Youth Ice Skating at Bowie Ice Arena, January 10th

Youth of all ages are invited to go ice skating at the Bowie Ice Arena. We will meet at the church at noon for lunch and carpool to the Ice Arena for a public skate from 2 – 4 p.m. We should return to church by 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $4.50 and skate rental is available for $2.75. If we have a large enough group, we could have a reduced rate. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Parish Hall.

Proposed By-Laws Changes Announcement

The vestry of St. James' Parish is proposing modifications to our By-Laws. These changes will be adopted if a majority of the members of St. James' Parish vote to ratify them at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2010. Copies of the current and proposed By-Laws will be available in the back of the church and chapel as well as on the News Section on the St. James' website. The major changes include:

• appointment of a youth representative to the vestry
• procedure to administer the vestry selection process
• ratification or election of new vestry members
• termination of a vestry member due to three months of unexcused absences.

If you have any questions, please contact James Dowell at dowellfarm@verizon.net.

It's the 12 Days of Christmas with a Christmas Pageant Twist!

Due to the snow storm, the Christmas Pageant has been rescheduled to Jan. 3rd at the 9 a.m. service. Please come out and support our children this Christmas Season. You may just experience Christmas in a whole new way!

Offering Envelopes for 2010 Available

Offering envelopes for 2010 are available on a table in the hallway of the parish hall. If you would like some envelopes, please contact the parish office and we will make sure that they will be there.

Weather-related Cancellations and Postponements

Due to the large amount of snow that has fallen and will continue to fall, the following parish events have either been canceled or postponed:

• The 8:00am service at St. Mark's Chapel has been canceled for 12/20.
• The Christmas Pageant scheduled for the 9:00am service on 12/20 has been postponed. The pageant will be held during the 9:00am service on 1/3.
• Christmas caroling scheduled for 1:30 on 12/20 has been canceled.

Christmas Caroling, December 20 at 1:30pm

The St. James’ Parish Annual Christmas Caroling will take place on Sunday, December 20th, at 1:30 p.m. Please join us for a fun afternoon of Greenstreet Gardens and neighborhood caroling. We’ll be singing for some of our homebound friends as well. Please sign up outside Amanda’s office or email sharon.mcglaughlin@yahoo.com. Everyone of every age is welcome!

Salvation Army Sing Along, December 9 at 6pm

Everyone is invited to the Sing Along! Starting at 6 p.m., there will be light refreshments followed by a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Sing Along will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. We will conclude by 9:00 p.m. after a wonderful evening of music and fellowship during which the toys will be presented to the Salvation Army in support of their efforts to bring Christmas toys to needy area children. For information, contact Sharon McGlaughlin - slm5987@yahoo.com.

Leadership Exploration Workshops, December 6 at 1 p.m. and December 7 at 7 p.m.

In preparation for our Annual Meeting, which will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2010, we will be holding leadership exploration workshops on Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 and on Monday, December 7, at 7 p.m. You can attend either one or the other. Anyone who wishes to explore a possible calling to serve either now or in the future as a Vestry Member, Committee Chair, Convention Delegate, or Officer of the Vestry is invited to come to one of the workshops. We are asking you to RSVP so that we may have materials and refreshments for you. You may speak to the rector or to one of the members of the Vestry who are rotating off (Donald J. Collins, JoEllen L. Kelly, and Linda L. Rines) for information or to RSVP.

Advent Program, December 2, 6-9pm

Please mark your calendars for St. James’ Parish Christian Formation Committee's first Advent Program on Wednesday, December 2 in the Parish Hall. Homemade Soup Supper will be 6-7 p.m. with separate adult and children's programs from 7-9 p.m. The Children’s program will take place in the Christian education building for children ages 3 yrs-5th grade. The children will be making an Advent craft as well as hearing the advent story!

The adult program will be a Biblical Musical Drama called “Ariella’s Journey to Bethlehem” and will be led by Christian singer and songwriter, Sam Kauffman. Ariella, the crippled daughter of Balthazar, one of the three kings, is called to Bethlehem to worship Jesus, the new king. As Ariella struggles with how to get to Bethlehem and what gift to bring, she experiences the miracle of Christmas. You can learn more about this Program in the November Shell Newsletter or by visiting Sam's website: www.samkservantsheart.com. In order to ensure we have enough soup for everyone, please RSVP to the parish office (410-867-2838) by November 30.

"Under Our Skin," November 23 at 7 p.m.

"Under Our Skin," is a professionally produced full length documentary which deals with the epidemic "Lyme disease." We will view this film in our parish hall on Monday, November 23rd, beginning at 7 p.m. It is open to the public and there is no charge. All are welcome.

