From the Rector

 

 

 

 

Updated Diocesan COVID Guidelines

First let me say is so good to be back with you all after being away for July. I hope you are also finding time for refreshment this summer.

Unfortunately however, in recent weeks we have seen a sharp rise in Covid infections and hospitalizations due to the delta variant. In Carroll and Frederick counties our case rate a month ago was 0.1 and 0.9 respectively, and as of yesterday they were up to 5 and 10.9. Statewide that number has gone from 1.1 to 9.29.

Taking into account this data, along with the emerging evidence of how highly transmissible the delta variant is proving to be, even among those who are vaccinated, the Diocese has issued new Yellow “Delta” Phase protocols.

After reviewing these, the only change that currently affects us at St. James’ is that masks will again be required in the building for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. This includes groups meeting in the building and all worship services, including the 10:30 service if it has to be moved indoors due to inclement weather. That service remains mask optional when it is outside.

I know this step back will feel frustrating to many folks, myself included. We want this pandemic and all the disruptions it continues to cause to just be over. But I heard a good analogy recently that changed my perspective a bit that I’ll share with you:

When you’re on a plane for takeoff, the seatbelt sign is on. Once you reach about 10,000 feet, the seatbelt sign goes off and it is announced that you may move freely about the cabin until decent begins. However, sometimes you hit turbulence. When that happens, the seatbelt sign goes back on.

That’s where we are right now – we’ve hit a patch of turbulence. It’s no longer as safe to go maskless indoors, and so for now we’re being asked to put them back on. Hopefully circumstances will change again soon and we can loosen restrictions. Until then, thank you for continuing to put the health and safety of our entire community first.

Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+

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Formation

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

During the month of August, the Sunday School teaching team will be making plans for the beginning of our fall program.  Hopefully we will be back to a regular in-person class schedule by September.  Stay tuned – we will keep you informed through the Shell newsletters.

In the meantime, we are looking to add additional volunteers to our Sunday School team.  It is a joy working with and getting to know all our wonderful St. James’ children and families.  Wouldn’t you love to be involved with the Sunday morning classroom activities?  If you would like further information or have questions concerning our program, please contact Joan Fader (301-703-8787) faderj1@juno.com

Enjoy the rest of the summer…..take notice!  The earth is a beautiful place (Psalm 19:1)

Sunday School Teaching Team
Yvette Allen, Betsy Davis
Natalie DelRegno, Joan Fader

 

Summertime Spiritual Growth

Have you been using Words to Build On to deepen your spiritual reflection and faith over the last month? Whether you picked up a booklet or have been checking out posts on our Facebook page, we hope this low key self-direction exploration of scripture and how it intersects with your daily life has proven fruitful.

Posts will continue through the month of August, and booklets are still available at church. #summer #scripture #spiritualgrowth

Thursday Zoom Bible Study Returning in September

Mark your calendars now for the return of our weekly bible study on 9/9. We will gather on Zoom from 11:30-12:30 to dive deep into one of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. Look for further details in early September.

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Thrift Shop

 

 

 

 

As announced during worship last Sunday, it is with deep sadness that we share news of the death of Sandy McBain Baker, our former Thrift Shop Manager, after a long illness. Many of you knew and loved Sandy and so we wanted to let you know that the Thrift Shop will be accepting donations for Sandy’s family to help cover the cost of her celebration of life. Stop by the shop or connect with Deb Schaeffer if you would like to give.

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Sunday Worship Information

 

 

 

 

INDOOR HOLY EUCHARIST

Attend Indoor In Person or watch the service livestreamed on Facebook

• Masks are required at this service
• We will begin increasing seating capacity by adding chairs and introducing rows on one side of the sanctuary while keeping pods of chairs separated on the other side for those who still desire social distancing
• You no longer need to sign up online for this service

We plan to begin streaming to Facebook at 8:30 am.  If you arrive at Facebook and you don’t see the video, please refresh your screen.  There is a delay.  A printable bulletin is available here.

OUTOOR HOLY EUCHARIST WITH MUSIC

Join us this Sunday for Holy Eucharist with music
in the Memorial Garden at 10:30 am

• This is a mask-optional service
• If this service moves indoors due to inclement weather, it will be still be mask-optional except during singing – anyone who chooses to sing will be required to mask up for the hymns
• There is no sign up for attending the 10:30 am outdoor worship

Inclement Weather Announcements
This summer, our 10:30 service will be celebrated outdoors if the weather cooperates.  If the weather looks threatening, the 10:30 service will be held indoors.  when we decide to celebrate the 10:30 service indoors, we’ll post an announcement to our Facebook page by 8:00 am Sunday morning.  (In the past we sent an email on Saturday afternoon.  This new streamlined approach gets us out of the weather forecasting business – a little, anyways.)

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ANNOUNCEMENTS