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Dear Friends,
We are all reading the news with heavy hearts in these last days. We are sickened by the violence that is literally exploding in the region in the Middle East that we call The Holy Land. We deplore terrorist actions and atrocities, brutalities, and the targeting of civilians. We are troubled by the rhetoric that dehumanizes the real people who are in real peril. There can be no justification for these things in any country or society.
As Christians, we follow Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. We vow at our baptism to work for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being. We are called to resist evil. And we are called to pray.
This Sunday, and for as many Sundays as we need to, the Prayers of the People will include this petition:
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We pray that in times of trouble, God will strengthen our trust and inspire eagerness to protect the health of the vulnerable and nurture the lives of all people; we pray especially for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, for those who have been killed, injured, or are in harm’s way. We also hold in prayer our neighbors at Beth Ahabah, as well as all those in our community who have a personal connection to this conflict; let your Spirit be in all leaders of our nation and the nations of the world. | |
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Please pray for peace. Please pray for the injured and dead, for those who are living in fear for their lives, and for those who are working to alleviate the suffering in Israel and Palestine and providing humanitarian aid. Please pray that some day the leaders and people of all nations will turn their swords into plowshares and not study war any more.
Faithfully,
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The Celebration is just around the corner. Have you RSVP’d yet?
The Celebration: A feast of goodwill and connection is one of the most cherished and anticipated events of the year at St. James’s. If you want to be a part of this very special night, don’t wait too much longer. The deadline to register is next Friday, October 20.
This event is our annual celebration of our life together at St. James’s and includes an elegant dinner, open bar, wonderful company, and (shhh!) a big musical surprise.
A suggested donation of $40 per person is requested. You can RSVP and make your donation by going here. Or by sending a check with Celebration on the memo line to:
St. James’s Episcopal Church, 1205 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA, 23220.
We can’t wait to celebrate together.
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Saturday, October 14
Young Family Social from 4 - 6 pm
we'll be gathering at the home of Mary Beth and Chris Abplanalp
8346 West Weyburn Road, 23235
Sunday, October 15
Youth Campfire - 6pm
High schoolers will meet at the Strickler home (1238 Rothesay Circle)
Middle schoolers will meet at the Arthur home (3918 Hanover Avenue)
Tuesday, October 17
Tuesday Men's Bible Study - 7:30 am, Valentine Hall
A weekly hour of fellowship, discussion of the bible, and good food.
Contact: Patrick Strickler, jpstrickler@verizon.net
Stephen Spraker, stspraker@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 18
Living Faith Bible Study - 10 to 11:30 am
Currently on Zoom (in person gatherings TBD)
This opportunity for spiritual refreshment and enlightenment begins with fellowship, a prayer followed by study and discussions that help to make our Christian faith a “living faith” and apply the witness of the Scripture to our everyday lives.
Contact: Betsy Trow (804) 282- 4152 or betsytrow@gmail.com
Wednesday Noon Eucharist & Healing Service
held in the chapel located within the sanctuary
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Wednesday Night Dinner - 6 pm, Valentine Hall
It's Week 4 of our popular Wednesday Night Dinners, now at a new time -- 6 pm. We’re also not asking for RSVPs – just show up and enjoy the evening. The suggested donations are: Children, $5; Adults $10, Families, $25.
You can pay in cash, check or credit card.
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Thursday, October 19
Thursday Men's Breakfast Bible Study - 7:30 am, Valentine Hall
Our Bible Study Group welcomes St. James’s members and non-members
It meets every other Thursday morning in Valentine Hall for about an hour.
The group enjoys fellowship and relationship-building with each other
and growth in knowledge of scripture and their faith applied to the here and now.
You're welcomed regardless of your current knowledge about the scriptures.
Contact: Matt Harper, mharper2240@gmail.com.
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Friday, October 20 - Sunday, October 22
Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont
Orkney Springs, VA
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Peek at the Week is now on the website (doers.org) too. So if you need to check in on what’s going on this coming week, click on the Peek at the Week banner (The Week's Events) on the home page: doers.org
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This week's eChimes features | |
- Annual Giving 2024
- We still need a few Celebration volunteers
- Children's Ministry Supply Drive for SCAN Circle Preschool
- Young Family Social tomorrow
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- Youth Events
- Youth - come cook for the Taste
- Service of Community Lament
- Reaching the clergy for pastoral care simplified
- Prayers of The People
- Diocese of Virginia
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We are St. James. You are St. James's. And it is because of your commitment to St. James’s and through your generosity that together we make our church strong and able to share our many different gifts with each other, our community and the world. Our Annual Pledge Campaign is now underway and we need YOU! | |
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If you haven’t seen Penny’s stewardship video, please click here. We think you’ll find it interesting and inspiring.
