The 325th Anniversary of the Establishment of our Parish in 1692

This year our Parish will celebrate the 325th anniversary of the establishment of our Parish as well as the 225th Anniversary of the Consecration of our 7th Rector, Thomas John Claggett, as the First Episcopal Bishop of Maryland and the first to be consecrated on American soil on September 17, 1792. On September 17, our Bishop will be visiting our Parish to celebrate with us. The Vestry has established an ad hoc committee to plan activities throughout the year in recognition of these important milestones. If you would like to lead or serve on the committee, please let Nancy Horkan know at nhorkan@comcast.net.

Christmas Tree Thank You

The large outdoor decorated Christmas Tree is lit to honor all the ministries that St. James' Parish provides to the community. We appreciate Colonial Electric volunteering their staff and bucket truck to make decorating the tree possible.

Greening the Church, Thursday, December 22nd at 10 AM

Please join us on December 22nd at 10 AM and help decorate St. James' Church for Christmas! We need everyone's help, and you'll have lots of fun! For additional information, please contact Lillie Barrett at 301-855-7829.

Wreaths Across America at St. James' Parish

This year, St. James' Parish will participate in the Wreaths Across America program which started at Arlington Cemetery to honor some of the older, less visited, graves, and is now in over 1,000 locations across the country. Thanks to some very generous supporters, we have already raised enough funds to place up to 100 wreaths on gravesites in the parish churchyard.

Please join us for a wreath ceremony on December 17th at noon. These ceremonies all coincide with the laying of the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. Following the ceremony, we will need help placing the wreaths. We will also need help removing the wreaths at 10 AM on January 7th. For additional information, or to volunteer to help, please contact Ashley at Artemis914@aol.com.

Parish Christmas Caroling!

The St. James' Parish Chancel & Celebration Choirs invite you to join them for Christmas Caroling at Greenstreet Gardens on Sunday, December 11th at 1 PM. For more information, please contact Parish Music Director, Michael Ryan at mryansings@verizon.net.

Salvation Army Carol Sing, December 7

Please join with the Salvation Army's Brass Ensemble December 7 to help less fortunate families and enjoy singing Christmas carols. The Carol Sing at 7:30 PM in the church is preceded by fellowship at 6 PM and a potluck supper coordinated by The Women of St. James' Parish at 6:30 PM in the parish hall.

The carols are accompanied by the Brass Ensemble and Patricia Tyndall on the organ. Two of the highlights of the evening are the three holy kings chosen from the audience for the carol, "We Three Kings," and the solo by St. James' Parish Music Director Michael Ryan who is often persuaded to sing "Good King Wenceslas."

Please join us for fun, fellowship, and Christmas caroling to benefit the important work of the Salvation Army.

Holiday Groceries for Families in Need

St James' Parish needs your Turkeys, Time and/or Treasure to help with packaging and distribution of groceries for Christmas dinners for local families in need. We will be partnering with Friendship United Methodist Church on December 17 from 7-10 AM. If you are not able to join us on Saturday morning, please provide a frozen turkey. Turkeys need to be in the kitchen freezer no later than December 15. Financial donations are also needed to buy the groceries! If you have questions or need more information, please contact Linda Rines at Linda.Rines@comcast.net.

Lunch with Santa!, December 3

Santa will be coming to St. James' Parish on Saturday, December 3 from noon to 2 PM! Parish children ages 1-11 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. This activity is a chance to reach out to our community and those who are less fortunate. Please sign up on the Youth Bulletin Board. For additional information, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.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.

Help Decorate the Parish Christmas Tree!

Sunday, November 27th after the 11 AM service. For more information, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com. Pizza for Lunch! Everyone is Welcome!

Welcome Marie Harrison as Director of our Celebration Choir

Marie is a junior at Catholic University majoring in Collaborative Piano and Harp. Collaborative Piano is a contemporary term describing a musician whose specialty is working with individuals and groups of singers and other musicians and she is experienced both with choirs and with Broadway-type shows. Marie will be attending our rehearsals and services over the next few weeks and we are very blessed to have her with us. This is a perfect time for new singers to join our Celebration Choir!

