Loaves & Fishes

News of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Virginia

 

December 13, 2006 Volume 30, No. 12

 

 

Inside this Issue:

 

Rector’s Message

 

Senior Warden Update

 

The Meaning of Advent

 

Morning Prayer

 

Outreach Christmas Offerings

 

Neighborhood Groups

 

Acolyte News

 

Celebrating Years of Discipleship at St. James’

 

Announcements

 

St. James’ Fellowship Events Calendar

 

Christmas Worship Schedule

 

Who We Are

 

Service Information

 

Contact Information

 

 

 

The next Loaves & Fishes deadline is Monday, January 29, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. Please forward your submissions to Janine Carmichael at janine@ stjamesleesburg.org or drop them off in the Church Office.

 

 

From the Rector, The Rev. John Ohmer

 

Dear friends of St. James’:

 

This is the third of a three-part article “three biblical characteristics to let you know that it is God calling you to do something.”

 

The first characteristic was “there will be giants in the land; measure them against God and not against yourself or other human beings.” The second characteristic was, “People will complain.” The third characteristic is, “you will not be able to accomplish it on your own, but only with God’s help.”

 

The little-known biblical story behind this characteristic is from the 7th chapter of the book of Judges.  Gideon is camped, with his army, about to attack Midian.  He has 32,000 soldiers.  God says to Gideon, “your army is too large. If you attack and are victorious, you’ll take all the credit, thinking you did it yourself.”

 

When we accomplish something supposedly “on our own,” we apt to take credit ourselves. I say “supposedly on our own” because the whole notion of “independence” is a myth.

 

No one is truly independent.

·          At the most basic level, we are dependent on the process of photosynthesis for every breath we take.

·          Unless you live on a farm, you’re dependent on others for the milk, meat, and vegetables you eat, and on the laborers, processors, truckers, warehouse workers, and grocery store clerks who are the middlemen between the farmers’ fields and your dinner table.

·          And if you do live on a farm, you’re probably more aware than most of us suburbanites that you – we – are utterly dependent on adequate rain, sunshine, and other elements beyond anyone’s control.

·          We are dependent on others for conversation, worship, our employment, our health care, our education. We can do none of those things independently.

·          And we are dependent on others for our financial security. One of modern American culture’s greatest myths – outright lies, perhaps – is the notion of “financial independence.” Nobody, not even Bill Gates, is financially independent. It’s just that the further up the economic scale we go, the more likely we are to think we are, and to forget to acknowledge our dependence on God alone.

 

Which brings us back to the story from Judges. God tells Gideon is army is too large – that if he successfully defeats the Midianites with 32,000 men, they’ll take credit for the victory themselves. So God tells Gideon to let anyone who doesn’t want to fight to go home. Twenty-two thousand (22,000) take him up on the offer, leaving him with only 10,000 men.

 

Even the 10,000 are too many. So God tells Gideon to take the 10,000 down to the river and let them drink. The men who knelt down to drink were sent home, the men who lapped up water with their tongues, the way dogs drink, he kept.

 

Only 300 men drank like dogs.  God says to Gideon, “I’ll use them – the 300 – to attack Midian. Everyone else can go home.”

 

Do you get the picture? This is a little like asking Loudoun County High School’s football team to play Ohio State University, and then telling County that they can only use three players! Could they win? No, it would be impossible, even with a full team. With five, it is a laughable proposition, no point in even starting.

 

Unless of course there is to be a miracle, or a series of miracles.

 

And that’s the whole point: When the Lord God of all history – the creator of the universe and all that is in it, the God of Abraham, Isaac – intends something to be accomplished, then He intervenes and makes it possible. If we measure the task against our own abilities, power, or resources (or lack thereof), we’ll despair.

 

But if we measure the task against God’s abilities, power and resources, which are infinite, and then participate in what God is doing, we have hope. 

 

That’s why the third characteristic is that when God is calling you to do something, you will not be able to accomplish it on your own, but only with God’s help.

 

Faithfully yours,

Fr. John

 

 

Senior Warden Update

From Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier

 

Greetings to all, and best wishes for the Advent and Christmas season!

 

It is gratifying to look back on 2006 and to realize how much has been accomplished here at St. James’. In just the past month:

·          The Building Committee has finalized their selection of an architect for our renovation and expansion program. The firm will be engaged and announced soon, and we look forward to sharing with you the plans for 2007 and how you can become involved.

