Our Weekly News & Updates |
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DJ #1: Okay, campers, rise and shine and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there today!
DJ #2: It's cold out there every day! What is this, Miami Beach?
D.J. #1: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
D.J. #2: That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
D.J. #1: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
D.J. #2: Especially cold!
D.J. #1: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
D.J. #2: On their chapped lips...
D.J. #1: On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
D.J. #2: Punxsutawney Phil!
D.J. #1: That's right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's...
D.J. #1, D.J. #2: [in unison] GROUNDHOG DAY!
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If you have never seen the Bill Murray comedy "Groundhog Day," please accept my apologies. This has always been a favorite of mine. For those who do not know, a man is doomed to repeat the same day over and over again until he learns that life is about giving and serving instead of taking and focusing on himself. Over the years, I have heard people from most of the major world religions claim it as an example of their faith. And I do not want to go there necessarily, but I do want to shine a light on the idea that many of us feel like we are all living in a Groundhog Day existence.
A running joke through 2020 and now through 2021 is that it is Blursday. Every day is Blursday. It is often hard to feel otherwise.
When asked what is new, too often this last year I have said, "Nothing. Got up, went to church again. Tomorrow I will do that again." It would be a temptation to reduce existence in these days to that. But it is not true.
But Life has not stopped. We are given the opportunity each and every day to do what is right, what is good, what is love. Now our options may be limited if we are following all the guidelines, but that does not prevent us from doing what we should. In fact, as we reduce the circumference of our circles of influence, our impact can be all the greater.
Have faith friends, the trendlines are heading in the right directions, thankfully. Groundhog Day, the feeling, will continue for a while, but it soon shall end. Groundhog Day, today, is another gift from God. Do not let it slip by!
Blessings,
Rock+
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We are partnering with the Hanover ARC to send some Valentines to their clients and families. We still have a few people who need to be "adopted." They really enjoy getting mail, but don't get it often. Would you like to send some cheer to those who would really appreciate it? Email or call us and we will give you the name and address of someone who would love that!
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This would be a great thing to involve your children with. They could get creative and send their works of art to these wonderful folks. It will be fun for all ages and a great way to show care. |
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Dear Friends,
This has been a hard year in many ways for many of us and we miss each other. We miss you, seeing you in person, hearing your voices, catching up after church, the ordinary stuff of being a church community. You get to see us and hear our voices but we don’t get to hear yours. So here’s an idea: let’s have an on line conversation where we hear from you.
Each week we will post a few questions or prompts which you can choose from and answer, or come up with your own subject, and then write a brief reflection. These will be posted HERE. If anyone says anything outlandish like, “Harrison looked like a zombie this morning giving that sermon,” even if true, we may have to edit some things out. But mostly it is a way to stay in touch, minister to one another and hopefully have fun doing it.
Let’s give it a try and don’t worry about style or grammar ; just be yourself.
God bless,
Jake and Elwood ( The Blues Brothers), otherwise known as Rock+ and Harrison
PS. We are on a mission from God. All of us.
Prompts in this first edition are:
- This past year has taught me_______
- God has helped me____________
- You may not know this about me but I am really good at___________
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You will be delighted to hear (and see!) the progress they've made on our organ. We are so close. Also, we are the featured organ on the Allen Organ website this week. (We are famous!) Just take a look. It will get you excited to hear Reggie tickle those keys! We will give you updates as we get them. |
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We've had a few from our community to get the COVID Vaccine. If you would like to see when a vaccine might be available to you, click this link for the Virginia Department of Health and they will take your contact information and let you know when it might be available to you. Also, Hanover County has set up a hotline to help you sign up for Covid-19 vaccine 804-365-3240.
VCU Health has started vaccinating existing patients who have received care at one of our hospitals or clinics in the past three years and meet the state’s Phase 1b requirements, ages 65 or older. Due to a limited supply of vaccine, they are starting with our oldest patients first. Please do not call your doctor’s office about COVID-19 vaccine appointments. They will contact you directly to make a vaccination appointment if you qualify under the state’s guidelines and as appointments become available. VCU Health's COVID-19 vaccine website has the most up-to-date information on vaccine scheduling, eligibility and related information. Please check back often, as this information does change.