St. James' Parish Holiday Food Baskets

As the Holiday Season approaches, please make a donation of cash or a frozen turkey for St. James' Parish's Holiday Food Baskets. If you plan to donate a turkey, please sign up on the sheet in the Parish Hall and place your turkey in the kitchen freezer before November 20 and December 18. The Outreach Committee will coordinate distribution of the 65 Holiday meals on Saturday, November 21, and again on Saturday, December 19. Please contact Linda Rines (Linda.Rines@comcast.net) if you can help between 7a.m. and noon on either Saturday. Thanks for supporting St. James' help of needy families in our local community.

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist, November 26

The Thanksgiving Day Eucharist will take place in St. James' Church on November 26th, at 10 a.m.

The offering received from the Thanksgiving Day envelopes will be presented to the Salvation Army at the Carol Sing on December 9th to be used to purchase toys and gifts for needy children.

Please join us on Thanksgiving morning!

Christmas Pageant Sign-up and Practices

Attention all parents and children!!! The Christmas Pageant is right around the corner and we need your help. If you are interested in helping with this year’s pageant or participating in the pageant please sign up outside of Amanda’s office. Practices are being held immediately following Sunday School until 11:30 in the choir room!

Salvation Army Stockings

Salvation Army Stockings are now available! They will be handed out at all three services on November 1st. Additional stockings can be picked up from the box between the Church offices or the box located in the Church School.

A list of suggested items for stuffing the stockings will be available. Ideas include: small toys, hygiene items, or school supplies. Please do not wrap the items (they will have to be unwrapped). And don’t forget to label your stocking so we know for whom it is intended (boy, age 6-8 years; girl, age 10-12 years, etc).

Stockings must be returned to the church no later than Sunday Dec 6th. For information, contact Nola Meyers - noreme@verizon.net. Thanks for supporting this important program!

Christmas Boxes for Seafarers

Many seafarers are at sea for many months and not able to be home with family for the holidays. The Women of St. James’ Parish are asking for your help to provide Christmas Boxes which will be distributed by the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center to the many men who find themselves in this situation for the holidays. We are planning to fill at least 25 boxes, and would be overjoyed to fill many more! This would be a very meaningful family holiday project.

Here is what you need:

• A medium size shoebox – (Ladies size 8 maybe?)
  
• Toiletries that are sealed – Almost all of the seafarers are men.
  
• A new warm scarf or hat
  
• Some of the following: pens & pads, warm socks or gloves, playing cards, postcards of Baltimore.
  
• Each box also must have a paperback Bible which will be provided by the Women of St. James’ Parish and a greeting with our parish’s name and address on it.

Here is what you do:
Put your items in the box and bring it to the parish office to get the Bible and the greeting. Then, wrap the box as a Christmas gift, and bring it to St. James’ by December 13 where it will be kept in a secure place until we deliver them to the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center.

Please help to make the holidays for the seafarers a bit brighter and warmer with your gift. If you have questions, please contact Peggy Horn at plantlady04@hughes.net.

Atrium Fellowship - Halloween Party, October 30 6-8pm

Atrium Fellowship! All Atrium Classes are invited to the St. James’ Halloween Party from 6-8 pm. Wear your favorite costume and get ready for thrills, chills, and fun! Sign up outside of Amanda’s office if you dare!!!!

Youth Group Lock-In, October 30-31

Our first youth group lock-in of the year. 6th-12th graders will be meeting at the church at 4:00pm Friday to set up for the Halloween party and lock-in. The lock-in will end at 9:00am Saturday. Sign up outside of Amanda’s office!

Horizons Gathering at St. James', October 29 at 6pm

The Horizons Gathering: Nearly 150 people representing churches, clergy and institutions accepted Bishops Sutton's invitation to be part of the newly formed "Horizons Gathering." Their first meeting took place on October 3 at the Bishop Claggett Center. The next step is five regional meetings that are open to all. Join members of the Horizons Gathering and facilitators from the Mission Strategy Group as we discuss the future of the Diocese of Maryland. One of these regional meetings is at St. James’ on Thursday, October 29, at 6 pm. Come see for yourself and give your input! Visit the Horizons Page on the Diocesan website (www.ang-md.org) to learn more about this exciting time.

Bowling for Jesus!!!, November 1

On Sunday November 1, 2009 we are going to have our monthly Atrium Fellowship for Atrium 1, 2 and 3 (Pre-K to 5th grade). The children will be leaving St. James Parish at 11:15 in order to arrive at Lord Calvert Bowling Alley (Calvert County) by 11:45. The children will be fitted with shoes and can begin bowling at 12:00. Pizza and drinks will be provided for the children and chaperones. We anticipate being back at St. James by 2:30 – 2:45.