·          Ron Kunz, Bill Brooks, Fr. John and I shared a moving and meaningful time with Meg Brown and Betsy Smith, daughters of Betty Seccombe, in which we signed a letter of intent for the purchase of the Seccombe house at the corner of Wirt and Cornwall streets.

·          Vestry member Ken Robinson and Pastor Mary have begun to assess the information technology needs of the parish so that staff, clergy and parishioners have the technology tools they need.

·          Parishioner Julie Johnson, Rev. Kate and I have developed plans for a Communications Ministry that will help us not only to share parish news with each other, but to tell the story of St. James’ in the wider community. Julie will be heading this effort and enlisting your time and talents, so watch for her communiqué on this new area!

·          Through the Annual Giving Campaign, more than 330 families and individuals joined together in a tremendous commitment in faith for the year ahead.

 

In all this busyness, we work to keep our sights focused not only on what we are doing, but why we are doing it: to love and serve the Lord as faithful witnesses here in Leesburg and Loudoun County.  It is a privilege to work side by side with all of you, and I wish you a blessed Christmas.

 

In faith,

Mary Frances Forcier

Senior Warden

 

 

The Meaning of Advent

By Stacy Harrison

 

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” These words say it all. Advent begins again with the age-old plea that we wish to be saved from our slavery.

 

The word Advent is from adventus, which is Latin meaning “coming.” Culturally, since the early 1900s, it became popular to begin celebrating Christmas immediately following Thanksgiving. In fact, the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, which began in the 1920s and has included Santa Claus as the last float since the 1930s, was designed to get people thinking earlier about their holiday shopping. By the 1950s, commercialism had overcome the true meaning of the season of Advent and, ultimately, Christmas. People began to celebrate “the holidays” for the entire time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, no longer recognizing the true gift of Advent and Christmas. The indulgences and excesses available prevented true reflection and enjoyment because people were too tired and too full of the toxins that they had indulged in. By the present day, many people have forgotten what Advent really means and what it is really all about.

 

Historically, in Shelburne Parish, and until the early 1900s, Advent was recognized for what it was: a time to prepare oneself for the coming of the Lord. People did not begin celebrating until Christmas Day at which time they would attend church and then come home to a larger than normal meal. Evergreen boughs would be brought indoors and placed on the windowsills of the houses and churches on Christmas Eve to show the presence of life in winter’s depths. But, there would not be a tree. Servants were given the day off and either given a new set of clothes or some coins. It was after Christmas that the parties and visiting began to happen. During the twelve days of Christmas, family and friends would visit or be visited. The Christmas Season would then culminate in a large party or ball, with a feast, held on Twelfth Night. How refreshingly simple! But, how did all of this start? And what does it really mean?

 

Although there is some evidence that Advent was recognized as early as the third century, the earliest recorded mention of the observance of Advent was in The History of the Franks, written by Saint Gregory, Bishop of Tours between 575 A.D. and 591 A.D. In this work, Gregory indicates that Advent began being observed as a kind of second Lent in the fifth century. It began on November 11, Saint Martin’s Day, and continued to the Christmas Vigil. The total is about 40 days, the same as Lent. The custom was to spend the six weeks fasting three days per week, as one would do during Lent. It was a time of quiet reflection when people would look inward to determine self-worthiness of having the Messiah in their lives. This custom was relaxed some during the sixth century, with the length of time of Advent being reduced to its present length of approximately four weeks, or being observed the four Sundays prior to Christmas. The new official start of Advent became Saint Andrew’s Day, which is November 30. During the ninth century, the First Sunday of Advent began being observed as the beginning of the Church liturgical year. By this time, most people continued to fast at least two days per week, rather than the three. The specific observances remained the same, however.

 

These observances include color, symbolism, celebration, and reflection. The color of Advent is typically purple. It represents the royalty of the coming King as well as the penitential order of self-reflection. Purple also represents expectation and preparation and is used not only in the altar hangings, but also in the vestments. Because purple is also the color used to represent the suffering during Lent and Holy Week, it points to the important connection between Jesus’ birth and death. Without the Nativity, the death and resurrection cannot happen.

