Dear E-pistle subscriber,

This is a BIG Sunday at St. James’ –

At 10:00 a.m., in the church, we hold our Annual Meeting. Please make every effort to attend!

At the Annual Meeting:

· you’ll help celebrate accomplishments of the past year;

· you’ll learn more about the major initiatives planned for 2008 and beyond, receive updates on the exciting things God is calling us to do; and

· you’ll have a chance to meet Ms. Keith Nelsen Stroud, our new Director of Parish Operations;

But one of the most important things that takes place at the Annual Meeting is the election of Vestry members.

· You’ll vote for persons to represent you over the next three years – very important years in the life of this parish! – as Vestry members. (Please click here for more information and for biographies and pictures of the candidates.)

The Annual Meeting runs concurrent with Sunday School (i.e., from 10:05 to 11:10 a.m.) and is held in the Nave. While only members of St. James’ can vote for Vestry members, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting – please do make it a priority to attend.

This Sunday (being January 6) also happens to be the day of Epiphany, a feast day in the church year.

Epiphany means “showing” or “manifestation” and is the day that and the day that we commemorate the arrival of the “Magi” or wise men at Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn baby Jesus.

Each Epiphany, we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World into our lives by having a “Burning of the Greens” bonfire at the Hatch Farm, just south of Leesburg (Take Rt. 15 South, just south of Leesburg, turn right to go west on Rt. 704 (Harmony Church Road), turn left to go south on Dunlop Mill Road, and follow the signs to 19328 Dunlop Mill Road).

The Burning of the Greens starts at 5:00 p.m. Hot Chocolate is provided, but the Fellowship Committee asks that you please bring a plate of cookies to share.

More than ever, I have a growing sense of excitement about all the things that God is doing in and through the people of St. James’. Sunday’s events will give you that same sense.

See you then!

Fr. John