The Announcements

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Today at St. James’

¨ New to St. James’? The St. James’ Newcomers’ Orientation is a great opportunity to make a connection with St. James’, ask questions, meet other newcomers, and find out more. Join us TODAY from 10:10 to 11:00 a.m. in the Janney Parlor.

¨ Adult Forum: “The Great Omission” Why do churches really exist? Some people might say “to make members.” But the Book of Acts suggests that it is to “make disciples.” Participate in a spirited and lively discussion led by Rev. Kate of the five marks of discipleship. Adult Forum runs from 10:10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Old School Building, at the corner of Wirt and North Streets.

¨ “Discovering St. James’”: Join Fr. John and Rev. Kate for the first of this informal and lively three-part class designed to introduce you to the unique features of St. James’ and help you develop a greater appreciation for what goes on each Sunday in worship. Meet in the Old School Building from 10:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

¨ Sunday School: 3-Year-Olds — Rittenhouse Room R1; 4-Year-Olds — Janney House Room J2; Kindergarten — Janney House Room J1; 1st Grade — Rittenhouse Room R3; 2nd & 4th Grades — Parish Hall; 3rd Grade — Parish Library; 5th Grade & Middle School — Old School Building; Senior High — Catacombs

¨ Healing Rail: During the 11:15 service, and on occasion at the 7:45 and 9:00 services, the laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil is offered to everyone during the administration of Communion. Kneelers are located in front of the lectern (forward and to your left). Please come for your own needs or as an intercessor for others. We will offer an extended healing rail next Sunday, November 18, immediately following the 11:15 service.

¨ Youth Groups: Today at 12:30 p.m.: Help deliver used computers from our computer recycling outreach project to LCHS. Middle School: 6th & 7th Grade Weekend at Shrine Mont so no Middle School Youth Group tonight. Senior High Youth Group 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Shankle’s to plan Youth Sunday service.

Next Sunday

¨ Youth Sunday at 9:00 service! Youth will serve as ushers, musicians, preacher, readers, etc.! Please join us for this festive occasion.

Join the St. James’ Book Club as we enjoy a pre-Thanksgiving feast and discuss the classic novella, Babette’s Feast, on Thursday, November 15. In Isak Dinesen’s modern fable, a mysterious Frenchwoman prepares a sumptuous dinner for a gathering of religious ascetics and, in doing so, introduces them to the true essence of grace. We will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Library to discuss themes and view the video. (Please note change in date and venue.) All are welcome! Bring a snack or beverage to share. Contact Mary Pellicano through the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for more information. (Want to get a head start on next month’s book? We’ll be reading Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory in December.)

Peace, Love, Joy and the Healing Power of Christ: On Friday evening, November 30 and through Saturday afternoon, December 1, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Bluemont is hosting a fall retreat with time for prayer, meditation, and healing. Speakers are The Rev. Bill Burk, rector of The Church of the Creator in Mechanicsville; Br. Anthony Bernard Campos, OSB; and Br. John Ogle, OSF. For more information, contact The Rev. Chris Cunningham at (703)861-6751.

Save the date: St. James’ will host the annual Alternative Gift Market on December 9 after each service in the Parish Hall. This is an opportunity to do two great things at once: to purchase gifts for people on your Christmas list and to help the less fortunate. You make donations to worthy organizations in the name of your gift recipient at the market and in exchange are given a token gift and honor card to explain the donation you made. Consider alternative gifts for everyone on your list who really doesn’t need any other tangible gifts this Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes: The collection of Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for needy children throughout the world began today. All parishioners are welcome to join in this effort to fill shoeboxes (with toys, candy, hygiene items) for needy children throughout the world. Instructions for packing a shoebox are on the Outreach table in the Narthex or at www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC. Filled boxes should be returned by November 11 to be delivered to the local collection point November 12.

St. James’ Preschool currently has openings for children in their 2 1/2- and 3-year-old programs. Contact the Preschool office at (703) 777-8439 for more information.