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist

The Thanksgiving Day Eucharist will take place in St. James' Church on November 24, at 10 AM. The offering received from the Thanksgiving Day envelopes will be presented to the Salvation Army at the Carol Sing on December 7 to be used to purchase toys and gifts for needy children. Please join us on Thanksgiving morning!

Salvation Army Stockings - Available November 13

Salvation Army Stockings will once again be available during Sunday services on November 13. These stockings benefit local area children who are in need. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in a child's life - and we need YOUR help! You can also pick up stockings from the box in the foyer between the Parish Hall and the Education Building. Please leave your filled stockings there along with extra items (placed in a grocery bag). Last year, we were able to make a number of additional stockings from these extra items!

A list of suggested items for stuffing the stockings will also be available. 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 4 (they are taken to the Salvation Army shortly after that date).

For additional information, please contact Nola Meyers at noreme@verizon.net.

Chico's Holiday Fashion Show & Luncheon, December 1

The Women of St. James' Parish are sponsoring a holiday fashion show and luncheon on Thursday December 1st at 11 AM in St. James' Parish Hall. The fashions will be provided by Chico's and available for sale, but you will recognize our models :)!

There will be a raffle and door prizes too! Tickets are $40, and will be limited, so get yours soon! Tickets will be available starting October 30 at Sunday services, the Parish Office (410-867-2838), and from Lesa Eser, Lillie Barrett, Peggy Tucker or Marjie Mack. Hope to see you there!

CPR/AED Classes, November 16 6:30 - 8:30 PM

CPR/AED classes will be offered by a certified teacher from the Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC). Cost is $40.00; for more information, please contact Ken Howard at kbhoward@comcast.net.

Holiday Food Baskets - Please Help Feed the Needy

St James' Parish and Friendship United Methodist Church will be distributing groceries for 70 Thanksgiving dinners to be given to needy families in our community on Saturday, November 19 from 7-11 AM. This is a great family service opportunity! Youth should plan to participate from 8:30-10:30 AM.

Donations of frozen turkeys (10-12 pounds) are needed and should be placed in the St. James' Parish freezers no later than Wednesday, November 16 so we will know how many additional will need to be purchased. Cash contributions to purchase the other food items for the Thanksgiving baskets are needed, and your generosity will be appreciated!

For additional information, to make a donation, or to volunteer to help, please contact Linda Rines at Linda.Rines@comcast.net.

Messiah Sing-Along Sponsors Needed!

Sponsors are now being sought for our 30th Annual Messiah Sing-Along to be held 4 PM on Sunday, November 27. 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 Salvation Army Carol Sing pot-luck supper on December 7. 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.

Chili Making for Messiah Sing-Along, October 25

Ever wondered how those ten gallons of chili just magically appear at the annual Messiah Sing-Along each year? Join Trixie Ryan on October 25, at 10:30 AM in St. James' kitchen to find out and be a part of this great 30-year tradition! Last year we had enough helpers and we finished in about two hours. In addition to chopping, cutting and mixing we also need volunteers to take home batches of chili to cook (crockpots) and freeze until the Sing Along on November 27. Contact Trixie at mryansings@verizon.net to let her know how you can assist.

Parish Leadership Workshops

The 2017 Annual Parish Celebration will be held in January. At that time, three members will be rotating off the Vestry and will be replaced with new parishioners. Two Leadership Workshops have been scheduled in order to provide information to parishioners who might be interested in learning more about what it is like to serve in a leadership position on the Vestry. The workshops will be held in the Parish Library on Wednesday, November 2 (7-9 PM) and Saturday, November 5 (10 AM to 12 PM). Please give prayerful thought to a call to serve. For additional information,or to register for one of the workshops. please contact the Rev. William H. C. Ticknor at ticknor@stjameslothian.com or 410-867-2838.

