News from St. James' Episcopal Church
Sunday, September 13, 2020
|
|
Vestry Update
Celebration, inclusion and looking ahead
|
|
Your vestry met via Zoom on August 8, celebrating Fr. Earl’s one-year anniversary with us, picking up its efforts to improve physical accessibility, and planning for the year ahead.
In honor of Fr. Earl’s service, vestry member Wayne Newell presented him (virtually) with a carved plaque, on which he had inscribed the Celtic words:
Round Our Skiff Be God’s Aboutness
Ere We Try the Deeps of Sea
Sea Shell Frail for All Her Stoutness,
Unless Thou Her Helmsman Be
The vestry expressed thanks to Wayne for his meaningful artwork and its deepest gratitude to Fr. Earl for all he has done, is doing, and will continue to do for God’s Kingdom and for the people of St. James’.
The vestry returned to a project that had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic: making our church accessible for those with disabilities. The Vestry approved the expenditure of up to $20,000 to obtain plans for:
- the installation of a platform lift down the stairs to the Fellowship Hall;
- the construction of three accessible bathrooms - one near the proposed platform lift, one in the Janney House hallway, and one in the Parish House;
- the installation of an automatic door opener for the outside door from the parking lot to the Narthex, as well as the alteration or removal of threshold barriers in that area.
To complete this work, the vestry established an Accessibility Task Force. Ed Hatrick (representing the Trustees), Andy Durot, Steve Mayo, and Jane Roth have agreed to serve on the Task Force. They will consult with the Property, Finance, and Stewardship committees and others as needed.
The Finance Committee shared the calendar for the construction of the 2021 Budget.
Fr. Earl spoke about the upcoming rector search, and how the vestry can help the parish prepare in this unusual time.
|
|
Join us for Worship This Sunday |
|
|
|
Join us as we "go live" on Facebook at 10 a.m.
to see our worship services.
|
|
Fall Bible Study with Fr. Earl |
|
Registration is required, and there are two ways to register: |
|
Reading the Old Testament with Heart and Mind:
Meeting Ourselves in the Lives of the Ancestors of our Faith
Wednesday evenings
September 23 - November 16
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In order to understand ourselves as a people of God, we need to look back over the centuries to all that lies behind us. And this, of course, is where the Old Testament fits in so beautifully into the scheme of things, for the Old Testament is to the church a place of remembrance, a repository of history and tradition.
We’ll be using the DOCC Model: a presentation by Fr. Earl, followed by an hour of discussion in small groups known as “Zoom Rooms.” Each evening will end with Compline.
A Zoom URL and passcode will be sent to all those who register.
A $50 fee covers materials expenses.
|
|
September Monthly Mission Partner:
Mobile Hope
|
|
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.
|
|
In this challenging time, many are asking, "How can I help?"
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 need of prayer? In need of care? |
|
"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
|
|
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!
|
|
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. |
|
St. James’ Vestry
Carolyn Briles
Katherine Bucklin
Andy Durot
Jim Ferry
Ed Hatrick
Karen Knobloch
Steve Mayo
Deb McGee
Page Moffett
Wayne Newell
Jane Roth, Secretary
Fred Williams
Seth Griner, Youth Representative
Treasurer
John Forcier
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
