From the Rector
Christmas can be hard
Christmas is next week, and at this time of year many folks grieve loved ones who have died. I 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 What’s Your Grief? Check out their Facebook page for helpful resources and articles. Recent posts have included 64 Tips for Coping with Grief at the Holidays and Remembering Ornaments: A Holiday Grief Activity for Kids & Teens. I invite you to explore their offerings 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. Shared by a clergy colleague a while ago, I still find it timely. The following comes from the page “Notes from the Chaplain”:
Here are a few holiday reminders:
- 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.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Nursery School
The Nursery School has been very busy this month! We LOVE Christmas, and we have enjoyed many exciting events. The Pre-K classes went on their first field trip this month to Gaver Tree Farm. The preschoolers went on a wagon ride, picked out a Christmas Tree, cut it down, and brought it back to their classrooms for decorating. The children also enjoyed hot cocoa and marshmallows upon returning as well!! We are working hard to create Christmas Villages this month. Each classroom is making gingerbread houses and Christmas decorations for a holiday display in the front hallway. Finally, the classes are practicing singing their favorite holiday tunes for a Christmas ZOOM sing-a-long at the end of the month. Next month we are looking forward to Pajama Days and a Puppet Show presented by the Carroll County Public Library.
We begin registration in January for the 2022/2023 school year. Registration information is included in this newsletter, as well as on our website www.stjamesnurseryschool.com Tuition rates and class offerings can be found on the website as well. Please give us a call in the office 301-829-0014 for registration materials/information as well.
Altar Flower Ministry
Christmas Flowers & Music – Memorials & Thanksgivings
The glorious Birth of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is a time to make offerings in memory of loved ones or in thanksgiving for a person or an event. These memorials and thanksgivings will be published in the Christmas bulletin. Your contribution toward Christmas flowers and Christmas music will add a radiant floral display and glorious music to our Christmas services.
THIS SUNDAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR SUBMISSIONS
Forms can be found in your Sunday bulletin or in the narthex. Please return your completed form and contribution to the parish office or drop it in the offering plate. Checks should be made payable to St. James’ Church, marked “Christmas Flowers & Music”.
St. James’ Altar Flowers 2022
The 2022 sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex which allows you to pick any Sunday during the year. This will allow you to write your name on the calendar now instead of hoping to remember later. We just ask that you complete an Altar Flower Donation Form (also in the narthex) and drop it in the offering plate at least two weeks prior to your chosen Sunday.
Flowers may be given in thanksgiving for, honor of, memory of, or celebration of someone or something. Suggested donations of $30 are tax deductible and will be acknowledged in the corresponding Sunday bulletin
Sunday Worship Information
Join us for worship on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am or watch on Facebook at 10:30 am.
A reminder that masks are required indoors and social distancing is strongly encouraged. We will continue to open windows to provide air circulation so dress appropriately. The 8:30 am service will continue to be live streamed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
End-of-Year Contributions
The Finance Committee would like to remind you that the last deposit of 2021 will be processed on December 26, 2021. Any payments to be included in the 2021 tax year should be at the church office by noon on the 26th. If you have questions regarding the status of your 2021 pledge please contact Deb Schaeffer at mauideb54@gmail.com.
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