Our Weekly News & Updates |
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Whenever things change there are always growing pains. Pains come from the breaking in of the new, like a new pair of shoes. Pains come from the grieving for the old, because the comfort of the known is hard to let go. As we see and hear in the media, and probably feel, we are all sick and tired of what has transpired through the pandemic. I don't know about you, but I am exhausted of it. However, that does not keep us from having to keep-on-keeping-on. There is still a pandemic happening, no matter what some say.
We are on the cusp of change, thankfully. And growing pains will be a part of it. We have one more Sunday outside, as we celebrate and remember our graduating Seniors and other graduates. As usual we will be distanced and masked. "But Rock+," I have heard, "what about what [fill in the blank] said?" Could be Dr. Fauci, the President, the CDC, or the Bishop. We all have interpretations, but when we do things collectively, we must do them in unison or we cannot do them at all. In these times we cannot have multiple standards or interpretations. That would be unmanageable.
We get vaccinated to protect ourselves. We mask and socially distance to protect others. We will continue these practices, outdoors and indoors. We will require them indoors. We do not know the situation of everyone who chooses to attend worship with us, and we want to be welcoming to all who choose to attend. There are many who cannot be vaccinated because of previous or current health situations, or maybe they are teens who are not yet fully vaccinated or children who cannot be yet. Would any one of us voluntarily exclude these folks? If you are able to be vaccinated, we urge you to do so. There is a huge clinic that has walk-in vaccinations here in town, and many other venues. Ask if we can help get you signed up! If you can be vaccinated, I would urge you to do so. I am fully vaccinated, and thankful that I could be.
But at the same time, I wear a mask when I am leading worship and celebrating for those who do not have a choice. I side with them. Jesus taught us to care for the least of these, and it is out of love I let go of some of my "freedoms" so that I can care for and love all God's children, especially the most vulnerable. They will be in our midst.
In the coming days we will have some very clear instructions on signing up for indoor worship services starting in June. We will have at least two identical services (8:30 and 10 a.m.), and we will continue to have online options (abbreviated) for those who are more comfortable/required to stay at home. We will have some things remain the same, some things will feel different. There will be growing pains. Thank you in advance, for giving our leaders and those who implement our regulations the benefit of the doubt. I trust that everyone is doing the best that they can.
As we deal with these new parameters there will eventually be a new normal. There will be growing pains as we get there. Knowing that, and preparing ourselves for that reality, will get us much further down the road emotionally and collectively.
Blessings,
Rock+
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We are so happy to celebrate with all our AMAZING and hard working graduates. We are so proud of you and know you will go on to do fantastic things. We pray for you, cheer you on and are here to support you as you enter the next season of life.
Please join us this Sunday for worship at 10am, May 30th as we celebrate our graduates on Trinity Sunday. Our youth will be leading us as we gather.
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Hardy Meade
Graduating from Patrick Henry High School.
Heading to Virginia Tech in the fall to pursue a degree in Health, Nutrition and Exercise.
Proud parents are Matt and Ale Meade.
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Emma Margaret Murphy
Graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a
Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Daughter of Erin Murphy,
Sister of Jack Murphy, and
Granddaughter of John and Michele Murphy.
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Piper Shifflett
Graduated from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health with her MPH in Global Health with a concentration in Infectious Diseases.
Her proud parents are Curtis & Kendra Shifflett.
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Katherine Ann Stockwell
Graduating from Patrick Henry High School.
She is headed to Virginia Tech this fall.
Her proud parents are Jeff Stockwell & Angela Sickenger.
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Quin Smith
Graduating from Patrick Henry High School.
He will be attending Brandeis University in the fall.
Proud parents are Ted Smith and Carolina Lugo.
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Flory Brockwell
Graduating from Patrick Henry High School.
She will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall.
Her proud parents are Tim & Beth Markwood.
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We want to offer huge congratulations to Paul and Lele Wehman on their 9th grandchild, Cole Winborne Wehman, being born on May 14th. We are so happy for you all and celebrate all the hope in this new life! |
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As some of our beloved members usher in new chapters in their lives, we want to send them on with encouragement and well wishes. We will be collecting letters to the Reverend Deacons Harrison Higgins and Steve Pace to mark their journeys with huge support. You can mail in your letters to the Church, email them to us, or bring them in for a Sunday worship. We will compile them all in a book for them. Please have your letters in by June 4th. |
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Harrison Higgins accepted an offer to be the deacon at St. Mary’s Church in Goochland. He knows the Priest and the community of and near St. Mary’s from childhood and felt a call to reconnect with it.
