Blessing of the Animals, October 5th

There will be a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, October 5th at 4 PM in the field opposite 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.

August Community Assistance Fund

In August, the Community Assistance Fund helped five families in the amount of $994.18. The assistance was for eviction prevention, electric, and school supplies. One case was particularly difficult. A lady, who has had her own business as a home contractor was in a serious car accident in April. She almost lost her life and her truck was totaled. She is still facing more surgeries and is about to lose her home that she worked so hard to get. She has two teenage sons to support. St. James' helped her with $400 toward her house payment and other churches in our network have also helped her. She definitely needs more help, but we are now limited in our ability to help for another six months. We continue to pray for her and her family that she finds the resources necessary to sustain her through this very difficult time. The Community Assistance Team thanks you for your continued support on the 1st Sunday of the month.

Messiah Sing-Along - Sponsors Needed!

Sponsors are now being sought for our 28th Annual Messiah Sing-Along to be held on Sunday, November 30th.

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 Sing-Along and the Carol Sing pot-luck supper. 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.

Clothing Ministry Donations - Fall Clothing

Please remember that clean, gently-used fall clothes and shoes are needed for the St. James' Parish clothing ministry. Volunteers are also needed to help sort the donations. Items can be dropped off downstairs in the Christian Education Building. For more information, please contact Taylor Milbradt at tayfm@aol.com.

Ember Day September 17 at Bishop Claggett Center

Leader: The Rev. William H. C. Ticknor - St. James' Parish, Lothian

Reviving the ancient Christian tradition of quarterly Ember Days, these day retreats offer time, silence, beauty and Sabbath rest for the weary. Come to the Claggett Center to be in the presence of GOD seeking His peace, listening to inspiring meditations and choosing to be quiet, walk the labyrinth, read in a comfortable chair, take a walk on the grounds, meditate in the silo chapel, or reflect with friends. A delicious Claggett lunch is included. Come on Tuesday night for personal reflection with no program.

Click here for a copy of the brochure.
Click here to register for the retreat.

Questions about the retreat can be directed to Nancy White+ at muffwhite@comcast.net.

Family Day Picnic & Kayaking - West River Camp

On Sunday, September 21st after the 11 AM service, we will be heading over to West River Center to enjoy some grilling and kayaking/canoeing. Monday, September 22nd is National Family Day, so what better way to celebrate than to spend the afternoon eating and being on the water!

Bring some food to share, and a kayak if you have one (or you can rent one from West River Center). We have a pavilion reserved, so come and join the fun – bring the whole family. There are other self-led activities besides kayaking. All those under the age of 18 must have parental supervision.

Please sign up by Sunday, September 14th by emailing Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com so that we can notify West River Camp of the number of people attending and how many kayak/canoes we will need.