Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3-4

The best part of sharing a room with my sister as kids was staying up past bedtime. Daddy would tuck us each in, give us a kiss, turn out the light, and head back downstairs. Then, the fun would begin. One of our favorite past-bedtime activities was shadow puppets. With the help of a contraband flashlight, birds would fly, bunnies would hop, and butterflies would flutter on our wall. It was a great menagerie. We would watch it come to life and be amazed at what could happen by shining a little light in the darkness.

Shadow puppets are part of why I am so excited about Sunday School this fall. For grades K-5, St. James’ Sunday School is using StoryMakers ‘zines this year, starting with the creation story. If you haven’t gotten your StoryMakers materials yet, don’t miss out! Contact Kara Laughlin or Kath Bucklin for supplies. The whole program is exciting and self-paced for families, and at the end of the zine, there are shadow puppets! Yes! As part of the celebration of creation, Sunday School will have a shadow puppet production.

As the world works through the darkness of a pandemic, our church school will remind us of the goodness of light. The story of creation, of God bringing the entire universe into being, will come to life with a child’s toy: shadow puppets.

It’s the perfect way to show what light can do... what God’s light can do when it shines in the darkness.

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 haven't gotten a kit yet, 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.

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

Maddie Reece, Youth Representative

 St. James’ Clergy and Staff