LOAVES & FISHES

The next Loaves & Fishes deadline is Monday, April 16, 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’:

Last weekend, I was able to go with my son Will to New Orleans, where we mixed “business” with pleasure – a wonderful mix of serving the poor and having fun.

Friday and Sunday were the fun part: for several years now, we’ve been treated to a special occasion: A group of a dozen or so friends – mostly fathers and sons – drive or fly to a different city every year in order to attend first-round NCAA basketball games.

When we make these trips, we’re usually just tourists on Saturday, the “day off” of basketball.

But this year, with hundreds of thousands of people still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, we decided that we would work on Saturday, doing what we could to provide relief to Katrina victims.

So about three months ago, I volunteered to be the group’s coordinator for our Saturday outreach effort. I was able to connect with the Diocese of Louisiana and the same organizers that our adult missioners worked with in November of 2006.

I found out that the greatest need New Orleans has is for volunteers who are able to help homeowners gut and clean up their flooded homes. The work, they warned us (and I knew from hearing our own parishioners’ stories) is very hard but also very rewarding. Homeowners need help removing furniture, books, clothing and their other possessions, then in some cases gutting their houses to the studs.

We rented a 15-passenger van on Friday and drove to a local Episcopal Church where we received a

briefing and driving instructions to the Mobile Respite Care Unit, where our sons would spend the day (youth under a certain age are not allowed to gut houses, due to safety concerns, and so they are put to work delivering cleaning supplies, meals, and other necessities).

After dropping off the boys, we started the drive along I-10, North and East of downtown. At first, the conversation in the van was jovial – lots of kidding around, everyone in a great mood, laughing and talking.

Then it hit us.

On either side of I-10, mile after mile, as far as the eye could see, nothing. Nothing but empty houses, empty gas stations, empty furniture and tire stores.

Not a single human being in sight.

It was like something out of a science fiction movie, where there are no longer any human beings.

Except this was real.

Nineteen months after the costliest and one of the deadliest hurricanes in United States history – a storm that left six, eight, and even twelve feet of rancid floodwater standing in homes for almost two weeks – many people still have not even removed the furniture from their homes.

There’s a vicious, downward cycle in many parts of the city: businesses are not re-opening because people are not moving back, and people are not moving back because businesses are not re-opening.

They were right about the work: it was very hard, very sweaty, and very smelly. We worked straight through lunch and finished early, around 3:00. After driving back to the hotel and taking a long, hot shower, we dressed and went into town for dinner.

Early the next morning, I went for a run along the Riverwalk and ended up at Café du Monde (nothing like a café’ au lait to re-hydrate with!) I got in line – about five or six people deep – and soon after, a woman got in line behind me. She turned out to be a local, so I asked her: “when does the line get really bad, after 10 or so?”

Her answer: “the line gets really long after 10, but ever since the storm, we don’t call that “bad” – long lines are great. We’re so glad you’re here.”

What a change in perspective.

What a great weekend.

Faithfully yours,

Fr. John

Worship During Holy Week

Palm Sunday, April 1:

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

Communications Committee: Heralding the Good Works of St. James’

by Julie Johnson

The newly-formed Communications Committee has been hard at work over the last few months – organizing the committee, recruiting new communications gurus and disseminating St. James’ news, programs and good works.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far:

· Formalized the committee, which currently includes six members;

· Implemented a set of procedures and priorities for the committee to work on over the next year;

· Reached out to other ministries to collaborate on the issues and news relevant to St. James’ members and the community-at-large including the impending building renovation and expansion;

· Initiated plans to work in conjunction with the IT ministry to optimize the St. James’ website as a communications vehicle; and

· Disseminated newsworthy events and information to the media including the recent U2charist (a resounding success) and “Ten Best Parenting Ways to Ruin Your Teenager” workshop.

But that’s not all. We also will be:

· Conducting two communications workshops, so that each ministry can learn how to get the word out about their activities;

· Creating an editorial calendar for Loaves & Fishes that will highlight each ministry and their work, inform members on the issues that are important to them, provide direction to burning questions like “How do I add someone to the prayer list?” “When does St. James’ hold new member classes?” and “What is the process for being received into the Episcopal Church?”; and

· Refining the St. James’ message and ensuring that all forms of communications reflect that message clearly and consistently.

