August 23, 2006 Volume 30, No. 9
Inside this Issue:
The next Loaves
& Fishes deadline is Monday, September 18, at 9:00 a.m.
Please forward your submissions to Janine Carmichael at janine@
stjamesleesburg.org or drop them off in the Church Office.
Dear friends of St. James’:
It’s been less than one week since I
arrived here at the wonderfully hospitable community that is St. James’. Beginning with a personal welcome from
Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier, continuing with Fr. John’s warm words at
last Sunday’s services and working closely with Pastor Mary, I have experienced
a very generous welcome from everyone at St. James’, and for that I am
immensely grateful.
Last Sunday, my first participating in
worship here at St. James’, I encountered a number of worshippers among us who
are relatively new to this particular church, or to the Episcopal Church, or
perhaps to Christianity. Yet to a
person, they reported to me that they have been made to feel welcome here. They and a number of long-time parishioners
have shared with me their wish to experience a deeper relationship with God and
with one another.
I have been given a very clear and strong
sense of the multiple opportunities for our parish to make a very real and
hands-on difference in the day-to-day lives of people right here in Leesburg
and Loudoun County, as well as give real shape and true meaning to our lives as
Christians. From a meeting last week at
which I became acquainted with the ministry heads and our parish’s many
ministries, to meeting this week with the Adult Christian Formation Committee
led by Mary Pellicano where I learned how many programs are already in place or
being planned, to a personal introduction this week by outgoing Outreach
Committee chair Susie Harding to some of Loudon County’s major social services
providers, I’ve begun to experience first-hand the many talented people at St.
James’ and the gifts that they bring.
The Vision Document has already
contextualized the opportunities before us, stating that “we will…seek to
engage all parishioners in a experiences [beyond the Sunday morning experience]
that inspire, equip and empower them as disciples of Christ.” And it acknowledges that “we hope to unite
long-time members and newcomers, young families and seniors, in working
together toward a common goal in Christ’s name.”
But how will we “inspire, equip, and
empower?” Recalling words of advice
given to me by one of my best mentors, I believe we will do that through the
three “I’s” – Invite, Involve, and Include.
·
Inviting every single person who considers him- or
herself a member of St. James’ to participate in one or several of the myriad
of ministries or small groups here.
Have you ever noticed how often Jesus, in the Gospels, is inviting
people (“follow me,” “come and see,”) or telling stories of invitation? He believed, and I believe, that people are
just waiting to be asked to participate.
·
Involving as many people as we encounter at St. James’ in
the many activities that characterize our common life here. Involvement can take a variety of forms, but
Christianity is not a spectator sport.
Get involved. It’s the first
step in the work of building God’s kingdom here on earth.
·
Including as many people as possible. Inclusivity is a hallmark of our
Anglican/Episcopal tradition. At St.
James’, we welcome people from diverse faith traditions with wide-ranging
diverse points of view. Indeed, we find
unity in our diversity. Think broadly.
While I will share my vision for adult
Christian formation with the parish at an Adult Forum in the fall, I can tell
you this--my vision is informed by an understanding of Christian formation as a
dynamic and unending program of growth and development, one in which our lives
are bound up with each other and dedicated to spreading the Good News of the
Risen Christ, every single day.
Adult Christian formation and new member
integration will be my two main responsibilities. In addition, I will share with Fr. John, Pastor Mary, and the
Pastoral Associates in providing pastoral care to parishioners. I also will help Fr. John oversee, with the
Outreach Committee, the effort to identify a “common goal in Christ’s name”
that will meet the needs of the poor and/or marginalized in Leesburg and
Loudoun County. And I’ll share fully in
the Worship ministries of the parish with Fr. John, Pastor Mary and Fr.
Goodness (on whose Vestry I served when he was Rector of The Church of the
Ascension in New York). This will
include celebrating the Holy Eucharist (after my ordination to the priesthood
on September 23 in New York) and planning and implementing special
liturgies.
As our Vision Document states, “we are
called to be faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord, dedicated to restoring all
people to unity with God and each other.”
Assisted by “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (2 Corinthians 13:14), I believe we
can--and will--live into our call with great joy!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Kate
Assistant to the Rector
for
Adult Ministries
From Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier
No
matter how enjoyable the summer, there’s always a sense of excitement that
accompanies the arrival of fall. As we move into this new season, we give
thanks for the time and talent of our clergy, staff, and parish. We bid
farewell and good wishes to Gary Gearhart, our property manager, in
August, as he departed for a new opportunity closer to his home, and we
welcomed Reverend Kate Bryant as she arrived from New Haven, Conn. and
Westchester County, N.Y.