Since we have to pay in advance to reserve lanes, we need to have an accurate count of who is attending before the event. In order to participate, we are requesting that you fill out this form and return it to your child’s teacher on or before Sunday October 25, 2009.

Halloweeen Party, October 30 6-8pm

Halloween is just around the corner! This year the youth group will be hosting a Halloween party for the children of the parish on Oct. 30th from 6-8pm, but we need your help! We are looking for these materials: straw bales, jeans (all sizes), shirts, pantyhose, and gloves. If you can donate any of these materials or would like to help in any way we would greatly appreciate it. Please email Amanda at Amanda@stjameslothian.com. THANK YOU!

Newcomers’ Brunch, October 25

“….extend hospitality to strangers ….” Romans 12:13. On October 25, following the 9 o’clock service, there will be a special brunch to provide everyone an opportunity to meet and greet our newcomers. This is a ministry that all parishioners can participate in – a ministry to make newcomers to St. James’ Parish feel welcome. It would be wonderful if all parishioners, from every worship service, would plan on attending this special event. Donations of food items (breakfast casseroles, etc.) would be appreciated. If you would like to volunteer a dish, please email Susan Dowling at dowlingsa1@comcast.net. As a congregation, St. James’ strives to welcome newcomers. We offer a caring environment that inspires individuals on their journeys of faith. First and foremost, we all need to work together to make our newcomers feel welcome. Please mark your calendars now to attend this important event!

Labyrinth Update - We can begin!!!

Although our grant request was denied earlier this summer, we are grateful for enough memorial contributions to make a start, hopefully soon! We will begin with our 30’ labyrinth. We have donations of 2 benches, and a few plantings. We would like to be able to add a sidewalk to, and around, the labyrinth and more landscaping. So if you have been waiting to make your contribution, now’s the time!! Make your donation payable to St. James, with “Labyrinth Fund” in the memo line. Thanks for your support!!

Young Adult Ministries = 20/30/early 40’s, October 13

Please join us October 13th at 7:00 pm for bible study in the Parish Hall. We will be studying Rob Bell’s DVD series “Everything is Spiritual.” The Young Adult group will meet the second Tuesday of each month for bible study, so mark your calendars today!

Youth Fellowship, October 11

Attention all 6th-12th graders: On Sunday October 11th we will have youth group. Join us for a game of Bigger and Better beginning at 12:30. Haven’t heard of Bigger and Better? All the more reason to come on out! See you then!

Input Solicited for Horizons Gathering

Do you have any thoughts on what the Diocese of Maryland should be doing to serve God? A group of people from the diocese will be gathering on October 3, 2009, and February 27, 2010, to pray, reflect, and discern the goals and vision for the Diocese of Maryland. This challenge was presented to the diocese at the convention last May by Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton. The following questions will be addressed at the Horizons Gathering:

• What is God calling us to do as the Diocese of Maryland?
  
• What might God's vision for our future look like?
  
• What passions and gifts could you, your congregation, or ministry bring to this vision?

Horizons Gathering Reflection materials are available on the diocesan website for anyone to read: www.ang-md.org/press/2009-06-08-horizons-announcement.php#resources. There may be smaller regional gatherings between these two sessions as well for more opportunities for participation. The plan is to present a report at diocesan convention in May 2010.

Your input is welcome! If you would like to share it, please address it to Marjie Mack - mmack3108@comcast.net and/or Bill Ticknor+ - ticknor@stjameslothian.com.

Children’s Fellowship, October 4

Our first Children’s Fellowship for the beginning school year is fast approaching. All youth from the littlest to age 12 are invited to attend a great outdoor experience in God’s Creation!! We will be taking a hike at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, located in Prince Frederick, MD. We will leave St. James’ at approximately 11:30 a.m. and will be eating lunch at the park. We will take a short hike and play nature bingo, hug a few trees along the way and maybe see some snakes (in tanks of course)!! Please bring a bag lunch. Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Sted or Jen Wolf - jsparwolf29@yahoo.com.

CPR Certification and AED Training

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Committee is pleased to announce the purchase of 3 ZOLL AED Plus Automated External Defibrillators. The members of St. James’ Parish have generously given contributions for two of the devices. The third AED and funds for training essential staff were graciously donated with Memorial Funds and will be honored with a mounted plaque. They will be installed at St. Mark’s Chapel, St. James’ Church and the St. James’ Parish Hall.

