News from St. James' Episcopal Church
Sunday, November 8, 2020
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So What Have You Done for Us Lately?
A reflection by parishioner and vestry member Carolyn Briles
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When you think of the Diocese of Virginia, what comes to mind? If you’re like most, you envision a miter, the rite of Confirmation, and a reception of sweet and savory treats in the parish hall.
But the Diocese is so much more to us as a parish. It is clergy support and help in transitions, including leading us to Fr. Earl as our interim. It is stewardship and Christian formation. It is outreach and in-reach and all the work that helps us see into our Baptismal Covenant: persevering in resisting evil, proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ, seeking and serving Christ in all persons, striving for justice and peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being.
The Vestry was reminded of this at our October 27 meeting by our special guests Reverend Dr. Mary Thorpe, Canon to the Ordinary, and Ted Smith, our Diocesan treasurer, who joined us virtually from Richmond. They joined us to touch base during these unprecedented times and to share a new Diocesan brochure called “So What Have You Done For Us Lately?”
The tongue-in-cheek title belies the depth of the resources the Diocese offers us on our journey of faith, both as individuals and as a community in Christ. Take a look. See where you fit in, and rejoice that as Episcopalians, we are part of a larger communion. Marvel that, as the brochure says, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” and as always, give thanks for the blessings of God.
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Socially distanced, outdoor YOUP
Sunday, November 15
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Ready for charades by the fire pit?
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Who: middle and high school youth
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What: a socially distanced youth group (YOUP) meeting
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Where: the yard by the Parish House
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When: Sunday, November 15 from 7-8 p.m.
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Why: catch up, play charades and say compline with friends
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How: bring a mask, an outdoor chair and your sense of humor
Contact Michelle at 703-626-4888 with questions.
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Video Sunday School Update! |
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Join us before church on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
For Grades K-5
Join us for StoryMakers! Our StoryMakers advent materials have arrived! We will be handing out materials on Saturday, November 21 from 3-4 p.m. in the church parking lot. If you can’t make it to pick up your Advent StoryMakers zine, contact Kathy Bucklin (kathybucklin5@gmail.com) or Kara Laughlin (Kara.L.Laughlin@gmail.com) to make other arrangements.
And the whole parish is welcome to join us for Zoom Sunday School on November 22 at 9:30 a.m. for our Creation Puppet Show!
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Join us for Worship This Sunday
As We Celebrate Veterans Day
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Join us as we "go live" on Facebook
at 10 a.m. and honor our St. James' veterans for their service to our nation and the world.
to see our worship services.
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How often would you like us to hold Virtual Coffee Hours?
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Grace to Go Returns | Volunteers Needed! |
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Since 2009, St. James' Grace to Go ministry has regularly prepared and provided nutritious meals to families in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for these services has grown.
Each week, community members gather to prepare meals at Deli South in Leesburg.
We need volunteers so our robust program can return to meet the needs of our community.
To ensure safety, we will be observing proper protocols:
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Masks: All participants will wear safety masks while inside Deli South and preparing meals.
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Gloves: Protective food preparation gloves will be provided for participants.
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Distancing: Safe distancing procedures will be followed during meal preparation.
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Grace to Go is also in need of 5 new captains to lead cooking operations on Sundays. Captains will coordinate and direct volunteers on the meal preparation process each Sunday.
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November Monthly Mission Partner:
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
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During November and mindful of Veterans Day, we are praying for, learning about, and financially supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation which was created to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001 – and to honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to ensuring we never forget the events of 9/11 and the sacrifices that were made and continue to be made by our first responders and military in the line of duty. Tunnel to Towers aims to ensure stability and security for Fallen First Responder families, Military Gold Star families, and families of Catastrophically Injured Veterans – through mortgage-free homes for surviving spouses and children.
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The staff and leadership of St. James' Preschool had planned to reassess opening the preschool for in-person learning in January 2021. However, given the outlook for COVID-19 trends over the coming months, the Vestry voted not to reopen the preschool for the remainder of this school year. We will evaluate our opening plans early next summer, and are hoping to reopen in September 2021. |
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In need of prayer? In need of care? |
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"In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified."
The Book of Common Prayer, p. 453
Please let us know when you are in need of prayer and care.
Whom should you call?
The Rev. Earl Mullins
Emergency Number:
410-409-9386
The Church Office
703-777-1124
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When should you call?
- When you become seriously ill, are dealing with a newly diagnosed disease or condition, or are hospitalized for treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation.
- When you are experiencing a spiritual, physical, emotional or financial crisis.
- When you become concerned for the person who usually shares the pew with you because he or she has not been in church for a while.
- When you experience one of life's many transitions: a birth, a death, a job loss/change, a move, an empty nest, retirement, etc.
- When you need prayer and care, but don't want to "bother" anyone with your troubles -- please contact us anyway; you will not be "bothering" us!
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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: the Kevin and Margaret Sullivan Family, Heidi, Peter Schweitzer, Ann Stribling, Orma Call, Chris DeWaard, Jay Watkins, Mark and Meghan Roomsfa, Lori Turner, 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.
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St. James’ Vestry
Carolyn Briles
Katherine Bucklin
Chris Cuellar
Andy Durot
Jim Ferry
Tom Horne
Karen Knobloch
Mary Lou Leipheimer
Steve Mayo
Wayne Newell
Rebecca Page
Jane Roth, Secretary
Maddie Reece, Youth Representative
Treasurer
John Forcier
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St. James’ Clergy and Staff
Interim Rector
Dr. Steven Cooksey
Director of Music/Organist
Dr. Stephen Knobloch
Corner Chorale Music Director
Walter Litzenberger
Assistant Choir Director/Organist
Parish Administrator and Registrar
Janet Stayrook
Preschool Director
Adan Cortez
Lead Sexton
Francisco Ramos
Sexton
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