All Hallows' Eve Celebration and Trunk or Treat, October 21 from 6-8 PM

Children of all ages, young and old (hint: adults, too!), are invited to dress up and enjoy fellowship and community in St. James' Parish Hall. Preschoolers through 5th graders will enjoy dinner from 6-7 PM followed by fun and games beginning at 7 PM.

All parishioners are invited to bring their cars to the parking lot for the annual All Hallows' Eve Trunk or Treat. Decorate your trunks with your favorite All Hallows' Eve decorations and pass out treats to our young people who will visit each car starting at 7 PM. Costumes are encouraged! Volunteers are needed. For more information, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com or the Parish Office at 410-867-2838.

Chili Cook-off, November 5

The Parish Life Committee will sponsor a country themed Chili Cook-off on the evening of November 5, 6-9 PM in the Parish Hall with music and great food. Dig out your favorite chili recipe and join in the fun! If you have an interest in helping with this event, please contact Edlu Thom-Harper at Edlu.th@comcast.net.

Messiah Sing-Along Sponsors Needed!

Sponsors are now being sought for our 30th Annual Messiah Sing-Along to be held 4 PM on Sunday, November 27. 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.

Blessing of Animals, October 2

Mark your calendar - in honor of Francis of Assisi, we will have the blessing of animals on Sunday, October 2 at 4:00 PM opposite St. James' Church to the north of the driveway.

Pizza & Bible Study, September 26

Middle School and High School students are invited to dive into the Bible, enjoy fellowship and dinner, and hang out with Bill+ and Miss Sharon on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30-8 PM in the High School Room in the Education Building. For more information, or to join the Bible Study, please contact the Rector at ticknor@stjameslothian.com or Miss Sharon at sharon.mcglaughlin@gmail.com.

Family Fun Day & Kayaking at West River Camp

On Sunday, September 18 after the 11 AM service, we will be heading over to West River Camp to enjoy some kayaking, canoeing. and other outdoor activities. 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. All those under the age of 18 must have parental supervision. For more information about the day, please contact Linda Dinges at LLdinges@gmail.com.

Sunday Church School Resumes September 11

Sunday Church School is held each Sunday at St. James' Parish immediately following the 9 AM service. You can register your youth online at stjameslothian.com/#/cf_registration Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email. For additional information about the Sunday Church School program, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at Sharon.Mcglaughlin@gmail.com. All children and youth, ages 3 to 18 are invited to attend!

Church School resumes on September 11. Sunday Church School classes for children and youth:
* Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Atrium I, II, III) for ages 3 through Grade 6
* Middle School for Grades 7-8
* High School for Grades 9-12

Come Sing With Us! Adult Choir Rehearsals Resume

St. James' Parish offers two adult choirs – the Chancel Choir and the Celebration Choir – both are comprised of volunteer singers. No special musical ability or great singing voice is required to participate in the choirs! Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come together for fun, fellowship, worship, discipleship and ministry - oh, and they sing, too!

The Chancel Choir sings at the 11 AM service and features traditional music. The Celebration Choir sings at the 9 AM service choosing more contemporary praise music. For more information about choir activities, please contact Parish Music Director, Michael Ryan, at mryansings@verizon.net.

Celebration Choir rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 7 at 7:30 PM; Chancel Choir rehearsals resume Thursday, September 8 at 7:30 PM.

A Tree for Robin

A Crape Myrtle tree has been dedicated to the memory of Robin Henshaw. It is the second to the last tree on the right next to the New Cemetery road. Thank you to all who generously gave money for this dedication.

Inter-generational Fun Day on Sunday, August 14

Come join us in discovering a treasure in our Nation's Capital in visiting a museum or two. If there is a museum in particular that you would like to visit, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com. We will need to have input no later than August 3, so that accommodations can be made and any special needs addressed prior to the 14th. WE WILL BE LEAVING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 10 AM SERVICE.

DioMaryland eNews

Subscribe to DioMaryland eNews to get current news and announcements from around our Diocese, delivered directly to your email box every two weeks. To subscribe, go to episcopalmaryland.org and scroll down to the bottom of their home page.

