St James Episcopal Church
Amesbury MA

Christian Education
Family Newsletter


FEBRUARY 2021
ChildrensWindowStJames
Dear friends, we're coming up on a year online, my goodness!

These past months have offered challenges, frustrations, disappointments, grief, doubt, anger, dismay, fear, sorrow. . . and fresh perspectives, growth, discovery, fortitude, bravery, kindness, tenacity, innovation, dedication, and marvelous incarnations of God's LOVE. (No wonder we're tired!)

Families and friends, please lean on us: your parish family, teachers, and leaders at St James - as we look for God's sustenance through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

You are in my prayers. I think of each of you while I write these words each week and every month.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always!

What a year last year was. . . here's a look at some of 2020's highlights:

January 2020 (doesn't that seem like a very, very long time ago!):
Godly Play classes each Sunday - thank you Jenn, Kimberly P., Linda, Kimberly S., Terri B.!
Youth classes 2x month - thank you to teachers Ron & Linda!
Youth served at the altar as acolytes every Sunday (bless you all!).
(IRL) Coffee Hours in the Parish Hall - how we miss it all, even cleanup.

February: Youth were welcome helpers at our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner!

March (our doors close mid-month, but we stay connected, virtually!):
Linda represented St James at Amesbury High School's "Seize Your Summer" networking event.
At their first Youth class of the month, some of our young people created a welcome sidewalk sign for our church, inviting everyone in - but the pandemic forced us to close our doors the next week.
Online Sunday School (every Saturday) and emailed Youth (& older) classes (1st & 3rd Fridays) written by Linda began - emailed to parishioners & posted on Facebook and our website.

April: Holy Week and Easter special emails with prayers, activities, and more, written by Linda.

May: Barbara C. Harris Camp cancelled summer camp.

June: Youth participate as readers in online worship services - thank you! - and please continue :-)

July: Mission trip to Church of the Pilgrimage, DC - cancelled; program closed permanently.

August: Youth Malcolm C. attended Diocesan virtual Racial Justice Camp.

September: Operation Backpack - Pettengill House - went online (monetary donations only).

October: Socially-distanced Blessing of Animals outdoors at All Saints', West Newbury.
Youth Zoom classes begin - 3rd Fridays with Fr John & Linda.
Youth help with (virtual) Holiday Fair prep.

November: Zoom Godly Play classes begin as a trial on Sunday mornings - thanks, Jenn and Kim!
Middle School retreat at the Barbara C. Harris Camp cancelled.
Thanksgiving special email from Linda.

December: Advent and Christmas Day special emails. Youth Zoom Christmas party.
12/24 afternoon Christmas Eve interactive Zoom sermon for children and youth with Fr John.
Let's connect! <3

Everyone, you are invited to print and color these Valentines (or any others!); add a sweet message of encouragement if you'd like!
Next, mail them to church - as many as you can!
St James, PO Box 25, Amesbury MA 01913, attn: Linda (or drop them off - email me for info). Then we'll distribute them!

We'll get them into the hands (and hearts!) of parishioners, shut-ins, and other friends. Enjoy some meditative and fun coloring today - then pop them in the mail or drop them off, quick as you can. (P.S. You are my sunshine!)