November 4, 2021
From the Rector
A season for giving thanks
We’re coming close to the end of this year’s stewardship campaign with Pledge Consecration Sunday on November 14, but that doesn’t mean our focus on hope and gratitude has to end. All month long you’re invited to add to our wall of thanksgiving every time you come to church. Take a moment before or after services to reflect on what you’re thankful for or where you find hope, and then add to the bulletin board. Together we can cast a vision for our future with hope!
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Stewardship
Wondering about Stewardship this year?
Here’s what you need to know:
- Stewardship materials and 3rd quarter giving statements were available for pick up on Sunday, October 17. If you didn’t get yours, no worries! Your packet has been mailed. Please spend some time reading the 2021 Stewardship Letter and looking over the financial recap from last year.
- Please reflect on the ways St. James’ brings hope for the future and pray about how you can contribute.
- To help you in your discernment we will have several reflections by parishioners during our October Stewardship Moments at the 8:30 am and 10:30 am worship services. You can also read Rev. Kristin’s October sermons to learn more about hope and the words of Jesus.
- How do we figure out what amount to give? Click here for a chart on how to give based on a percentage of your income. If you are in need of a pledge card it can be found here.
- This year’s Stewardship Committee members are Matt Kastel, Vic Pellicier, and Dave Rak supported by our Receiving Treasurer Aline Sautter and Assistant Receiving Treasurer Deb Schaeffer. Feel free to contact any of them, Kristin+, or Laura in the office, for assistance or to answer any questions you might have.
Formation
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Sunday School classes 9:30-10:15
in the lower level
Hello November! It is a special time to give thanks for our many blessings. Your Sunday School teaching team is especially thankful for the opportunity to see/enjoy your children each Sunday.
A reminder: There will be NO Sunday School classes on November 28th, which is Thanksgiving weekend. We wish all of our families a thankful day together and a safe journey to all who will be traveling.
We are thankful for the individuals who have stepped forward to fill in to teach a class when our team is unable to be present. You are so appreciated. If you would like to help out in a classroom or “sub” at any time, please let your child’s teacher know – and a big thank you!!
Here is a review of our class format:
~ All classes are held indoors with social distancing, mandatory mask
use, cleansing and disinfecting before and after.
~ Our traditional “4th Sunday Fun” group activity for all grades will be
delayed until further notice.
December comes next! Be on the lookout for information about our upcoming drive-thru Christmas pageant on December 19th. Children/teens/adults are all welcomed to participate in our “Journey to Bethlehem”. Your questions may be directed to Yvette Allen or Joan Fader.
Sunday School Teaching Team
Yvette Allen – Preschool Bible Stories
Betsy Davis – Kindergarten – 2nd Grades
Natalie DelRegno – 3rd – 5th Grades
Joan Fader – Middle-High School Grades
(Please let us know if you would be willing to assist)
This Year’s Advent Series
The season of Advent helps us prepare our hearts for Christmas. This year our Advent series will focus on two of the women central to the stories of Advent and Christmas – Elizabeth and Mary. These mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus may not get a lot of airtime in scripture, but their influence is still profound.
Using Episcopal priest Lindsay Hardin Freeman’s astonishing book Bible Women ~ Their Words And Why They Matter as a resource, we with gather for three sessions exploring how throughout the scripture God spoke, intervened, changed, illustrated, and proclaimed the story of redemption and love through women, including Elizabeth and Mary. Come for one or all three dates.
Sundays at 9:30 am
December 5: Part 1 – Women in the Bible ~ all their words and why they matter
December 12: Part 2 – Elizabeth
December 19: Part 3 – Mary
Claggett Center Upcoming Adult Retreats
Women’s Weekend 2022
January 14, 2022 – January 16, 2022
“Regathering and Re-creating: God Makes All Things New”
Celebrating 21 years in 2021, the Women’s Weekend invites women from all walks of life to gather at Claggett for worship, fellowship,… Learn More
Men’s Retreat 2022
February 11, 2022 – February 13, 2022
“Reconnect, Regather, Restore.”
Join men from throughout the dioceses of Maryland and Washington for a weekend retreat designed to grow relationships with God and neighbor. Featuring keynote speaker the Rev.… Learn More
Writers’ Retreat 2022
March 7, 2022 – March 10, 2022
In its fourth year, the Writers’ Retreat is an opportunity for writers of all genres and experiences to sharpen their skills, reflect, and write at Claggett! Whether you’re a published… Learn More
Sunday Worship Information
Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am or watch on Facebook at 8:30 am.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thanks from the American Red Cross
Thank you for taking the time on October 26, 2021 to donate blood. Because of your donation, and the help of the other volunteers, we were able to collect 23 pints of blood. Each blood donation can help save up to three lives. Your effort is truly appreciated by the blood recipients and their loved ones.
This year we will be providing Thanksgiving dinner for ten local families through Mt. Airy NET. Please sign up to contribute in the narthex. Donations will be due by November 14.
New Church Directory Coming in January
Stop by the table in the narthex to check your directory listing and provide any updated information or just click on the link below.
CLICK HERE TO UPDATE YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING
VESTRY NOMINATIONS
The Vestry Nominating Committee is excited to announce they are accepting nominations for the 2022-2025 Vestry Class. The nominating form, which includes details of ideal qualities for candidates along with Vestry member responsibilities, is available in the narthex at church, downloadable from our website on the “Vestry” page, and as an electronic form linked below. You can submit your name, or the name of someone you think would be a good candidate, by completing and submitting the form, or connecting with a member of the Nominating Committee, by Sunday, November 7, 2021.
Click Here to Submit a Name for Nomination
Lectionary Readings for this Sunday:
Next Week’s Commemorations:
| 7 | Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary to Frisia, 739 |
| 10 | Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, 461 |
| 11 | Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397 |
| 12 | Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836 |
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2021 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
John Cerveny (Ricky, Matthew)
Patricia Chalk
Joan Collins
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.