The New Program Year Kicks Off Next Sunday!
As summer winds down, we all look ahead to the new year at school, at work, and, of course, here at St. James’s. Welcome Sunday is always one of the great events of the year, as we kick off the program year and reconnect with friends. It’s also the return to our regular schedule of Sunday services at 7:45, 9 and 11:15 am plus extended Nursery hours, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
This year’s Welcome Sunday has the added bonus of a Ministry Fair in Valentine Hall, so you can see all the ways you can be a DOER in the upcoming program year. We’ve also got some new Church Merch for sale, including new coffee mugs, car magnets, new blue t-shirts, onesies!, plus our black t’s and car coasters.
So please make every effort to be there as we launch into what promises to be a meaningful and active year at St. James’s.
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Thursday, September 7
Thursday Men's Breakfast Bible Study - 7:30 am
Our Bible Study Group continues to welcome St. James’s members and non-members
It meets every other Thursday morning in Valentine Hall for about an hour.
The group enjoys fellowship and relationship-building with each other
and growth in knowledge of scripture and their faith applied to the here and now.
You're welcomed regardless of your current knowledge about the scriptures.
Brown Bag Book Club - 12 noon via Zoom
The Brown Bag Book Club, which reads and discusses a new book
every month throughout the year. They meet via Zoom the first Thursday of the month.
September's book — Horse by Geraldine Brooks (Fiction)
Saturday, September 9
Young Family Social - 4 to 6 pm
at the home of Margaret Ann and Nick Mazzenga (3423 Noble Avenue).
Tuesday Men's Bible Study, Young Adults, and Women in Wisdom
are taking a summer break, but will return in the fall.
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Peek at the Week is now on the website (doers.org) too. So if you need to check in on what’s going on this coming week, click on the Peek at the Week banner (The Week's Events)
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This week's eChimes features |
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- Announcing staff updates
- Open Houses - Sept. 17
- Save the date for THE CELEBRATION
- Fall dates to remember
- It's time for our Young Family Social
- A change to our Sunday services
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- Wednesday night dinners
- Summer Book Club Book #3 - Doug's book
- Confirmation registration is open - but don't wait
- Come be an acolyte
- Join a choir
- Those who died recently
- Prayers of The People
- Diocese of Virginia
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We're Delighted to Announce Staff Updates at St. James’s |
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Let’s welcome Betsy Lee.
Betsy has joined the St. James’s staff as the Stewardship Manager. Previously, she worked for the Foundation at Westminster Canterbury Richmond and at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. A native (Northern) Virginian, she graduated with a degree in Business Education from James Madison University – Go Dukes! – and then earned a Masters in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Georgia – Go Dawgs! In 2005, after a 15-year stint in Georgia, she moved to Richmond with her husband, Jeff, and their three sons – Jake, Chris and Bobby. When not at work, she enjoys the beach, meeting friends for brunch, playing golf, watching movies and SEC football.
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Donna Ellis adds to her responsibilities.
Donna, who has worked in a wide range of capacities for St. James’s over the years, will bring her depth of experience to the position of Interim Director of Administration.
In that role, she’ll support the day-to-day business operations of the church, specifically in the areas of facilities, finance and administration. She’ll report directly to and work closely with the Interim Rector to support the mission of St. James’s.
Congratulations to Betsy and Donna.
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OPEN HOUSES for
Adult Formation and Youth and Children’s ministries
Sunday, September 17
We have so many exciting plans for this year’s Adult Learning, and Children & Youth ministries – and you can discover everything we have in store on Sunday, September 17 from 10:15 -11 am in Michaux House.
Everyone interested in our Adult Learning program can meet in Valentine Hall where we'll share what we have planned for our Sunday get-togethers.
Come to the third floor of Michaux House to learn all ways you can engage this year through our Youth Ministry – hikes, retreats, social events, acolytes, Confirmation, Sunday morning youth group, and so much more!
You can learn about our Godly Play and Growing in Faith – our Children’s Ministry plans – by going to the second floor of Michaux House.
The Children and Youth Ministries registration form is open for the program year!
Can’t wait to see you!
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Save the date for
THE CELEBRATION of the year.
Wednesday, October 25 is a night you’ll want to remember because it promises to be a night you won’t soon forget. Amazing food, wonderful company, and, of course, musical surprises await you at The Celebration, a feast of goodwill and connection.
