All Saints' Chili Cookoff - November 6

Whether you're a chili traditionalist or an experimental chef, this is your chance to feed the parish and bring glory to your favorite recipe! Come prepared with a steaming pot of chili on Sunday, November 6, and we'll eat it together after the 10am service to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Bring your "A" game!

St. James' Trunk or Treat, October 30

On Sunday, October 30, we will have a Trunk or Treat event. We need you to decorate your trunk or back of your car for Halloween and pass out candy. You can sign up to participate at the following link: bit.ly/3Cru28a. We would like about 26 participants. We plan to have a grill with hamburgers and hot dogs. Hours - 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Please contact Paula at pkay621@aol.com or Sharon at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com for more information.

All Saints' Memorial - November 6

On All Saints' Sunday (November 6), we will continue the ancient practice of praying in worship for those who have died. Please notify the church office of the full name of your friend or family member whom you would like to be included by Monday, October 31st.

Coffee Hour Signup

We need volunteers to sign up for an occasional Sunday to bring a few food items to set out on a table, make the coffee, and then wrap up any leftovers after everyone has enjoyed the fellowship. The sign-up sheet and the instructions are located on the bulletin board outside the Parish Office, or you can call the Parish Office at 410-867-2838 and ask to have your name(s) added to the list for a specific date. A sign-up sheet for November is on the bulletin board. Thank you for enabling our fellowship!

Root Beer / Coke Float Social and Health Clinic, October 9

On October 9, Giant Food in Edgewater will offer vaccinations for the Flu, COVID, Pneumonia and Shingles. Luminis Health will offer free screenings. Boost your immunity for the winter and get one or more jabs and reward yourself with a float. For additional information please see the event flier: bit.ly/3yntTBB.

The Blessing of the Animals, October 2

As part of our observance of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will once again be holding a Blessing of the Animals outside at the Labyrinth on Sunday, October 2 at 4:00pm. Bring your beloved pets for a spritz of holy water, and give thanks for the non-human creatures that God has put in our lives!

The St. James’ Parish Social Club (20/30s Group), September 22

     It's time for a night out! Join us on September 22nd (and normally the fourth Thursday of each month) at 7 p.m. at Jesse Jay’s Latin Inspired Kitchen, for fellowship and fun! For more information, please contact Fr. Joe+ at joe.lenow@stjameslothian.com.

Flower Arranging Class, September 17

Lillie Barrett will be teaching a flower arranging class on Saturday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Ticknor Parish Hall. You will learn how to arrange altar flowers as well as a basket arrangement. There will be a $25 fee to cover expenses. To register, please contact Lillie Barrett at garylillie502@gmail.com.

Stained Glass Window Restoration

We have been concerned for some time about the condition of the stain glass windows. Fortunately, we have received a generous donation to make their restoration possible. On about September 7 & 8th the second window on the north side (the Baptism Window) will be the first to be removed and taken to the restoration studio in Virginia. In its place will be a white sheet of plywood. It will take several months to be returned. Then, the two windows at the altar (St. James and St. Paul) will both be taken at the same time, after Christmas. Again, several months before their return. The remaining windows will be restored in place at the church. This includes the clear windows and the transom windows over the doors. This project was approved by the Vestry and is expected to take about a year. Questions may be addressed to Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Jim Cheston - jamescheston@yahoo.com.

Welcome to the new Church School Year 2022-23!

     On September 11th, we will kick off Sunday Church School at St. James’ Parish at 9 a.m.! You can register your youth online at stjameslothian.com/cf_registration. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email.
     We want to welcome back all returning children and those who are attending for the first time! We look forward to sharing the journey of our faith with the children and building a strong foundation of community and friendship. Please be sure to visit the classrooms, introduce yourselves to the leaders, and fill out the registration form (either online or a hardcopy) so that we can plan for your children.
     As has been our practice over the years, we will also schedule times of fellowship for the children (youngest to grade 5) and youth (grades 6 through 12). The activities are published monthly in the parish newsletter (The Shell) and on the parish website.

Sunday Church School - Calling Volunteers!

The Christian Formation Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with Sunday Church School Atriums, youth group gatherings, and other activities. Some training and lots of love are required... the rewards are many! For more information on how you can help, please contact Sharon McGlaughlin at sharon.mcglaughlin1692@gmail.com.

Children's Ministry Position

St. James', together with the other parishes in the area, is now advertising for a part-time Regional Children's Minister for Southern Maryland. If you know someone who might be a good fit for the position, please send along the job advertisement, available at bit.ly/3yG1PZc. We're very excited about the position, and thank you for your help in bringing the perfect person to this ministry!

Hymn Sing, August 28

Following our 10am service on August 28, we'll be having a hymn sing in the church! Come prepared with a list of your favorite songs from the Red Hymnal or the Renew Hymnal. We're trying to get a sense of the music that this parish loves, so even if you can't make the hymn sing, please send your list of favorite songs to Fr. Joe and Justin at joe.lenow@stjameslothian.com! Please remember to bring a mask for the hymn sing.

St. James' Fall Kickoff, September 11th

On Sept. 11 following our 10am service, we'll be having our Fall Kickoff Picnic! Our plan is to make this a big celebration that can gather the whole community together—adults and children; those who are members of the parish, and friends and newcomers from our broader community. We'll have food, games, music, even a bounce castle! The parish will be providing the main course for our cookout, but we need help! Two things you can do: First, this will be a wonderful time for our parish family to gather together, but we're also hoping that we can see ourselves as hosts for our whole community. We'd be very grateful if members of the parish could bring a side dish or dessert to make this a true feast! Second, we're looking for a few people with grills and the means to transport them to the church so we can keep the burgers and hotdogs (and a vegetarian option!) coming. We'll see you there, and bring a friend!

2022-23 Church School Registration Form

St. James' 2022-23 church school registration form is now available online. You can download/print the form from the following link: bit.ly/3pbd5sd.