From the Rector
Grace Groups 2.0 – What’s Next?
Back in early April, as the COVID-19 pandemic was first unfolding, we launched Grace Groups. Every household in our congregation was assigned to a small group overseen by a Shepherd. The hope was that these small groups could help people stay connected as the stay at home order took effect and we transitioned to online worship. Additionally, each Shepherd would be able to serve as a point of contact to connect people to the newly established Helper’s Team and pass on prayer requests to Kristin+ and the Daughters of the King.
These fourteen groups served as an anchor for many throughout the spring. As we turned to summer, and as restrictions have begun to ease a bit, we noticed that Grace Groups as they existed were no longer needed in the same way.
To that end, the Shepherds met to reflect on how Grace Groups had served our community in a time of need, and to imagine what’s next. We realize that not everyone needs the extra support of a small group, but that groups like this are still important to many others. In light of this, we hope to launch Grace Groups 2.0 by the end of the summer.
Grace Groups 2.0 will be similar to our original groups in that we hope for them to be a place where people can connect as so many still need to remain physically distant from one another – or just because you miss being together. Everyone will be invited to sign up, and then the Shepherds will create the groups and help to facilitate ongoing connection.
If you are interested in signing up to be in a new Grace Group please click here. Sign ups will remain open through Sunday, August 2. If you have any questions please reach out to Rev. Kristin (rector@stjamesmtairy.org / 301-829-0325).
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Sunday Worship Information
IN PERSON WORSHIP
We will gather at 8:30 am outside for Holy Eucharist in the Memorial Garden and field. All attendees must abide by the provisions of the Covenant for Regathering, including:
- wearing a mask
- maintaining physical distancing from those not in your household
- only attending when non-symptomatic for COVID-19 or any other transmittable disease
- abstaining from attending if doing so would put you at greater risk because of your own health status
To attend outside worship please plan to bring your own chairs or blanket. You will be asked to spread out in the field facing the building, keeping at least 8 feet between households – so consider hats or an umbrella for shade. While this will be a service with Holy Communion (wafers only), you are free to choose if you feel comfortable receiving the sacrament.
If outside worship needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather a decision will be made by 4:00 pm the day before when possible, and if it needs to be cancelled, an email will be sent out. In the case of unanticipated bad weather, including rain which would inhibit our ability to use sound amplification, an update will be posted to our Facebook page by 7:30 am the morning of. You can check our Facebook page for updates.
ONLINE WORSHIP
Join us on The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost for the Liturgy of the Word at 10:30 am followed by Zoom Coffee Hour, or watch the service livestreamed on Facebook.
A printable bulletin is available here.
We will “open the doors” beginning at 10:15 am for folks to greet each other and say good morning. Kristin+ will give instructions at 10:25 am and we will begin recording and livestreaming the service promptly at 10:30 am. Don’t worry if you’re late – you can still attend via Zoom if you “get to church” at 10:40!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 895 0485 8478
Password: 454304
One tap mobile
+13017158592,89504858478# US
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US
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.
Annual Thrift Shop Supply Drive
Please help restock the Thrift Shop’s supplies. Batteries for donated toys, masking tape, paper products and more are needed. Donations will be accepted beginning August 1 at 8:30 worship in the Memorial Garden or during regular church office hours. Check out the list at our Amazon registry: https://smile.amazon.com/wedding/share/supplydrive
You can purchase directly off the registry or shop local. We are not particular about brands. No one is actually getting married……we’re just really clever at finding convenient ways for you to help!
Thursday Lunchtime Bible Study
Please join us July 30 for Bible study at 11:30 am.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 861 1650 4994
Passcode: 705119
One tap mobile +13017158592,,86116504994# US
Virtual Compline
Virtual Compline services on Facebook are Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 pm. You do not need to have a Facebook account to “attend” – just click here to participate. While your at our Facebook page be sure to “follow” and turn on notifications so you will be alerted when we go live or post updated information. Compline order of service can be found here.
Troop 829 New Facebook Page
Get updates for Troops 829B and 829G by liking our new Facebook page here.
Lectionary Readings for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost:
Next Week’s Commemorations:
Prayer Rotation Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2020 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you pray to on a daily basis for the needs and blessing of:
Patricia Chalk
Joan Collins
Ty and Ashley Conlon (JT, Penny, Daphne, Marshall, Flynn)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.