 

Blue is used in some churches at Advent instead of purple. Blue continues the same meanings as the purple, but also includes the symbolism of the baptismal water in that Christ’s coming cleanses our sinful spirits through baptism or new creation. It can also symbolize the night sky, which represents when the coming of Christ was announced to Mary and Joseph. Red is not used at all during Advent. Red, the color of celebration, is considered to be too joyous for a quiet time.

 

In addition to the color purple, there are many symbols used within the Church during Advent that can be used in our homes. One is the Advent wreath. Likely adopted during the 1500s from the German Lutherans, the Advent wreath is a unique symbol that encompasses many symbols within it. First, it is circular in shape. This symbolizes God, in that God has no beginning and no ending. He is constant. Second, we typically decorate it with evergreens. This, again, reflects the constant nature of God, his endless mercy and undying love. Ivy is used to remind us of the human spirit clinging to God’s strength; holly to remind us of Jesus’ crown of thorns, thus remembering his death and resurrection at the time of his coming; and bay is sometimes used to remind us of victory over sin and death. There are four candles within the circular portion of the wreath. Three candles are purple, and one is pink or rose colored. Each of the first two weeks, a purple candle is lit. On the third week, the rose candle is lit and signifies a higher celebration and rejoicing because our time of waiting is nearly over. This is called Gaudete, or Rejoice, Sunday. This candle is sometimes in recognition of Mary, that her time to deliver has nearly come. The fourth candle, also purple, is lit on the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. A recent addition to the wreath is a central white pillar candle. This signifies the light of Christ and is first lit on Christmas Eve at the Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord. It is then lit again on Christmas and remains lit until Epiphany, which is January 6th. The wreath is lit each evening with one candle during week one, two during week two, and so on.

 

Christina Rosetti had it right, “In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan . . .”  She’s not talking about how the weather outside is frightful, but how frightful the weather in the bleak midwinter of our hearts has become. When we spend time making it ready for the Son to shine in there, our gift is greater for the effort. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. And ransom captive Israel. Are you ready for the price to be paid for you?

 

 

Something New: Morning Prayer on Fridays

By Jon Butler

 

“Morning prayer?  Of course, I pray every morning.”

 

Yes, if you are a reader of Loaves & Fishes, you probably do pray every morning, and at many other times during the day as well.  But did you know that since December 8, St. James’ has had a formal Morning Prayer service each Friday at 8.30 a.m.?

 

You many not be familiar with Morning Prayer as one of the Daily Offices of the Episcopal Church, especially if you have come to the Episcopal Church from another Christian tradition.  Or, through English literature, you may have read about Morning Prayer as Matins or Lauds, and Evening Prayer as Vespers. 

 

Morning Prayer is conducted in the chancel (where the choir stalls are situated) each Friday at 8:30 a.m., and lasts for approximately thirty-five minutes.  If you are familiar only with the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, you may be surprised to learn that Morning Prayer may be led by a lay person, and for the greater part consists of active participation by the entire congregation.

 

The service begins in silence: time for quiet contemplation.  This brief reflective time is followed by a general confession, absolution, readings from the Old and New Testament, a recitation of Canticles (hymns taken from biblical texts), Psalms, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and an opportunity to ask for intercessions, either aloud or silently.  The service concludes with a thanksgiving to God for the many mercies he has given to us.

 

I usually rush off to work in the morning and continue a frenetic pace until my head hits the pillow at night.  This may well describe your life also.  If you are looking for a quiet, reflective way to begin your day in the fellowship of other Christians, one that will leave you with a feeling of both calm and elation the entire day, make a note to join us each Friday at 8.30 a.m.! 

 

I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead the service, and I know that I look forward to Friday mornings each day of the week.

 

 

Outreach Christmas Offerings

 

St. James’ will continue a longstanding tradition of donating 100% of its Christmas offering to various outreach causes. Non-pledge collections from these services have been designated to extend our Outreach at local and national levels this year.  The following are summaries of the mission of each of the causes benefiting from your contributions. 

