LOAVES & FISHES

The next Loaves & Fishes deadline is Monday, March 19, 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’:

When I was in college, I was given a piece of advice that I found very helpful. The advice was repeated to me in seminary in a different, but equally helpful version. Now, as we begin the season of Lent, I share this advice with you.

First, a little background:

In college, I was often overwhelmed. I’d had a decent high school education, but it was nothing to prepare me for the rigors of Wabash College. There were so many interesting courses (and majors) to choose from. There were so many readings assigned by each professor – more assignments than anyone could possibly complete. And there were so many ideas competing for attention and allegiance — interesting but competing ideas about politics, human nature, economy, God, history!

One day, feeling particularly stressed and inundated, I asked a professor for help, and that’s when I first heard the advice: “when you’re faced with a choice of what to study, what to read, and what to believe, your best bet is to stick with the courses, authors, and ideas that were around 40 years ago and will likely be around 40 years from now.”

Fast forward to seminary. I’m taking a homiletics class (“homiletics” is the technical term for the art of writing and preaching sermons), and once again, I feel overwhelmed: so many different preaching styles! So many commentaries, more than could possibly read. And so many different ways to approach any one gospel text – interesting but competing approaches: should one be prophetic? Spiritual? Inspirational? Comforting? Challenging?

And that’s when I heard a variation on the same advice: that I should write my sermons in such a way that they could have been preached 40 years ago, and might be preached 40 years from now.

Both times the advice was given, it was the same:

Aim for the classics.

“Classics” are things of lasting value or enduring excellence (think of a classic novel, or classical music.) Classics are “things that are always in fashion, usually because of simplicity and restraint in style.” (Think of the classic “little black dress” or Brooks Brothers’ suit.) And classics are things that conform to generally accepted principles; in other words, they’re not flaky, nouveau, or trendy.

What does this have to do with Lent? With you, with the practice of your faith?

Well, the forty-day season of Lent is a time to step back from the daily nitty-gritty of our lives in order to take a longer view of our life. But it’s easy to get overwhelmed: there are so many ways to observe Lent, so many ways to improve our spirituality. So many vices to give up. So many competing disciplines to take on: more prayer time? More reading? More silence? How to choose?

Aim for the classics: on page 12 of this issue of Loaves & Fishes is a letter written by The Rev. Richard T. Davis, then Rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, on February 18, 1880 – almost 127 years ago to the day.

In his letter, he recommends using Lent to give “more than the usual degree of thought and attention to spiritual and eternal things,” namely:

1. self-examination: making a point to see clearly our faults and deficiencies, and resolving, in God’s grace, to correct them.

2. fasting: coming up with a “rule and system” for abstaining from food and drink;

3. making one’s private devotions and reading of the Bible “more frequent, and perhaps longer than you have been accustomed;”

4. worship: attending church services and resolving to “bring others along with you;”

5. self-denial: “indulging sparingly in pleasures and amusements” in order to pay more attention to “the one thing needful” (a reference that is sadly lost on most modern readers: read Luke 10:38-42); and

6. showing kindness to the poor and needy, and visiting the sick and afflicted.

Classics, every one of them.

This was lasting, practical, simple, generally accepted advice for making “happier and more useful Christians” over a hundred years ago.

And it will be every bit as good, one hundred years from now.

So go, and “do thou likewise!”

Faithfully yours,

Fr. John

What Is Lent?

This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 21, marking the end of the season of Epiphany and the beginning of the penitential season of Lent.

Just what is Lent? What is it about? When and where did it start?

The Teutonic word Lent, which we use to denote the forty days of fasting, almsgiving, acts of penance, and other forms of disciplined spiritual devotion preceding Easter, originally meant no more than the spring season. Still it has been used for centuries to translate the more significant Latin term quadragesima, meaning the “forty days,” or more literally the “fortieth day.”