Trip to Ireland

A group from St. James' Parish will leave August 20th for 14 days. We will visit Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork and Galway. For details contact Lillie Barret at garylillie502@gmail.com.

The Community Assistance Team's June Report

June was a busy month for the St. James' Community Assistance team. In addition to the generous contributions of our parishioners, we were fortunate to have received a grant from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County which helped us meet the needs of our neighbors. We were able to assist 15 clients for a total amount of $3,535.

We are finding our partnership with the Community Action Agency on Thursday mornings is working quite well. They have begun a new year for fuel assistance and we were able to send two clients with very large BGE bills to them and they received the help they needed to get their electricity turned back on. We were also able to help two homeless clients with short term hotel stays.

Boy Scout Troop 840 Food Drive

Our Boy Scout Troop 840 is conducting the 4th Annual Doug Anderson Food Drive in memory of their former Scoutmaster Doug Anderson. This food drive will run until July 31, 2016. This is a very special food drive, because Doug was also the Board Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator for the SCAN Food Bank at St. James', so the donations collected will go right there! While any and all donations are greatly needed and appreciated, we are trying to collect items that the food bank needs: canned meat products, canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, soups, spaghetti sauce, spaghetti, pancake mix and syrup, Jell-O, muffin mix, pork & beans. Thank you all for your support with this very special food drive. Plastic bags are available at the doors of the Church and Chapel.

Episcopal Diocese Night at Camden Yards, August 16th

Enjoy an evening of baseball, fellowship and old-fashioned fun at Camden Yards with friends, neighbors, and church members on August 16th. Game starts at 7:05 PM! Tickets now on sale for our annual diocesan baseball outing. Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox – Upper Reserve (Sections 306-364, Rows 13-25): $15. All are Welcome! Invite other parishioners, newcomers, friends, relatives, neighbors, and anyone else who would enjoy an afternoon of baseball. To reserve your seats with the St. James' Parish group, please contact Marjie Mack at mmack3108@comcast.net.

Come and take a tour of the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes!

When: Sunday, July 10th
Who's Invited: Everyone! We will be leaving St. James’ Church after the 10 AM service to go to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University. If there is time and interest, we will try to end our day at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton just three miles away.
Transportation: We are currently working on acquiring a school bus. The drive to Emmitsburg, MD, is about an hour and a half.
Food: Please bring a bag lunch. Everyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please RSVP as soon as possible. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com.

A Tree for Robin

Robin Henshaw, Director of the Celebration Choir, still lives on in our hearts, and she inspired us so much with her joy and faithful service. We want to plant a tree with a plaque in her memory, as well as do something music-related to be determined after consultation with the choirs and family. Donations may be made (payable to St. James' Parish with "for Robin" on the memo line) and put in the collection plate or sent to the office.

Summer Note Reading Course

Anyone seriously interested in the annual Note Reading Course should contact St. James' Parish Music Director, Michael Ryan at mryansings@verizon.net by June 30th to register. The class begins in mid July and is held for 5 weeks, 2 evenings per week. All work is done in class and the workbook is available for $10.

Sing with the Summer Choir

Music is an important part of our worship experience and we make every effort to provide it to our congregations during the summer months. Beginning on June 12, just show up in church at 9 AM on any given Sunday and prepare an anthem to sing for the Service at 10 AM. Everyone is invited to participate - either on a regular or a one-time basis. This is a great time to try singing in the choir... and, it's fun! Music is selected depending on the group we have on each Sunday.

REMINDER - Community Yard Sale, June 4

St. James' Parish is having another community yard sale, June 4, 2016 from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Rain or shine.

Children's Breakfast Club and Your Garden

Do you grow a garden during the summer and reap an abundance of produce? If you would like to donate any of your veggies to the Breakfast Club, the residents at the mobile home parks greatly appreciate receiving fresh produce. In the past years, a few folks from other churches have occasionally donated zucchini, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes. Anything fresh from the garden would be great. So if you would like to share some of your abundance, we thank you in advance! (You may drop it off at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 114 Bayard Rd.)