 

Loudoun Literacy Council  The Loudoun Literacy Council is a private, community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy throughout Loudoun County.  The organization, which has been in existence for over 25 years, helps adults and children from disadvantaged families learn to speak, read, write and understand English.  For adults, trained volunteers provide confidential, individualized, year-round lessons in either basic reading or English for speakers of other languages, as well as beginning and intermediate level adult ESL classes.  The classes incorporate life skills and practical English language development to enable immigrants who live or work in our county to become more active citizens.  For children, the organization provides literacy enrichment programs for those who live at or below the poverty line, and for children (and their parents) who reside in our local homeless shelters.  After almost closing their doors at the end of 2005, the Loudoun Literacy Council is experiencing a pivotal year under the direction of Barbara Notar, their new Executive Director, who is recognized in the community for her leadership at Loudoun Interfaith Relief.  Parishioners had an opportunity to meet the representative of the Loudoun Literacy Council at the Alternative Gift Fair on December 10, and Barbara will make a brief presentation at Adult Forum on December 17.

 

Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Hurricane Relief Fund Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left over 1,700 people dead and more than 100,000 people without inhabitable houses.  Over a year later, not nearly enough has been done for the victims of these devastating hurricanes.  In November 2006, 36 parishioners from St. James’ went to New Orleans to help with the ongoing recovery efforts organized by the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana (EDOLA).  They found the work to be hard, heart wrenching, and very fulfilling. The team recognized that they had only just scratched the surface of what needs to be done and came back to organize further assistance for those affected.  One way to continue to help is by supporting the young people working for EDOLA who organize and lead groups of volunteers six days a week.  Each team leader works for room and board and a small stipend. Your support of the Hurricane Relief Fund will help to pay the stipend of one team leader for one year.  By encouraging and supporting the volunteer work the Episcopal Church in New Orleans, we are helping the broader church reach out to people who are in great need of help. 

 

 

Reinforcing a Sense of Connectedness to the St. James’ Community:  An Introduction to the Neighborhood Groups Ministry

by Clayton Cameron

 

This fall, we launched an exciting new ministry at St. James’: Neighborhood Groups.  The effort to establish Neighborhood Groups at St. James’ comes directly from one of our vision document goals, that of “inspiring, equipping and engaging” all parishioners.  Did you know that St. James’ now has more than 1,400 members?  We’ve grown remarkably during the past few years, and that is cause for rejoicing.  But one consequence of our growth is that it’s increasingly more difficult for some parishioners to experience a sense of belonging to the St. James’ community.  One of the things we have come to realize that as we grow larger, we also need to “grow smaller,” to enhance that sense of connectedness to one another in the Christian community that is St. James’, and the Neighborhood Groups are one of the ways in which we hope to accomplish that.

 

The goal of the Neighborhood Groups is to provide a personal point of contact by serving as a conduit of communication and contact with the larger St. James’ family, including the ministry heads and the clergy.  This makes us better able to reach out to fellow members of St. James’ and our neighbors at the local level.  We hope that this effort can help foster a sense of belonging to St. James’ during times of personal or family need or celebration, those life events when people often feel—and expect—their parish church to be most important and of greatest value to them.  Neighborhood group leaders will, on behalf of the members of their group, sensitively and caringly inform the appropriate members of St. James’ (clergy or lay) of changes in life circumstances—for example, birth or death in a family, loss of a job, unexpected relocation, diagnosis of a medical condition or reversal of a diagnosis, etc.  In doing so, they will seek to identify parish resources that can be of use in these situations, and to connect those in need with those who are best equipped to help.  

 

Pilot groups were launched this fall in Waterford Area (Sally Hood), Woodlea Manor (Lollie Shankle), and Exeter (Linda Gwinn-Casey).  We adopted this “pilot” strategy to allow us to “start small,” to learn as we go, and to try out the many ideas and plans we have for this new ministry as it grows and develops. 

 

If you would like to learn more about Neighborhood Groups, contact Clayton Cameron, Jan Joseph, or Nancy Quinn.

 

We look forward to expanding this ministry throughout more neighborhoods in Leesburg and Loudoun County in 2007, and are always open to ideas and suggestions.  Keep your eyes and ears open for additional announcements in the New Year!

 

 

Acolyte News

By Dottie Brannock

 

St James' continues to flourish by the enthusiasm and willingness of the acolytes to serve this worship ministry.  I am glad to announce the addition of new acolytes to the 9:00 service:  Emily Douglas, Mary Douglas, Temple Douglas, Riley McGovern, Jack Minchew, Elizabeth Moore, Elizabeth Ohmer, Rebecca Schneider, Matt Shankle, Mitchell Stevens, and Drew Styles.