The Zoll AED is highly recommended for its ease of use, innovative electrodes and voice prompting to help the inexperienced user. While we pray we never have to use it, it is a device that everyone should have an opportunity to be given in the St. James’ Parish Hall starting Monday morning, October 5. Mary Houlihan, a certified CPR and AED instructor, has graciously offered her services at a greatly discounted rate of $35.00 per person. She limited her class size to 12 people at a time. Each class will take approximately 2-3 hours with hands-on training using Rescue Annie and the AED. We will extend the number of nights the course is offered as the classes are filled. The sign-up sheets are posted in the Parish Hall. Please call Woody or Nancy Wooddell at 410-867-1570 with any questions.

The Blessing of the Animals, October 4 at 2 pm

The Blessing of Animals will take place on Sunday, October 4, at 2 pm at St. James’ Church. Everyone and their pets are welcome to attend. Please remember that all pets should be either on a leash or in a carrier.

The Fall Festival Oysters and Country Ham Dinner is approaching very quickly!

The Women of St. James' Parish depend on the dinners as our most important fundraisers. The dinners would not be so successful without the wonderful support we experience from our parishioners. We need help in the kitchen beginning on Wednesday, September 30th , and Friday is a big day for setting up. We also need quality white elephants, many crafts, perennials for the plant sale (please mark what they are and color, if possible), baked goods for the Bake Shop, home canned goods for the Country Store, and jewelry for the Jewel Box. Another need that is new this year is for someone to donate gallons of water which we will use to make the iced tea. Please contact Wendy Crawford, the dinner chair, or Peggy Horn to volunteer. The women thank you for your help.

Fall Bulb Sale

The Fall Bulb Sale sponsored by the Women of St. James' Parish is in full swing. Brochures are available and will be distributed after the services on Sunday. Orders will be accepted through October 4th, the day after the Fall Festival Oysters and Country Ham Dinner. A manilla envelope is attached to the Women of St. James’ Parish bulletin board next to the church office for your orders. Checks only, no cash, please. Orders will be available for pick up the following Sunday, October 11th. October is the perfect month for planting these bulbs which will provide wonderful color and enjoyment next spring! The Women thank you for your support and know you will enjoy these bulbs for many years.

Ministries Fair, September 20

Please get ready for our second annual Ministries Fair on September 20. This Vestry sponsored event in the Parish Hall between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. will be your opportunity to tell others about your favorite St. James' Parish ministry or learn about the many varied activities that are part of our parish life. See the article in the “Shell” or the Ministries List on www.stjameslothian.com or contact Linda Rines - Linda.Rines@comcast.net.

Safeway Club Card Enrollment

Help to support the Christian Education programs at St. James’ every time you grocery shop! Safeway Stores’ eScrip program will donate up to 3% of all purchases to a designated school or religious organization. This program is free to you, and easy to use: once your are registered, present your Safeway Club Card or enter your phone number on the keypad at checkout when you grocery shop, and a percentage of your purchases will go to support Christian Education programming at St. James’.

To designate St. James’ as your Safeway Club Card recipient:

• Go to www.escrip.com
• Click on Sign Up—It’s Free!
• Enter your Safeway club card information
• Enter group ID number 1036858

If you have designated another organization in the past, and would like to change your Safeway Club Card recipient to St. James’ Episcopal Church:

• Go to www.escrip.com
• Click on Sign Up—It’s Free!
• Click on my eScrip
• Enter your club card number and password
• Enter group ID number 1036858
• If you have forgotten your password, or never created one, you can submit the change of designation via the email box provided.

If you have any questions about the program or the registration process, please contact Tricia Hurlbutt <psh21035@yahoo.com>.

Adult Forum: 'Exploring the Spiritual Life' beginning September 13

The Adult Forum will begin a new season of study and reflection September 13, entitled 'Exploring the Spiritual Life.' The group will meet from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. on Sundays in the Library. Fellow parishioner, Canon John Huntington, will lead the discussion and provide study materials. We will use three small books for background reading, all by spiritual masters of the last century: Evelyn Underhill ("The Spiritual Life" - preview at Google Books), Johannes Metz ("Poverty of Spirit" - preview at Google Books), and Abraham Heschel ("I Asked for Wonder"). Discussions will follow the interests of group members, and should lead us into very interesting places! We will enter into lively conversation with Scripture and Christian saints and mystics on topics of particular interest to the group members. Come, join us!

Fried Chicken Dinner, August 9

A Southern Maryland Fried Chicken Dinner created by Westin Hotel Executive Chef James Barrett, will be served Sunday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the St. James' Episcopal Church air-conditioned parish hall, 5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, just north of Route 258.

