Your voice could make all the difference.
St. James’s is at an inflection point. As we get closer to fully re-opening the church we want to make sure we’re inviting to prospective parishioners, welcoming to new members, and giving everyone a chance to connect with those things that bring meaning to their church experience. At the heart of those goals is Invite • Welcome • Connect.
This isn’t a program that a few people carry out. It’s a philosophy and practice that is woven into every single thing we do. Seeing how essential this is to the way the church operates moving forward, we want as much input from as many parishioners as possible. That’s why we’re having two focus groups in May, plus focus groups in all of our house churches. As you consider what you’ll do, remember that serious efforts deserve our serious attention--especially yours.
Sign up to join one of our one-hour focus groups on Zoom.
If you’re uncertain exactly what IWC is, there are few ways to learn about it. This document is a thorough--but easy to read-- introduction. You can also watch one or both of these videos (the first is shorter, and the second goes more in depth).
We're really excited to be finally kicking off Invite • Welcome • Connect for our parish.
And your input is essential to our success.
|
|
A view from the pews.
“For me, this past Sunday was a re-entry from the desert.”
From 1994 through 1997, our congregation experienced the fire that destroyed our sanctuary. For those of who were here, we experienced no break in community, as our vestry quickly took up the offer from the Rabbi at Congregation Beth Ahabah to worship in their temple on Sundays, a day when it is normally not in use. Like with COVID, many new processes were put in place while we were in our temporary home. Space had to be replanned, and we had to bring our worship items to and from the space each time we worshipped. Just imagine, if you can, the joy of coming back to our sanctuary after being 'in the desert' for 3 years.
For me, this past Sunday was a re-entry from the desert. I saw my community. I hummed (and perhaps might have sang a verse or two) the hymns under my mask. I elbowed my fellow parishioners. The prayers that were so familiar had new meaning and each word was thought out. Mike and I lingered after the service to catch-up with our friends. I loved coming home. And I am hopeful that we do not remain apart any longer. I am hopeful to see my friends in the pews and "give 'em the peace sign". -- Becky DeCamps
|
|
This week's eChimes features: |
|
- Communion in the garden
- Stephen Ministry
- St. James's App
- Education for Ministry - EfM
- Uncovering Our History
|
|
- Scared Ground
- Youth Ministry Running Club
- Save the date
- Amazon Smile
- Subscribe to YouTube
|
|
The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
Starting this Wednesday at 5 pm, the church is bringing Communion in the Garden. It’s a chance to receive communion in the Memorial Garden on a weekly basis (bread only). The short service begins at 5 pm using Holy Eucharist Rite 2. Take, eat, this is my body...
|
|
You’re not alone.
Stephen Ministry is here to help.
Isolation. Fear. Uncertainty. Anger. This past year has been challenging for so many of us in so many ways. For you, Stephen Ministry may be the answer.
St. James’s has nine members of the Stephen Ministry who have been trained to provide caring, encouraging, Christian support for people experiencing difficult times.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing the stress of the pandemic or is grieving, chronically ill, unemployed, or otherwise struggling, please consider Stephen Ministry.
To find out how to receive confidential, free, Christian care, contact the clergy or our Stephen Ministry Care Receiver Coordinators here.
|
|
The St. James’s App
is back!
Want an easy way to watch the Sunday service on your phone? There’s an App for that. Want to read the eChimes, view the calendar or watch past sermons on your tablet? There’s an App for those things too. The St. James’s App has been updated and it’s ready to make your life easier. You can see the bulletins for the services, refer to the book of common prayer, even make a pledge. Click on your preferred button to download our app.
|
|
ARE YOU SENSING A CALL . . . to learn more about our Christian tradition, to deepen your faith or to discover a meaningful ministry that could transform your life--and the life of others? Education for Ministry – EfM – just may be the answer.
We’re currently enrolling new participants for 2021/22 for this powerful and enriching program. To learn more about EfM, go here.
|
|
Uncovering our History
St. James’s has been around for nearly two centuries. And every Wednesday through May 19, we’ll be going all the way back to the beginning (1830 through 1865) to view our church through the lens of race in our series Uncovering Our History.
Under the leadership of the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Ministry, a team of St. James’s parishioners have undertaken an ambitious research project of digging into old records, vestry minutes, sermons and the like, to take stock of our past and move toward becoming a beloved community.
You only have to register in advance once for this entire series. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining all the meetings. Registration
To learn about this week's speaker and see the full schedule, click here.
|
|
You can still walk on Sacred Ground.
There are still spots available in the second wave of Sacred Ground classes. And because the classes are staggered, you’re not too late to start from the beginning.
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining all the meetings. If you have any questions, contact Hilary Streever.
This is part of the St. James’s Racial Justice & Reconciliation offering.
|
|
Now you can go to church AND run on Sunday.
It’s not news that our Youth Ministry Running Club in Byrd Park has been a big success. What IS news is that now they’re meeting at 10:30 instead of 10 so people who go to 9 am service can still get to the park to run. (The Sibley family wore their running gear under their church clothes last Sunday!)
Created for every age and every level--walkers, joggers and runners--we meet every Sunday through May 23 at 10:30 am in Byrd Park.
|
|
|
|
Park in the Dogwood Dell parking lot, next to Barker Field parking. This is where you'll check-in too.
A few safety rules: Masks on once you get out of your car. But you can remove your mask while running socially distanced.
No cost and no registration needed. See you there!
|
|
A Save the Date for families of 5th graders:
Please join us in the Memorial Garden on Sunday, May 16th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. when we recognize and honor our 5th graders as they move from the children's ministry into the youth ministry.
More details coming by mail soon.
A Save the Date for families of 12th graders:
On Sunday, May 23 from 5 to 6 pm, St. James’s will recognize and bless our graduating high school seniors and their parents with a special milestone liturgy and reception outdoors in the Memorial Garden. Formal invitation and registration to follow.
|
|
Support St. James’s without it costing you a penny.
There’s an easy way to support St. James’s while you’re doing something else. Whenever you shop on Amazon, go to smile.amazon.com, instead. Once you’re there, designate St. James’s as the program you’re supporting, then a percentage of every purchase you make on Amazon will go the church. Easy-peezy.
|
|
Subscribing is easy.
Go to the St. James’s Episcopal Church Richmond page on YouTube.com. You’ll see a red subscribe button. Click on it and you’re done.
|
|
Make sure to check out the new updates on our App. On the App, you will find tools like giving, streaming, and the bulletins. It is highly recommended to use the app as an alternative to paper bulletins. |
|
|
St. James’s Episcopal Church | DOERS.ORG | (804) 355-1779
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
