This Sunday’s 10 am service brings back one of the most beloved traditions at St. James’s–our Jazz Mass, with Eucharist. 
 
Featuring music by Duke Ellington and our very own Dr. Mark Whitmire, this promises to be a stirring and swinging service. It’s part of our June “Amazing Month of Music” offerings, which includes recitals, quartet performances and, of course, our rousing Juneteenth Celebration on June 19.
 
Go here to see the full schedule of June “Amazing Month of Music” events. 

Wednesday, June 8
Welcome Summer Recital Series: 7 pm in the Sanctuary

Rosette (string quartet)
Our first concert in the Welcome Summer Recital Series features the string quartet Rosette playing music from “Last Leaf” an album by the Danish String Quartet

For more information about this week's events, visit doers.org/events/
This week's eChimes features
  • Worship Service Update
  • Juneteenth - a message beyond music
  • Food Volunteers Needed for Juneteenth
  • Vacation Bible School - registration deadline
  • The search for the XIV Bishop of Virginia - voting is tomorrow
  • An Amazing Month of Music
  • Our first two Summer Fellowship Opportunities
  • The Ordinations of Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer
  • Scholarship opportunity for St. James'sers
  • Young Adults social staying connected this summer.
  • Prayers of the People
Dear Parish Family,

With the recent rise of COVID cases, I want to let you know that the Vestry and I are closely monitoring the number of local cases. We are committed to adhering to state guidelines for creating a safe worship experience for all our church members at St. James’s.

We are also aware that some members of our church family are still more comfortable wearing masks for indoor public worship. Starting this Sunday, June 5, at our 10 AM service the side pews on the lectern side of the church (the left as you’re facing the altar) will be marked off for those who prefer social distancing and wearing masks.

This does not impact the rest of the seating in the church, which will continue to be mask-optional, but we want to continue to do what we can to gather the largest number of church members in the safest way possible.

Thanks again for your support of St. James’s. If you have any further questions about worship at St. James’s please do not hesitate to contact me (jmccard@doers.org) or our wardens,
Harry Warner (hhwarner@msn.com) and Tracy Schneider (tracydschneider@gmail.com).

Blessings in Christ
A celebration of freedom.
A message beyond music. 

Juneteenth (or Sunday, June 19th), ​​also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, and Freedom Day, has been celebrated since 1865. Last year it became a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans

This year, as part of our “Amazing Month of Music.” the holiday will be celebrated right here at St. James’s with a spectacular Freedom Day Organ Recital featuring renowned organist Dr. Carl Haywood playing organ masterpieces as well as spirituals for the organ.

The Norfolk State and St. James’s Choirs will also be on hand, singing spirituals, including Great Day, Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, and Rise, Shine for the Light is A’coming. And it’s all followed by a reception in Valentine Hall.

This FREE event begins at 5 pm, and it should be a rousing and inspiring evening–made all the more powerful by a church filled to the rafters with revelers. Invite everyone you know. And let’s celebrate the power of freedom.
FOOD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
for Juneteenth

Our Juneteenth Celebration is followed by a reception and we’re seeking volunteers to assist with everything from preparing the food to serving and cleaning up. St. James’s has a legendary reputation for putting out impressive spreads–and we need as many of you as possible as we expect a large turnout to our Juneteenth event, including people from outside our parish. Go here to learn more or go directly to Sign Up Genius.
Registration ends June 15. 

We all have special memories of our time in Vacation Bible School. And with St. James’s’ VBS just around the corner, it’s time for your child to make memories (and maybe even friendships) that will last a lifetime.
 
Built around the line from the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” this summer’s Vacation Bible School (June 27-30, 9 to noon each day) is the perfect way for your child to “get on a roll with God.” All the activities will be reminders that everything we have comes from God — and that it’s by turning to God in prayer that all of our daily needs are met.

The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 15, so please don't wait.
 
Also a great opportunity for teens to volunteer.
We also want to invite all teens (rising 6th thru 12th graders) to volunteer to assist us with VBS. It’s incredibly rewarding and earns you service hours. Go here for more details.

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Ligon at childrensministry@doers.org
We (as in the Diocese of Virginia) are in the process of making a decision that could have a major impact on our church for the next 10 or 15 years–the selection of our new Bishop.

If you have thoughts about the candidates, share them now. The St. James’s delegates will be voting tomorrow, June 4. Here’s how to reach out to each delegate:

Tracy Schneider, Senior Warden (tracydschneider@gmail.com
Harry Warner, Junior Warden (hhwarner@msn.com
Michael Whitlow (whitlmd@gmail.com
Willson Craigie (craigiefam@comcast.net
Jennifer Pollard (jbp.ret.1201@gmail.com
Summer Music, Service and Fellowship
Our music calendar is full of events
Make sure the events are on your calendar too.

While we’re promoting this Sunday’s Jazz Mass and our upcoming Juneteenth events, the St. James’s music calendar is full of other beautiful and inspiring events over the next few months. Each of them will be promoted as they come, but you can see them here, then save the dates. And think about inviting friends to join you at each one.
Our first two fellowship opportunities are happening soon. 

Join us for our first two fellowship opportunities of the summer! 

On Thursday, June 16th, we’ll meet at the Soar365 Park (3600 Saunders Avenue, Richmond) from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm for play and fellowship. Bring your own picnic food and find us under the canopy at our reserved picnic tables! 

On Saturday, June 18th, join us for a morning of service at Shalom Farms from 9am-12pm. Sign up here!
SAVE THE DATE:
The Ordinations of Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer, Saturday, June 25. 

June 25 will be a milestone day for Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer, and by extension for St. James’s too. It’s the day both will be ordained. 

The ordinations will be held at 10:30 at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 4819 Monument Ave, (at Staples Mill). All are welcome to attend in person or to view the livestream
Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship

Funding for the Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship is given through the generosity of Mrs. Thomas Branch Scott, Jr. and Lucy Nelson Taliaferro in memory of their parents and grandparents, and Dr. and Mrs. Richard Michaux.
 
The Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship was created to provide financial aid for the undergraduate college education of St. James’s members. The scholarship awards are based on need and service to the community.

Applicants must submit the following:
  • a personal letter which includes the objectives or purposes for pursuing a college education, financial need and any other sources of funding,
  • a description of family (e.g. number of household members)
  • a description of service efforts (e.g. church, community, and school)

Only one recipient is allowed per household. Please submit application letters to:
Tracy Schneider--Senior Warden
c/o Mary Brown
St. James’s Episcopal Church
1205 W. Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220.

Letters may also be submitted electronically to mbrown@doers.org.
All application letters are due by July 1st.
Hiring: Hospitality
and Fellowship Coordinator

St. James’s is seeking an energetic, professional part-time Hospitality and Fellowship Coordinator. This person will ensure that fellowship, hospitality, and special service events are organized and executed smoothly. This critical part-time position is essential to the spiritual health and vitality of our faith community.


Please submit a resume, along with a cover letter addressed to the Rector, the Reverend Dr. John McCard c/o Donna Ellis, describing why you are called to this ministry. Please email your resume and cover letter to dellis@doers.org.

Staying connected this summer. 

Our College and Young Adult Small Group will be meeting up informally throughout the summer for social gatherings. If you are or know of a college student or young adult that would be interested, contact Blake Singer at bsinger@doers.org to be added to the list.

Click here to see the names of those we're remembering in our prayers this week.

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.
For Diocese of Virginia news and information, visit: https://www.thediocese.net/

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