Lent has a complex origin. In the early church, the observance of Jesus’ baptism at the feast of the Epiphany was followed by a period of fasting in imitation of the wilderness fasting of Jesus. More generally, a period of fasting at this time of year developed as part of the preparation of adult baptismal candidates. By the fourth century, Lent took on a six-week duration approximating the forty-day fasts of Moses (Exodus 34), Elijah (1 Kings), and Jesus himself (Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4). A total of forty pre-Easter fast days became the custom in the seventh century. Because Sundays, as days celebrating the Resurrection, were not figured among the number of fast days, Lent was calculated to begin on the seventh Wednesday before Easter: on “Ash Wednesday,” ashes were sprinkled on penitents and, starting in the early 1100s, upon all the repentant faithful who were marked on their foreheads with the sign of the cross.

From the sixth century onwards, preference was increasingly given to the baptism of infants, and emphasis on Lent as baptismal preparation for adult converts declined in favor of general penitential practices and fasting. The Lenten fast was initially very strict: one daily meal was eaten (usually in the evening), and dietary restrictions were imposed, among them abstinence from meat, eggs, dairy products, and alcohol. In the ninth century food prohibitions were often relaxed and the breaking of the fast came earlier in the day, yet fasting and limitation of consumption have persisted to the present day as characteristic Lenten disciplines.

For us contemporary Christians, the historic baptismal associations and practices of Lent—along with the Great Easter Vigil—have been reclaimed. Lent has become a time of preparation for those anticipating Easter baptism by learning about and experiencing the Christian faith as well as a time of spiritual reflection for those of us seeking to enrich our faith.

(Excerpted from The Oxford Companion to Christian Thought)

Worship During Lent & Holy Week

Ash Wednesday, February 21:

6:30 a.m.: Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes

12:00 Noon: Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes

6:00 p.m.: Children’s Liturgy with Imposition of Ashes

7:30 p.m.: Holy Eucharist & Imposition of Ashes

Palm Sunday, April 1:

Regular service times (7:45, 9:00, & 11:15 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 3: Tenebrae, 7:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, April 5:

6:00 p.m.: The Last Supper/Holy Eucharist with Children’s Homily

7:30 p.m.: Liturgy for Maundy Thursday with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar

8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.: All-Night Prayer Vigil before the Altar of Repose

Good Friday, April 6:

6:30 a.m.: Liturgy for Good Friday

12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.: The Three Holy Hours, with Guided Meditations & Silence

6:00 p.m.: Children’s Good Friday Liturgy

7:30 p.m.: Liturgy for Good Friday

Easter Sunday, April 8:

5:00 a.m.: The Great Vigil of Easter, with Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist

7:30 a.m.: Festive Celebration of Easter Sunday

9:00 a.m.: Festive Celebration of Easter Sunday

11:15 a.m.: Festive Celebration of Easter Sunday

Building Committee Update

by Pam Mossburg

A lot has been happening since the introduction of the architects, cox graae + spack, at the Annual Meeting on January 7, 2007. The highlights are as follows:

¨ Architects conducted interviews with ministry heads to identify the various facility needs. Written comments have also been received from 12 other parishioners and forwarded to the architects.

¨ Senior Warden and Building Committee met with the St. James’ Trustees to orient them to our plan for renovation and expansion. The trustees represent the St. James’ congregation in matters of acquiring loans or mortgages, sale of church property or the purchase of new property. While there aren’t any trustee actions required at this time, the Vestry and the committee wanted to involve them early in the process. The trustees enthusiastically supported the plan, but encouraged us to look beyond current needs; to “think big” and to have a vision.

¨ Architects presented initial program requirements to the Building Committee at the end of January. The requirements are very detailed, including suggested square footage estimates. They also highlight and confirm key structural issues to be resolved. The Building Committee is currently analyzing the report and will discuss it with the Vestry on February 20.