It’s time to update our Church Directory! We have arranged to have Lifetouch take our family portraits for the directory on December 6, 7, 8, and 11 in the Parish Hall. Spaces are limited, so be sure and make your reservation soon to have your picture taken. (Pictures ordered by December 11 will be delivered in time for Christmas—they make great presents!) You may reserve your picture date and time by accessing the link through www.stjamesleesburg.org. There is also a sign-up table available in the Narthex after each service. Additional dates will be available in January if needed but we encourage everyone to sign up in December so that they may have the pictures back in time for the holiday.

Did you know that you can get these announcements electronically each Friday? If you’d like to subscribe to our weekly “e-pistle,” containing an electronic link to the Announcements along with a brief inspirational or informational message from one of the clergy, give your email address to the Church Office at (703)777-1124 or info@stjamesleesburg.org.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Interested in knitting or crocheting a prayer shawl for someone in need of comfort or solace as well as celebration and joy? Contact Rev. Kate for patterns/directions at (703) 777-1124 or kate@stjamesleesburg.org.

Saturday Night Service Begins: St. Gabriel’s Saturday Night service begins with two “pre-launch” services December 15 and January 19 at 5:30 pm in the St. James’ Nave. Weekly services will begin February 2. Each week, you will experience God in a service of Holy Eucharist with a casual, upbeat, and multisensory style. Kids welcome; nursery provided. In order to make this service a success, we are looking for 50 adults to commit to seeding the worship service for the prelaunch worship and for the first 6-8 weeks. By “seeding” you commit to being regular in worship, and agree to respond to a short feedback form each week you attend, so that we can improve the worship experience before we advertise it to the community. Please contact Faye Wenger through the St. Gabriel’s office at (703)779-3616 if you are interested, or fill out the interest card found in the Narthex.

St. James’ Youth Groups

¨ Every Wednesday: Pizza with a Purpose: 6:30-8:00. Come for pizza, fun, fellowship, and Bible Study. Senior High meets in the Catacombs and Middle School in the Parish Hall.

¨ Thursday, November 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Craft-making with the children of Hebron Shelter, crafts to be sold at the Alternative Gift Market, profits going to Good Shepherd Alliance. Space is limited. Email Charlene Price through the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for more information.

¨ Saturday, November 17, 7:30 –11:00 a.m. Youth Group is helping Interfaith Relief with its annual “Freeze Your Gizzard” 5K Run, which takes place at Ida Lee. We will help with food collection, hand out T-shirts, and support the race in general. Call Pastor Mary to sign up.

¨ Sunday, November 18: Youth Sunday at 9:00 service! Youth will serve as ushers, musicians, preacher, readers, etc.! No Youth Group on Sunday night.

¨ Sunday November 25: No Youth Group. Have a happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Last week’s attendance:

7:45 79

9:00 300

11:15 203

Total: 582

Vestry: vestry@stjamesleesburg.org Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier (‘05-’07), Junior Warden Ken Getty (‘06-’08), Clerk Clayton Cameron (‘06-’08), Jon Aycock (‘07-’09), Jan Joseph (‘06-’08), Sandra Moody (’07-’09), Barbara Poell (‘07-’09), Ken Robinson (‘07-09), Tom Smith (‘05-’07), Chuck Womack (‘06-’08)

St. James’ Episcopal Church

14 Cornwall Street, NW

Leesburg, Virginia 20176-2801

703-777-1124

Website: http://www.stjamesleesburg.org

General Information: info@stjamesleesburg.org

Rector: The Rev. John Ohmer: john@stjamesleesburg.org

Assistant to the Rector for Adult Ministries:

The Rev. Kate Bryant: kate@stjamesleesburg.org

Assistant to the Rector for Children & Youth Ministries:

The Rev. Mary Davila: mary@stjamesleesburg.org

Priest Associate: The Rev. Donald Goodness: drglrg97@comcast.net

Registrar/Wedding Coordinator: Kay Gregg: kay@stjamesleesburg.org

Financial Administrator: Sheri Nelson: sheri@stjamesleesburg.org

Parish Administrator: Janine Carmichael: janine@stjamesleesburg.org

Administrative Assistant: Courtney Patterson: courtney@stjamesleesburg.org

Newcomers Committee: Ruth Blakeslee: ruthart@earthlink.net