2016 Reading Camp South County - August 1-5

Reading Camp South County will be held once again at St. James' Parish on August 1-5! The camp is a week-long, tuition-free summer program for children who need a "boost" to help them improve their reading skills. Curriculum will include 15 hours of reading instruction alongside fun activities such as arts and crafts, games, and field trips. A nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served daily.

It is time to start assembling the team for this year's camp! Current or retired teachers are invited to contact Paula Davis, Camp Coordinator, for more information about how they can help to provide the reading instruction from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM each day. The program ends at 4 PM, so teachers (who are able) as well as other adult and youth volunteers will be needed to assist with the afternoon activities. Reading Camp South County also needs your donations to support field trips, supplies, food and snacks, and other special activities. Please make your check out to the Southern Maryland Regional Council, put it in the plate, or drop it by the Parish Office.

For more information about this exciting program, or to volunteer, please contact Bill Ticknor+ (410-867-2838 or ticknor@stjameslothian.com), Paula Davis (southcounty.md.readingcamp@gmail.com), or Nancy Horkan (nhorkan@comcast.net).

Come and take a tour of the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, July 10

We will be leaving St. James' Church after the 10 AM service to go to the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, MD on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University. If there is time and interest, we will try to end our day at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton just three miles away. We are currently working on acquiring a school bus. The drive to Emmitsburg, MD, is about an hour and a half. Please bring a bag lunch. Everyone under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Please RSVP as soon as possible. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Bill+ 410-867-2838 or email ticknor@stjameslothian.com.

The Great St. James’ Parish Bake-Off, June 11

Open to all age groups, this fun baking competition needs you! Bring your home-made-from-scratch cookies, cakes, pies and bread items to St. James' Parish on Saturday June 11. Items will be judged by area chefs based on originality, appearance, and taste and auctioned at the annual Parish Picnic on June 12. For more information, please contact Lesa Eser at lesaeser@gmail.com.

Children's Breakfast Club

This will be the sixth summer for what has become a ministry of four churches in our community: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Friendship United Methodist Church, and St. James' Episcopal Church. This year we will again be taking meals to Patuxent Mobile Estates (on Sands Road) and Lyons Creek Mobile Estates (off Route 4 on the way to Dunkirk).

We anticipate feeding 160 children Monday through Friday for 7 weeks June 27 - August 12. This year, in addition to bagged breakfast meals, on Fridays we will also be giving a weekend bag of extra food to families. Our desire is to make sure the families have sufficient food to carry them through the weekend. A breakfast bag will cost an estimated amount of $1.30 each, so that's $208 per day, 5 days a week, equalling $1,040 per week. Funding for the Breakfast Club Ministry comes from special church offerings, personal and business donations, and church monetary donations. A special offering will be taken on Sunday, June 5th for the Breakfast Club.

St. James' Parish volunteers will be packing breakfast bags at 6 PM on the following Wednesdays: June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, August 10. For more information or to volunteer to help, please contact Nola Meyers at noreme@verizon.net.

Senior Recognition Sunday, June 5

On Sunday, June 5, at the 9 AM service, we will be recognizing all graduating High School, Trade School, and College students. If you have a graduating senior, please email Bill+ at ticknor@stjameslothian.com, and state whether the graduate would like to receive a Book of Common Prayer or a Bible as a gift. Please provide to the office the name of the institution, from which the individual is graduating, and a brief paragraph about the individual to secretary@stjameslothian.com, no later than May 20.

All-age Fellowship, May 15

We will be having an "all age fellowship" on May 15. The activity will be bowling at Lord Calvert Bowling following lunch in the Parish Hall. Any questions, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com.

Save the Date - St. James' Parish Community Yard Sale June 4th 8 AM -2 PM

Items will range from baby clothes and toys, to household goods, adult clothing and shoes, jewelry and more! Spaces rent for $25 (10 x 10 foot spot with a table). The deadline for renting a space is May 28th (or until they are all rented). All rental space fees will benefit the work of the St. James' Parish Outreach Committee. Volunteers are also needed to run a table on behalf of St. James' Parish. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Ashley at Artemis914@aol.com.