Your pledge, combined with the pledges of other St. James’sers, makes up our proposed budget – and creates opportunities for the over 60 ministries planned for the coming program year.
Look for our Steeple-o-meter in the Narthex, which will chart our progress as we move toward our goal.
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A Few Celebration Volunteers are Still Needed
You can’t throw a big party without a lot of help. Many folks have already volunteered to help with the Celebration. BUT we still need help with the setting up the tables and chairs.
Please click here to sign up.
And thanks in advance.
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Supply Drive for
SCAN Circle Preschool Program
Join the Children's Ministry in collecting much-needed supplies for one of your outreach partners, Greater Richmond SCAN. The supply drive will benefit SCAN's Circle Preschool Program (CPP).
CPP is the first and only preschool of its kind in our region. It serves children with early exposure to trauma and provides a unique healing enviroment through high-quality early education and intrensive trauma-focused treatment.
Please drop-off supplies by Sunday, October 29.
You can drop off your donation at these locations:
Sundays: the church Naxtex and Michaux House, 2nd floor
Wednesday Nights: Valentine Hall
During the week: Parish House
Click here to see Circle Preschool Program Wish List.
If you have any questions, contact Ashlee Ligon at childrensministry@doers.org.
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This Saturday...
family fun and fellowship.
Our Young Family Social is tomorrow from 4 to 6 pm we'll be gathering at the home of:
Mary Beth and Chris Abplanalp
8346 West Weyburn Road, 23235
St. James’s will provide snacks, water, and juice. Parents are welcome to bring a favorite adult beverage if you wish. These socials are for any St. James's family with children living at home. The parents have as much fun as the children at our Young Family Socials.
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Let’s gather ‘round the CAMPFIRE this Sunday, October 15.
Our campfire is this Sunday, October 15, from 6 to 7:30 pm! We’ll have pizza, s’mores, and other activities.
High schoolers (SYF) will meet at the Strickler home (1238 Rothesay Circle)
Middle schoolers (JYF) will meet at the Arthur home (3918 Hanover Avenue)
Please join us for some fun!
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…then tee it up at TOPGOLF
in two weeks
We’re going to Top Golf on Sunday, October 29 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Come play some rounds with us, no experience – or clubs – needed!
To sign up, click here.
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Looking for some volunteer hours?
On Saturday, November 4, we’re cooking for the Taste of St. James! Come out and make soups, breakfast casseroles, and peppermint bark with us.
We’ll work from 9 am to 12 pm in Valentine Hall - breakfast and snacks will be provided.
Come out and learn how to make something new!
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It’s the constant story in our newsfeeds: Yet another shooting. This one at a school, this one at a grocery store, this one at a synagogue. This one at our own Monroe Park. We’re scared and angry, confused and frustrated, frozen and numb. But we’re also people of faith. And as such, we’re called to share these feelings with God—and to call on God to act.
With this in mind, you’re invited to a Service of Community Lament, to be held at 5:30pm on Sunday November 5 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, on Northside. Join others from around Richmond as they share their grief with God, while standing firm on God’s promises to bring about a better world. One without gun violence.
If you’d like to contribute to a prayer for the service, please register for an upcoming Zoom or in-person workshop. Workshops will be led by The Rev. R. Dale Smith, a deacon in the Episcopal Church and former writing professor. At these free workshops, you’ll learn about the ancient, cathartic practice of lament, and compose one as a group. Click here for more details and to register.
These events are part of the Beyond Thoughts and Prayers series. Other events include: A Service of Community Healing from Gun Violence (Dec 3), a public worship service (in the spring, date TBA), and a call to community action (also in spring, date TBA). All are invited to these events.
Hear the good news: We do not need to carry the cross of gun violence alone; we can share it with each other and with our God; we can trust that change will come. Amen.
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Reaching the clergy for pastoral care has been simplified.
Moving forward, finding pastoral care will be easier and more direct. When you call (804) 914-2808 you’ll be put in direct contact with the clergy member on call, so there’s no need to call multiple clergy to find the one who can best provide you with the help you need.
We suggest you add this number to your contacts. You can also find it under Connect on rhe nav bar at doers.org.
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St. James’s Episcopal Church | DOERS.ORG | (804) 355-1779
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