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!