From the Rector

  • Sunday 3/22/2020 Worship & Coffee Hour Information

    Sunday 3/22/2020 Worship & Coffee Hour Information

    Dear St. James’ family, Tomorrow we begin to live into the extended period of time before us where we will refrain from worshiping together in order to best love one another and our neighbors.  We will stay connected, stay the church, and take care of each other in these coming weeks, even if it…

  • 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…

  • March 18 Update on Worship & Community Life

    March 18 Update on Worship & Community Life

    Dear St. James’ family, Last night the Vestry and I met via Zoom and worked on setting a vision for our community for the coming weeks as we all live into the reality of this pandemic.  Three areas emerged:  we stay connected, we stay church, we take care of each other.* We stay connected. …

  • Monday 3/16 Update

    Monday 3/16 Update

    Dear St. James’ family, Things continue to change daily, and in order to keep up with information sharing we will using Facebook as our primary communication tool.  We will also be updating our website regularly and sending parish emails like this one as needed. Here is a link to our first Facebook Live with news about…

  • Sunday 3/15 Worship

    Sunday 3/15 Worship

    Dear St. James’ family, I will miss worshiping with you tomorrow but hope that you will find spiritual refreshment through watching the live-stream of the service at the National Cathedral where Presiding Bishop Curry will be preaching. The service begins at 11:00 am – click here to tune in. You can also click here for additional at home…

  • March 13 COVID-19 (coronavirus) Update from St. James’

    March 13 COVID-19 (coronavirus) Update from St. James’

    Dear St. James’ family, As you have likely heard by now, our Bishop, in response to Governor Hogan’s executive order to close all Maryland public schools from March 16-27, has instructed all churches in the diocese to cancel worship and meetings during this two-week period.  Please read his full statement below. This is what…

  • 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…

  • March 12 COVID-19 Update

    March 12 COVID-19 Update

    Dear St. James Family, Today I write with a few updates for our communal life as it is affected by the coronavirus COVID-19.  In addition, I share with you below the latest guidance from our Bishop.  I have been fielding calls and emails about news that Episcopal churches are closing for the next 2…

  • COVID-19 (coronavirus) Update from St. James’

    COVID-19 (coronavirus) Update from St. James’

    As news about the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changes daily, parish leaders and I have been monitoring the situation closely and seeking guidance from our Bishop, the wider church, and public health officials.  For the latest on COVID-19 from the CDC please click here and consider signing up for daily email updates from…

  • 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…