Our Weekly News & Updates
|
|
Greetings, friends.
On Sunday we made the big announcement that the Rev. Becky McDaniel is moving from being a Priest Associate to a part-time Associate Rector. This will give her increased responsibilities here, and we could not be more pleased. Becky+ has fallen in love with this place and Ashland. We brainstormed over the late summer about ways to increase her ministry and role here. Her official start date in the new role is October 1.
|
|
We have been lining up the dominos for Adult and Youth Formation. This last Sunday we had our first Children's Sunday School class on Zoom. And we look to get other options online before the end of the month.
-
Book Club, was scheduled to start today, September 14, but I need to be at a funeral, so we will begin next week on the 21st at 10 a.m. See more details below.
-
Adult Sunday School begins September 26 at 8:45 a.m. It will be in Brydon Hall where there is more space and better ventilation. Beth Harrison will be doing a deep dive into the Book of Revelation, so often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misused. This will be an eye-opening delve into this apocalyptic literature that has been a gift of hope and a source of confusion for almost 2,000 years.
-
Online Small Groups are starting. Miriam is beginning a weeknight small group for Young Parents/Adults. This will be an informal time to study, laugh, and grow together. Contact Miriam for more information. We have had several express an interest in starting a second and perhaps a third. If you are interested, please reach out to the Office and we will get these kicked off as well.
|
|
-
Youth Formation is a huge new curriculum, Journey to Adulthood. This is a fully revamped option coming out of the national church, and we are joining together with the North Richmond Region to host it most every Sunday night. If you have you, know of youth, or have interest in helping, please reach out to me or Miriam. We have a kick-off dinner FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH on the 26th at 6 p.m. at our picnic tables. The curriculum begins the following week, October 3rd at 6 p.m.
Lifelong discipleship is so important. Conversion is not a one-time act, but rather a every day choice and if you have breath you still have work to do and room for growth. I hope you will take the time to jump into one or more of these.
Blessings,
Rock+
|
|
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
- 11:30am- Romeos (Sports Page Bar & Grill)
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
-
7:30am-Eucharist Rite II
-
Link to watch service
- 8pm-Youth Parent's Small Group
-
Link to join Zoom Call
Thursday, September 16, 2021
- 6pm- Handbell Choir
- 7pm-Parish Choir
Sunday, September 19, 2021
- 8am- Eucharist: Rite I Worship
- 9am- Children's Virtual Sunday
-
Link to join
- 10am- Eucharist:Rite II Worship
-
Link to watch service
-
Link for bulletin
-
6pm- Leaders Training for Youth
Monday, September 20, 2021
- 10:30am- Grief Group
- 5:30pm-Centering Prayer Group
|
|
What a wonderful kick off weekend filled with so much beauty of community! We had a blast at the Picnic. The joy of the Bluegrass Mass was palpable. If you missed it, please make sure to check it out online or mark your calendar for next month. It is a lovely service!
|
|
Adult Sunday School will begin again on Sunday, September 26th in person at 8:45am- 9:40am in Brydon Hall, taught by Beth Harrison. We are excited to have this opportunity together! Please wear your mask and come ready to learn. It is a wonderful time of connection and growth.
|
|
CHOIR REHEARSALS THURSDAY
|
|
The Handbell Choir and Parish Choir resumed their rehearsals this past week. All are welcomed and encouraged to join these groups. The Handbell Choir rehearses Thursday at 6:00 and the Parish Choir rehearses at 7:00. We are always looking for new singers and ringers and we have a place waiting for you. In keeping with church and diocesan guidelines, wearing a mask will be needed at both of these rehearsals. If you have any questions or need additional information about these groups, please email Reggie with any questions. We look forward to seeing everybody back on Thursday and hope to see many new faces!
|
|
We are so excited Book Club starts next week, Tuesday, September 21st at 10am. We will be reading My Life with the Saints by James Martin. (10th anniversary edition) The link to purchase the book on Amazon is HERE. If you need any help or would like us to get you a copy, let us know. We will be meeting virtually (on Zoom) through November 16th. We hope you will join us! The link to join the group is HERE. If you would like to dial in over the phone please call 1-301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 864 4097 7560 and enter Passcode: 529762.
|
|
CENTERING PRAYER WITH BECKY+
|
|
THIS WEEK Becky+ will begin offering a weekly Centering Prayer group at St. James the Less. Beginning on Monday, September 20th at 5:30pm in the library, we will gather once a week for an hour. Come in at the handicapped ramp at the front of the church. Park on the loop.
Centering Prayer is a method of meditation that deepens our relationship with God, relying on the principle of surrender or “letting go.” In this form of prayer we experience God’s presence within us, closer than our breath, deeper than the thinking mind. It is an ancient Christian practice that finds its home in the monastic sacred reading of Lectio Divina. Our Centering Prayer group will meet weekly to learn the practice, listen to spiritual readings and insights, and reflect upon God’s presence. No prior experience is necessary. You do not need to commit to weekly attendance; come when you are able and as you are.
|
|
We are looking for a few folks willing to help cook and serve at the Journey to Adulthood Parents and Youth dinner on Sunday, September 26th. The dinner starts at 6:30pm, but we would need volunteers here by 5pm. Email Kasey is you are interested. We appreciate you!
|
|
Our very own Saint James the Less Food Outreach is asking that we gather individually wrapped snacks to send home in backpacks for our food insecure students this fall. Anything that you can donate would be so appreciated. We are looking for things like individually wrapped goldfish, pudding cups, oatmeal pouches, raisins. There will be a box in the hallway that you can place the donation in. Thank you so much in advance!
|
|
JOINT STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
|
|
Here is the joint statement released on September 7th from by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch on Climate Change. Loving our world is a reflection of our love for God as well.
