From the Rector
Resuming the Indoor 8:30 am Service on Sundays
I am pleased to share that due to improving COVID metrics the Diocese is lifting the suspension of indoor worship. We will resume our 8:30 am service of Holy Eucharist beginning on Sunday, March 14. We will also continuing gathering at 10:30 am on Zoom/Facebook for online worship.
For those interested in attending the in-person service, we will be following the same procedures as last November, including:
- If you wish to attend this service you will need to sign up and reserve a seat, as attendance will be limited to 40 persons
- Masks and social distancing will be required, along with the parameters established in the Covenant for Regathering
- The church will look different – the rows of chairs have been replaced by spread out groupings of chairs to maintain distancing
- This service will be an abbreviated Holy Eucharist and is designed to last about 30 minutes
- There will be no music at this service (the same as our 8:30 Eucharist prior to COVID)
See below for full details, including the link to sign up.
One thing to note is that if COVID metrics rise again, this service may be suspended temporarily again. We are hopeful this will not be the case, and that this service will continue through the spring. Going forward, as more people are able to get vaccinated and the weather turns, we anticipate further changes to our worship patterns in late spring/early summer. In the meantime, whether you come to worship in person or remain online, I look forward to continuing to our Lenten journey together.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Easter Eggs!
We’re still working on our plans for an Easter egg “hunt” of some sort, but one way or the other we want to get filled eggs to our families for Easter Day. Please stop by the church to pick up a bag of empty plastic eggs to fill and return, or just drop off filled eggs. Deadline is 3/22!
Financial Help for Parishioners
The members of our community who gave a generous donation to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund with the hope of helping parishioners with winter heating assistance have extended these funds to help parishioners in whatever way in needed during these tough times. Please reach out to Rev. Kristin for more information if we can help you in the coming months.
Sunday Worship Information
IN PERSON WORSHIP
Going back into the church building doesn’t mean a “return to normal.” Not only will the church itself look different, but we will continue COVID protocols to protect the health and safety of all.
Reserve Your Seats
Based on Diocesan guidelines and the size of our sanctuary our max capacity for this service will be 40 people. This means that if you would like to attend the 8:30 am service you will need to sign up in advance. The link to sign up will be in the Shell Newsletter every week and on the website homepage about half way down.
NOTE: If you are assigned to serve as an usher, reader, or on altar guild you do NOT need to sign up for any date at which you are serving.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS FOR March 14
COVID Protocols
For the safety and protection of everyone, the following practices will be followed:
- Masks and social distancing will be required, along with the parameters established in the Covenant for Regathering.
- Only the front entrance will be unlocked and open
- Ushers will record everyone who attends in our contact tracing binder
- Hand sanitizer will be placed in prominent locations at the entrance and in church
- The church will look different – the rows of chairs have been replaced by spread out groupings of chairs to maintain distancing
- Prayer books and hymnals have been removed, the weekly bulletin will have the complete order of service
- Toys, books, and crayons have been removed; activity sheets will still be available
- This service will be an abbreviated Holy Eucharist and is designed to last about 30 minutes
- There will be no music at this service (the same as our 8:30 am Eucharist prior to COVID)
- There will no coffee hour after the service
ONLINE WORSHIP
Join us on Third Sunday in Lent for Morning Prayer at 10:30 am followed by Zoom Coffee Hour, or watch the service livestreamed on Facebook.
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: 820 8668 4148
Passcode: 242425
One tap mobile +13017158592,,82086684148#
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.
Formation
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
We are now into Lent and, hopefully, you have had an opportunity to stop by the church and pick up your Lent At Home bag. It is filled with Lenten resources and activities for all ages. In addition, the Sunday School team has put together a parent treat bag in appreciation for all your at-home efforts during the pandemic. Yes, it has been quite a year of adjustments for everyone, which includes our Sunday School teachers. Thank you all!
Our Sunday School schedule continues as follows:
- Preschool – 5th Grade with Betsy Davis and Yvette Allen
Bible Stories and activities on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. - Middle-High School with Joan Fader and Natalie DelRegno
Living the Good News curriculum. Beginning March 7th in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. (with masks/distancing/ sanitizing guidelines). Once the weather gets warmer (maybe April??), we plan to meet outdoors in the Memorial Garden.
Note: In order to help teachers prepare lessons, please advise whether or not your student will be attending class. Thank you. faderj1@juno.com
As in previous years, our Sunday School students will be saving coins during Lent as part of our A is for Africa outreach project to assist the children at Matim Primary School in Tanzania. There is a pattern in your Lent At Home bag to make your own coin mite box (or you can be creative and design your own!) Have fun thinking of unique ways to add coins to your mite box, which will be collected at Easter.
Stay well and safe as we all look forward to being together in person as a parish family.
St. James’ Teaching Team
Yvette Allen, Betsy Davis
Natalie DelRegno, Joan Fader
Truth in 10 – Lenten Climate Program
There’s one more chance to join us this Sunday when Lynne Murdock (naturalist, climate activist, and member of St. James’) will present The Climate Reality Project’s Truth in 10 focusing on what the average citizen can do to contribute to solutions to the climate crisis. All are invited on March 7 at Noon on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 849 0100 3185
Passcode: 585157
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,84901003185#
Youth Group
This month Youth Group will be delving into our next graphic novel, March Book 1, a first hand account of Congressman John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. In preparation for the discussion of this novel, we watched John Lewis’ 1963 speech at the March on Washington. Fellowship activities have been on hold for the past few months due to the chilly weather. We are hoping the weather is trending warmer so that we can start planning some outdoor fellowship activities this month. Lastly, a warm Congratulations to Youth Group Leader, Annie, and her family on the birth of their baby girl Nora in February!!
Outreach
REQUEST FOR EASTER DONATIONS
The Outreach Committee is pleased to announce it has very recently become aware of a community project we can work on this month with your help.
The Lorien Senior Center is requesting Easter baskets filled with specific items to be used as prizes for their popular Easter Bingo. Therefore, we are requesting donations of the following generic items for men or women to win:
Coloring books
Crossword books
Fun things
Puzzles
Crayons
Nail files
Soft toothbrush
Pocket size Kleenex
Pencils
Combs
Brushes
Markers
Sharpies
Hand lotion
Body wash
Small stuffed toys
Trinkets
Sealed candy
Hand sanitizer
Chapstick
PLEASE NOTE: NO homemade food items will be accepted and all candy must be in the original store packaging.
Your Outreach Committee members will assemble, wrap the filled baskets in cellophane, and attach a beautiful bow before delivery to The Lorien Senior Center later this month.
Donated items may be delivered to the Church Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., or Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. PLEASE DEPOSIT YOUR DONATIONS IN THE TUB BY THE CHURCH DOOR at the above hours beginning Sunday, MARCH 7 through Sunday, MARCH 21.
Your help with this Outreach project for our community will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Truth in 10 – Lenten Climate Program
Join us in March when Lynne Murdock (naturalist, climate activist, and member of St. James’) will present The Climate Reality Project’s Truth in 10 focusing on what the average citizen can do to contribute to solutions to the climate crisis. All are invited into this conversation with two dates to choose from: March 2 at 7:00 pm or March 7 at Noon. Both gatherings will be on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
Lectionary Readings for the Third Sunday in Lent:
Next Week’s Commemorations:
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2021 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:
James and Vivian Carden
Lynn and Donna Carr
Scott and Christine Carstens (Amanda)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.