Read the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Remember, COVID-19 is not the same as the flu. It’s extremely dangerous — to you and those you come in contact with. Now that vaccines are available, don’t take chances. Get the vaccine when it’s your turn — to protect yourself, your family and the surrounding community. Delaying care for a potential emergency condition, such as a heart attack, stroke or asthma attack, is also dangerous. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate care.
We are so blessed to have a Parish Nurse, Bobbie Street, in our midst. We wanted to remind you that if you have a medical question, she is associated with a vast network of medical professionals that she can connect you with. She can help get answers to your questions. Feel free to text or call her at (804) 651-8289. You can also email her here.
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The Stations of the Cross have been updated with the Stations on the Road to Jerusalem from the Gospel of Mark. These will help us usher in the season of Lent and take us to Holy Week. We hope you will bundle up and come enjoy reflecting as you walk these beautiful grounds.
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 7th at 11am for our Annual Meeting, following the 10am Morning Prayer Virtual Service. We will be meeting and voting via Zoom. For those who aren't comfortable with Zoom, we will be holding training sessions the week before to help ease any worries.
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 16th from 4:30-6:30pm. We will have Monique's Crepes food truck here in our parking lot! You will be able to pre-order and they email you when you dinner is ready for pick up. You can also walk up and order as well. Their menu looks fantastic! Take a look here.
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Since we can't meet together for pancakes, we thought this might be the next best thing. You will also be able to pick up individual bags of blessed ashes for Ash Wednesday that evening. Invite your friends and family. All are welcomed and wanted! |
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If you would like to join our awesome team of lectors, let us know! We would be happy to train you how to record readings at home and send them to us. Our community would love to see your face in the Sunday services!
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We offer "Curbside Pickup" on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30am-2pm if you would like to swing by and pick up your pledge envelopes. Just give us a call (804-798-6336) and we will bring them out. If you didn't request envelopes, but would like them, we are happy to provide those too. Just let us know!
If you would still like to pledge, there is still time. Email us if you need a new card. This helps us plan the budget for 2021. We are grateful for all the ways you continue to support SJTL!
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Wednesday
Join us for Morning Prayer this Wednesday at 7:30am and then a cup of coffee afterward at 8am on Zoom. Please make sure that your screen name is your name so we know who is there. It is a wonderful time to reconnect!
Link to join the conversation at 8am: click here.
If you would like to call in (audio only) dial (646) 558 8656 and enter the Meeting ID: 826 2172 6493 and Password: 997124
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Thursday
We are thrilled January Book Club has started! We meet on Thursdays at 10:30am.
We will be reviewing Chapter 5. Please read the chapter before, if you can.
We are reading The Ragamuffin Gospel:Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out, by Brennan Manning. You can order it here from Amazon. We are happy to order you a copy if you would like. Please join us. Everyone is wanted and welcome! Also, if this is your first time using Zoom, we are happy to help you get set up.
To join the Zoom meeting click here
If you would like to call in (audio only), dial (301) 715-8592 and enter the Meeting ID: 840 2332 3497 and Passcode: 570346
To watch the recording from last week, click here. Password:w9Mp%?H2
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Sunday Morning
We hope that you will join us at 10am for virtual Morning Prayer Worship service. It will be a beautiful time of connection and community. The link to watch and the bulletin is below in the schedule.
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Sunday Evening
Please join us Sunday Evening at 5pm for the Contemplative Service. The theme this week is The Beloved Community. We will be looking at Racial Inclusion and Equality in the Church in a contemplative way. It will be a loving way to hold space for all of God's children. The link and bulletin are listed below in the schedule.
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Monday Morning
Grief Group is continuing via Zoom on Monday mornings at 10:30am until we are allowed to meet again in person.
To join the meeting on Monday, simply click here
If you would like to call in (audio only), dial (301)715-8592 and enter
Meeting ID: 879 5406 9630 and Passcode: 062583
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OUTREACH
"We rise by lifting others." -Robert Ingersoll
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First Baptist Church Food Pantry is offering food to any resident of Hanover County that might need it.
WHERE: 800 Thompson Street, Ashland 23005
WHEN: First Tuesday, Third Tuesday or Third Saturday from 9 until 11 am (come 1 time within a 30 day period)
They offer food, hygiene items, and baby needs. Tuesdays are drive through to receive a bag of food, freezer items, bread,hygiene items. Saturdays are self shop in fellowship hall. COVID procedures in place: Temperature checks, masks required, social distancing. Call 804 -798 -9014 for more information.