A
few highlights:
·
Our celebration of St. James’ Day in July was
a wonderful expression of our life together as a parish, and thanks go to Rosie
Reh and the All-Parish Events committee for putting together a delicious
meal of barbecue and ice cream, augmented by the culinary talents of the
congregation. Now on to the fall!
·
Our annual Ministry Fair is slated for Sunday,
September 10, which gives all of us a chance to learn about new ministries or
explore a new area of interest. The depth and breadth of talent within this
congregation continually impresses me, and the joy with which people bring
their gifts before God is truly amazing. I hope you’ll think about how God is
calling you to join your talents in His service through St. James’.
·
The Adult Christian Formation group – chair Mary
Pellicano, Anya Johnson, Alecia Moroz, Wayne Newell, Laura
Young, and Linda Young – has been hard at work this summer,
analyzing our current programs and making recommendations for Reverend Kate Bryant
as she steps into her new role. The group is focusing on strengthening our adult
forum and weeknight offerings, developing additional
opportunities for participating in small groups as well as cultivating
small-group leaders. You will be hearing more about specific programs
as the fall gets underway!
·
As we prepare for the next big step that God is calling us
to take, we are planning for how we will financially support that step. After
much thinking, praying and planning, we are adjusting how we think and talk
about financial resources here at St. James’. Previously, we used the term
“Stewardship Campaign” to describe the annual campaign that takes place each
fall to ensure financial support of our operating budget each year. This year,
under the leadership of Jan Joseph, we will be calling this fall effort
the “Annual Giving” Campaign. We are also making plans for an
upcoming Capital Campaign – a longer-term effort -- that will fund not only the
bricks-and-mortar plans the Building Committee is developing, but major new
programs that will take place in our renovated and rejuvenated facilities. You
will be hearing more about the Annual Giving campaign over the next weeks and
months, and you will be asked to take part in the process of discerning what God
is calling us to do in Leesburg and Loudoun County.
As
we move into this new season, the Vestry is eager to hear from you; please call
us, email us (at our new address: vestry@stjamesleesburg.org) or buttonhole us
at coffee hour. We wish you and your family a great fall!
Faithfully
yours,
Mary Frances Forcier
Senior Warden
Sunday School Begins on September 10 (for fifth grade and below. 6th
and above—check out the All-Parish Ministry Fair!).
Sunday School Registration: I have simply moved everyone up a year from last
year’s roll, so there is no need to do any registering unless you are new to
the parish, or if your child is entering the three year old Sunday school
class. To register, just add your name and telephone number to the list that
will be located in your child’s Sunday school classroom.
No Children’s Chapel on September 10! Due to the brevity of the
sermon on the day of the Ministry Fair, we will not have Children’s Chapel.
Chapel will resume on September 17.
Kids With Purpose (KWP) is a new ministry at St. James’ that will allow
children to serve actively in outreach.
Our aim is to make outreach and service to others an everyday and
lifelong activity. The program is
designed for children to learn about and share God’s love while actively
serving real needs in Leesburg.
Who: Children from age three through 5th grade are invited to attend. KWP is divided into four age groups. The
three- and four-year-old group and Kindergarteners perform outreach projects at
the church, as well as participating in some off-site outreach projects.
The 1st – 2nd graders and 3rd – 5th
graders go out into the community to do outreach projects.
When: KWP will meet Wednesdays from
4:00 – 5:30 p.m., beginning October 4 and will run for 10 weeks. (This will only conflict with possible
soccer practices for four weeks.) A
second session will be offered in January 2007.
Eligibility: Children
who are three years old by September 30 through 5th grade are
eligible. All children must be potty
trained.
Registration: St. James’
parishioners can enroll September 3—September 13. Registration forms will be available in the Narthex, the Church
Office, and on www.stjamesleesburg.org.
Enrollment will be open to non-parishioners September 14.
Fee: There is a $50 fee per child
for the first 10 week session. This
will provide each child with a KWP t-shirt and help cover the cost of the
program. Financial assistance is
available to anyone concerned about costs. Contact Pastor Mary Davila at (703)777-1124 for more details.
Volunteers: This
program is entirely run by volunteers. We have a variety of small, medium, and
extra-fun roles available (including teaching!) Contact Pastor Mary Davila at (703)777-1124.
Questions about KWP: If you’re
interested in KWP but would like more information before enrolling, contact
Pastor Mary Davila at (703)777-1124.
Please be sure
to visit us during the All-Parish Ministry Fair on September 10 to register,
volunteer, or just get more information.
We hope you’ll join us!