We know he will be a blessing to all those he engages with and will further the Kingdom of God. We wish him meaningful connections and experiences as he serves.
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Steve Pace has recently been ordained into the Sacred Order of Deacons.
Steve was a member of St. James the Less and our acolyte master for over 40 years, and served on Vestry and as a Senior Warden. He is woven into the fabric of SJTL in deep and beautiful ways. We wish him well as he serves the community of the Church of Our Savior in Montpelier.
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We are thrilled to announce that we will be moving Sunday morning services indoors beginning in June. We will have an on-line sign up coming out so that you can sign up for your spot since space is limited. You can also call the office between 8:30am- 2pm weekdays to reserve your spot. We will be offering two services, one at 8:30am and 10am, both Rite II with music.
We will be cleaning between services to ensure safety for all. Masks are REQUIRED indoors to protect those in our congregation who are unable to get vaccinated or are not yet fully vaccinated. What a special milestone for our community!
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PENTECOST STATIONS OF THE CROSS |
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We've changed out our stations of the Cross to the Stations of Pentecost. Please come by and enjoy our gorgeous grounds and be led in Spirit across our campus. We pray that it deepens your faith and you learn something new about your Creator. |
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As the weather gets warmer please come out and enjoy all the sacred spaces we have on our grounds, carefully cared for by all our thoughtful volunteers. The Labyrinth is such a special place to find peace and grounding. We hope you will be able to enjoy it. |
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Our Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont is being held October 15-17. If you would like to go ahead and sign up, email us. You can mail us your deposit (50%) or bring it by. We so hope you will join us for this glorious time in the mountains for a deepening of your faith and time of connection together!
The cost will be:
- Adults (age 18+) $160
- Teens (ages 13-18) $80
- Children (ages 4-12) $60
- Young Children (0-3) Free
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Area you or your youth thinking of the sacrament of Confirmation? Father Rock is hoping to host a Zoom class for those interested in learning more or getting confirmed. Email us and let us know if you would like to be part. We will make sure you get all the information. We hope you will join us! |
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WANT TO BE AN USHER OR GREETER? |
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If you would like to sign up to be an usher or greeter for any of our up coming services, please click the link below. We would love to have you join our team of smiling faces. We will happily train you, all you have to do is show up. For the summer services, if you sign up, you will be signing up for both the 8:30am and 10am services.
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Sunday School
We've come to the end of our liturgical year and will be taking a break from Sunday School until September. Be on the look out for plenty of family events!
Yoga
We will be offering a monthly young adult/young family yoga once a month during the summer. Stay tuned for dates and times!
Pop Tops
We will be counting pop tops on May 30th after the service. Please bring what you have to the church! We are hoping to exceed our goal of 66lbs. These will be donated to the Ronald McDonald house in loving memory of Charlotte Reynolds.
Outreach
We will also be putting together our care packages for ACES and school supplies for the Peter Paul Development Center on May 30th. Please bring all donations to the church office. We would also love some small cosmetic bags to place the items in. Thank you so much for your generosity to our community!
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Wednesday
Join us for the Morning Prayer service this Wednesday at 7:30am and then a cup of coffee afterward at 8am on Zoom. Please make sure that your screen name is your name so we know who is there. We look forward to seeing you!
Link to join the conversation at 8am: click here.
If you would like to call in (audio only) dial (646) 558 8656 and enter the Meeting ID: 826 2172 6493 and Password: 997124
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Thursday
Please join us this week for Book Club at 10:30am on Thursday as we delve into Searching For Sunday, by Rachel Held Evans. The conversations will be rich as the book is insightful, honest and enriching to your faith. The link to purchase the book is HERE. The link to join the meeting is HERE.
Please read chapters 17-19 (they are short chapters). Even if you aren't able to read this, please still join us. It will be accessible to everyone!
If you would like to call in, please dial 1 301 715 8592 and enter:
Meeting ID: 840 2332 3497
Passcode: 570346
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This Sunday - May 30th
Please join us for an in-person outdoor worship service at 10am, weather dependent. It will be a beautiful time of connection and community. We hope you will join us if you are comfortable. Please bring a chair, bring a friend, maintain social distancing and wear a mask. The link to watch is HERE.
We also have an abbreviated Spiritual Eucharist service at 9am. The link to watch is HERE.
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Monday
Office closed for the Memorial Day Holiday
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OUTREACH
"We rise by lifting others." -Robert Ingersoll
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First Baptist Church Food Pantry is offering food to any resident of Hanover County that might need it.
WHERE: 800 Thompson Street, Ashland 23005
WHEN: First Tuesday, Third Tuesday or Third Saturday from 9 until 11 am (come 1 time within a 30 day period)
They offer food, hygiene items, and baby needs. Tuesdays are drive through to receive a bag of food, freezer items, bread,hygiene items. Saturdays are self shop in fellowship hall. COVID procedures in place: Temperature checks, masks required, social distancing. Call 804 -798 -9014 for more information.
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Saint James the Less Free Clinic
Right outside our Saint James the Less Free Clinic our very own, Flory Brockwell, did her Gold Award Girl Scouts project by donating a food pantry. It is available 24/7 if people might have an immediate need. Please feel free to come by and 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:
- Pantry: Canned beef stew (smaller cans), Canned Brunswick stew (smaller cans), Adult and Children’s toothbrushes (individually wrapped, or two packs)
- Children’s Clothing: Girl’s new underwear (size 8)
- Adult Clothing:Men’s socks (sports style – black or white), Men’s briefs (sizes M – XL)
Please be advised that ACES will be closed on Memorial Day (Monday, May 31st) 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
Students at present time need school supplies. They would be grateful to receive any of the following:
- note book paper
- spiral note books
- high lighters
- pencils
- pens
- erasers
- pencil boxes
- crayons
- markers
In front of the Coleman Center there is a small closet for non- perishable food. Students and families can take what they need. Canned food and small boxes are requested. Cereal boxes are too big. These donations would be much appreciated as well. You are welcome to bring the donations here and we can get them down there. Thank you!
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Tuesday, May 25, 2021
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12pm- Noonday Prayer (online)
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
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7:30am-Morning Prayer Service (online)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
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8am- Coffee & Conversation (online)
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Link to join
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12 pm-Noonday prayer (online)
Thursday, May 27, 2021
- 10:30am- Book Club (online)
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Link to join
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12pm- Noonday prayers (online)
Friday, May 28, 2021
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12pm- Noonday Prayer (online)
Sunday, May 30, 2021
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9am- Children's Sunday School (online)
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Link to join
- 9am- Online Spiritual Eucharist Worship (online)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
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10am- Outdoor in person Eucharist Worship (in-person)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
Monday, May 31, 2021
- OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY
Join us daily for Noonday Prayer online here. You can follow along with the service on page 103 of the Book of Common Prayer or visit BCPonline.org (Click on "Daily Office" and then"An Order of Service at Noonday")
If you can't join us live-time, no worries. All of our services can be viewed at your convenience afterward on Facebook. All our Sunday morning and Contemplative services will be posted on our YouTube Channel, "St. James the Less Ashland VA." You can access that here.
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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, and Harrison, 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, 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, Pat, Dick, Erin, Joanie, Anna, Meredith, Madge, Mary Ann, Katie, Molly, Amy, Meghann, Mark, Carol, David, Alice, Dennis, Barbara, Colin and Caleb, Jimmy, Michael Fox, Alex Gillette, Bill & Beth Arrott, Bill Blakemore, Mason, Jan Meacham, Karl Meyer, Chambers Cromwell (friend of Betty & Jim Moore), Horace Crowe (friend of the Meyer’s family), Delaney Thompson family, Aubrey Fletcher, Dee Alvarez, Shelby, Lyla Buchanan, Kimette Cannady, Elaine Belyea, Pam Gillette, Melanie Fischer, Dennis Folsom, Tom & Fran Burke (Beth Renswick’s aunt & uncle), Ginny Miller (Carol Barnes’ sister), Doris Hassell, Carter and Lila (family of Betsy Snipes and Kristina Raney), The Paxton family (Pat Jordan’s son-in-law’s family), Shirley Dols, Jay Hart, Cliff Pierce (cousin of the Wehman-Hopkins family), Jack, Rison and Sutherland families, Judy Malory, Teva Rittenhouse, Connie Geisenderfer, Paul Robb, Roxanne, Sarah Reece, William Timberlake, Jonathan Smith, Anne Ericksen (Julie Ericksen’s mother-in-law) and Rev. Dr. Susannah Metz.
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 the criminal justice system in Metropolitan Richmond: For the victims of violent crime and for those who perpetuate violent crime. For situations and institutions that condone, promote or encourage violent behaviors.
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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THIS PAST SUNDAY'S HOMILY |
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NeverTheLess and Weekly E-News Deadline: If you have an announcement to be shared with the parish, please get the information to Kasey no later than noon on Monday. Thanks!
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May 26
Will Rosser
May 27
Tom Hubbard
Andy Temple
Caroline Dyer
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May 29
Janet Rosser
Greg Ericksen
Brian Davies
May 31
Lorri Epperson
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