Record-Breaking Support for the Salvation Army!

The Thanksgiving Day offering, the Messiah Sing-Along offering, and the offering collected at the Salvation Army's Carol Sing was the largest amount ever donated by St. James' Parish to the Salvation Army! The sponsors for the Messiah Sing-Along enabled the entire offering that evening to go to the Salvation Army. At the Carol Sing, directed by Michael S. Ryan, we presented $1,526 in toys and $2,458 in checks for a total of $3,984. Some people, before the Sing-Along placed their offerings in the Salvation Army's kettle. So we can, with joy, say that for the first time we donated more than $4,000! God bless you all.

Decorating the Church, December 23rd

Immediately after the 10 AM service on December 23rd, please join us and help decorate St. James' Church for Christmas! We need everyone's help, and you'll have a lot of fun participating in this very meaningful activity. For additional information, please contact Lillie Barrett at 301-855-7829.

Lunch with Santa, December 15th

Santa will be coming to St. James' Parish on Saturday, December 15th from 12 Noon to 2 PM!

Children ages 1 year through 11 years old, are invited to join us for lunch, games, crafts, and a visit from Santa and his helper who will hand out a surprise to the children attending. Please sign up in the Parish Hall on the Youth Bulletin Board across from the Clergy offices. For additional information, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin@yahoo.com.

Middle and High School Students - we need you! Please consider volunteering to assist with activities at the Lunch with Santa. Sign up by contacting Sharon McGlaughlin. This will be documented for Community Service Hours.

Christmas Caroling, December 9th

The St. James' Parish Annual Christmas Caroling will take place on Sunday, December 9th. Please join us for a pizza lunch after Sunday School and a fun afternoon of caroling from 12 - 1 PM at Greenstreet Gardens.

For more information, please contact Tracey Ernst at traceyernst@msn.com. Youth of ALL Ages are invited to carol!

Salvation Army Sing-Along, December 5th

Join us on Wednesday, December 5, for an evening of fellowship and a Sing-Along with the Salvation Army. This has long been a holiday tradition at St. James' Parish. Starting at 6 pm in the Parish Hall, come and enjoy a pot luck dinner followed by the Sing-Along in the Parish Hall. This is an enjoyable evening for the whole family. Why not make this part of your family's yearly Christmas tradition? The free-will offering at this event will go to the Salvation Army's many outreach programs.

Christmas Baskets on Saturday, December 22nd

The Outreach Committee will coordinate distribution of Christmas Baskets on Saturday, December 22nd from 7 – 11 AM. Please contact Linda Rines at Linda.Rines@comcast.net if you are able to help! Donations of frozen turkeys are needed as well as cash contributions to purchase the other food items for the baskets. Thanks for supporting this Parish ministry and helping to provide holiday meals to families of our community in need.

Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem?, moved to December 24th

Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem? A Musical Manger Mystery will now be held as a musical cantata as part of the 3 PM service on December 24th.

It’s not too late! Rehearsals have begun and there's still room for YOU! For more information, please e-mail Tracey Ernest at traceyernst@msn.com. All children are invited to join us at our weekly rehearsals, Thursday evenings, 6:45-7:30 p.m. in Classroom 5 (Education Building).

Christmas Tea, December 9th

The Women of St. James' Church and St. Mark's Chapel are cordially invited to a Christmas Tea on Sunday, December 9th, 2012 from 3-5 PM in the Parish Hall. An assortment of tea, tea sandwiches and delectable sweets will be served to musical accompaniment; a $10 donation is suggested.

Sponsored by the Women of St. James' Parish. Please R.S.V.P. to Kelly Richard at akellyrichard@aol.com.

Christmas Tree Decorating, November 25th

On November 25th, after the 9 AM and 11 AM services, all children and youth are invited to come to the Parish Hall to decorate the Christmas Tree. Having the children and youth decorate the tree is a long standing tradition at St. James'.

Parish Library Committee selling Christmas ornaments

The St. James' Parish Library Committee is offering beautiful brass Christmas ornaments for $12 each with all proceeds benefiting the committee's work to maintain and enhance the parish library. Each ornament has been crafted in brass and depicts the St. James' Church and surrounding churchyard. Ornaments will be available during the Sunday morning coffee hours or can be obtained by contacting Lillie Barrett at 301-855-7829.