 

The following acolytes have moved up to new positions: 9:00 serviceSydney Chapman, torchbearer, and Michelle Johnson, crucifer; 11:15 serviceAndrew Cangelosi, crucifer, and Phillip Cangelosi, crucifer.

 

 

Celebrating Years of Discipleship at St. James’

 

While the past few years have seen a host of new faces and families at St. James’, there are a number of parishioners who continue to inspire us through their faithful witness and active engagement in all sorts of ministries, serving as real models of discipleship within our Christian community. 

 

We salute those individuals in our parish who during each month celebrate more than 20 years of membership at St. James’.  Here are the parishioners with December anniversaries:

 

December Anniversaries of

20+ Year Membership at St. James’

 

 

 

Parishioner’s Name  Years of Membership

 

Dorothy McDonald  51 years

Teckla Cox               34 years

Lang Lloveras           27 years

Jolee Tyler                26 years

Tom Tyler                26 years

Andrew Sample        25 years

Alexander Mayo       24 years

Sally Moffett             24 years

Bonnie Archer         20 years

Christopher Black    20 years

Eeda Dennis             20 years

Bradley Gable           20 years

David Graves            20 years

Francie Graves         20 years

Wayne Griffith         20 years

Janis Hatch               20 years

Tricia Hatch             20 years

Amy Joyce                 20 years

Jerry Krumweide      20 years

Joe May                    20 years

Gregory Mayo          20 years

Ryan Mayo               20 years

Rachelle Schroeder  20 years

Mary Strum              20 years

Bill Strum                 20 years

Erin Young               20 years

Kelly Young              20 years

 

This group includes individuals who were baptized as infants here and have grown up in the church, as well as others who transferred from other parishes.  It’s a remarkable group--when you see any of these parishioners, be sure to congratulate them!

 

 

Announcements

 

First Night Leesburg:  Each year, the Bluemont Concert Series in partnership with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun Country presents First Night, a family-focused celebration of the arts that takes place on New Year’s Eve. The Parish Hall and Sanctuary of St. James’ serve as sites for performances. This is a wonderful event and a great way to ring in the new year.  St. James’ is in need of individuals, couples, and/or families to volunteer for 45-minute shifts, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at 11:45 p.m. for a total of 12 slots to schedule.  Volunteers are needed to help welcome people, check that everyone has an admission button, hand out copies of the evening’s schedule, and enjoy the show. Volunteers receive free admission for the evening.  To volunteer or for further information, contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124 or info@stjamesleesburg.org.

 

 

Stay tuned for a U2charist!  Looking for an opportunity to engage in a new form of worship?  Experience a U2charist! What is a U2charist?  It's a Eucharist that features the music of the rock band U2.  Global reconciliation, justice for the poor and oppressed, and the importance of caring for your neighbor are but a few of U2’s messages.  The U2charist is a follow-up event to Mary and George Pellicano's six-week U2 Bible Study last fall.  We're planning a U2charist in January; stay tuned for more details!

 

 

PROPERTY MANAGER NEEDED:  St. James’ is seeking a full-time property manager after the first of the year who will carry out routine indoor/outdoor maintenance of church facilities and other duties. Must have two years of experience in a Facilities/Property Management capacity, knowledge of basic mechanical, electrical, plumbing and carpentry functions, as well as knowledge of common yard and hand tools.  Parishioners of St. James’ are not considered for employment.  Please refer candidates for consideration to the Church Office at (703)777-1124.

 

 

Calling All Communications Gurus!

St. James’ needs you! The long-awaited Communications Ministry is in the early stages of development. Here’s your opportunity to help St. James’ convey its vision, goals, ministries, events and good works through internal and external communications. 

 

Your investment: zero dollars. Just time, talent, and enthusiasm (and a monthly meeting)

 

Donuts and coffee provided by the Ministry Head at each meeting:  About $30

 

Proclaiming the good news of the Lord; welcoming and engaging new members as well as motivation and celebrating long-time parishioners in our ministries and in worship; and uniting us in the common goal of seeking and serving Christ in all persons:  priceless

 

To join or learn more about the Communications Ministry, contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124.