¨ Finance Committee researched financial options and related costs, if the congregation decides to consider funding outside of the Capital Campaign. It is also preparing for a presentation to the Diocese of Virginia Standing Committee on February 15. By Canon, Standing Committee approval is required for a parish to incur indebtedness above a specified level (an extensive “business case” submission is required). The Building and Finance committees are trying to have all options available for Vestry and congregational consideration.

¨ Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier and Building Committee Chair Ron Kunz conducted a Parish Information Session at the February 4 Adult Forum. Upcoming Parish Information Session dates are listed on page 5. Everyone is encouraged to attend one of these sessions.

Parish Information Sessions

To give you an update as well as answer your questions about our upcoming building renovation and expansion, we have scheduled the following Parish Information Sessions:

¨ Sunday, February 25 at 12:30 p.m.: Brunch at the Rectory

¨ Wednesday, March 7 at 12:30 p.m.: Lunch in the Parish Hall

¨ Sunday, March 25 at 10:10 a.m.: Session led by Senior Warden Mary Frances Forcier and Building Committee Chair Ron Kunz

To participate in the February 25 or March 7 events, RSVP to the Church Office at (703)777-1124 so that we can make food preparation plans.

The Property Committee Needs Volunteers!

The new and improved Property Committee is seeking volunteers to provide oversight, guidance and possibly the very occasional lift of the hand for the care of our facilities and grounds.

Distinctly different from the Building Committee, the newly revitalized Property Committee will have a well-defined mission and plan for how to continue preserving and caring for our physical plant and grounds. Members will help define long range and short-range solutions to problems affecting our facilities as well as structuring guidance for the daily care and use of the buildings and grounds. Familiarity with power tools and other implements of destruction is not a requirement for membership (though it doesn’t hurt!).

We seek individuals with a passion for the facilities our predecessors have provided us. Volunteers will become the benevolent stewards who ensure those facilities are able to serve the generations who follow. Meetings will be held monthly and a charter of the committee’s roles and responsibilities will be available soon for review. Your inquiry is not a binding commitment but simply an indication of interest.

Contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for further information.

Save the date: Saturday, March 24

Spring Clean-up Day at St. James’!

A light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Children & Youth Ministries

by the Rev. Mary Davila

10 Best Parenting Ways to Ruin Your Teenager

An intriguing title to an intriguing workshop!

On Saturday, March 10, from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m., Elaine Boomer, MSW, will be at St. James’ for a morning of conversation and training with parents of teenagers, and parents of soon-to-be teenagers. Elaine is a leader in the field of family systems theory and is in private practice in Vienna, VA. As Elaine says, “There’s no way around it, parenting teenagers is not easy! There is a way, however, that need not be toxic or horrific. The first mistake that most parents make is to attempt to ‘parent’ their teenager. The more helpful stance is a coaching and challenging relationship that helps guide the teenager toward maturity and personal responsibility.”

Come learn the common errors that parents make in their relationship with their teenagers and discover some ways to change ineffective parental behaviors that will only frustrate the teenager and keep the parents’ “stuck.”

We will be using the book, 10 Best Ways to Ruin Your Teenager, by Israel Galindo and Don Reagan. These will be available at a cost of $12.

This event is open to the public and free of charge. The workshop will be held in the Parish Hall.

The Children of St. James’ Need You!

What: Children’s Chapel Leaders Meeting to discuss current practices, share ideas, and plan for the future

Who: All Children’s Chapel leaders and those interested in joining this ministry

Where: At the home of Bridget Penberthy

When: Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Why: To bring new and current leaders together for fellowship

Please consider leading Children’s Chapel at either the 9:00 or 11:15 services. Training and materials are provided and you may volunteer as little or as much as you want! Contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for more information.

Youth confirmation classes will begin on Sunday, February 25, for the Sunday section (10:10-11:00 a.m.), and Wednesday, February 28, for the Wednesday night (7:30-9:00 p.m.) section. Remember that the youth must speak to Pastor Mary, Pastor Jeunée, or Carol Hathaway (Confirmation class sponsors) about his or her desire to be confirmed. We ask that youth commit to one of the two sections and stick with that class, as the two sections are not on the same schedule. The service of Confirmation will take place on Sunday, June 3. Contact Pastor Mary for more information!