Salvation Army Stockings

Salvation Army Stockings will once again be available during the Sunday services beginning on November 11th. St. James' Parishioners will be filling 125 red mesh stockings - and we need YOUR help!

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

Please remember that stockings must be returned to the church no later than Sunday, December 2nd. For more information, please contact Nola or Nicole Meyers at noreme@verizon.net. Thanks to your generosity, these stockings make a huge difference in the lives of many, many children. Thank you for supporting this important ministry!

Holiday Food Baskets

The Outreach Committee will coordinate distribution of Holiday meals on Saturday, November 17th from 8 - 11 AM and again on a Saturday in December. Please contact Linda Rines at Linda.Rines@comcast.net if you can help! Donations of frozen turkeys are needed as well as cash contributions to purchase the other food items for the baskets. Thanks for supporting this St. James' Parish ministry and helping to provide holiday meals to those members of our community in need.

Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem? , moved to December 24th

Guess Who's Coming to Bethlehem? A Musical Manger Mystery will be held on Sunday, December 16th at 4 PM in the Parish Hall followed by a parish-wide potluck dinner and a special visit from Santa!

It’s not too late! Christmas pageant rehearsals have begun and there's still room for YOU! If you are interested in sharing your time, gifts, and talents in making this year’s Christmas pageant the event to remember, please e-mail Tracey Ernest at traceyernst@msn.com. All children are invited to join us at our weekly rehearsals, Thursday evenings, 6:45-7:30 p.m. in Classroom 5 (Education Building).

Leadership Opportunities in St. James' Parish

Three members of our Vestry (Patti Sachs, Steve Dorsey, and George Pickart) will rotate off the Vestry at our Annual Celebration on January 27th, after having served faithfully for three years. Also, our Junior Warden, Calvin Horn, will rotate off after having served tirelessly for two, two-year terms. We also need people who will step up to the plate and server on committees.

We, as a family, have an opportunity to serve. We have two Leadership Orientation Meetings (Saturday, November 10th, at 10 AM, and Saturday, November 17th at 7 PM) for you to find out more regarding responsibilities and duties of the various positions. For more information please speak to one of the people who will be rotating off, or to one of the Clergy.

Adult Forum: The Gospel of Mark, October 28th

The Adult Forum meets at 10 a.m. In the Parish library on Sundays. Starting October 28th, we will begin a study of William Barclay's "The Gospel of Mark." This is a wonderful way to get more familiar with the first Gospel written, learn about the history and cultural context of Jesus' time, and see how the other Gospel accounts relate to it. This welcoming group offers and open and lively discussion. Hope to see you there; bring your coffee and jump right in! For more information, contact Dean Lewis at deanlewis47@gmail.com.

Flu Shot Clinic, October 18th

On October 18th, we have scheduled Safeway to come to our location and give Flu Shots starting at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $25.00 each unless you are covered by Medicare Part B in which case you can bring your card and the shot is free. Some Blue Cross/Blue Shield will allow you to submit for a refund – please check with your insurance to verify. If you are interested in getting a shot please call Janet at 410-867-2838 to sign-up.

Wanted - Old Cell Phones!

Please deposit your old cell phones in the box located in the parish hallway so they can be erased and recycled in support of various charities. This is a project that encourages people not to throw away their old cell phones but to donate them. The donated phones are responsibly decommissioned by a recycling partner which then transfers the monetary value of the recyclable materials to Hope Phones. This keeps the phones out of landfills and buys appropriate technologies for healthcare workers serving remote areas in eleven different countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Ordination of the Rev. Dawn A. Campbell to the Priesthood, November 4th

God willing and the people consenting, the Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of Maryland, will ordain the Rev. Dawn A. Campbell to the priesthood on Sunday, November 4, at 4 p.m. in St. James' Church.

Partners In Care (PIC)

Partners In Care (PIC) needs drivers in South County for its Ride Partners program. PIC provides rides for seniors to and from doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping and general errands. If you are interested, please contact Don Arthur at donlucyarthur@verizon.net to discuss. An Orientation class for the volunteers is scheduled to be held at St. James' on Tuesday October 9 at 5:30 p.m. For more information about PIC visit their website at www.partnersincare.org.

