I believe it was in the late 1980’s when Liz and Steve Dotur, fellow parishioners at St. James, approached me about designing a stained glass window to put over the door to the sacristy, which was, at the time, just a dark panel of wood. If I designed it, Steve would pay for it, and then we would find someone to actually construct it. Another parishioner, Nancy Smith, was a talented amateur stained glass artist and she agreed to do it. So, it was a go!

The subject, baptism, was selected as a nod to John Smith, our rector at the time, since it was his favorite liturgy.  The peace dove, descending on the baptismal font, is lit from above with the light of God shining down from the symbol of the trinity. The water rushing in from the left and right represents the living water of the baptism and the three shells on the font are known as the sign of St. James. The flowers in the fields are examples of the beauty of God’s earthly kingdom, and were also meant to coordinate with the colors of other stained glass windows nearby.

I created a “cartoon” of the window in actual size on paper with every shape and piece of glass outlined carefully and with an approximation of the color I wanted for each shape.  After I gave the cartoon to the artist, I really didn’t see it again until it was done.

The window never achieved the desired effect that I had intended. Few people could make out the symbols. The window was poorly lit. The lettering was done with acrylic paint and eventually wore off. This past March I met with Gene Higgins from Epiphany Studios to discuss replacing the lettering. One thing led to another and the next thing you know, we were bringing the window to new life. He had great ideas about how to bring the design of the window to its full beauty. So we went from just “fixing” the lettering to doing a total overhaul! I was thrilled. Since the price of this went way beyond just replacing the lettering, the cost skyrocketed. A parishioner and dear friend stepped in and donated the money!! Thanks be to God and to her!

Gene suggested that we allow him to removed the original copper foiling around each piece of glass (a popular method for hobbyists) and put came leading around each piece and solder in place. This is the traditional method of working with stained glass. This was certainly over our budget, but Gene kept saying, “Don’t worry about it!” It was his gift to us! No extra charge!! I was overwhelmed by his generosity to St. James'!

 When I finally saw the finished window, I cried, it was so beautiful. From the members of the Property Committee to a generous donation from a parishioner to a generous donation of time and talent from Epiphany Studios, it is definitely a work created and powered by the love of God. It is a gift for all of us to enjoy!

P.S.: Notice the real seashells that Gene found for us to place on it...

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During September, we are praying for, learning about, and financially supporting Mobile Hope.

Mobile Hope improves the lives of young people, 24 years of age or younger, who are who are precariously housed or homeless in Loudoun County.

This important non-profit creates pathways for this fragile, overlooked, and often unacknowledged population with housing solutions, daily essentials and life-changing support.

Mobile Hope was created in 2011 as an adjunct of the Mobile Health program operated by Inova Loudoun Hospital, and it became its own 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 2014. Learn more about Mobile Hope.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity.

NEW OPPORTUNITY: Please consider providing food for St. Gabriel's ministry that serves folks who are food-insecure, do not have transportation, are nontraditional renters, and due to the pandemic have not had work or had their hours severely reduced. All food donations can be dropped off at St. David's in Ashburn on Mondays from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

To assist our parishioners, family, or friends, as well as support community organizations that provide key services (food, shelter, or direct aid), ​St. James' has established a COVID-19 Response Fund.

In addition, Fr. Daniel Vélez Rivera, vicar of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church (St. James' daughter church), works closely with Catholic Charities to help distribute emergency COVID-19-related rental assistance to people who are non lease-holders.

Grace to Go continues to serve to-go meals every Monday evening from the St. James' parking lot.

If you, a family member, or friend, find themselves in a place of need, please contact Fr. Earl. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are in need.

In addition, please share this list of non-profits who can assist those in need.

"In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified."

Email: fr.earl@stjamesleesburg.org

Those requesting our prayers this week: Margaret Haight, Brianne Bailey and Family, the Lamberty Family, Alice Lynn, Mary Paul, Inez Peebles, Caroline Ennis, the Lynch Family, the Page family, John Marsh, and the Riley family, Mary Bracken, Jennifer Griffith, Tim MacNamara, Fiona Ahrweiler and family; for other persons: Orma Call, Chris DeWaard, Jay Watkins, Mark and Meghan Roomsfa, Lori Turner, Chase Smith, the Schott family, Charlotte, Christian Cutillo, Ruth Guerra, Miline Hughes, Erin Stanton, Barbara Rose, Nancy Hylton, Bridget Steel, Matthew Britto, Betty Overson, Dewey, those who are unemployed or underemployed; and those serving in the armed forces at home and abroad.

Terry Prevost, Junior Warden

Mark Snow, Senior Warden

 St. James’ Clergy and Staff