Pizza with a Purpose continues on Wednesday nights. Middle School meets from 6:00-7:30, and Senior High from 7:30-9:00. Beginning February 28, Senior High will include a confirmation component, but we will still have Pizza with a Purpose.

Youth Groups

Regular Youth Group Meetings:

Middle School: 4:30-6:30 @ St. James’

Senior High: 6:00-7:30 at the Shankles’ house

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper! Tuesday, February 20. Get ready for Lent by indulging in eggs, butter, and fat– foods traditionally not eaten during the Lenten season. The Youth Groups will be doing the cooking and serving. There is no charge for dinner, but all donations will go to fund youth mission trips. We have two seatings: 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. No need to sign up, just come!

Senior High trip to Shrine Mont March 23-25! Join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and worship in the mountains of Virginia! Cost is $120 and scholarships are available. Contact Pastor Mary to sign up.

Senior High Mission Trip June 22-29! We will return to North Carolina for the Towel ministry program, a week of home renovation and re-building, and an opportunity to get to know some wonderful folks who live in those homes. If these dates conflict with graduations, we will offer a Saturday departure. There is no fee to go on the trip. Please sign up with Mary by March 1. We can take 10 youth, and if we have more folks wanting to go than space to accommodate them, we will take older youth first (12^th grade), and then work our way down to rising 9^th graders.

Lenten Rules in 1880

On February 18, 1880, Rev. Richard T. Davis, Rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Leesburg, advised his parishioners on the observance of Lent. Mrs. English Cole of Leesburg recently found a copy of the instructions, which seem as timely as then. Rev. Davis’ letter follows.

Reprinted from the Loudoun Times-Mirror (date unknown)

RECTORY, Leesburg, Feb. 18, 1880

Dear Brethren:

At this season, when devout hearts are asking: How shall I spend Lent; and how shall I best improve it? Permit your pastor, in a spirit of affectionate solicitude, to make to you some brief, practical suggestions. You are at this time called by the Church, (whose voice is in harmony with the teachings of the Scriptures,) to practice a more than usual self-denial, and to give a more than usual degree of thought and attention to spiritual and eternal things. Let me recommend them.

(1) That at the outset you be faithful and honest in the work of self-examination. If you have faults and deficiencies, see them clearly; and resolve, in God’s grace, now to correct them.

(2) Determine before hand in what manner, and to what degree, you will practice abstinence. Unless you have rule and system in your fasting, the probability is that you will hardly fast at all. This advice is of course, intended for those who are in health, and have vigorous appetites.

(3) Make your private devotions and devotional reading of the Bible, more frequent, and perhaps longer, than you have been accustomed. It is chiefly in private communion with God, that the vital influences of grace are communicated from the Head to the members, from the Vine to the branches.

(4) As far as it is possible for you, attend regularly upon the religious services in the Church; and try to bring others along with you.

(5) Indulge sparingly in pleasures and amusements; and be careful that such things not be allowed to distract your attention, or, if you can help it, that of others, from the pursuit of the one thing needful.

(6) Lay yourselves out to show kindness to the poor and the needy, and to visit the sick and afflicted.

And that you may so use the opportunities of this season, as to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” as to be happier and more useful Christians, and to welcome the dying hour, is the prayer of

Your Affectionate Pastor,

RICHARD T. DAVIS.

Outreach Update

by Rosemary Sump

Christmas Offering: St. James’ received $22,840.66 in Christmas offerings. This generous amount will be used to support a team leader in the Katrina recovery effort for 2007, and the remainder was divided between Loudoun Literacy Council and additional projects such as the St. James’ mission to support the ongoing Katrina rebuilding effort.