|
|
There is a pipe replacement project underway for Beverly Road near 110 Beverly. The existing pipe under the road is an old metal pipe and beginning to rust. They will replace it with a "box culvert," which is a rectangular pipe. The work has begun and will last 3-4 weeks. During most of the project, the section of Beverly between Thompson St. and Lee Ave. will be closed.
|
|
Join us for IN PERSON Eucharist:Rite II service on Wednesday morning at 7:30am in the church. Please still wear your masks. We will have coffee and bagels with spreads in Brydon Hall afterward. If you would like to watch live, please click HERE. We hope you will join us in whatever way you feel comfortable.
|
|
We hope you will join us for one of our in person indoor Sunday services. We still require masks when in the service since we are not yet all fully vaccinated. This is how we can continue to show love for our neighbors. The balcony is reserved for our families that have children who are still unvaccinated. They are not required to sit up there, but have the option. We still have a section of seating for social distancing as well. We hope you join us!
8am (Sept 12 through May)- Eucharist: Rite I (no music)
10am- Eucharist: Rite II (with music)
|
|
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 is: (if cost is a hindrance, please let us know. We can help!)Final payments are due October 1st.
- Adults (age 18+) $160
- Teens (ages 13-18) $80
- Children (ages 4-12) $60
- Young Children (0-3) Free
|
|
Family Bags
We have some wonderful family bags ready for you all. They contain Fall activities to do together as a family. Please email Miriam if you would like them delivered to you. They will be available for pick up on Sunday at the 10am service.
|
|
Journey 2 Adulthood (J2A)
This year we will be supporting our middle and high school youth groups through a new program called Journey 2 Adulthood. This will take place on Sundays at 6pm and will include our sister Episcopal churches from our region. Please join us for the Parent-Youth dinner gathering on September 26th. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, please email Miriam. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
|
|
Children's Virtual Sunday School
Sunday school is BACK! We had a wonderful first session on Zoom. We look forward to seeing you all next Sunday at 9am! To join the class click HERE. If you would like to dial in, call 1 301 715 8592 and enter Meeting ID: 837 0592 6364 and enter Passcode: 987035. The coloring page will be included in the weekly family update.
|
|
Share your journey
We are looking for 2 congregation members a month to join us for Sunday school to share your experiences and celebrations of faith! Feel free to reach out to Miriam as we continue to create ways to share together in the virtual environment.
|
|
Parent Small Group
Join us for fellowship in the virtual Parent Small Group. Every Wednesday at 8pm starting THIS week we will meet over Zoom with your favorite beverage in hand to support each other throughout this journey of parenthood and grow in faith togethe r. HERE is the link to join. If you would like to dial in please call 301-715-8592 and enter Meeting ID: 820 5734 4002 and Passcode: 756956.
|
|
Reserved Family Section
We are offering the balcony as an option for families to use during worship. Many families have unvaccinated children and we want to make sure we protect you the best we can. You do not have to sit there, but know this is an option for you.
|
|
OUTREACH
"We rise by lifting others." -Robert Ingersoll
|
|
Emergency Food Pantry
Right outside our Saint James the Less Free Clinic we have a food pantry. It is available 24/7 and used a great deal as immediate needs come up. Please donate non-perishables to this. It would be an incredible blessing to our community.
|
|
ACES is in need of the following items:
-
Pantry: Non-sugar-coated cold cereal (cereal for adults),Tooth paste, Tooth brushes (small packs; 1 or 2 per pack), Shampoo, Deodorant, Small containers of laundry detergent
-
Adult Clothing: Women's bras (all sizes), Men's undershirts (size L and XL), Men's athletic shoes (sizes 10 - 13), Feminine hygiene - pads
ACES is open on both Mondays and Wednesday from 8:30-1130am. Thank you for your continued support!
|
|
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.
|
|
PETER PAUL
We are accepting school supplies on behalf of the Peter Paul Center downtown for their students. The collection boxes are in our hallway.
|
|
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. 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 Miller, Erin Yagla, Anna Stiles, Meredith Moon, Madge Carter, Meghann Batten, Mark Longaker, Michael Fox, Bill Blakemore, Karl Meyer, Chambers Cromwell, Dennis Folsom, Carter and Lila, Shirley Dols, Jack, Pam Bowers, Lin Varner, Connie Geisenderfer, Paul Robb, Jonathan Smith, Debra Bernard, Beth Arrott, Rev. Dr. Susannah Metz, the Rev. Victor King, Smith family, Alex Gillette, Pam Gillette, Sally Budd, Sarah Chamblee & family, Harrison May, Loisanne Rockwell, Katherine Anderson, and the Diocesan Search Committee for our new Bishop.
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 praise you for Good News! We thank you especially for the birth of Evelyn Lucy Hooper, Dick and Sandi Shirey's new great-granddaughter.
We ask your prayers for those who have died, especially Thad Green.
We ask your prayers for those who grieve.
We pray for schools and educational institutions of Metropolitan Richmond: For all public, private and religious schools; for students, teachers and support personnel, including cafeteria workers, building and grounds staff, and school bus drivers; for all, pre-schools and daycare centers, and for children in home schools.
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.
|
|
THIS PAST SUNDAY'S SERMON
|
|
September 15
James Urquhart
September 17
Gaby Woodbridge
September 18
Dan Massey
Mai Jones
|
|
September 19
Jane Newchok
September 20
John Friedman
Curtis Conley
Declan Belyea
|
|
|
Saint James the Less Episcopal Church
125 Beverly Road
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-6336
Staff:
Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director
|
|
Weekly E-News Deadline: If you have an announcement to be shared with the parish, please get the information in no later than noon on Monday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|