Rector – Proclaiming the Gospel
Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.
That’s a great quote that was not written by Francis of Assisi, even though it’s almost universally attributed to him. Regardless, it’s still a great way to live lives of faith. On Sundays, however, we do use words to proclaim the Gospel – and to keep doing this we need some help! Our current Gospel book is in disrepair. The binding is broken and it is not cost effective to have it repaired. We would like to purchase a new one, however the type of Gospel books designed for Sunday use do not come cheaply. We anticipate it will be $175-200. To offset this expense we are wondering if anyone would be interested in giving towards covering the cost of a new Gospel book, perhaps in celebration or memory of an event or loved one – to be memorialized on a bookplate on the inside cover and dedicated during a worship service. If you are interested in doing so please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Reminder: General Convention Wrap-Up Conversation this Sunday
Kristin+ will be available after the 9:30 am service this Sunday for conversation about General Convention last month in Austin, TX. If you have questions or reflections from what you’ve read or heard please grab some coffee and a coffee hour treat before gathering (space TBD by numbers).
You can find a concise wrap-up from Episcopal News Service (ENS) here. (https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/07/16/general-convention-wrap-up-following-the-way-of-jesus/)
Nursery School
We are excited to start the new school year! Classes begin after the Labor Day holiday. On Wednesday morning, August 29th our Preschool 2-year-olds will have a meet and greet on the playground at 9:30. That evening we’ll have an ice cream social at Watkins Park for our Preschool 3-year-olds and Pre-kindergarten 4-year-olds.
The 2017/2018 school year for both our nursery school and the special summer program were successful. Enrollment numbers remain strong for the new school year, we have a limited number of openings. Please give Pat Castle a call at 301.829.0014 if you’d like to schedule a visit.
We’ll soon see a fresh new pile of mulch for the children’s playground by the school entrance. Feel free to spread some on the playground if you can spare some time and muscle.
We are seeking someone to join our team this coming school year as a teaching assistant (background and college coursework in education, preferred). If you know of someone that may be interested in learning more, please have them email the school, with resume attached, at school@stjamesmtairy.org or call Pat Castle at 301.829.0014.
2018 St. James’ Basket Raffle & Silent Auction
BIG NEWS!!
The Basket Raffle committee has been fortunate to obtain permission to display and raffle a representation of our theme filled baskets at the Thrift Shop during the Octoberfest to be held in downtown Mt. Airy on September 29th, two weeks before our big annual raffle at the Lions’ Club Fall Fest on October 13th—two great opportunities for our fundraising!
This will mean we will need a group of helpers for each event.
Event Volunteers will be needed to assist with ticket sales before and during the Basket Raffle & Auction, to assist with transporting baskets for each event between St. James’ Church and the Thrift Shop then the Carnival Grounds the day before the raffles, setting up tents and tables, as well as, calling winners of Baskets and Silent Auction items. Please contact Betsy Davis by email at jbeezd@aol.com if you have questions or you can sign up for times to assist on SignUp.com at a later date.
Items for the Silent Auction are still being accepted. These are items that would generate higher bids by themselves 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 at mhdslp@hotmail.com
Let’s make the St. James’ Basket Raffle & Silent Auction a huge success. Thank you in advance for your generosity of spirit and continued support.
Your Basket Raffle & Auction Committee Co-chairs:
Ave Smith (averellesmith@aol.com/301-674-3357)
Marilyn Hancock (ladyzip2004@yahoo.com /301-788-0136)
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office Hours Week of August 19
Monday – Thursday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where in the Church is Flat St. James?
How are you coming on completing your passport? Don’t forget to get your stamp from Kristin+.
Sunday School Begins September 16th!
We are now gearing up for our fall Sunday School program and looking forward to seeing how much our children have grown over the summer. Classes are held every Sunday from 9:30-10:15 a.m. beginning September 16th in the lower level for preschool through high school ages. We welcome all children.
At this time we would also welcome additional volunteers to assist our teaching staff (and get to know our amazing kids!) Please contact Joan Fader faderj1@juno.com for further information.
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:
Bill and Lynda Ellis
Bob and Carolyn Etzler
Joan Fader
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