 

 

From the St. James’ Parish Register

Baptisms

Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit.  Give them inquiring and discerning hearts, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.  Book of Common Prayer, page 308

 

Madeline Miller Durot, daughter of Andrew and Jill

Clayton James Rafael Boyle, son of Virginia and Teresa

Gianna June Elardo, daughter of Chris and Christine

Lindsay Chase Krepich, daughter of Stephen and Lisa

Kiley Grace McHugh, son of John and Amy

 

Transfers to St. James’

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of his Christ. Amen.  Book of Common Prayer, page 420

 

Donald & Delores Cook

Bradford, Patricia, Temple, Emily, Mary, & Bradford Douglas

 

 

2007 Fellowship Events Calendar

 

January 6 Epiphany Burning of the Greens

Recycle your Christmas greens-join us for a huge bonfire at the Hatch Farm!

February 20 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

It’s Fat Tuesday, and Youth Group is cooking up a storm!

March 11 Seder Meal Experience the traditional Jewish Feast of Passover, the Feast of Freedom.

April 21 Family Texas Hold 'Em

Count yourself in to raise funds for local charities!

May 5 Wine Tasting at Tarara Vineyard

Calling all adult palates!

May 25-28 All-Parish Retreat at Shrine Mont

Bring the family over the river and through the woods for a fun and spiritual weekend at Shrine Mont Retreat (reservations required.)

June 3 Bishop's Visitation  Welcome the Bishop to St. James’ to Celebrate Confirmation and Reception.

June 10 Reception for Graduating High School and College Seniors  Let’s give them a St. James’ family send-off!

July 22  St. James' Day Pig Roast  Celebrate the Feast of St. James’ the Greater, our patron saint.

September 8  Capital Campaign Kick-Off Dinner

Our Church Family gathers together to launch the St. James’ Capital Campaign.

September 23 Oktoberfest

It’s family fun! Germany comes to Leesburg, complete with German food, spirits, and music!

October 14 Road Rally/Scavenger Hunt/Picnic

You’re in for a crazy, mixed-up ride! Follow the tricky clues on the map and end up at a great party!

November 20 Annual Giving Victory Dinner at Ida Lee

Our Church Family celebrates the generous, giving spirit of time, talent, and treasure that is so alive at St. James’.

December 2 Advent Coffee Hours

”Slow down~it’s Advent”...join us for a light breakfast at Coffee Hours in the Parish Hall following each service.

 

Volunteers always needed and welcome!!  Contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124.

 

 

Christmas Worship Schedule

 

Sunday, December 24:     Christmas Eve

(Please note change in time.)

8:30 a.m.     Holy Eucharist

3:30 p.m.    Children’s Pageant & Holy Eucharist

5:30 p.m.    Children’s Pageant & Holy Eucharist

7:30 p.m.    Festive Holy Eucharist

10:00 p.m.  Chorale Prelude, followed by Festive Midnight Mass

 

Monday, December 25:    Christmas Day

(Please note change in time.)

10:00 a.m.   Holy Eucharist

 

Sunday, December 31:     First Sunday after Christmas

(Please note change in times.)

8:00 a.m.     Holy Eucharist

10:00 a.m.   Holy Eucharist with Children’s Chapel

 

Saturday, January 6: “Twelfth Night,” or Epiphany, and our annual Burning of the Greens — bring your Christmas tree and other holiday greens for a gigantic bonfire celebrating the Light of Christ coming into the world.

 

Sunday, January 7: The First Sunday after the Epiphany, and our Annual Meeting with the election of Vestry members will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Nave.

 

*Our normal Sunday service schedule is:

7:45 a.m.       Holy Eucharist

9:00 a.m.       Holy Eucharist with Children’s Chapel

10:10 a.m.     Adult Forum, Sunday Schools

11:15 a.m.     Holy Eucharist with Children’s Chapel and Prayers for Healing

 

 

 

Who we ARE…

 

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.

 

 

Service Information

 

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.

 

 

Ministry Directory

 

                                                                                       Vestry Point of Contact

WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Acolytes:  Dottie Brannock                                                  E. Nunnally

Altar Guild:  Margaret Akers                                              M.F. Forcier

Children’s Chapel:

(9:00) Julie Garey                                                                 M. Pellicano

Bridget Penberthy

(11:15) Mary Davila

Lay Eucharistic Ministers:

Jeff Brannock                                                      E. Nunnally

Ron Kunz

Music Director: