Dear St. James’ Parish Family,
May is the month that truly brings spring here in Maryland. In April we enjoyed the first flowers and showers of the season, but now is the time when we see the deep green of new life spring forth. It is no mistake that this is when we celebrate the church season of new life – Easter – which culminates with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This year we will celebrate the birth-day of the church on May 15th – remember to wear red!
New life is just as present within our walls as without. From the robust musical leadership of our choir, and our successful Arts on the Hill concert series which will culminate with our Caribbean Carnival on May 13th, to the spirited Christian Formation offerings for children, youth, and adults we’ve seen this program year. The capstone for Sunday School will be on May 22nd when we recognize our students and teachers for growing in faith in wisdom, and for our Youth it will be an exciting service trip in July (more coming on that soon!). For the first time in several years we are planning for a summer camp here at St. James’ – and our registrations are pulling in kids from the wider community. The brick campaign to add to the Memorial Garden will help us in continuing to create a beautiful and welcoming space for prayer and worship outside. Our new Thrift Shop manager Sandy is bringing a renewed spirit to that vital ministry of our parish, and the hard work of Pat and Sharon has set up St. James’ Nursery School wonderfully for next school year, even as our amazing teachers continue to make this an outstanding year. And there is so much more I could write about if space allowed!
I have been here at St. James’ for eight months now. I am still listening deeply. I will continue to do so. But as we come closer to a full year in ministry together I sense the Spirit is moving us toward reflection, and eventually action. Pieces of this are beginning to emerge, and I will write about those in due time, but for now I am thankful for the new life of spring, for the Spirit moving among us, and for the hope of what is to come.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+