The Christmas Alternative Gift Market raised just over $10,000 for our market participants Heifer International, Loudoun Free Clinic, Loudoun Literacy Council, Solar Light for Africa, and the St. James’ Katrina Recovery Team.

Easter Offering: This year, Easter Offerings will continue to fund Jackson-Field Homes and The Boys’ Home at present levels, with the balance going towards a St. James’ mission to Africa.

Upcoming Outreach Opportunities: We have several upcoming opportunities for hands on outreach at St. James’ and encourage everyone to find something of interest and get involved:

¨ Tuesday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m.: We will be cooking and freezing food for the Pastoral Associates to use on their calls—no experience necessary. Contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for more information.

¨ The weekend of March 16-18 is an adult work weekend at Shrine Mont.

¨ March 30-April 3: A team from St. James’ will head to New Orleans to continue working on Katrina recovery.

Please be sure to check the weekly Announcements for additional outreach opportunities.

The next Outreach Committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 11 at 12:45 p.m. in the Parish Library. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Additionally, if you have ideas for outreach activities or see a need in the community that is unmet, contact us through the Church Office at (703)777-1124.

Celebrating Years of Discipleship at St. James’

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

Nancy Waddell 38 years

James (Robert) Barrett 37 years

Thomas Horne 34 years

Debi Mayo 29 years

Rachel Newell 29 years

Ric Knight 23 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!

The Set Up

(one in an occasional series of book reviews by parishioners)

by Anya Johnson

Do you feel set up by love? Set up by significant others with their version of love? What about God? Is his version of love a set-up? God says in Jeremiah 31:3 - “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Is this simply an obscure line written in Scripture or does God pursue us like a lover, desiring our hearts to fill them in such a way both women AND men can find life to be more than just chores and duties? John Eldredge and Brent Curtis, authors of The Sacred Romance, write in their opening page, “Some years into our spiritual journey, after the waves of anticipation that mark the beginning of any pilgrimage have begun to ebb into life’s middle year of service and busyness, a voice speaks to us in the midst of all we are doing. There is something missing in all of this, it suggests. There is something more.”

That desire for something more can lead to the set up. Men feel set up that they have to let it be known by hook or by crook their undying love for their wife or girlfriend. Women feel set up with desires left unmet. The pressure is always on - “Do you love me? And if you do, you would. . .” The feeling of it is never enough. One way or another, human love does not satisfy the soul.

Often, out of our fear of failing at our attempts to love our spouse, parents, children, friends—even God—we flee from making such attempts. The Sacred Romance can halt your flight, and can expose you to those areas of God's heart that may have been elusive throughout your spiritual journey. Eldredge and Curtis share rousing personal stories that brought them to the realization of God’s diligent pursuit of us. Through examples of film and music, they clarify the pursuit, the energy, the fight God engages in to woo you, to recover what was meant to be you from the moment he thought of you.

This is not a how-to book, a “you shall live happily ever after” story. Whether you are male or female, you will feel as you ponder such chapters as “The Lost Life of the Heart,” “The Wildness of God,” “Less-Wild-Lovers.” The pages of these chapters lay out clearly the thoughts and questions that come to us when the day is done, the lights are off, when our lives play back to us and we wish for sleep to come quickly. A reader of this book said it well – “This is not a "feel good" kind of book. It does not tell us that everything will be all right if we just have faith. It explores the harsh realities of life and the glorious possibilities of our God-given destiny of a life in communion with Him.”

As for me, I do not like being set-up. However, I do like surprises. The Sacred Romance surprised me. Two men writing about romance, trying to convince me, a female, that they have realized God does not set us up. They explain vividly that we might be living as practical agnostics because we think perhaps God will come through, perhaps he won’t. One way to avoid feeling set up is a read of The Sacred Romance.

Announcements

Newcomers’ Corner

by Ruth Blakeslee

New to St. James’? Our next Newcomers' coffee will be on Sunday, March 4, 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.