Pizza with a Purpose is
back!! This Wednesday night program for youth was a huge hit last year,
and we’ll resume our gatherings on Wednesday, September 20. PwP is kind
of Bible study, kind of “this is what’s happening at school,” kind of “this is
the kind of music I like,” and somehow, we tie it all in! Pastors Mary and
Jeunée lead the program:
Wednesdays: Middle School: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Senior High:
7:30-9:00 p.m.
In the
Catacombs at St. James’
No need to sign
up, just show up!
Get ready for Youth Group! Sunday, September 10 is the first day!
On September 17, we will begin our regularly scheduled
programming for the Youth Group year. Middle School will meet from 4:30-6:00
p.m. on Sundays, and Senior High will meet from 6:00-7:30 p.m. A delicious
dinner of pizza will be part of the weekly routine. At our September 17
meeting, we will discuss our fabulous activities for the year, including
lock-ins, movie nights, game nights, Shrine Mont weekends, and summer mission
trips.
Please make sure to register for Youth Group at the All-Parish Ministry
Fair on September 10 so that we have your address, phone number, and email
address (to keep you in the loop!)
Eighth Grade Weekend at Shrine Mont September 29-October 1! Eighth
graders—pack your bags! We’re going to Shrine Mont. There are so many eighth
graders in the Diocese that you get your own weekend! Cost is $100, and please
let Pastor Mary know by September 10 if you want to come. Spaces fill up quickly.
6th and 7th graders—don’t fret. We’ll go to Shrine Mont
November 10-12!
Friends are always welcome at all youth events. . .
The Rev. Walter Wheeler Williams, Rector of St. James’ Episcopal
Church (Part One)
The
Rev. Walter Wheeler Williams answered the call to be the Rector of St. James’
Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Virginia, during one of our country’s most
difficult time periods. Read through
the following and put your self in his shoes and ask yourself, “Would I be
capable of maintaining calm with my congregation? Would I be able to show God’s grace while under this kind of
stress?”
Walter
Williams was born to a notable Norfolk, Virginia, family in 1834. He received a traditional education
graduating from VMI in 1853. He went on
to the University of Virginia. While at
UVA, he answered his calling to become an ordained minister and went on to
Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He received his first calling upon
graduation to serve in Halifax, Virginia.
Rev.
Williams and his wife answered the call to serve at St. James’ in January 1859,
at the very young age of twenty-five.
The Williams’ immediately began to engage each parishioner in regular
Christian study. Rev. Williams
revitalized the Sunday school, taking on the young boys of the parish himself
to teach them. Mrs. Williams began a
weekly prayer and study group for the ladies.
Part Two of this article will appear in the next issue of Loaves
& Fishes.
Save the Date to Help with Katrina Relief!!
St.
James’ will be traveling to New Orleans to support Katrina relief efforts
Friday, November 3 through Tuesday, November 7 (or for whatever portion of that
time you can!) We need people to demo
buildings, but we also need people to serve food, organize "homecoming
kits" for people returning to their houses, and deliver supplies. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Housing
and work assignments will be provided by the Diocese of Louisiana Office of
Disaster Response. We hope to defray
travel expenses by donations of frequency flyer miles and car rental
coupons. Scholarships will be available
for parishioners who need them.
Parishioners who can't go but could care for children of others who
would like to attend would be appreciated.
Children 16 and 17 years old can attend with a parent.
For
more details, stop by the Outreach table at the Ministry Fair on September 10,
attend the Outreach Adult Forum on September 17, or contact the Church Office
at (703)777-1124.
If
you have air miles or car rental vouchers to donate, contact the Church Office
at (703)777-1124.
We
need a preliminary count of those going BY SEPTEMBER 24 so contact Ann Reimers
today!!
You’re invited
to help welcome our new Assistant to the Rector for Adult Ministries, the
Rev. Kate Bryant during coffee hour on her first Sunday, August 20, or
during receptions sponsored by our Annual Giving Campaign (invitations to be
mailed soon) on:
U
Thursday
evening, October 5 (at the Rectory), or
U
Saturday
evening October 14 (at the Nunnallys), or
U
Thursday
evening, October 19 (at the Aycocks), or
U
Friday
evening, October 20 (at the Cordermans), or
U
a brunch
reception Sunday October 22 (at the Rectory).
Fellowship Events
Contact Rosie Reh for more information.
Think you can find and handle the back roads of
Loudoun County? Think you can solve clues straight from the brilliant, twisted
mind of George Pellicano? Are you ready for an afternoon of exploring,
fun, mystery and adventure? Then sign up for the St. James’ Road Rally and
Amazing Adventure. We will meet in the St. James’ parking lot at 1:00
p.m. on Sunday October 15. George will then dispatch the cars at
intervals of a few minutes to try their luck at his devilishly hard course
around the scenic roads of Loudoun County, solving a veritable plethora of
difficult clues and ending up at a surprise location where refreshments and
prizes await. We are cautiously optimistic that all the departing cars will
also be arriving cars, but given the mystery of the course and the clues. .
