Vestry
Although summer is a time for relaxing and recharging, Saint James seems busy as ever. There are numerous events taking place in August (sign up for one in the Narthex!) and many people are volunteering their time to help keep Saint James running smoothly. Several parishioners are volunteering at the Thrift Shop to help with the huge amount of donations the shop receives. (Did you know that the Thrift Shop had 100 customers and did over $1,000 in sales on their last Thrifty Thursday?) Volunteers are a big part of the shop’s success. Our Junior Warden has been busy taking care of the groundhog family that wants to move into Saint James and making small repairs throughout the church. Two of our parishioners are using their professional experience to help develop a parking lot plan and several parishioners have helped Saint James develop our employee handbook. And, like every summer, our basket raffle committee is busy organizing the many donations they receive and turn them into beautiful baskets that we can raffle off. As you can see, our congregation is truly blessed to have such talented people that are giving of their time. Thank you to everyone that helps St. James thrive as a physical and spiritual place of worship.
The Memorial Garden has been busy this summer. The fountain pump was finally fixed after several faulty parts were swapped out. Late summer/early fall annuals will be in this week as Lynda and Bill Ellis have sponsored the fountain circle for the season. And look for a new shade garden to be installed soon. Next time you visit the Garden, sit or stroll for awhile. If you would like to sponsor an area of the Garden, please contact Laura, in the office for more details.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office Schedule for the week of July 28 Monday through Thursday 10-4.
Saying Farewell Liz and Jon Peterson, faithful members of St. James’ for over 20 years, are moving from Mt. Airy in mid-August. If you would like to wish them well on Saturday, August 10th, please drop by between the hours of 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. for a wine and cheese gathering at the home of Joan Fader, 812 Roller Coaster Court, Mt. Airy. RSVP faderj1@juno.com
Contribution Statements Please pick up your 6 month 2019 statement from the basket in the narthex. They will be available thru Aug 30th; after that they will be shredded due to the rising cost of postage. Please contact Aline if you have any questions about your statement. Thank you.
Learn to crochet a prayer square at St. Paul’s August 6, 9-10 am at 16457 Old Frederick Rd Mt Airy – Come join us if you want to learn how to make a prayer square – any questions, email wendygahm@yahoo.com
St. James’ Thrift Shop Work Day Mark you calendars! After the service on July 28, we will head down to the Thrift Shop to help Sandy with a few projects. Stay for as long or as little as you can—lots of hands will make the load lighter! Pizza will be provided for lunch. Be sure to wear clothes that you can dirty. Please sign up in the Narthex if you are available to help. 
What kind of VBS do YOU want next summer? We are excited to begin planning for re-launching a traditional Vacation Bible School here at St. James’ next summer. As we start looking a different programs, we first want to know what YOU want from a VBS. To this end, for the next month or so there will be a poster set out during coffee hour where you can vote. The options include: a week long weekday VBS for children (from 9am – 2 pm / option of extended care if needed), a week long weeknight family VBS (5:30-8:30 pm OR 5-9 pm with dinner included), or a single weekend whole parish inter-generational VBS (Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4). Other ideas are also welcome, please email them to Kristin+. Everyone is welcome to vote, and we *especially* hope folks with children in their lives will share their hopes as we work to create something new and enriching.
Exciting News – Scouts are coming to St. James’! Recently we shared the news that St. James’ is becoming a new Charter Organization for the Boy Scouts of America. Click here to see all the information.
Got Old Towels? Got Old Blankets? Got Old Sheets? The Outreach Committee is holding a drive to collect old towels, blankets and sheets to donate to local animal rescue facilities. As you go through your closets and drawers look for items you could give us to help keep rescued dogs and cats comfortable. We will put a box at St. James’ to collect your donations. Thanks from the Out reach Committee!
Still accepting donations for our Silent Auction! Our St. James’ 13th Annual Basket Raffle & Silent Auction will be held on both September 21st and 28th, but in the meantime, there is much to do to prepare and make this fundraiser a success. Items for the Silent Auction would be those that would generate higher bids by themselves rather than as a part of a basket; these items will be accepted through Sunday, September 8th. 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. Marked Basket Raffle containers will be in the narthex to receive your donations. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!