Once again we’ll gather at the Dewey Gottwald Center at the Science Museum of Virginia to celebrate our lives together at St. James’s. There’s more information to come but we wanted to make sure this lovely event gets on your calendar.
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Fall Dates to Remember
As we look ahead to our new program year, there’s a lot happening, but we want to alert you to a few events so you can get them on your calendar now.
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It’s that time again!
Our next Young Family Social will be Saturday, September 9 from 4-6 pm at the home of Margaret Ann and Nick Mazzenga (3423 Noble Avenue).
St. James’s will provide some snacks, water, and juice. Parents, please feel free to bring a favorite beverage or snack to share.
During the program year, there’s a Young Family Social planned for a Saturday in every month: October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 9, April 13 and May 11.
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A change in our Sunday services
starting September 10.
In an effort to make our services a bit shorter (but no less meaningful), starting Sunday, September 10 we will be offering Special Celebrations and Prayers (for any reason) in the chapel at the same time that communion will be taking place at the main altar.
So instead of waiting until after communion to receive prayers, you can simply make your way to the chapel after you’ve received your bread and wine. A priest will be in the chapel from the beginning of the distribution of communion through the end of the service to pray with you.
We’re hoping that by shortening the services, we’ll have more time for formation and fellowship on Sundays.
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Wednesday Night Dinners return September 13.
We’re delighted to announce that our popular Wednesday Night dinners will be coming back on a weekly basis starting September 13. Come enjoys meals prepared by fellow parishioners as you dine with friends new and old. No RSVP required.
The first dinner will be prepared by the Townsend team. We looking forward to gathering with y'all.
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Summer Book Club
Book #3
Doug's book is What Christ Thinks of the Church, An Exposition of Revelation 1-3 by John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
Here's what Doug says about his book choice "I attended a lecture by John Stott years ago and he was asked, what would he preach as a new rector and his response was - the church. This small book(only 125 pages) gives us an opportunity to read what Christ thinks of the church based on the first chapters from Revelation. I look forward to hearing your responses during our lively discussion in September."
Doug's Zoom book discussion will be Monday, September 18 at 7:30 pm.
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Registration for Confirmation
is open!
If you are a ninth-grader or older, we’d love to have you as part of our Confirmation class this year. Here at St. James, we like to think of Confirmation as “base camp” on your spiritual journey. It’s neither your point of origin, nor your destination, but a place to rest, grow, and be equipped for your journey. If you want to learn more, go here.
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There's something special about being an acolyte.
Our acolytes are valuable members of worship each Sunday. They help our liturgies flow smoothly by quietly carrying torches, crosses, offering plates, bearing the Gospel Book in procession and at the proclamation, and more. Fifth graders and up are welcome to join.
New and returning acolytes should fill out this form and we’ll contact you with more information.
Our acolyte lunch/training will be on Sunday, September 24 from 12:30-2 pm.
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We want to hear your voice!
If you’ve been considering joining a choir, the time is now. Schedules are going out, rosters are being created and folders are being filled. Worshipping in the choir is unlike any other form of worship. Not only do you lead the praise of your parish on Sunday morning, but for several weeks in advance, through the words of the anthems, you are immersed in the scriptures that are designated for that day’s worship. Music is a tool for deepening faith and understanding. And then, there’s the sheer fun of it all: coming together as a community to make music!
Below are some of the special events made even more special by our choirs:
• Parish Choir – Three Choirs All Saints Day Evensong, Choral Eucharists,
Memorial Concert
• West Gallery Choir – U2 Celtic Mass, Advent Lessons and Carols,
Dylan Mass
• Cherub and Children’s Choir – Blessing of the Animals, Pageant
• Youth Choir – Advent Lessons and Carols, Pageant, Youth Sunday
• Joint Choirs – MLK Gospel Evensong
All are welcome. Call Mark or Virginia at (804) 355-1779, ext. 323 or 324 for more information.
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Parishioner who passed away recently:
Richard Shannon (d. 8/29/2023)
We commend Richard to God’s love.
If you would like information on how to reach out to the loved ones of the deceased, please do not hesitate to contact the church office at (804)355-1779.
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We do our best to keep this list current, but if you want your name added or removed, please email Mary Brown at mbrown@doers.org or call her at 804-355-1779 ext. 313
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St. James’s Episcopal Church | DOERS.ORG | (804) 355-1779
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