. who knows? This is a great family activity, and the changing leaves will
make the course a lovely and fun one to follow.
From the St. James’
Parish Register
Marriages
Send therefore your blessing upon
these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in
faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be
a haven of blessing and peace. Amen. Book
of Common Prayer, page 431
Katherine Elizabeth Sutton & Michael Preston Gardner, August 5
Heidi Jean Jaquett & Ryan Christopher Mayo, August 12
New
to St. James’? Our next Newcomers’ coffee will be on
Sunday, September 3, at 10:10 a.m. in the Janney Parlor. Come if you are new or even feel new and
collect your St. James’ information/welcome packet.
20s/30s
Group: The next gathering will take place on Monday, September 11, at 7:00
p.m., at the home of Michael and Jennifer Galvin. RSVP to the Galvins. If you
are not on our evite list, please send your email address along to Pastor Mary.
On the 11th, we will be talking about upcoming outreach and fellowship
opportunities for the group.
In his book, A New Kind of Christian, Brian
McLaren proposes that postmodernism is the road to take in order to move on
from the current stalemate between conservative evangelical and liberal
Christians. Join the St. James' Library Book Club when we discuss this
fictional tale of an earnest, conservative pastor about to quit the pastorate
and the relationship he develops with his daughter's science teacher. Check out a copy of the book from the Parish
Library (located on the second floor of the Janney House) and meet with us
Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Janney Parlor. Please bring a snack or beverage to
share. Contact the Church
Office at (703)777-1124 for more information.
Corner
Chorale - Saturday
rehearsals will resume on September 9 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Nave.
Wednesday rehearsal will resume on September 13 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. All
musicians are welcome to join this group.
Children's
Choir - There will be
two rehearsal sections on Wednesdays for the children's choir this year. Grades
1-3 children will rehearse from 5:30-6:10 p.m. in the choir room and Grades 4-7
will rehearse from 6:15-6:55 p.m. in the choir room. The children will serve as
worship leaders in the 9 a.m. worship service each Sunday. Children's choir
rehearsals will begin on September 13. Watch for more information.
Youth
Musicians - Watch for
opportunities to sing during the worship services this fall. Interested in
playing your instrument for a Prelude or Offertory? Contact Dr. Pat Avery.
Drop by to meet
Dr. Pat and Dr. Cooksey at the All-Parish Ministry Fair on September 1.
Godspeed
to Chris Jones: For the past nine years, the beautiful
bass voice of Chris Jones led the palms and sang the bass solos in the choral
repertoire at the 11:15 a.m. service here at St. James’. Sunday, September 10, will be Chris’ last
Sunday with us. Sunday, September 17,
will find Chris as the bass section leader of a newly-formed choir at the
Washington National Cathedral. Chris
has become an integral and important member of the St. James’ choir, and he
will be sorely missed. We wish him much
success, and extend an invitation to him to come back and sing with his “home
choir” on any Sunday he should be available.
Dr. Steven Cooksey, Minister of Music
Did you know . . . that biblical scholars
believe Moses was not the author of the Old Testament? Until CE 1685, it
was assumed that the first five books of the Bible were written entirely by
Moses under God’s direct guidance. Today, scholars believe the Old Testament
has at least four sources. Find out why they believe this and who the four
sources were when you study the Old Testament in Year One of EfM.
Ladies, do
you aspire to a Holy life: one dedicated to prayer, service, and spreading the
good news of Jesus Christ? If this sounds like you, then you may be
interested in the Order of the Daughters of the King of the Episcopal
Church. The Daughters of the King (DoK)
were founded in 1885 and currently include women of the Episcopal, Catholic, and
Lutheran churches.
The Holy Trinity
Chapter of St. James’ and St. Gabriel’s churches encourages any women who are
curious and/or interested in learning more about the order to share lunch with
us on Saturday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. James’ Parish Hall. After lunch, we will provide an overview of
the DoK and answer any questions.
Afterward, any women who feel called to join the order can become
aspirants and undertake a 12- week study and preparation for admittance to the
order.
Please also see
the DoK website at http://www.dok-national.org/welcome.htm.
The Rev.
Linda M. Kapurch invites
you to the celebration of St. Matthew's Patronal Feast Day, September 17,
during the 10:45 a.m. service at St. Matthew's Church, 919 Tennis Ave., Maple
Glen, PA, 19002. AssocRectorSMC@verizon.net;
their website is: www.saintmattsec.org.