The $13 donation for the dinners, served there or carried out, include one-half of a fried chicken, potato salad and three-bean salad, a dinner roll, drink and dessert. For more information, contact Lillie, dinner chair, Women of St. James' Parish at 301-855-7829 or the Parish office at 410-867-2838.

EfM Registration

It is registration time for the Education for Ministry (EfM) program, and we hope you will consider joining us this fall. Our group meets on Sundays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. downstairs in the Education Building. We have prayers, dinner, group discussion and reflection. It is an opportunity to dig deeper into the Christian faith, study the Bible, Church history and theological ideas, and reflect on connecting our faith with our life experiences. EfM offers an opportunity to discover how to discern and respond to our call to Christian service, whatever that may be for each individual, and it gives us a small group to support us on our journey. We register one year at a time, and the group meets from September through May. There is a fee for the program, and some scholarship help is available. The deadline for registration is August 9, and the first class will be September 6. Contact one of the group mentors for questions or more information: Linda Stewart (lstewart54@aol.com) or Marjie Mack (mmack3108@comcast.net).

Special Coffee Hour for Pat and Carl Rehling, August 9

A Special Coffee Hour, in thanksgiving for the lives and ministries of Pat and Carl Rehling, will be held on Sunday, August 9, following the 10 a.m. service. Pat and Carl have served God in many ways, particularly in our parish in recent years. They will be moving to Texas during that week. Please come out and wish them well in this transition, which will be difficult for all of us.

Keeping Up-to-Date With Your Pledge Payments

Our Parish needs your help. If you are not up-to-date with your pledge payments, please respond to this appeal. At this time of the year, with people being away, our income drops significantly, but our expenses continue.

The Women of St. James’ Parish Invite You to Come for Sunday Brunch, June 14

You are invited! The Women of St. James’ Parish invite you to come for Sunday Brunch June 14th after the 10:00 a.m. service, the first Sunday of the summer schedule. We have prepared the brunch as a thank you for your support during the year. The menu includes breakfast casseroles, fruit, Danish, coffee, tea, and punch. Please join us!

Youth Group, June 21

Please join us June 21 at 12:30 for Youth Group. We will be setting up for Vacation Bible School and planning for the Camping Trip. All youth grades 6 – 12 are welcome. See you the 21st!!!

Bishop John Rabb will be visiting St. James’ Parish, June 21

Bishop John Rabb will be visiting St. James’ Parish on June 21st at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. A coffee hour will be held after the 10 a.m. service at which time you may enjoy an opportunity to visit with Bishop Rabb.

EfM Graduation Recognition, May 31

Two Education for Ministry (EfM) participants - Jeanie Zseltvay and Beverly Breitman - will receive their graduation certificates for completing the EfM program on May 31st. Please join us in saying the following prayer as we wish them well and honor their perseverance and commitment to serving God and ministering to his people.

A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP, P. 832)
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

There will be an EfM table today at the coffee hour. For more information on EfM, contact Linda Stewart (lstewart54@aol.com) or Marjie Mack (mmack3108@comcast.net).

West Virginia Mission Trip, July 12-18

Please consider joining fellow parishioners on a mission trip to Beards Fork, West Virginia, doing such tasks as the Southern Appalachian Labor School has for us to do - be it helping with new construction, renovation, and repair or helping with the 30-40 children that participate in the Energy Express program at the school. While we intend to spend a week – 2 days of travel and 5 days of labor – we would be delighted to have volunteers for even a few days. At a cost of $150 per person to cover lodging, we will stay in an old church building that provides adequate, though not elegant, accommodations. Food will be provided. Fellowship is a given. This is a wonderful opportunity to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Please give this prayerful consideration and should you find it in your heart to join us, please sign up on the sheet in the parish hall hallway. Should you have questions, please contact Susan Whitehead at swhitehead84@comcast.net.

Heavenly Trash Sale, May 30, 2009

We will be accepting all of your treasures on the Wednesday prior to the 30th of May. You can drop them off at the hall. We would love all of your treasures. We would love HELP if you can. If you need someone to pick up something, just call anyone on the Outreach Committee or Caroline Chisum. We will arrange to have a pickup. We hope to have a great day and make lots of money for the poor individuals in need in our area. All money will be donated. God bless you.

Attention Parents of Graduating High School and College Seniors

Do you have a child graduating from high school or college this spring? High school graduates will receive a personalized Book of Common Prayer from the parish. Please call Amanda to be sure that your child’s gift will be ordered in time.