Clothing Donations & Volunteers Needed!

The St. James' Parish clothing ministry is now accepting clean, gently used spring and summer clothing, shoes and outerwear. Please leave donations under the table in the clothing room downstairs in the Education Building. Volunteers are needed to help sort and fold clothes. Even two hours, one day a month, would be appreciated. For more information, or to sign up to help, please contact Taylor Milbradt at tayfm@aol.com.

Spring Dinner Reminder

St. James' Parish will hold its annual "Crab Cake and Country Ham Spring Dinner" Saturday, May 21st, 1-5pm. Along with the dinner, the event will provide a book shoppe, bake shoppe, garden shoppe, antique car show, and other activities. The dinner is $22 for adults (eat in or carry out), $11 for children 10 years and under. Children under 2 years old eat free. Also, please donate any books/DVD's for the Book Stall. You can place them in a donation box in the Library. For a more detailed notice of the event, please refer to the Shell Newsletter. If you have any questions, please contact Lesa Sipes Eser at lesaeser@gmail.com or Lillie Barrett at garylillie502@gmail.com. We can't wait to see you all there!

Movie Night!

The Women's Bible Study group is joining churches around the country in the days leading up to the National Day of Prayer by hosting a showing of the movie War Room. This movie was released in 2015 and is a compelling faith drama about the power of prayer. All are invited to view the movie in the Parish Hall at 7:00 PM, on Friday, April 29. The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 5th. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Horkan at nhorkan@comcast.net.

Community Action Agency Expands South

The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency has opened a new satellite office in south county through a partnership with St. James' Parish. St. James' Parish is providing space to the agency to offer services in south county, which the agency called an underserved area for social services. The office will be open from 9 AM to noon on Thursdays. Services offered by the agency include assistance with housing, financial management and other needs. The Annapolis Youth Services continues to meet with troubled youth ages 11-18 on Tuesday evenings in our facilities.

St. James' Annual Potluck Picnic, June 12

SAVE THE DATE: St. James' Annual Potluck Picnic is scheduled for June 12 - the same Sunday that begins our summer schedule. We have, once again, scheduled Randy Ward of Party PAC Entertainment to entertain young and old alike. The picnic will begin following the 10:00 AM service in the parking lot and lawn behind the Parish Hall. If you would like to help plan this years' picnic, please contact Edlu Thom-Harper at 443-550-3109. New ideas and more helping hands are always welcome!

Community Assistance Fund - March Activity

In March the Community Assistance Team expended $2,860 helping eleven families keep their electricity on, prevent homelessness, and assist with car insurance and fuel so they could get to their jobs. We wish to acknowledge and thank Barbara Howard who donated proceeds from her hand painted Easter Eggs, Michael Ryan who donated the offering from the Easter Messiah Sing-A-Long and to the Parishioners participating in the Lenten program who gave their donations to Community Assistance. Also, the first Sunday loose donations which also goes to Community Assistance. The assistance we are able to provide our neighbors in need due to our Parishioners' generosity is greatly appreciated.

Spring Dinner, May 21st - Save the Date

St. James' Parish will hold its annual "Crab Cake and Country Ham Spring Dinner" Saturday, May 21st, 1-5pm. The menu will feature homemade crab cakes, country and honey-baked ham, potatoes au gratin, homemade coleslaw, green beans, rolls and biscuits. Along with the dinner, the event will provide a bake shoppe, garden shoppe, and other activities.

The dinner is $22 for adults (eat in or carry out), $11 for children 10 years and under. Children under 2 years old eat free.

The "Crab Cake and Country Ham Spring Dinner" is sponsored by the Women of St. James' Parish. The dinner is one of the largest fundraisers for the Parish with the proceeds from the dinner supporting the Parish and numerous community outreach programs. For more information, email stjamesdinnners@aol.com.

