From the Rector – The Great Litany
We will begin the First Sunday in Lent this year with The Great Litany. This ancient prayer can be used at any time, but is especially appropriate in Lent because of its penitential tone.
This intercessory prayer, which can be said or sung, was used as early as the fifth century in Rome. The Litany was the first English language rite prepared by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, and first published in 1544. It has continued to be a part of every prayer book, in various forms, up to and include The Book of Common Prayer 1979 which titled it The Great Litany to set it apart from other litanies.
The most recent version of The Great Litany, found in our supplemental liturgical resource Enriching Our Worship 1, is the one we will be praying this Sunday. It begins by invoking the Trinity, followed by petitions asking for deliverance from evil, God to lead us into faithful living, prayers for our leaders, and comfort for those in need. It closes with a confession.
For our purposes the Litany will replace the Prayers of the People this week. Beginning on the Second Sunday in Lent we will begin worship with the regular Penitential Order from The Book of Common Prayer, and for the whole Lenten season, we will be using an adapted version of Prayers of the People Form II (also from the Book of Common Prayer).
As we once again begin our Lenten journey, I invite you into self-examination and repentance through prayer, fasting, and reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. May we come closer to God in these 40 days.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Nursery School
Registration for St. James’ Nursery School is now officially open to the public! We have spots remaining in each age group. Please help to spread the word about our wonderful school! Anyone interested in learning more can visit our website at www.stjamesnurseryschool.com. To schedule a tour, or to ask questions, they can call Director Pat Castle at 301-829-0014. Thank you all!!
Quartermania
As Spring approaches—yes, I am told Spring really WILL arrive!—we are beginning to make plans for our annual June Quartermania event. Please mark your calendars now to attend on Friday, June 1st! Doors will open at 6 p.m. with games beginning at 7 p.m.
For those who may not know, Quartermania is a game that can be played by anyone from three to 93–a great family activity! Imagine a game that combines Bingo and an Auction using only quarters with lots of prizes to bid on!!
Last year two Quartermania events were held, one in June and one in December, garnering a total of $2,198.95 to help with our ongoing church expenses.
If you would be interested in helping this year with our Spring fundraiser, at this time, I am in need of someone to oversee all aspects of the advertising—print, online, radio and posting of fliers in town. Many parishioners graciously help to do the actual postings. Please contact me either after our 10:30 a.m. service or at Ladyzip2004@yahoo.com or 301-788-0136. All offers of help will be greatly appreciated!
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
A Service of Healing and Hope after reproductive loss
On Sunday, February 18th at 7:00 pm you are invited to gather for a service of healing and hope for those who have experienced loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, placing a child for adoption, having a failed adoption placement, or inability to conceive. It is designed to offer a space for grieving and healing through prayer, hearing God’s word, anointing, and the sharing of stories. Everyone who has experienced these losses – both women and men – is invited to attend, whether your loss is a recent hurt or something that has been with you for decades. If you know someone for whom this service would be meaningful please share this information with them and invite them to come. Please contact Rev. Kristin+ (rector@stjamesmtairy.org / 443.902.0106) with any questions.
A is for Africa Presentation on Sunday, February 25
Join us on Sunday, February 25 at 9:30 am when we welcome Mary Anne and Rick Smith who will update us on this important ministry. Every year in Lent, our Sunday School children (and anyone else who wants to!) collect money in mite boxes to be donated to A is for Africa and the work they do with school children at Matim. Come see the slideshow and pick up your mite box!
Replenish & Establish Info Packet
If you missed the Annual Meeting please pick up an informational packet about the upcoming Replenish & Establish project in the narthex.
Lenten Calendar and Donation Boxes
To benefit Mt. Airy Net. Spring and summer seem to be the time of most need for food and sundry items in the community. Patty Bullington is using her wonderful skills to create a calendar for us and our Sunday School children are decorating boxes.
Pick up your calendar on Sunday, February 18 along with a box. Much like an advent calendar, you will open a window during each day of lent and place the suggested food or sundry item in your box. The Outreach Committee will be collecting boxes on March 25.
Understanding Our Environmental Legacy III
Will be offered the four Wednesdays in April at 7 pm at St. James’. Topics will include Maryland’s biodiversity, food waste/composting, climate change. Please get the word out – more information to come. Contact Liz Peterson (jplp5@yahoo.com) or 240-446-1932 if you would like to help or have suggestions. We have offered light refreshments in the past, any help will be appreciated!
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2018 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you to pray on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
Glen Mullett and Averelle Smith (Glenn, Laura, Kenleigh, Lindsay)
Sean and Lynne Murdock (Ellery, Lindsay, Erin)
Leslie Murphy and Chris Richard
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