Recognition of graduating seniors will take place on June 7 at the 9 a.m. service.

Parish-Wide Picnic! June 7th, 2009

Please join us June 7th at 12:30 for a parish-wide picnic. Enjoy food, fellowship, and games as we kick off the summer. Everyone is welcome. See you June 7th! Just so you know, here are a few of the activities that will be offered: kickball, egg toss, corn hole, bingo, shuffle board, wiffle ball, sack races, volleyball, and Bible trivia. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Christmas at The Biltmore, November 16-19, 2009

Christmas at The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina

• 3 Nights Lodging
  
• 3 Breakfasts, including Grove Park Inn Buffet
  
• 3 Dinners, including Deerpark Restaurant at Biltmore, Carolina Nights Dinner Show
  
• Biltmore House Candlelight Tour
  
• Daytime Visit to Biltmore Estate, Winery, and Riverbend Farm Village
  
• BiltmoreVillage: Grove Arcade
  
• Gingerbread Houses at The Grove Park Inn (based on availability)
  
• Tour Asheville: Folk Art Center
  
• Chimney Rock Park
  
• Harrah's Cherokee Casino
  
• Gift for All: Luggage Handling
  
• All Taxes and Gratuities
  
• Cost: $520.00 per person / double occupancy $250.00 is due at the time of reservation. Balance will be due six weeks before trip.

Contact: Lillie Barret for more information.

Vacation Bible School - June 22-26

The Christian Formation Committee is beginning preparations for Vacation Bible School (VBS) to be held June 22 – 26. BUT WE NEED MANY VOLUNTEERS. If you can help, please call Amanda. It is only through the help of volunteers that this VBS will be successful.

Adult Study Forum - Saint James: the Parish, the Saint(s), and the Writing(s)

Having (patiently) finished The Book of Job, the group seeks recruits for a new adventure tentatively titled "Saint James: the Parish, the Saint(s), and the Writing(s)." Starting with Old Herring Creeke Parish, renamed St. James' Parish (When? Why the name? Which James? - there were at least three!), and moving to both the Epistle of James and The Gospel of James (the latter not included in the Bible!) we hope to learn more about our Parish namesake and the notable early Christians who shared the name. The first meeting of the group is scheduled for the St. James' library at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 19th.

Redesigning stjameslothian.com

Do you have an opinion about the St. James' Parish web site? Is there some new feature or content organization that you would like to see? The communications committee is beginning a redesign of the St. James' Parish web site and we want to know what you think! We are putting together a group to provide input to the site design and review draft implementations. Time commitment will be minimal and no particular computer expertise is required. Please contact Rick Downs at stjameslothianweb@gmail.com for additional information.

6th – 12th Grade Camping Trip!!! June 26th – 29th

Please join us June 26th – 29th for our first ever youth Camping Trip! We will travel to Central Pennsylvania for the Creation Festival, which happens to be the largest Christian festival in the country! The festival includes music, speakers, and over a hundred thousand folks to worship with! We will camp at Lake Raystown where we will cook meals over an open fire, explore God’s creation, and swim! A signup sheet is outside of Amanda’s office!

Worship Schedule for Holy Week

Wednesday	10:00a.m.	Holy Eucharist&Healing Service&Bible Study
Thursday	7:30p.m.	Maundy Thursday Service – Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar – St. James’ Church
Friday	12 noon	Good Friday Liturgy – St. James’ Church
	7:30p.m.	Good Friday Liturgy – St. James’ Church
Saturday	7:30p.m.	Easter Vigil– St. James’ Church
Sunday	6:30a.m.	Sunrise Service – Amanda & John’s
	8:00a.m.	Holy Eucharist, St. Mark’s Chapel
	8:30a.m.	Cantata and Holy Eucharist, St. James’ Church
	9:15a.m.	Holy Eucharist, St. James’ Parish Hall
	10:00a.m.	Easter Egg Hunt, St. James’ Parish
	11:00a.m.	Holy Eucharist, St. James’ Church

Our 6th Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, April 8th

Our last Lenten soup and bread supper will be held this Thursday (Maundy Thursday) with supper at 6:30 p.m and our Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. in St. James’ Church.

Our 5th Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, April 1st

Our fifth Lenten soup and bread supper will be held this Wednesday with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Joe and Donna Kerner from the Bishop Claggett Center will guide us in a Lenten discussion entitled “Where are We Headed?” which will be exploring the paths we are taking and encouraging us to stop to evaluate where we are going. As Executive Director and Program Director of Claggett since 1997, Joe and Donna will also share the directions and growing ministries of our diocesan camp and conference center which is sometimes called, “The Garden of the Diocese.”