Wear something red!
Fr. Chris Cunningham, the Vicar of Good Shepherd Church (27 Good
Shepherd Rd, Bluemont), invites the parishioners of St. James’ to a healing
mission with meditations on peace, love, joy, and the healing power of
Christ. Friday, September 8, 7:00 p.m.-9:15 p.m., and September 9, 8:00
a.m.-3:00
p.m. Free (includes coffee and
lunch). RSVP to (540)338-4147.
Sundays
Alcoholics
Anonymous, 5:30 p.m., Rittenhouse Basement
Mondays
Women’s
Alcoholics Anonymous, 8:00 p.m.,
Rittenhouse Basement
Tuesdays
Al-Anon, 7:00 p.m., Rittenhouse Basement
Wednesdays
St. James’
Building Committee, 7:00 p.m., Parish Library
Corner Chorale, 7:00 p.m., Nave
St. James’
Adult Choir, 7:45 p.m., Music Room
Narcotics
Anonymous, 7:00 p.m., Rittenhouse Basement
Thursdays
St. Gabriel’s
Choir, 6:30 p.m., Nave
Alcoholics
Anonymous, 8:30 p.m., Rittenhouse Basement
Honor
a loved one, give thanks for an anniversary or accomplishment, or commemorate a
loved one’s birthday or death by sponsoring flowers for the St. James’
Episcopal Church altar or other worship related expenses. If you would like to celebrate in this way,
please fill out this form and mail it to:
St. James’ Episcopal
Church
14 Cornwall Street NW
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
along with a
contribution of $50 payable to “St. James’ Church”
with “Altar
Flowers/Worship Expenses” in the memo line.
Your
name and telephone:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Please
specify your dedication:
“To the Glory of God and . . .
.
. . in celebration of
________________________________________________________________________
.
. . in honor of
________________________________________________________________________
.
. . in memory of
________________________________________________________________________
.
. . in thanksgiving of
________________________________________________________________________
|
Please circle the date you would like to sponsor in 2006: |
|
|
September 3, 10, 17, 24 |
October 21, 8, 15, 22, 29 |
|
November 5, 12, 19, 26 |
December 3, 10, 17 |
|
|
|
We
are...St. James’ Episcopal Church,
a community of 1,430 baptized members.
We
belong...to the Diocese of Virginia,
a community of 90,000 baptized members and 450 clergy in 38 counties of
central, northern and northwestern Virginia, serving the world through 194
congregations, six schools, two diocesan retreat centers, and six diocesan
homes, and home to the largest Anglican seminary in the world—Virginia
Theological Seminary in Alexandria.
Which
belongs to...The Episcopal Church, USA,
a community of 2.5 million members in 113 dioceses in the Americas and
abroad. The Episcopal Church, USA was
organized in 1789.
Which
belongs to...the Anglican Communion,
a global community of 73 million Anglicans in 38 member provinces.
Sundays
7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:10 a.m. Christian Education
11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I or II
Wednesdays
12:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Childcare for infants and toddlers is available in the Nursery during the 9:00 & 11:15 services.
How to Contact Clergy & Staff via E-mail
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@adelphia.net
Registrar/Wedding
Coordinator: Kay Gregg: kay@stjamesleesburg.org
Financial Administrator: Sheri Nelson: sheri@stjamesleesburg.org
Parish Administrator: Janine Carmichael: janine@stjamesleesburg.org
Parish Secretary: Laura Heyer: laura@stjamesleesburg.org
Vestry: vestry@stjamesleesburg.org
14
Cornwall Street NW, Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Phone:
703-777-1124
Fax:
703-777-1129
e-mail: info@stjamesleesburg.org
http://www.stjamesleesburg.org
For pastoral emergencies, dial (703)777-1124 option 3 to alert the on-call clergy.
WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Acolytes:
Dottie Brannock E.
Nunnally
Altar Guild:
Margaret Akers M.F.
Forcier
Children’s Chapel:
(9:00) Laura Young M.
Pellicano
(11:15)
Mary Davila
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Jeff Brannock E. Nunnally
Ron Kunz
Music Director:
Dr. Cooksey E.
Nunnally
Corner Chorale & Youth Choir: Pat Avery E.
Nunnally
Ushers and Greeters: Tom Smith T.
Smith
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Adult Mission Trips: Ken Getty K. Getty
Outreach Committee: Susie Harding J.
Joseph
Preschool:
George Pellicano T.
Smith
Preschool Directors: Elaine Thiel & Janet
Stayrook
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES
Healing Team