making palm crosses.
During this workshop, we’ll make 300 palm crosses, which we’ll hand out on Palm Sunday. We need lots of hands to help us.
For our children, we will have another palm activity if they wish to do that instead.
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You’ll flip
for this service opportunity.
The Palm Sunday Pancake breakfast is approaching and we need cooks! Youth in grades 5-12, as well as any adults, are invited to volunteer for this fun event on April 2.
For those attending, breakfast will be from 8:30-9:30 am and the Palm Sunday Parade will begin at 9:30 am. There is a suggested donation of $5 per individual, $20 per family.
All donations benefit youth missions.
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DOERS Doing
in the Community
March opportunities
Creation Care
Our March Doers Doing activity focuses on creation care! Join us for a James River clean up at Belle Isle on Saturday, March 25 from 10 am-12 pm.
We’ll meet in the Belle Isle parking lot (300 Tredegar Street). Cleaning materials will be provided, just wear sneakers and bring water!
Greater Richmond Scan
There are three great events to get involved with SCAN during March:
- CASA Give Back Night
- SCAN Orientation
- CASA Info Session
For the details and to sign-up, go here.
Greater Richmond SCAN provides the awareness, treatment, advocacy, and education needed to enhance the lives of children. SCAN’s services promote positive parenting, strengthen families and help create a community that values and cares for its children.
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It's time to remember
those you love with Easter Lilies
St. James’s is filled with beautiful lilies on Easter. If you would like to contribute a lily as a memorial for or in thanksgiving of a loved one, please do the following:
*Contact Veni Davidkova at vdavidkova@doers.org or at 804-355-1779, ext. 315 no later than Wednesday, March 29 with the name(s) as you would like them to appear in the bulletin.
*Send a check for $25 (clearly marked for a lily) and the name of the honoree to:
St. James’s Church,
1205 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220.
Lilies will be delivered to the sick and home-bound after Easter services.
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We do our best to keep this list current, but if you want your name added or removed, please email Mary Brown at mbrown@doers.org 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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