From the Rector
Benedictine Spirituality ~ An Advent Exploration
Benedictine principles have guided individuals and communities through the centuries. I hope you will join me this Sunday for the first of three sessions exploring the Way of St. Benedict, the core practices of Benedictine spirituality, and how we can inhabit this spirituality in our daily lives.
This Sunday we will do a basic introduction to Benedictine spirituality, look at who St. Benedict was, and have an overview of the model The Benedictine Life. On December 11 we will delve into the first two practices of the model, stability and obedience. And on December 18 we will examine the final practice of conversion of life, as well as explore what the Rule of St. Benedict can look like in our lives.
Whether you can come for one or all three, I hope this series will add some groundedness in your life during this often hectic and overwhelming holiday season.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Formation
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Classes meet 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Preschool through high school
Our Sunday School students/families welcomed the First Sunday in Advent by making Advent Wreaths with fresh greens, pine cones, ribbons and candles. Each Sunday they will light a candle representing: Hope – Peace – Joy – Love – as the countdown to Christmas takes place.
Classes will continue to meet during Advent from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. for preschool through high school ages. The younger students (preschool through 5th grade) will meet in front of the altar for an opening prayer and song each Sunday and then be led by their teacher to the lower level classrooms. The middle-high students will go directly to their classroom in the lower level at 9:30 a.m.
Please note: No classes will be held on Christmas Day, December 25th, and New Year’s Day, January 1st. Classes will resume on January 8th. It is our hope to return to our popular “4th Sunday Fun” group sessions in January when all classes will meet together on the 4th Sunday of each month for a group activity. As in the past, most of the activities will include outreach projects. Keep an eye out for more details.
As always, it is a joy to work with your children and to see many familiar faces and to welcome new faces as well. May this season of Advent bring you hope, peace, joy and love.
St. James’ Sunday School Team
Molly Kilmore – Bible Stories for Preschoolers
Betsy Davis – Kindergarten – 2nd Grades
Denise Warren – 3rd – 5th Grades
Joan Fader – Middle – High School
Email coming soon about our next meeting
on Sunday, December 18th.
Choir
After my absences this past month, the choir is beginning its rehearsals for our Christmas Eve Musical Prelude. We need your help! Come join us on Wednesdays at 7:15p. No experience necessary—we even have sing-along tracks to help you get started!
I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
~Hebrews 2:12
Take care,
Richard Drehoff Jr.
music@stjamesmtairy.org
757-274-7840
Sunday Worship Information
Join us on December 4th for The Second Sunday of Advent. We will celebrate Holy Eucharist in the sanctuary at 8:30 am and 10:30, or watch the 10:30 service livestream on Facebook.
A printable bulletin can be found here.
Lectionary Readings
Facebook Livestream
We plan to begin streaming to Facebook at 10:30 am. If you arrive at Facebook and you don’t see the video, please refresh your screen. There is a delay.
Announcements
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER
ANGEL GIFTS DUE SUNDAY!!!
The Outreach Committee would like to thank each of you who so kindly shopped for our “Angels” this year. Please bring your gifts with their Angel tag attached to church THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th, by 11:30 a.m. so that our “elves” may sort and deliver your generous gifts.
LAST CHANCE!!!
SUNDAY is your last opportunity to buy raffle tickets for a $100 Gift Card toward purchases at Trouts’ Lighthouse Seafood & Deli located in New Market. Trout’s not only sells fresh seafood, but also fried chicken, soups, dips, freshly made deli salads, meals to order and more!
Tickets are being sold for $5 each or $20 for five tickets! The winner does not need to be present to win. The WINNER of the Trout’s Lighthouse Seafood & Deli Gift Card will be drawn at 11:45 a.m. THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th.
Next Week’s Commemorations:
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2022 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:
Louise Saulsbury
Aline Sautter
Deb and Steve Schaeffer
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
