Souper Bowl Sunday, February 1st

On Sunday, February 1st, millions of Americans will tune in to the Super Bowl football game. There will be parties with abundant food, friendship and fellowship. At the same time, there will be other people worrying about staying warm, finding shelter and a warm meal. Please join young people around the country as they demonstrate God's love by loving their neighbors through the Souper Bowl of Caring. St. James' Parish Youth will be standing at the doors after the service collecting donations in large soup bowls and will later do a "Supermarket Sweep" to purchase groceries for the needy. Please support their efforts - Thank you!

Giving to the Palermo Children’s Education Fund

The Vestry, at their January meeting, decided to set aside the month of February for people to donate to the Palermo Fund. If you wish to donate, please make out your check to "St. James’ Parish" and place "Palermo Fund" in the memo. We will be sending a check on behalf of our Parish.

St. James' Parish Valentine's Day Party and Dance

St. James' Parish is hosting a Valentine's Day Party and Dance on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM.

Come as a single, couple or bring the entire family and plan to have a great evening of fellowship with your Parish family. An Italian dinner will be served including pasta (meat lover and vegetarian), green salad, rolls, chocolate dessert, wine and non-alcoholic punch. DJ Randy Ward from Party Pac Entertainment will provide the music, games and lots of fun. All this for $15 per person; $30 per couple; $35 for a family of four ($5 per additional family member) and children 4 and under are free.

If you have any questions or to purchase tickets, please contact Edlu Thom-Harper at Edlu.th@comcast.net.

Amish Lands Library Committee Trip, April 9th

On Thursday, April 9, The Library Committee is sponsoring a trip to see Sight & Sound's "MOSES." Cost is $175.00 per person: $75 Deposit due with reservation, final payment due by February 15th. Package includes: performance of "Moses" at the Millennium Theatre, smorgasbord meal at Shady Maple Restaurant, shopping as time allows, motorcoach transportation, taxes & meal gratuities.

For reservations & information contact Lillie Barrett at garylillie502@gmail.com.

Regional Confirmation Service, May 31st

Those individuals within our Parish, who desire to be Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church, will be able to go to a Regional Confirmation Service at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore on Sunday, May 31st, at 4 PM. Our Assistant Rector, Dawn+, will be instructing our young people in preparation, and our Rector, Bill+, will be meeting with Adults for their preparation. Please contact the clergy to allow us to meet with those involved.

Diocesan meeting at St. James' Parish this evening POSTPONED due to inclement weather

Due to inclement weather and potentially hazardous driving conditions, tonight's Regional Forum to discuss the Heather Cook matter with Bishop Sutton has been postponed. Originally scheduled for 7-8:30 pm Jan 21 at St. James' Parish, the meeting will be rescheduled. If you have to venture out this afternoon or tonight, please drive safely.

Diocesan Meeting, Wednesday, January 21st

On Wednesday, January 21^st from 7 PM - 8:30 PM a diocesan meeting will be held at St. James' to discuss the current events regarding Bishop Heather Cook. This meeting is open to all clergy and laity, and is being held to allow clergy and members of our churches time to express their feelings, ask questions, and get information to share with their congregations. Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton will be present to address questions and concerns. Please join us for this time of fellowship, prayer, and discussion.

You can read Bishop Sutton's January 13^th pastoral letter to the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland at the following link: latestnews.episcopalmaryland.org/?p=68.

For those outside the parish planning to attend, click here for driving directions.

St. James' Youth - if you plan to attend the meeting, the youth will meet at 6 PM for pizza and a pre-meeting discussion. If your youth is interested in joining the conversation, please notify Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com prior to the meeting.

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed

The SCAN food pantry needs help with unloading incoming cases of food items. It is done during a week day and takes about two hours. You will be called approximately every three or four months. If you can help, please contact Lucy Arthur at donlucyarthur@verizon.net.

December Community Assistance Fund

Once again St. James' Parish helped several families in our South County Community have a little better Christmas. We were able to disburse $2,251.88 as well as SCCEAG funds in the amount of $531.82. In addition to our regular funds we were able to help a few families have any Christmas at all because generous parishioners provided extra funds for gift cards where people could pick up a few presents for their families. The Community Assistance Team wants you to know how much we appreciate your support for this very important ministry that helps our neighbors in need.