Keep your eye out for the latest news and developments at St. James’. We believe this new committee will enhance communications with our members and provide you with the information you want and need.

Interested in joining this exciting and dynamic committee ? All that is required is one monthly meeting and a desire to contribute ideas and implement actions. Contact Julie Johnson at info@stjamesleesburg.org.

Building Committee: Continued Happenings

by Kathleen White

The big presentations may be over for the moment, but work continues on the renovation/expansion of our facility.

The Finance Committee made their presentation to the Standing Committee for the Diocese of Virginia on February 15 for the purchase of the Seccombe property and met with great success—the request was answered with a resounding yes! The Standing Committee made a further recommendation to St. James’ to not limit ourselves to the solutions to our immediate requirements, but rather to think BIG and consider the growth needs of future parishioners as did past congregation members when rebuilding our present-day Sanctuary.

A St. James’ special congregational meeting will take place on April 15, at 10:00 a.m. in the Nave. The purpose of this meeting is two-fold. First, the Vestry and the Building Committee will jointly present to the congregation a recommendation to purchase the Seccombe property, followed by a formal congregational vote to confirm approval.

Secondly, the architects (cox graae + spack) will present an overview of several preliminary concept designs based on their ministry head interviews, the completed questionnaires submitted by individual parishioners, and the space needs that resulted from “crunching the numbers.”

In addition to continuing to study, evaluate and revise the draft designs, the Building Committee is starting the process to select a construction contractor and recruit an owner’s representative to serve as on-site project manager once construction begins.

Children & Youth Ministries

by the Rev. Mary Davila

Young Mothers: Join a New Small Group Bible Study. Anna Mitchum and Ruth Grubbs are currently organizing a small group Bible study for young mothers at St. James’. The group will meet one morning each week. Meetings will be held in participant's homes on a rotating basis starting on Tuesday, April 10, at 9:30 a.m. Childcare is provided; financial assistance is offered for those in need. Any and all young mothers at St. James’ are welcome to join. For further information, contact Anna Mitchum at info@stjamesleesburg.org.

Instructed Eucharist/Maundy Thursday Children’s Service

Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, is the day when we remember Jesus’ institution of the Holy Eucharist. The disciples gathered for the Passover meal, and that meal became known as the Last Supper. Given that, Maundy Thursday is the perfect time to teach children (and adults) about the meaning of Eucharist. We have offered “instructed Eucharists” from time to time, and this gathering will be similar, only the instruction will take place within the service itself. Please join us at 6:00 p.m. for this service of Eucharist and teaching.

We will not have Sunday School on Easter Sunday, April 8.

Sunday, May 20, is the last day of Sunday school, and it’s Youth Sunday! Youth will lead the music, read the lessons, and preach at the 9:00 service. We’ll also recognize all graduating seniors, so please notify Pastor Mary if you are graduating so we can be sure to include you.

Vacation Bible School: Once again this year, we will team up with Leesburg Presbyterian Church for a week of music, Bible stories, fun, and games! The dates are July 9-13. Registration forms will be available on April 29.

Youth Groups

Regular Youth Group Meetings:

Middle School: 4:30-6:30 @ St. James’

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

Youth Groups are on Spring Break on Sunday, April 1, and Sunday, April 8. We resume our regular gatherings on Sunday, April 15.

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.

Pizza with a Purpose: A hip, fun Bible study and the occasion to hang out and eat pizza. PWAP is very well attended… and it’s not too late to join us! 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.

Save the Date: Middle School Outreach Camp, August 27-30. We are teaming up with St. Mary’s, Arlington, for a four-day, daytime camp that will take us from Washington, DC to Woodstock, VA! We’ll do a different outreach project each day, with a surprise activity on Thursday. Stay tuned for more information!

New Orleans mission trip for Senior High youth (age 16 and older). July 21-28. The trip will be led by Pete Nunnally of St. James’. We are teaming up with some local youth groups for Katrina demolition and reconstruction. If you are interested in coming, please speak to Pete or Pastor Mary by April 15. On April 15, we will have a required information session during senior high Youth Group (6:00-7:30). We have room for six youth and still need one additional adult.