St. James' Parish Spring Dinner Invitation!

You are cordially invited to volunteer your time and talents or make a donation to the St. James' Parish Spring Dinner. We are looking forward to sharing a delicious meal, our historic church grounds, specialty shops and children's activities with our parish members and neighbors. This has always proven to be a wonderful day of fellowship, and is a large fundraiser for our Parish. Please let us know if you can volunteer for one of the many duties required to prepare during the week prior to the dinner, and especially the times you will be available to assist on the day of the dinner. As usual, we need many donations: home-baked pies to sell as desserts during the meal; home made treats for our baked goods table; and special crafts, plants and flowers, jewelry and white elephant items for our boutiques. If you have a favorite volunteer position, please send an email to Stjamesdinner@aol.com, and we will be sure your job is saved for you. Also, please indicate the specific times you will be able to assist in your response. We ask that everyone arrive 15 minutes prior to their shift for instructions and to join us in our opening prayer. All volunteers are invited to dress in a colonial period costume. You may find costume ideas at www.buycostumes.com, or by searching for colonial mop cap or apron. This does not have to be elaborate – a long skirt, apron and mop cap will work. Advance tickets are available for $18. The cost for the dinner at the door will be $20, children under 10 - $10. Under 2 are free. To purchase advance tickets just email Stjamesdinner@aol.com. Advance tickets are not available at the parish office. Please remember to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to join us for this wonderful event!

Our 4th Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, March 25th

Our fourth Lenten soup and bread supper will be held this Wednesday with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our clergy will lead us in “Stations of the Cross.” Jesus stated, “If any want to be my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

The devotion of walking with the Stations of the Cross dates back to the earliest centuries of the church. Immediately following Jesus’ death and resurrection many people had the desire to walk the land where Jesus lived and to trace his path as he carried his cross from Pilate’s house to Golgotha and finally ending in the grave. However, as time passed people were unable to get to Jerusalem, therefore a devotion of walking the way of the Cross based on the scriptures was created. Fortunately for us, we too, can walk the path of Christ this Lenten season using prayer, images, and an open heart.

Memorial Garden and POET’s Labyrinth Project Update

We’re happy to report that the Memorial Fund is growing stronger week by week. Our grant proposal was submitted last fall to the TKF Foundation. We should be receiving a response in the next month or two. Take the time to stop by the Library and look at the beautiful artist’s renderings of the proposed labyrinth and gardens! With your help and continued support, the garden will be blooming next spring!! Please make your contribution to St. James, with “Memorial Fund’ in the memo line. Every little bit helps! Thanks for your support.

Library Committee trip to Woodlawn Plantation, April 22nd

A Trip to Woodlawn Plantation and Pope Leighey House, sponsored by the Library Committee, will take place on April 22nd when our weather is wonderful. The Woodlawn Plantation was originally part of Mount Vernon. George Washington set aside 2000 acres for his nephew, Lawrence Lewis when Lewis married Eleanore Parke Custis. The house was completed in 1805. The Pope-Leighey House is on the same property and was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1940 originally in Falls Church. In 1964 it was dismantled and moved to its present site. We will be using a chartered bus at a cost of $41. Lunch is not included. Call Lillie Barrett for information and reservations.

Parish-Wide Field Day on Sunday, June 7th

Parish-Wide Field Day! We will be having our first ever Parish-Wide Field Day on June 7th weather permitting! The youth challenges every committee to form a team, create a name, and get ready for a fun-filled day of games, food, and fellowship. Teams should be made up of 8-10 people. If you aren’t already on a committee, this is a perfect opportunity to meet some new folks in the Parish and join a team. Registration fee is $50.00 per team. Registration forms can be found outside of Amanda’s office. Here are a few of the activities that will be offered: kickball, egg toss, corn hole, bingo, shuffle board, waffle ball, sack races, volleyball, and Bible trivia. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Christian Formation Work Day on Sunday, March 29th

Please join us for a time of fellowship and service for our wonderful Christian Formation Program! - March 29th. The Christian Formation Committee will be holding a work day to make some new materials for the Level 2 Atrium. We will meet in the parish hall beginning around 11:30 and will continue until around 2:30; so there will be time for those worshiping at the 11 o’clock service to participate if they wish. Lunch will be provided. You do not need to stay for the whole time; in fact there will be “ready to go” items that can be taken home to work on and returned to the church within a few weeks. There will be a variety of projects to work on including painting, cutting out printed materials, gluing them on to cardstock, writing out songs and lesson phrases onto paper, calligraphy, and possibly some sewing. We also need a few senior high youth (or adults!) to provide child care during the event. Please call Sharon McGlaughlin or Laura Miller for more information. Thanks in advance for supporting Christian Education!!!