Lenten Program: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, March 16th

Part V: Hellelujah!

Join us at 6 PM in the Parish Hall for a pot luck supper before the lesson. A free will offering will benefit our Community Assistance fund.

Prom Dress Drive, 2016

The High School Youth are collecting gently used and cleaned prom style dresses, as well as accessories and shoes. They believe this is a terrific opportunity to recycle prom dresses and to minister to a need in the community. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Library. If you have no clothes to donate, we are accepting cash donations to help cover the cost of additional dresses, accessories, and shoes. The drive will be held April 3, 1-5 p.m., if you have any questions, please call St. James Parish at 410-867-2838.

Lenten Program: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, March 9th

Part IV: Who's in charge here?

Join us at 6 PM in the Parish Hall for a pot luck supper before the lesson. A free will offering will benefit our Community Assistance fund.

AVON 39 Walk to CRUSH Breast Cancer - Your Support Needed

Brenda Boucher has committed to walking the AVON 39 Walk to CRUSH Breast Cancer and she is in need of your support. Brenda is going to raise $1,800 (and hopefully more!) and walk 39 miles to take down breast cancer. Everyone has been touched by this cancer in one way or another. So please help by making a donation to her personal fundraising page: info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/WashingtonDC?px=5845859&pg=personal&fr_id=2481. The walk is April 30-May 1. Every donation will help!

Hand Painted Wooden Easter Eggs to Benefit Outreach Committee Ministries

Once again, Barbara Howard's beautiful hand-painted wooden Easter Eggs will be for sale during the Coffee Hours beginning February 28th through Easter! Proceeds from these beautiful eggs, which are offered for only $10 each, support the many important ministries of St. James’ Parish Outreach Committee. Through your generous support we hope to top last year’s contribution! For additional information, please contact Barbara Howard at kbhoward@comcast.net.

Easter Food Baskets

St. James' Parish will provide groceries for Easter dinners to approximately 70 local families in need. We hope you will generously donate your Time on Saturday, March 19th, from 7AM to 10:30AM, Treasure (cash donations for groceries or a 10-12 pound ham (labeled) in the Parish Hall refrigerator by Wednesday, March 16th) and/or Talent (join us for a fun time loading grocery bags and sharing stuffed and chocolate bunnies). This is an excellent family service opportunity.

For additional information, to volunteer to help, or to identify a family in need, please contact Linda Rines at Linda.Rines@comcast.net.

Lenten Program: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, March 2nd

Part III: I know that my Redeemer liveth...

Join us at 6 PM in the Parish Hall for a pot luck supper before the lesson. A free will offering will benefit our Community Assistance fund.

Lenten Program: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, February 24th

Part II: My God, my God...

Join us at 6 PM in the Parish Hall for a pot luck supper before the lesson. A free will offering will benefit our Community Assistance fund.

Reading Camp South County 2016

Last year we had the rewarding experience of running a camp designed to help underachieving students improve readings skills. It is time to assemble our team for the 2016 year. Camp will be held August 1–5 at St. James'. We need several kinds of volunteers. To run the instructional groups, we need teachers current or retired. We also need adults who were not teachers, and we need several teenagers. If you helped last year and are able and willing to help again, please let me know. If you didn't help but wish to join the team, WELCOME! For information please contact Paula Davis at southcounty.md.readingcamp@gmail.com.

Lenten Program: The Bible and Handel's Messiah, February 17th

Part I: From Shepherd to Lamb

Join us at 6 PM in the Parish Hall for a pot luck supper before the lesson. A free will offering will benefit our Community Assistance fund.

Pancake Supper, February 9th

The annual Pancake Supper will take place on Shrove Tuesday, February 9th from 6 PM to 8 PM. Youth are to arrive at 4:30 PM for set-up. Everyone is invited! There will be a "free-will offering."

**New for Lent** Morning Bible Study, Starting February 2nd

Morning Bible Study will be held each Tuesday during Lent with Michelle Awalt, beginning February 2nd at 10 AM in the Education Building.