It was so great to meet via Zoom for the Annual Meeting, we're doing it again!

Passcode: 336837 

We’ll have a chance to reconnect and say hello, and share a little of what we’re doing with our StoryMakers ‘zines. This year, we are excited to be using a self-guided church school curriculum called StoryMakers. Our first unit is the story of Creation. Storymakers is a wonderful interactive program that invites children to respond to the stories of scripture through art, journaling, and drama. If you want to know more about what StoryMakers is all about, take a look at this video book review we've made for you.

If you still need to get your StoryMakers materials, we will be handing them out in the parking lot on Saturday, October 17 from 4 to 5. If you would like to have a kit delivered instead, email Kara Laughlin or email Kath Bucklin and we’ll be sure to get one to you.

All children and their families are welcome at our Zoom meeting!

Sunday School will meet at the same time (9:30 a.m.) on our new Discord channel, which you can join through this link (they will need to have a Discord account): https://discord.gg/3kxw56p

We’re meeting via Zoom Wednesday, October 28 from 7 to 8 p.m.

E-mail Michelle Jones or text her at 703-626-4888 and ask for the YOUP Zoom link.

at 10 a.m.

See instructions here or visit 

Visit the St. James' channel on YouTube to see all archived worship services.

Those were the key words of wisdom from departing Vestry members Mark Snow, Deb McGee, Ed Hatrick, and Page Moffett as they transitioned to new ministries at St. James.

Your Vestry met on Tuesday evening to say farewell to them, the class of 2020, to give deep and heartfelt thanksgiving for their service, and to welcome the class of 2023, Chris Cuellar, Mary Lou Leipheimer, Rebecca Page, and Tom Horne. As part of that process, Fr. Earl asked each of the outgoing members to reflect on their experience leading a church and to share their lessons learned. They shared that leading any organization through transition is a daunting task but being grounded in faith and scripture helps ease the rough spots.

For guidance in decision making, the outgoing class reminded the Vestry of the power of trusting in God. Proverbs 3:5 tells us “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” And while that is easier said than done, prayer and patience allow God’s plans to be revealed, especially in times of uncertainty. And when that uncertainty becomes manifest in misunderstandings, brave and direct communication is the only way to move forward together.

Situations of conflict and disagreements aren’t new to the church. Jesus gives direct advice about them in the Gospel of Matthew - “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23).

Acting on that guidance is the challenge, but the peace in that reconciliation moves the church forward, grounded in faith, following Christ, and doing the work that God has set for us to do.  

In response to increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness in Loudoun during the pandemic, during October we are praying for, learning about, and financially supporting the Loudoun Homeless Services Center.

Located in Leesburg, Loudoun Homeless Services Center is a multifaceted program with services to prevent, support and help end homelessness within Loudoun and surrounding counties. The center provides an emergency shelter program for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, supportive housing to adults in need, and drop-in services for adults who need to take care of basic daily needs like meals, shower and laundry facilities.

Loudoun Homeless Services Center is a program operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas and Loudoun County Department of Family Services.

If you are able, please give generously. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity!

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: 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, for other persons: Peter Schweitzer, Ann Stribling, Orma Call, Chris DeWaard, Jay Watkins, Mark and Meghan Roomsfa, Lori Turner, the Schott family, Charlotte, Christian Cutillo, Ruth Guerra, Miline Hughes, Erin Stanton, Barbara Rose, Nancy Hylton, Bridget Steel, Matthew Britto, Dewey, those who are unemployed or underemployed; and those serving in the armed forces at home and abroad. 

Terry Prevost, Junior Warden

Jane Roth, Secretary

Fred Williams, Senior Warden

 St. James’ Clergy and Staff