It is still time for resolutions. We are currently between the New Year and the start of Lent. Fr. John recently suggested in his e-pistle that Lent was a time of new beginnings—a time when we give up and take up. So, take up a new resolution about our newcomers.

If you look at our guest registers, you will quickly see that every week we have new guests attending our services. Frequently they are church shopping. What are they looking for? Certainly the worship experience, but friendliness and a sense of fellowship is also extremely important. Church is the place where we want to feel that we are included and connected. It all starts with a smile and a greeting.

I recently invited my pew mate to stay for coffee and was embarrassed when the response was that they had come for a month and I was the first to speak. No one should leave our presence without being acknowledged and greeted.

As members of St. James’, we are all "ex-officio" members of the Newcomers' Committee and the greeters team. Make this your resolution—to smile and greet those you do not know. It is an easy investment on your part, but the returns on the investment are abundant.

Scholarships Available for Katrina Relief Trips

The Outreach Committee has established a fund to provide scholarships and other financial assistance to parishioners heading down to New Orleans or the Gulfport region to work on Katrina relief efforts. Money from the Christmas offering has been put in a fund for groups to pay for masks, food and other supplies, plus to provide assistance with airfare and rental car costs for people who could use the help. Contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124 for more information.

U2charist a Resounding Success!

The U2charist which we held in the Nave on Saturday, February 10, at 5:00 p.m. exceeded all expectations! More than 250 people worshipped at this Eucharist, clapping and singing along with the music of U2 and Bono. And...we collected $3,462.20! This money will be offered to Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation (EGR), the organization dedicated to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. So many St. Jamesians gave so much of their time and effort to making this service happen. Thanks to all of you!

Shrine Mont Volunteer Weekend: March 16-18, 2007

Volunteers (age 16 & over) are needed to spend a free weekend to help Shrine Mont Camps & Conference Center get ready to open for 2007. If interested, contact the Church Office at (703)777-1124.

11:15 Coffee Drinkers - We Need Your Help! We've just taken over coordination of the hosts for coffee after the 11:15 service from Kim Stribling. (Thanks to Kim who coordinated this ministry for five years!) If you would be interested in hosting coffee hour one Sunday, contact Freddie & Bill Martin at the Church Office at (703)777-1124. Coffee is set up for us. Coffee hour hosts provide light refreshments. Refreshments can be as simple as doughnuts and juice from the grocery store or more elaborate, if you wish. The point is to enhance the few minutes of great fellowship we enjoy after the service. Please think about helping out. The more hosts we have, the easier it is for everyone to enjoy coffee hour!

Spiritual Support Group for Families with Special Needs

On the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7:15-8:30 p.m., St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church hosts a spiritual support group for parents of children with special needs, especially autism spectrum and ADHD. Sometimes it’s hard to find God in the middle of a difficult parenting situation. Experience the comfort of sharing that search with others who understand. This group is completely “drop-in.” Come when you can. Spread the word to others. Meeting in the art room at Belmont Ridge Middle School in Lansdowne. For more information, contact Sharon Boivin at (703)779-3616.

From the St. James’ Parish Register

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)

William & Ettienne Mitchell and Morgan Andreiev

Leo, Debra, Sarah, Maggie and Jason Sheridan

Kara Lynn Hayduk

Adult Forum in Lent

An In-depth Bible Study of The Parable of the Prodigal Son

(10:10 a.m., Board Room, North Street School Building)

Sunday, February 25: “There was a man who had two sons…”--Fr. John and Rev. Kate introduce a five-part Bible Study on one of Jesus’ greatest and most famous parables (found in Luke 15).

Sunday, March 4: Forgiveness--Why is it so hard to forgive people--even ourselves? Why is it so hard to accept forgiveness? Join us for this second session in a five-part series.

Sunday, March 11: Straying--In the third of this five-part series, we explore how we find our way back home when we stray far away from God.

Sunday, March 18: Grace