Handbells for Christmas

Anyone who is interested in "making a joyful noise unto the Lord" by playing St. James' handbells (actually chimes) at a service at Christmas time, please contact Marjie Mack at mmack3108@comcast.net. No experience necessary, and there will be just a few fun practices.

The Blessing of Animals, October 7th

We will honor St. Francis of Assisi by having The Blessing of Animals on Sunday, October 7th, at 4 p.m. in the field opposite St. James' Church. Please bring your pets, large and small.

St. James’ Parish EfM (Education for Ministry)

The St. James' Parish EfM (Education for Ministry) Group will be held this fall with the EfM Group from Christ Church, West River. We enjoy fellowship each week while we are also learning about the Bible and church history, as well as discussing how to apply what we learn about our faith in our lives. Despite having serious discussions, we also have a lot of fun. If you are interested in learning more about EfM, contact Marjie Mack at mmack3108@comcast.net and/or visit www.sewanee.edu/EFM.

26th Annual Messiah Sing-Along - Sponsors Needed!

Sponsors are now being sought for our 26th Annual Messiah Sing-Along on Sunday, November 25th. Our sponsors make it possible for all donations collected at the Sing-Along and the December Salvation Army Carol Sing to be added to our parish-wide Thanksgiving Offering, all of which is donated to the Salvation Army in support of their ministries in the community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, there is no cost to St. James' Parish for these events which include a reception held after the Messiah and the pot-luck supper that follows the Carol Sing. Sponsors will be recognized in the printed program. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact St. James' Parish Music Director, Michael Ryan at mryansings@verizon.net.

Fall Festival & Dinner October 13th - Volunteers Needed!

The Fall Festival will be held this year on Saturday, October 13, from 1-5 p.m. It is just around the corner and preparations have begun. As in past years, we need everyone's help to insure the success of our dinner. We need your time. We need donations of baked goods, crafts, jewelry, plants, white elephant and silent auction items. We welcome financial donations as well. If nothing else, buy a ticket to the dinner. This is the largest fundraiser for the Women of St. James' Parish. The profits from this event help the Women fulfill their large financial pledge to the Parish and fund special events and receptions, as well as to several outreach ministries. We need your support!

Fall Ministry Fair, September 23rd

The St. James' Parish Vestry will be hosting the Fall Ministries Fair on Sunday, September 23rd from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The Vestry will provide the coffee hour refreshments during the fair. Each St. James' program and organization will have a display that offers information and handouts about their purpose, activities and goals, and parishioners will be available to answer your questions and provide information. Community groups who participate in ministries involving the parish will also be invited to participate in the fair.

Please join us for fellowship and to learn more about the many diverse activities, events and groups working within our Parish and community. Everyone is welcome to participate in any of these ministries!

Teacher Appreciation and Acolyte Appreciation Sundays

Teacher Appreciation Sunday will be September 9th at all three services. We will be commissioning new teachers and acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all our Christian Formation leaders.

Acolyte Appreciation Sunday will be September 16th at all three services. We will be commissioning our new acolytes and acknowledging the hard work and dedication of all our acolytes.

Spring Bulb Fundraiser

It has been a long hot summer but before you know it, fall will be here and you will be thinking of planting flower bulbs for spring. If you are planning on planting flower bulbs this fall, the Women of St. James' Parish will be taking orders for Dutch Mill Bulbs from August 23 through September 30. The profit from this fundraiser will go to the Outreach projects of the Women of St. James' Parish.

A representative of the Women of St. James' will be available to take orders during the coffee hours; the bulbs will be delivered to St. James' by mid October. Be sure to come by and see the color brochure showing the flower bulbs that are available. For more information, please contact Kelly Richard at amcraftworks@aol.com.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training Classes, October 3rd

Parish AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training classes will be held at St. James' Parish on October 3rd at 9:00am and 6:30pm to train parishioners on the proper use of our AEDs. Our AEDs are located in St. James' Church, the Parish Hall, and St. Mark's Chapel. We would like to have trained personnel who attend each service and who participate in the various committee meetings. The cost is $35.00 per person. Please bring your check to the class made payable to "Mary Houlihan." If you have any questions, please contact Ken Howard at kbhoward@comcast.net.

