The Shell Newsletter – December 10, 2020

From the Rector

Christmas Eve & At Home Holy Communion

We hope you will join us for our streaming Christmas Eve Candlelight & Carols Holy Eucharist at 5:00 pm on December 24. It won’t be what we’re used to, but we’re hoping to make it special by filming it in our beautifully decorated sanctuary, including carols led by our choir, and with the invitation to share in holy communion from home.

Communion is something many folks have greatly missed. If you were unable to attend our outdoor services this summer and fall, then it’s likely you haven’t received communion since early last March. As the reality of continued social distancing has become clear, our bishops have offered us a way to share communion remotely through distributing pre-consecrated communion kits that include wine and a wafer. You then consume the bread and wine during the service like you would if you were in church. We will be doing this on Christmas Eve as a way for us all to come close to God through the sacrament, and we hope to continue this practice at regular intervals in the months to come until such time as we are able to re-gather fully.

If you would like to receive holy communion on Christmas Eve then plan to attend our Drive Thru Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 20 from 5:00-7:00 pm. We will be passing out Christmas Eve Worship & Communion bags that evening with everything you will need to celebrate at home. They will also be available for pick up during regular office hours December 21-23.

The Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols service will stream on both Facebook and YouTube beginning at 5:00 pm on December 24, but can be enjoyed at your convenience later in the evening if you’d prefer. Whether you decide to receive communion or not, I hope you will join us in prayer that night as we celebrate the birth of our savior, giving thanks for the gift of God’s love made known to us through Jesus Christ.

Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+

Winter Heating Help
A reminder that we have a winter utilities fund available for members of St. James’. Please reach out to Rev. Kristin for more information if we can help you in the coming months.

 

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Sunday Worship Information

Sunday School classes will be held this coming Sunday, December 13 (Zoom for preschool-5^th and indoors for middle-high school).

A *FRIENDLY REMINDER* that today (Thursday) is the last “official” day to deliver your Angel Tree donations to the church by 4 p.m.  For those who may need a little extra time, we will also be available at the church Friday morning 10:30 until noon before we leave to deliver the gifts to Carroll County Social Services in Westminster.

Your Outreach Committee would like to say a sincere THANK YOU to those of you who were able to volunteer to do some very last minute shopping in order for eight children to receive gifts for their Christmas morning.  I feel sure there will be big smiles on their faces!  Thank you so much to our generous congregation.

The Outreach Committee wishes all of the St. James’ parishioners a wonderful and blessed Christmas season.  Please stay safe and healthy.

As the pandemic continues, the Daughters of the King are diligent in praying for our parish family and for those you hold dear.  We will honor your prayer requests at any time.

In previous years the Daughters and other ladies from St. James’ have attended the Women’s Weekend at Claggett each January.  Last year we were excited to look forward to the 20^th anniversary of the event in 2021.  After monitoring the virus trends, the planning team is organizing an online event on January 15^th – 16^th.  For information/registration, contact Rita Yoe, Claggett Center Program Director, ryoe@claggettcenter.org.

We hope you will take advantage of some or all of the Advent and Christmas offerings available at St. James’.  They are listed in the weekly Shell publications.

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Support our next Troop 829 Eagle Scout Project

My name is Kayla Kelly and I am working on my Eagle Project. My project is collecting needed items for The Shepherd’s Staff Blessing Closet. You may drop off donations at St. James’ on Saturday 12/12 from 10:00-2:00 and Sunday 12/20 from 12:00-4:00. Thank you for your help and support of The Shepherd’s Staff Blessing Closet.

Shepherd Staff Blessing Closet Needs: (any size would be acceptable)
-Deodorant
-Diapers
-Dish soap
-Laundry detergent
-Feminine hygiene products
-Wipes
-Toothpaste
-Toothbrushes
-Paper towels
-Shampoo
-Toilet paper
-Trash bags
-Ziploc bags
-Disinfecting wipes/spray
-Disposable gloves
-Hand sanitizer

Thank you for your support!
Kayla Kelly Tr. 829