An Invitation to All Adults to:

· Become a member of St. James’ or

· Confirm your faith through the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation or

· Be received into the Episcopal Church

Have you been attending St. James’ for a while but have not yet become a member? Are you a member of St. James’ but — having been baptized as a baby or young child — have never been confirmed? Were you confirmed in another denomination, and are thinking about becoming an Episcopalian? Or perhaps you’ve been looking for an opportunity to “dig deeper” and take the next step in your faith — to take your faith more seriously, or to get more connected with St. James’ Episcopal Church. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then we invite you to take the St. James’ Membership Class.

Becoming a member of St. James’ involves six simple steps:

Step One: Worship regularly at St. James’.

The first step in joining any church is to worship there regularly, and to ask yourself if it is the kind of place you could make your spiritual home. We conduct three services each Sunday, each with its own identity. Services are at 7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.

Step Two: Come to a Newcomers’ Coffee.

Newcomers’ Coffees, hosted by our Newcomers’ Committee, are an informal, relaxed time to meet the clergy and leaders of St. James.’ Newcomers’ Coffees are usually held the first Sunday of each month, at 10:10 a.m. in the Janney Parlor. The next Newcomers’ Coffees is April 1.

Step Three: Attend a Newcomers’ Class.

Our two-part Newcomers’ Class, led by our clergy and lay leaders, are designed for those who want a brief introduction to St. James’. The Newcomers’ Class offers you an opportunity to begin to make a connection with St. James’. It’s a time to ask questions, to meet other newcomers, and to find out how to join our church. Newcomers’ Classes are usually offered the two Sundays following our Newcomers’ Coffee, and run from 10:10 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (concurrent with Sunday School and Adult Forum).

The next two Newcomers’ Classes are on April 15 & 22.

Completion of a Newcomers’ Class is asked of all those who intend to attend our Membership Class (see Step Five).

Step Four: Be baptized (if you haven’t been already).

(If you are already a baptized Christian, skip to Step Five.)

If you are an adult and have never been baptized, we offer a four-part Baptismal Preparation Class for Adults each Lent (this class is already underway.)

Adults are baptized at The Great Vigil of Easter, our Easter Sunday sunrise service.

Step Five: Attend a Membership Class.

Our five-part Membership Class, led by Fr. John and Rev. Kate, is for those who want to become members of St. James’.

It is also a prerequisite for those who want to confirm their faith through the sacramental rite of Confirmation, and for those who wish to be received into the Episcopal Church (see Step Six).

You have a choice in Membership Classes between our Wednesday evening class or our Sunday afternoon class. The next Wednesday class meets 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., on May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30, and the next Sunday class meets 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., on May 6, May 13, and May 20 (a light lunch will be provided).

Step Six: Be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church at the Bishop’s Visitation.

After completing the Membership Class, if you...

· are baptized but have never been confirmed (i.e., made an adult, public affirmation of your faith), and you want to be confirmed as an Episcopalian, OR

· have been baptized AND confirmed in another denomination but you want to be received into the Episcopal Church, OR

· are already a confirmed Episcopalian and wish to reaffirm the commitment you made earlier,

...then you will be able to be receive the Sacramental Rites of Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation during Bishop Shannon Johnston’s Episcopal Visitation on June 3, 2007.

Katrina Relief—A Parishioner’s Story

by Wendy Glorioso

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go on a mission trip and help people who are suffering. I have seen the images of poverty, natural disasters, sickness, and oppression on television or in newspapers, but I have never experienced any of those problems; thankfully, I’ve led a fortunate life, so far. Going on a mission trip just seemed like the right thing to do, but I never had the time or the money.

Then in January, Pastor Mary sent an e-mail to the St. James’ 20s/30s group members, asking for volunteers to travel to Mississippi and help with Katrina relief. My first thought was, “Here is my chance!” For the first time in my adult life, I was not working or going to school full-time, and the trip cost was covered by the church. Even though I was four months pregnant, I could not pass up this opportunity. The timing was perfect, and I decided to go!

The trip took place during President’s Day Weekend, and our group consisted of members of St. James’ and members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, VA. Altogether there were sixteen people traveling, and the vans to the airport were filled to the brim with duffle bags, suitcases, and sleeping bags. Our flights were fully packed as well because not only was it President’s Day Weekend, but the last weekend of Mardi Gras!

