From the Rector – A Season of Joy, a Season of Grieving
As Thanksgiving approaches, and with it the holiday season launching into full gear, I am deeply aware of many folks in our community who are grieving and for whom this time of year is hard. I also know that for some, the holidays are hard for other reasons, like financial pressures, the stress of expectations to make everything special and perfect, and the anxiety of being with family members with whom we have broken relationships. With all of this in mind, I offer two resources.
The first is one a respected colleague shared with me recently, a website called What’s Your Grief? It is a wonderful source of information and support for those of us who are grieving. From their about page:
To put it simply, this website is about grief. That probably sounds oversimplified, but grief is a complex, heavy, frustrating, scary, enormous…ahem, big topic. It starts with a death and envelopes everyone from family to friends, to friends of family and friends. Not only is grief an emotional, logistical, and existential nightmare, but it is taxing. It requires us to navigate the world without someone important, deal with complex feelings and emotions, and figure out ways to move forward when everything seems kind of bleak. Specifically, our mission is to promote grief education, exploration, and expression in both practical and creative ways. We aim to provide the public with…
- Education that reaches beyond generalization
- Practical and specific suggestions for moving forward
- Modes of self-exploration and self-expression that suit all types of thinkers and doers
- Ways to honor and remember deceased loved ones.
- A supportive community
I invite you to explore the site, and to take care when your grief rises up in the coming weeks. The second thing is less a resource, and more some important advice. I found this when another clergy friend shared it on Facebook. It comes from the page “Notes from the Chaplain” and was posted under the following meme:
The author posted the following: I saw this meme on a couple of clergy friends’ pages today. All of us are thinking of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday here in the US, and how challenging it can be for some of us without supportive families of origin (in a variety of senses). I’m lucky. My Mom is one of seven siblings, and we’re a big, close, chaotic bunch. We don’t always get it right, but every year we get better at supporting each other. Love has never been in short supply. I’m aware that’s not the story for so many of us (especially LGBTQ+ siblings). In that spirit, here are a few holiday reminders in today’s Notes from the Chaplain:
- If someone makes you uncomfortable, you are not obligated to interact with them this holiday. Period. You do not need to explain yourself. You can also decline to be alone, or have a private conversation with them.
- Set boundaries and stick to them. Boundaries are your friend.
- Make time to be alone. We all need some time to recharge and care for our own spirit in this season.
- Lean into relationships that bring healing and joy. Persisting at relationships that may be hard, or open old wounds is tiring. We need to fill our cups back up with those that nourish and sustain us.
- Be gentle with yourself. Holidays can be hard under the best of circumstances. Even more so when our families of origin are hard places. Try to let go of your voices of judgement, or self-criticism. You’re doing your best.
Whatever is going on in your life that may tarnish some of the sparkle of the season, my hope is that God’s love will shine through and bring you comfort in the holy season ahead. I offer prayers for safe travels for everyone traveling next week and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Yours in God’s peace, Kristin+
Nursery School
There is so much to be thankful for at the Nursery School this month. The scheduled visit from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) evaluator was completed at the end of October and the school was notified that the program achieved a new five-year term of accreditation! Thank you for the tremendous efforts from administration, teachers and families that resulted in earning this mark of quality! Thank you too for your prayers during this process.
We are also thankful for the exciting activities that the children are able to participate in during the month – visits from the Mt. Airy Police Department, Chapel Time with Rev. Kristin+, Pre-K 4’s class trip to Piney Run Park Nature Center (on the school bus!), visits from the Carroll County Bookmobile, Center Stage Creative Movement classes, and Thanksgiving activities next week. 
For December we are looking forward to many Christmas activities! There are a few openings at the nursery school so if you know of anyone who may be interested, they can contact Pat Castle.
Holiday Quartermania
St. James’ Church Holiday Quartermania will be in two short weeks at the church on Friday, DECEMBER 6th! The doors will open at 6 pm with the games beginning at 7 pm. Delicious refreshments will also be available for purchase throughout the evening, including amazing desserts being sold by our Youth Group.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!
This will be a great night to begin your holidays by gathering with your family and friends to win special gifts for yourself and your loved ones. E-mail judysquartermanias@aol.com or call Judy @ 240-674-1961 to advance reserve a seat for $5 (a $3 discount!); admission fees will be collected at the door. Come join us to begin your holidays with this exciting game! 
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parish Administrator Hours for the week of November 24, Monday through Wednesday, 10-4.
Kristin† Away Kristin† will be away from Wednesday, November 27 through Saturday, November 30. If you have a pastoral emergency please contact Senior Warden Jeannie Pellicier.
Vestry Nominations The Vestry Nominating Committee is excited to announce they are accepting nominations for the 2020-2023 Vestry Class. A nominating form is available in the narthex which details ideal qualities for candidates as well as Vestry member responsibilities. You can submit your name or the name of someone you think would be a candidate in the box provided. Deadline for nominations is 11/24.
High School Service Project Hi, my name is Caroline Pellicier. I am doing a service project for my high school. For my service project, I am sewing bibs and donating them to Rock Creek School in Frederick. I am asking for donations of the materials that I need to make the bibs. The materials that I need are: brand new bandannas, and brand new hand towels. I will be collecting donations until Sunday, December 22nd. There will be a labeled bin in the Narthex to put any donations in. Thank you for helping me with my project!
Scarves and Shawls For Sale Again This Year A new collection of soft and colorful handmade scarves and shawls knit by Lucy Winston will be available to buy on Sundays starting in November. They have all been made with yarn purchased from local farms and shops. Half of the proceeds will go to St. James’ which amounted to $400 last year. Think Christmas gifts!
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 pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessing of:
Patricia ChalkJoan Collins
Ty and Ashley Conlon (JT, Penny, Daphne, Marshall, Flynn)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
This week's Commermorations (A Great Cloud of Witnesses, 2019, Church Publishing Group)
