Weekly electronic newsletter
From the Rector – The Hospitality of Christmas In Advent, as we look toward Christmas, we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ child. At home, we often prepare our houses for holiday guests. When we prepare, we offer hospitality – that is, the disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm…
From the Rector – St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra Long before the legends of a round, gift giving fellow named Santa Claus were heard, there was Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Turkey. He was born in the year 280 ce and after his death he became a saint. Today, December 6th is his feast day.…
Vestry – Congregational Life Cycle A few months ago, Rev. Kristin shared her reflections on the education and training we received at the College for Congregational Development last June. In her Shell article she explained that Congregation Development (CD) is the development of congregations of all sizes, locations, and conditions into more faithful, healthy, and…
From the Rector – Advent, The Way Of Love Turn. Learn. Pray. Worship. Bless. Go. Rest. These are the practices that our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry, has put forth as the path to living a Jesus-Centered life. Take a few minutes and learn a bit about them by watching this video: …
From the Rector – The Blessing of Our Work Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth…
From the Rector – Shining a Light So Lovely Today we woke to news of another mass shooting in our nation. Every day it seems as if forces are working to stoke fear and deepen divides among us. What can we do in times such as this? First and foremost we are called to pray. …
From the Rector All Saints and All Souls, A Celebration of Faith and Remembering Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable…
Vestry UPDATE: The Maryland Diocesan Resolution 2018-2 – Offer Caring, Practical Response to the Opioid Crisis in Our Communities On October 10, 2018, four individuals from St. James’, Janet McKeever, Meghan McKeever, Katie McKeever, and Rev. Kristin, attended a training hosted by Frederick County Behavioral Health Services on how to recognize, respond, and administer a…
From the Rector – Transforming Through Generosity Last Sunday we heard a powerful testimony from Peter Sabonis about the power of church communities to sustain us during hard times in our lives. He spoke about the fact that we have a community to support us week in and week out, a place we can go…
From the Rector – The Blessing of the Beasts As the expression goes, better late than never. While the first Sunday in October is the traditional time to bless pets, as it is closest to the Feast of St. Francis, this year we transferred the blessing to this Sunday – so get ready to bring…