After landing in Gulfport, MS, we gathered our luggage, rounded up the rental cars, and drove to our new home for the next four days: the St. Patrick’s Church gymnasium at Camp Coast Care. The Lutheran-Episcopal camp provides assistance to Mississippi victims of Hurricane Katrina, in the form of food, clothing, re-building, counseling, and help getting government financial assistance. The Camp was designed to be temporary housing for relief volunteers. However, eighteen months after the disaster, Camp Coast Care leaders say that they plan on operating for the next five years, at least.

Very quietly, we walked into the gym and searched the rows of about 50 sleeping people for an empty cot. The first night, I found it difficult to sleep because of excitement, hard cots, and snoring gym-mates. By the third night, I slept like an old pro, and earplugs helped immensely! Every morning, the lights came on at 6:30 a.m. One of my concerns about the trip was, “Will there be enough to eat?” I am happy to report that there was plenty of food for the regular meals and snacks in between, and the food tasted surprisingly good!

At around 8:00 a.m., everyone gathered on the bleachers for morning worship before the job assignments were given for the day. We could choose the location where we wanted to work, and we could choose different projects each day or stay with the same project. My projects included installing sheet rock, manning the Welcome desk for the Camp, and driving a fork lift. Some work was hard physical labor and some was relaxing. There was a job for everyone, no matter your age, physical condition, or experience level.

My favorite assignment was working in the Case Management Office as a receptionist and assistant. I met some clients from the local area who needed help rebuilding their lives after the storm. As they sat waiting for a counselor, I talked with them about how they were doing, and suddenly, they started weeping. They told me that the government and insurance companies were not helping. They said that the only entities giving assistance were volunteers and God. I was amazed by the faith that came from these people. Some had lost everything, and yet they believed that the Lord was with them and that they could see his work in everything. They cried, but they smiled at the same time and said to me, “God bless you” again and again. I was inspired and awe-struck by their words.

We worked all day Friday and Saturday and a half day on Monday. Sunday was a free day, and our St. James’-St. Mary’s group took the opportunity to tour the area and see New Orleans. The Mississippi coastline is a shocking spectacle. Most of the properties along the shoreline contain empty foundations, and the houses are simply gone. Debris hangs from the trees; front porch steps lead to nowhere. St. Patrick’s Church in Pass Christian, MS, is just a foundation facing the sea; someone constructed a large wooden cross to mark the site as having been a church. When Katrina hit, the Gulf waters rushed onto the land, and when the waters retreated, it took everything out into the Gulf, including houses, cars, and other belongings. It was a sad sight.

When we reached downtown New Orleans, all the buildings were renovated and the streets were cleaned up. Everything appeared back to normal after Katrina, and the atmosphere was festive and celebratory. We ate lunch, watched street performers, and stood front row for a Mardi Gras parade.

We returned to Camp Coast Care that evening with full bellies and necks full of beads. (Only the boys bared their chests!)

On Monday afternoon, it was time to leave, and we packed up and headed back to the airport. I am so glad that I went to Mississippi. My pregnancy was not much of an impediment, which shows that anyone can help with the rebuilding efforts, as long as they are willing. I learned that the trip was not just about physical labor; it was also about witnessing the devastation and telling others that Mississippi and Louisiana still need our help! For me it was a mutually beneficial experience; I helped some people, and they helped me as well. I look forward to participating in another mission trip, whether it is Katrina-related or something else. Next time, I will bring my daughter!

We Are The Body!

by Stacy Harrison

When I asked Jim and Inez Peebles if I could interview them for our Oral History project, they said yes. But, they added, they didn’t have much to contribute. I am happy to report that you will see just how much they have contributed. In some ways, what would we have done without them?

Jim Peebles came to Leesburg as a young child in 1941. He attended the old Leesburg High School, which is now the old School Board building across the corner from the church. He remembers looking over at St. James’ and seeing the back side of the Parish Hall before the Rittenhouse Addition was built. Further, his Baccalaureate was held in the St. James’ Nave. In those days, there were only 1,600 people in Leesburg, so he knew just about everyone. Jim knew Miss Janney very well. He and his father did a lot of work for her in her home, currently where the Church Office is housed. He remembers her fondly.

Jim’s involvement at St. James’ has been focused primarily in the choir, as well as on the Property Committee. He joined the choir right away and continued to serve there until just recently, for more than 20 years. Jim found this to be a wonderful experience and loved working with Dr. Steven Cooksey. His favorite memories are with the choir. Jim loved how it has always had good camaraderie and been a mixed group of all ages.