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Saint James the Less Free Clinic
Right outside our very own Saint James the Less Free Clinic the Girl Scouts have donated a food pantry. It is available 24/7 if people might have an immediate need. Please feel free to come by and donate non-perishables to this. It would be an incredible blessing to our community.
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ACES is in need of the following items:
- Food
- Monetary donations
- They are unable to accept any clothing right now due to COVID
They are open to drop off donations Monday 8:30am-11:30am. Thank you for your continued support!
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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.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2021
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12pm- Noonday Prayer (online)
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
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7:30am- Morning Prayer (online)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
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8am- Coffee & Conversation (online)
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Link to join
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12 pm-Noonday prayer (online)
Thursday, February 4, 2021
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10:30am- Book Club
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Link to join
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12pm- Noonday prayers (online)
Friday, February 5, 2021
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12pm- Noonday Prayer (online)
Sunday, February 7, 2021
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9am- Children's Sunday School (online)
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Link to join
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10am- Morning Prayer Worship (online)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
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5pm- Contemplative Service (online)
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Link to watch service
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Link for bulletin
Monday, February 8, 2021
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10:30am- Grief Group (online)
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Link to join
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12pm- Noonday prayers (online)
Join us daily for Noonday Prayer online here. You can follow along with the service on page 103 of the Book of Common Prayer or visit BCPonline.org (Click on "Daily Office" and then"An Order of Service at Noonday")
If you can't join us live-time, no worries. All of our services can be viewed at your convenience afterward on Facebook. All our Sunday morning and Contemplative services will be posted on our YouTube Channel, "St. James the Less Ashland VA." You can access that here.
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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, and Harrison, our deacon. 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, Pat, Dick, Erin, Joanie, Anna, Meredith, Madge, Mary Ann, Katie, Kirsten, Carolyn Moore Lindau, Molly, Amy, Meghann, Mark, Carol, David, Alice, Dennis, Barbara, Colin and Caleb, Jimmy, Ricki Carson, Michael Fox, Alex Gillette, Bill & Beth Arrott, Michelle Murphy, Bill Blakemore, Rose, Mason, Elizabeth Attkisson (Erin Cobb's mother), Jan Meacham, Karl Meyer, Chambers Cromwell (friend of Betty & Jim Moore), Horace Crowe (friend of the Meyer’s family), Delaney Thompson family, Aubrey Fletcher, Dee Alvarez, Ginny Miller (sister of Carol Barnes), Shelby Davies, John Murphy, Lyla Buchanan, Emily Bach, Kathy Marshall, Kimette Cannady, Melanie Bruce, Bob Ellithorpe, Dennis Folsom, and Rev. Dr. Susannah Metz.
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 ask your prayers for those who have died.
We ask your prayers for those who grieve.
We pray for Metropolitan Richmond:We pray to overcome in Christ’s name the heritage of racism: To proclaim in word and deed the establishment of a beloved community in Metropolitan Richmond.
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.
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THIS PAST SUNDAY'S HOMILY |
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Fire and Ice Tomatoes
(contributed by Mona Wade on p. 54)
Ingredients:
Marinade:
- 3/4 c. vinegar
- 1 1/2 t. celery salt
- 1 1/2 t. mustard seed
- 1/2 t. salt
- 5 t. sugar
- 1/8 t. red pepper
- 1/8 t. black pepper
- 1/4 c. cold water
Vegetables:
- 6 tomatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 green pepper, sliced in rings
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, sliced in rings
Mix marinade ingredients in saucepan and bring to boiling. Boil hard for one minute. Pour over tomatoes, onions and green peppers. Chill in refrigerator. Before serving, add cucumbers. Serve cold as a salad on lettuce or as relish.
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NeverTheLess and Weekly E-News Deadline: If you have an announcement to be shared with the parish, please get the information to Kasey no later than noon on Monday. Thanks!
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February 2
Hank Hunter
February 3
Kimette Cannady
Rebecca Batten
February 5
Margaret Belyea
Clementine Rose
Hayes Jones
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February 6
Tim Yagla
February 8
Stephanie Higgins
Willie Mills
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