Pew Editions of the Book of Common Prayer

Pew editions of the Book of Common Prayer are available for purchase ($22.00 per book) to be placed in the pews of St. Mark's Chapel and St. James' Church. If you would like to give one or more in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for something, please provide your dedication information to one of the clergy.

Sunday School Starts September 9th

Sunday School will begin on September 9th at 10am in the Church School Building. It is important that we have your child's registration information. The registration form is currently posted on the St. James' web site:

• Register on-line
• Paper registration form (, 86kb)

You may also register you child on the first day of class; registration will take place in the foyer between the Parish Hall and the Christian Education building beginning at 10am. For information, please contact Dawn Campbell+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com or Diana Doswell at ddoswell@comcast.net.

Youth Volleyball Picnic, August 4th

A Youth Volleyball Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 4th, following acolyte training, at 5:30 p.m. For more information contact Steve Dorsey at portlandspring@aol.com.

Calling all Acolytes - Acolyte training!!

All current acolytes, those interested in becoming an acolyte, as well as all those interested in discovering what acolytes do on Sunday, are encouraged to join the Rev. Dawn A. Campbell, Charlie Wolf, and Ben Carrier on Saturday, August 4th from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in St. James' Church. Contact the Rev. Dawn A. Campbell to sign up for training by e-mail dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com or call 410-867-2838. For more information regarding acolyte scheduling, contact Norma Dorsey at portlandspring@aol.com.

St. James' Outreach - Did You Know?

Did you know the loose offering on the first Sunday of the month goes to the discretionary fund to help those in need? Without your help, we would not be able to assist them. Even a small amount means so much to those, who often have had their utilities turned off or have no one else to turn to. In order to make the money in the discretionary fund last through the entire month and help the most people possible, we only help each person once in a six-month period for up to $200. Our Parish Administrator coordinates with other local parishes and keeps the records.

The Outreach Committee recently took on coordinating volunteers from the Parish to help the clients on Thursday mornings with their bills, food from the SCAN food bank, and referrals to other organizations and agencies for further help. We also make sure they know about the Food Bank, and distribute prayer shawls. Donations are accepted anytime, not just on the first Sunday. Donations may be cash or checks payable to St. James' with Discretionary Fund on the memo line. For more information or to volunteer, contact Nola Meyers or Shay Hall, co-chairs of the Outreach Committee.

Summer Choir and Annual Note Reading Course

Once again it's time for SUMMER CHOIR! Show up in church at 9 a.m. for rehearsal and you pass the audition! Bring your kids and house guests. The Summer Choir sings at the 10 a.m. Service, and everyone is welcome to participate!

Additionally, again this year the St. James’ Parish Music Director is teaching a summer note reading class. Anyone seriously interested in the annual NOTE READING COURSE (5 weeks, 2 evenings per week, all work done in class, $10 for workbook) should contact Michael Ryan at mryansings@verizon.net. Class begins in mid July.

Vacation Bible School - Operation Overboard, June 25-29

Get ready for Operation Overboard, our VBS program being held June 25 – 29, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We will be daring the children to go deep with God using the ocean as a place to explore. The sign-up sheet will be in the Parish Hall on the first bulletin board on the left-hand side of the hallway. There is no charge for attending VBS. Volunteers are needed; please contact Sharon McGlaughlin if interested in helping.

The Episcopal Diocese Day at Camden Yards

Join us for the 4th Annual Episcopal Diocese Day at Camden Yards! Members of The Episcopal Church will participate in an onfield ceremony, perform the National Anthem and cheer the O's to victory. SATURDAY, JUNE 23rd 7:15 p.m. - Tickets are $6 each in the Upper Reserve. Contact Marjie Mack to reserve your seats with the St. James' group.

Parish Picnic, June 3rd

The Christian Formation Committee is sponsoring a parish wide picnic on Sunday, June 3rd. It will be held from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to allow all to attend. There will be food, fun, fellowship, and games for children of all ages.

Tuition Assistance for Claggett Camps

The Christian Formation Committee will offer $50 in tuition assistance to all youth members of St James’ Parish who plan on attending summer camp at Claggett Center in 2012. Camp for those who have completed Grades 2-4 will run from June 15-18; completed Grades 3-5 from June 15-20; completed Grades 6-8 from July 8-13, and High School June 24-29. For further information including registration forms, visit www.bishopclaggett.org. For information or questions about the tuition assistance, please contact Steve Dorsey or Diana Doswell.

St. James' Parish Annual Brunch, June 10th

The Annual Brunch will be held on Sunday, June 10, in the Parish Hall after the 10:00 a.m. service. June 10th is the first Sunday in the Summer Schedule. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wonderful brunch and share in fellowship. It is hosted by the Women of St. James' Parish.

Graduate Sunday, June 3rd

Sunday, June 3rd, will be the last Sunday for our three services before the summer schedule begins. During the 9:00 a.m. service we will recognize all those who will be graduating from high school or college. PLEASE call the Parish Office (410-867-2838), or e-mail secretary@stjameslothian.com to let the office know the graduates' full names. We will present each person with a Prayer Book or Bible depending on what the recipient would prefer.

Calling All Gardeners!

We need your help to spruce up the Assistant Rector's yard before Sunday, May 20. We have a volunteer to spread mulch so we need to clean up the gardens and do any plantings before the mulch is spread. If you have perennials to share, please plant them whenever you are able. Please contact Linda Rines if you are able to help and she will provide a list of sample work to be done.

Celebrate Mother's Day and support Sunday School programs!

Mother/Daughter Makeovers and Pampering Session with Mary Kay, Saturday, May 12, 3:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. All proceeds will benefit St. James' Sunday School. Participants must RSVP to Mary Hoffman or Tammie Neal. If you do not have a daughter, you are welcome to borrow one or join us anyway!

Diocesan Convention, May 4th and 5th

The Diocesan Convention will be held at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn this Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5. At the upcoming Diocesan Convention nine resolutions will be voted upon. They may be viewed on the web at www.ang-md.org/convention_2012/pre-convention-journal.pdf. Should any parishioners have thoughts or comments on any of these resolutions, please talk to our delegates, Marjie Mack or Charlie Wolf, our alternate, Patti Sachs, our any of our clergy.

Spring Ministries Fair - April 22nd

As part of the Year of Personal Commitment, the Vestry is hosting a Ministries Fair on April 22, 2012 in the Parish Hall during Coffee Hour following the 10 a.m. service. Each of the parish committees will have representatives available to highlight the wide variety of parish ministries and activities and obtain input from the congregation. We hope YOU will join us in learning all the different ways you can be involved with St. James' Parish.

Baltimore Aquarium trip for St. James' Youth Groups - DATE CHANGE to May 6th

The St. James' youth groups' aquarium trip that has was scheduled for April 15th has been moved to May 6th. The trip is open for all youth of St. James' at a cost of $10 per child. The Christian Formation Committee will be covering the balance of the admission. Parents are also welcomed (and encouraged) however will be responsible for covering their own admission cost. We have reserved a school bus for the trip to transport the children and, if room allows, also the parents. Our plan is to meet at the hall at 12:00 for pizza and board the bus at 12:30. We will return to the church at approximately 6:00. If interested or for more information, please contact Norma Dorsey by April 22nd.

Adult Forum: The Jesus I Never Knew, starting April 29th

Adult Forum will begin studying the book, The Jesus I Never Knew, by Philip Yancey, on Sunday, 10am, April 29th. Come to the Library and join in the discussion which promises to add insight into your understanding of the person Jesus. Also, on April 15th, Dr. John Huntington will join us to present his comments on "Physical Science and Christian Faith", based on a presentation he made to students at Johns Hopkins University in March.

Dawn Campbell's Ordination - April 15th

Dawn A. Campbell, who will be our Assistant Rector beginning June 1, will be ordained a Deacon on Sunday, April 15, at 4:00 p.m. in St. Anne's Church, Annapolis. We are developing a list of members who would like to go by bus to the ordination. We will leave promptly at 3:00 p.m. from our parking lot. If interested, please contact the Rector.

Ministry Fair - Sunday, April 22nd

The St. James' Parish Vestry will be hosting a Ministries Fair on Sunday, April 22nd after the 10 a.m. service in the Parish Hall during the Coffee Hour (the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services will be combined). Each St. James' program and organization will have a display that offers information and handouts about their purpose, activities and goals. If you coordinate one of these groups, please plan to have your display and materials in place before 10 a.m. and someone available to answer questions during the event. If your group is not included on the list below and you would like to participate, or if you need additional information, please contact Scott Stasny, Bill Lodder, or Jim Brown.

Please join us for fellowship and to learn more about the many diverse activities, events and groups working within our Parish and community. Everyone is welcome to participate in any of these ministries, and we look forward to seeing you on the 22nd!

Spring Crab Cake & Country Ham Dinner - We Need Your Help!

You are cordially invited to volunteer your time and talents or make a financial donation to the Saint James' Parish Spring Crab Cake & Country Ham Dinner to be held on Saturday, May 19th, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 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!

If you have a favorite volunteer position, please contact Wendy Crawford, and we will be sure your job is saved for you. Also, please indicate the specific times you will be able to assist. 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.

The cost for the dinner will be $20 for adults and $10 for children under 10 years old (under 2 years old eat free). Please remember to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to join us for this wonderful event!

St. James' Youth Fellowship at the Baltimore Aquarium

The Christian Formation Committee is sponsoring at trip for all St. James' Youth to the Baltimore Aquarium. Please join us for this fantastic outing. This promises to be tons of fun, fellowship, and lots of fish! Cost $10.00 per child for the youth of St. James' Parish. Meeting at the Parish Hall at 12:00 p.m. for lunch and leaving at 12:30 p.m.

St. James' YAC Offering Tutoring Sessions

Starting March 18th St. James' YAC will begin offering tutoring sessions. The YAC church school class, comprised of 10th and 11th graders, will begin offering 30 minute tutoring sessions to the younger children of our Parish from 12:15 to 12:45 starting Sunday, March 18th. Interested parents should bring their child and their school work to the first classroom on your right in the Education Building. For more information contact Joel Dorr.

Churchyard Expansion Project - Informational Meetings

Come to one of these meetings and learn more about this important project! A detailed presentation by members of the Churchyard Expansion Committee will be provided for your consideration, questions and input.

• March 25th at 1 p.m. (following the 11 a.m. Service)
• March 26th at 7:30 p.m.

Nickels for Nurses Project

During Lent, all three Atrium Sunday School classes will participate in the Nickels for Nurses Project. This program, which is sponsored by our Diocese, seeks to provide a school nurse for La Resurrection School, a K-12 Parish School which serves 829 students in La Resurrection Parish in Haiti. For $20 a day (400 nickels), we can pay a daily salary for a Haitian school nurse. Let's see how many days we can pay for a nurse to provide care at La Resurrection - parents, please encourage your children to bring their nickels (or larger coins) to class to support this worthwhile project.

College Ministry

We mailed 18 Valentines following by “care packages” to our students attending college. Next up: Easter greetings! So, if anyone would like to donate a package of Easter cards and/or Easter goodies they would be most appreciated. Please drop off donations to the box outside Janet's office. If you have a student in college, please send their address to Taylor Milbradt. Thank you for your support.

Hand Painted Easter Egg Fundraiser

Barbara Howard has once again been busy creating her hand painted wooden Easter Eggs! Back by popular demand, these lovely eggs are available now for purchase at the Lenten Programs and the Sunday morning Coffee Hours. Each beautiful and original egg is only $10, and they make unique gifts. There are a number of lovely designs from which to choose! Proceeds from the sale of the eggs support the activities and programs of the St. James’ Parish Outreach Committee.

SCAN Food Pantry

The Outreach Committee asks that you please remember to bring canned food to church for the Food Pantry. Donations can be left during each service on Sundays in the food basket located at the entrances to the church and chapel. Thanks for your support of this important ministry.

Dawn A. Campbell Named Assistant Rector

Dawn A. Campbell has been named by the Rev. William H. C. Ticknor as the new Assistant Rector for St. James' Parish. Dawn will begin her service on June 1st following her graduation from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, where she will have earned her Master of Divinity degree.

She was graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in Baltimore with a Baccalaureate of Arts degree in Religious Studies. Most recently the Seminarian Intern at All Hallows' Parish in South River, Dawn previously served as the Director of Childhood Education at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Annapolis where she oversaw the Childhood Education Programs for Pre-k through Grade 5, developed and led the Sunday children's liturgy, preached the children's sermons, served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, sub-deacon and taught Sunday School.

The Parish is looking forward to welcoming her to the St. James’ Parish community!

Pancake Supper, February 21st

Our Pancake Supper will be held on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, at 6 p.m. If anyone has votive candles, quart jars, or gingham ribbon that can be used as decorations on the tables, please place in the YAC Sunday School Classroom (previously the Counters' Room). Cost: donations support the Christian Formation Committee programs.

Special Coffee Hour for the Bishop's Visitation – February 26th

We will have two services: 8 a.m. at St. Mark's Chapel and 10 a.m. at St. James' Church. Following the 10 a.m. service we are planning a nice coffee hour. We are asking YOU to consider bringing a "goodie" for the coffee hour. If you are willing to bring something, please contact Susanne Smith or Peggy Tucker.

Organ and Trumpet Musical Program & Reception, February 24th

Please join us on Friday, February 24th at 7 p.m. in St. James' Church for a program of music performed by guest musicians from Luxembourg. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Donations from this event will benefit the Rector’s Discretionary Fund used to provide support to community members in need. For additional information, please contact Lillie Barrett at 301-855-7829.

Bread Run Ministry

The Bread Run Ministry is looking for volunteers to pick up bread and baked goods from Safeway and Food Lion at 8 a.m. and deliver them to the St. James’ Parish Hall by 9 a.m. on a Thursday or Saturday morning of their choice. Please contact Linda Rines for more information or to reserve a Saturday date. Contact Kim Parker to reserve a Thursday date.

Substitute Teachers Needed!

Christian Education is in need of substitute teachers for Sunday Church School, particularly for the Middle School level. If you can help, please contact Nola Meyers. THANKS!

Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, February 5th

February 5th will be Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday. At all services there will be young people with soup pots at the doors of both St. Mark's and St. James' to collect your donations which will be earmarked for the Food Bank (SCAN). Last year more than 260,000 youth participated in Souper Bowl of Caring, collecting more than $9.5 million for local hunger-relief charities. More than $81 million has been collected since the movement began in 1990. This year’s goal is to empower 275,000 young people to collect $11 million for charities in their communities.

Atrium Fellowship, Middle and Senior High Youth Group - Ice Skating, February 5th

Join us for our annual Ice Skating Outing! We’ll have lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the parish hall and then head to the ice rink for some fun, fellowship, and hopefully very few falls! For more information or to sign-up please check the youth bulletin board in the Parish Hall today! Contact: Michelle Perkins.

Senior High Ski Trip, February 17-20

Planning for our annual senior high ski trip is well underway. The lodge is booked, the dates are set, and the chaperones are ready. Now all we need are the teenagers! The dates of the ski trip are Friday, February 17th – Monday, February 20th. We will know the final cost once we know how many youth are interested! To be eligible for our annual ski trip you must:

• Be in 9th-12th grade and Be excited to grow deeper in your faith
• Be an active participant in worship, youth group, and Church School
• Be willing to participate in all activities both on the slopes and off

If you fit these requirements or are willing to work on them and would like to go on the ski trip please sign up outside of Amanda's office!

Goodness Gracious Bible Study, Mondays - 2/13 to 3/19

There will be a Bible Study lasting 6 weeks, Mondays, February 13 to March 19 (12-2 p.m.) at St. James'.

"Becoming a Woman God Can Use" - A study on Esther, by Judith Couchman

Registration will close Wednesday, February 1. If interested and you wish to register, please e-mail Nan Lewis - nanwlewis@gmail.com.

2012 Women's Weekend at the Claggett Center, January 20-22

Please join us as we come together to explore the passages in our lives and the joy of becoming the individuals God intends for us to be. We'll worship together; celebrate our faith in prayer, song and meditation; hear from the Rev. Anne Weatherholt and Becky Fisher, be inspired and refreshed through workshops and activities; renew friendships and make new friends! Click here for more information. You can also register online at https://www.claggettcenter.org/register.php.