Jim’s work with the Property Committee was very busy and fruitful. He was involved in this ministry during the Second Century Fund and helped out removing the old carpet, refinishing the floors, fixing the stained glass windows, and installing the stained glass window over the Sacristy door, as well as some roofing repairs and repainting. Jim remembers this project as something that was to improve upon the structure without changing the look. Further, the Rev. John Smith, rector at that time, would call on Jim any time something needed to be built. Jim built both the kneelers used for the Healing Service, as well as the Baptismal Banner holders, both of which are still used today. He noted that the bats were in the Nave when he and Inez started at St. James’. Although many efforts to remove them seemed unsuccessful, he pointed out that it does not appear they have remained.

Inez Peebles came to Leesburg in 1952, when she and Jim were married, and has been involved in the community ever since. Since coming to St. James’, Inez has been involved in the Personnel Committee, Stewardship Committee, and the Altar Guild. With the Altar Guild, she has been on a team with past members Mary Plaster, Della Ward and Anne Myers. Further, she worked with Betty Seccombe on the Picture Committee. Inez misses Miss Betty, as do we all! Inez also helped out as a volunteer in the office after the Rev. John Smith retired up through the first few months after Fr. John Ohmer arrived. Since she retired, Inez helped start the Head Start program and continues to work part time on this endeavor so does not have the time to volunteer that she used to. Her favorite memories include all of the good times in the Sacristy. She remembers this time as filled with friendship and companionship.

Jim and Inez have worked together on the Coffee Hour Committee since it was started by Betty Hatrick. This has led to helping out with hosting during special occasions. One such occurrence was the 90^th birthday party for Polly Clemens. They both noted that their entire time at St. James’ has been a very good experience. But, their most memorable experience at St. James’ came when they joined the church in 1983. Having fallen in love with the quiet spiritual and prayerful atmosphere of the church, they decided to join as a family. In addition to themselves, their son and his wife, both daughters with their husbands, as well as a granddaughter joined at the same time. All were confirmed under the tenure of Bishop Lewis. Bishop Lewis commented that it was the first time he had confirmed so many from the same family at one time!

Jim and Inez shared that their most memorable experience in ministry actually came before they came to St. James’. Both had been active members of the Baptist church. While their children were teenagers, they had helped out with an ecumenical youth group headed by the Baptist church. Called Gideon’s Band, the group encompassed youth from the Baptist church, St. James’, the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.

So, if we are the body, Jim and Inez Peebles have certainly been His hands reaching, His words teaching, and His feet going. Thanks be to God for their work and ministry!

Discipleship and Evangelism: Be Who You Are

by The Rev. Kate Bryant

At St. James’, we continue our tradition of warmly welcoming newcomers to our services each Sunday. Yet there is so much more we can do.

Recent surveys conducted by the national church reveal that only 1% of us is comfortable talking about our faith to others. Only 35% of us have invited a non-member to a worship service in the past year.

These are startling statistics. Mark Beckwith, the newly-instituted bishop in the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Newark, NJ, was heard to say recently that “the average Episcopalian invites someone else to church every 26 years. We’re quick to tell people about a movie or a restaurant we’ve enjoyed, but we’re very hesitant to tell other where our souls get fed.”

Many of us are afraid of sharing our faith because we fear this means we have to act in ways contrary to who we are. But being a disciple or evangelist doesn’t mean being someone you’re not.

In fact, being a disciple or evangelist means being more of who you are—a beloved child of God and a faithful friend of others. Following Christ doesn’t mean putting on a show. Following Christ means letting God transform you so that you can help in the transformation of others. Seen in this way, discipleship and evangelism are very authentic and organic processes.

I see disciples and evangelists at St. James’ every single day. I see Sunday School and Preschool teachers thinking about how best to communicate God’s love to children. I see individuals who are passionate about hands-on outreach, reaching out to Good Shepherd Alliance here in Leesburg, and to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I see members of our church dedicating themselves to the building renovation and expansion effort.

Being a disciple or evangelist may push you outside your comfort zone, but it doesn’t mean doing something foreign to who you are. It means taking what you already do and seeking God’s will in