Announcements

  • The Shell Newsletter – March 19, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – March 19, 2020

    From the Rector Important Update from Bishop Sutton About Public Worship & Gatherings  Dear St. James’ family, Today we received official direction from Bishop Sutton that the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has suspended all in person public worship and gatherings through May 16, 2020.  This is hard news, and it is also how we…

  • The Shell Newsletter – March 12, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – March 12, 2020

    From the Rector – Live Streaming Worship Begins this Sunday There’s a lot going on right now in the world and in our church.  We are taking seriously the CDC recommendations around healthy practices (wash your hands!) and the need for vulnerable populations (those over 60 or with compromised immune systems) to practice “social…

  • The Shell Newsletter – March 5, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – March 5, 2020

    From the Rector Compline in Lent – The Daily Office in Practice  Last fall our parish intern Tommy Turbyville led some conversations exploring praying the Daily Office, which then led into weekly Compline services during Advent.  It was a meaningful practice for those who were able to come, and a group spearheaded by Jeannie…

  • The Shell Newsletter – February 27, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – February 27, 2020

    Vestry Our Vestry Retreat last weekend was filled with laughter, scripture, moments of silence and good discussion. The following were lifted up to be an Officer/Liaison of the Vestry: Ty Conlon – Jr. Warden Dave Rak – Clerk Andrew Gobien – Thrift Store Liaison Vivian Carden – Nursery School Liaison Jeannie Pellicier – Outreach…

  • The Shell Newsletter – February 20, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – February 20, 2020

    From the Rector – Sources of Transformation A few weeks ago at our Annual Meeting I taught one of the core models from the College for Congregational Development – Sources of Transformation.  This model seeks to illustrate the various ways in which our faith and lives are transformed when we gather together as the…

  • The Shell Newsletter – February 13, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – February 13, 2020

    The Renewal Team – Sabbatical & Congregational Renewal As I shared at the Annual Meeting, I am planning to take a sabbatical next year.  I began talking with the Vestry two years ago about my hopes for taking a sabbatical, and identified 2021 as the right time.  I will be completing my sixth full…

  • The Shell Newsletter – February 6, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – February 6, 2020

    From the Rector – Vacation Bible School Update To better match our upcoming VBS program with the number of volunteers able to participate in planning and leading, we are changing up our plans.  We are now planning for a week long, half day camp (9:00 am – Noon) centered on the theme WAY OF…

  • The Shell Newsletter – January 30, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – January 30, 2020

    Vestry There is a lot of news from Vestry this month so grab a comfy chair and a cup of coffee to read on!  At the Annual Business Meeting this past Sunday, we voted in 3 new members to Vestry.  Welcome to Matt Kastel, Dave Rak and Vivian Carden.  We are so thankful for…

  • The Shell Newsletter – January 23, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – January 23, 2020

    From the Rector – Why Do We Do That? – How2charist Whether you’re a lifelong Episcopalian or new to this branch of the church, you’ve probably had the stray thought (or active question!) about why we do some of the things we do during worship.  Or maybe your experience on Sundays is so ingrained…

  • The Shell Newsletter – January 16, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – January 16, 2020

    From the Rector – Annual Meeting, What’s Different This Year? On Sunday 1/26 we will gather for the 2020 Annual Meeting.  We’re changing things up this year in an effort to come together as a community to do our business (review budget, elect Vestry members) and to learn (I will be teaching a core…