From the Rector – I know it was just snowing on Monday, but I’m going to go ahead and talk about summer
Last summer a conversation began about our summer worship schedule. It began when we worshipped together at a combined service Memorial Day weekend. Several folks mentioned how nice it was to see folks they usually don’t get a chance to see, and it felt good to be in a bigger group. Next a couple ministries noticed that it was harder to do their work over the summer with folks out of town traveling – coffee hour, ushers, chalice bearers, readers, altar guild, counters, crib nursery, acolytes – basically all the Sunday worship ministries agreed it was more difficult to fill the summer schedule.
And so at our Ministry Chair meeting we discussed the idea of moving to one service at 9:30 am in the summertime next year. The Vestry got in on the conversation as well, and after further discussion and looking through attendance numbers in worship going back to 2002, we decided to move ahead with that plan for summer 2018.
It’s now spring of 2018 and so we’re beginning to promote this upcoming change. You will see a graphic in the bulletin every week. It will be all over our Facebook page and on our website. I’ll probably annoy you with reminder announcements in May as we get closer to the switch. And then on June 10th, we’ll make the change. The idea is to see how it works this summer. We’ll look for consensus at the end of the summer to help us decide whether to continue this summer change up again in 2019.
The summer worship schedule – one service at 9:30 am – will run from June 10th to September 2nd. We’ll go back to two services for Kick-Off Sunday on September 9th. Worship will be a blend of our two regular services (8:30 spoken with no music / 10:30 music and leadership from the choir). Choir takes the summer off. We’ll sing some hymns, but say most prayers rather than singing them. We’ll rely on piano rather than the organ. And I *might* even move the chairs!
So I invite you into trying a slightly different way of being a worshipping community this summer. My hope is that it does indeed reduce the strain on the ministries that lead and support our worship, but that it will also be a fruitful time of strengthening friendships and growing in faith together.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King
St. James’ Chapter
An Order for laywomen of the Episcopal Church
who undertake a Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service
by reaffirmation of promises made at Confirmation.
Monthly meetings: First Tuesdays of each month
7:00 p.m. Church sitting area
The St. James’ Daughters of the King continue to pray for parish members each week on a rotating schedule. We have received many encouraging words of appreciation from you, our parish family. Thank you! Please know that any request is never too small and you may call upon us at any time. We especially love the “thanksgiving” prayers.
We are pleased to announce that a Service of Admission for Rebecca Herbert will be held at St. James’ during 8:30 worship on June 3rd. We hope you will be able to attend this special service recognizing Rebecca for her faithful service.
Karen Dulany, Joan Fader, Rebecca Herbert, Margaret Neff
A Quiet Time: O God, help me to learn to be still before you,
to take time to be with you quietly, without talking or wishing to talk. Amen.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. James’
Please make your appointment for our upcoming blood drive to be held on Thursday, May 10 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can sign up by going to www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling Bryant Dulany at 410-596-4227.
Episcopal Night at Camden Yards vs. Tampa Bay Rays, July 27, 7:05 PM
All are Welcome! (yes, we really mean ALL) Invite your… Long-time church members, newcomers, friends, relatives, neighbors, copier repair guy, and anyone else who would enjoy an afternoon of baseball. Purchase your tickets online
Celebrating Earth Day
Earth Day falls on a Sunday this year, and to celebrate we will be using creation centered prayers of the people and a Eucharistic Prayer for Creation and Redemption from A New Zealand Prayer Book. Celebrate Earth Day all month long by attending our series “Understanding Our Environmental Legacy” on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.
LARGE TRAILER NEEDED!!
The Basket Raffle Committee recently learned that the large trailer we have used in the past to transport our 60+ baskets and tables has been sold; therefore, we are greatly in need of an enclosed trailer approximately 28 feet long for Friday evening, October 12, through Saturday evening, October 13, 2018. Please contact Don or Cheryl Windsor at (c) 301-642-8487 (h) 301-865-3195 or dcwindsor@comcast.net if you or someone you know may be able to help us with the use of a large trailer or two smaller enclosed ones.
SPRING CLEANING??
As you begin your Spring cleaning, downsizing or even if you would like to “re-gift” holiday items you would like someone else to enjoy, please consider donating any items in good condition to our annual Basket Raffle that may be suitable for men, women, or children of all ages If you have questions about Basket donation items, please contact Joan Fader at 301-703-8787 or faderj1@juno.com.
Items for the Silent Auction would be those that would generate higher bids by themselves rather than as a part of a basket. Such items could include paintings, quilts, unopened perfume, fine jewelry or high-value gift certificates, and the like. If you have questions about the Silent Auction, please contact Mary Hutchins-Danna at 443-277-0505 or mhdslp@hotmail.com.
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:
Debra and Steven Schaeffer
Averelle Smith and Glen Mullett (Kenleigh, Lindsay)
Joseph and Mara Snyder (Liam, Keara, Alana)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