Our 3rd Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, March 18th

Our third Lenten soup and bread supper will be held this Wednesday with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our speaker will be the Rev. Wes Wubbenhorst, Diocesan Youth Missioner.

STEWARDSHIP 2009

Please consider increasing your pledge!
We need an additional $5,000 in annual support in 2009.
We currently have 183 very generous and committed individual members and family units who have pledged a total of $393,000 in financial support for 2009. We also received a written committment from The Women of St. James' Parish pledging $10,000 in annual support. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has committed their time, talents and treasures to St. James' Parish in this very important and extremely fulfilling act of faith.

If you regularly donate but do not do so in the form of a regular pledge, please prayerfully consider converting your loyal loose offering support into a written annual commitment. If you simply have not yet submitted a written pledge of support for 2009, your Church needs you. There is no such thing as too small of a commitment. We need everyones help and every single dollar adds up to help us meet our budget.

Our budget shortfall requires that we now ask all those who have already pledged to consider increasing your commitment level at this time. After some prayerful consideration you may find it has been some time since you have given your church "a raise", while all the costs to operate our Historic Parish have continued to rise. If it has been some time since you have evaluated your own level of giving, please take a moment and consider increasing your current pledge level in a manner proportionate to which God has shared His Blessings with you.

Your Clergy, Officers, Fellow Parish Members and Vestry Thank You for your consideration.

Our 2nd Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, March 11th

Our second Lenten soup and bread supper will be held Wednesday, March 11, with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our speaker will be the Rev. Amanda R. Knouse. We have an abstract of her talk, “Amanda’s Journey.”

“It should come as no surprise that the season of Lent is much like a journey. For forty days we prepare, reflect, pray, and ready ourselves knowing the hard path that comes and anticipating the joyous Easter celebration that follows. Each one of us has a unique path that we follow, yet as the Body of Christ we all seek to follow the path that Jesus has laid out for us. The journey to ordination is much like our Lenten journeys. It is an intense ride with many obstacles and hurdles to overcome. It is a journey that many call the “dreaded process,” yet it is a path filled with hope, grace, and love. It is this unique journey that I look forward to sharing with you all during this Lenten season. There will also be plenty of time for discussion and questions during the program. May we journey together through this season of Lent!!”

Our 1st Lenten Soup and Bread Supper on Wednesday, March 4th

Our first Lenten soup and bread supper will be held Wednesday, March 4th, with fellowship at 6 p.m. and supper at 6:30 p.m. Our first speaker, the Rt. Rev. Robert W. Ihloff, will be with us. We have an abstract of his talk, "Benedictine Spirituality for Today":

"Lent is a time when Christians pay attention to their spirituality, their ways of experiencing and worshiping God. Individuals experience God in a number of different ways and they find different spiritual practices more or less to their individual liking. This is the result of two factors: God is so inclusive no one person can possibly fathom all the ways of experiencing the deity, and individual tastes, temperaments, and intellects lead to a rich variety of human relationships with God . . ."

Youth-led Service at 9 a.m.

Beginning on March 1st and on most first Sundays of the month, we will have a youth-led service at 9 a.m.

Holy Eucharist with Healing followed by Bible Study

Beginning on Wednesday, March 4th, at 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Healing followed by Bible Study until noon will be held in St. James’ Church.

Spring Crab Cake and Ham Dinner on May 16th!

SAVE THE DATE! The Women of St. James’ annual Spring Crab cake and Ham dinner will take place on May 16, 2009 from 2-6p.m. Now is the time to start checking for quality white elephants, jewelry, and crafts; and perennials from your garden for the various “shops.” If you have ideas you’d like to share with us for activities, please contact Wendy Crawford or Peggy Horn.

New Webmaster

Rick Downs has graciously agreed to take over the webmaster duties. After more than 6 years service on and off as webmaster, I am very thankful that Rick has stepped forward to free me to take on something new.

Please join me in supporting Rick. You may contact him directly at stjameslothianweb@gmail.com.

May The Lord Bless Rick and the Parish In This New Endeavor,
Douglas Ellmore, Sr.

Shrove Tuesday

Pancake Supper

Tuesday February 24th
Fellowship at 6:00 ~ Dinner at 6:30

Cost: $8.00 Adults, $5.00 Children, or $25.00 per family

A St. James' youth fundraiser. Thank you in advance for your support!!!