From the Rector

  • The Shell Newsletter – November 14, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – November 14, 2019

    Volunteers are still needed for the Children’s Secret Santa Shopat the St. James’ Thrift Shop.Friday setup and Saturday event day.  Please click here to sign up orcall Sandy, Thrift Shop Manager at 301-829-0314. From the Rector – The Blessing of Our Work Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your…

  • The Shell Newsletter – November 7, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – November 7, 2019

    From the Rector – For Heroic Service O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and  women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy.  Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share…

  • The Shell Newsletter – October 17, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – October 17, 2019

    From the Rector – Creating Community Through Studying The Word One of the most important ways we create community as Christians is through studying the Word of God together, which is why I hope you will sign up to be a part of the upcoming Zoom Lunchtime Bible Studies that are beginning next week. …

  • The Shell Newsletter – October 10, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – October 10, 2019

    From the Rector – Will You Serve? There are many great ways to serve at St. James’, both at church and in the wider community.  One way that uniquely combines both is our Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop is our oldest continuous Outreach program.  It was founded 51 years ago and has served the…

  • The Shell Newsletter – October 3, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – October 3, 2019

    From the Rector – St. Francis & the Blessing of the Animals This Sunday you’re invited to bring your pets to church!  Whether they’re cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, or guinea pigs (or anything else), bring them for a blessing and for the sheer joy of worshipping God with all creation. This custom developed in…

  • The Shell Newsletter – September 19, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – September 19, 2019

    From the Rector – Hildegard of Bingen – Spiritual Guide for the Age Tuesday was the feast day of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179).  Benedictine nun, visionary, mystic, poet, musician, and naturalist – she was one of the most extraordinary figures of the Middle Ages.  At the age of sixty she undertook four preaching tours through…

  • The Shell Newsletter – September 12, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – September 12, 2019

    From the Rector – The Basket Raffle is Here! This Sunday we kick off our biggest FUNdraiser of the year with the 13th annual Basket Raffle and Silent Auction.  Tickets will be on sale after both services and the bidding sheets will be out and ready.  There are over 60 themed baskets you can…

  • The Shell Newsletter – September 5, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – September 5, 2019

    From the Rector – Pray and Give As we begin to see the devastation wrought by hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and brace for its effects along the eastern seaboard, please join in praying for all those affected. A Prayer in Time of Disaster Loving and compassionate God, you are our coming and strength…

  • The Shell Newsletter – August 29, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – August 29, 2019

    Vestry The Basket Raffle is one of St. James longest running and most profitable fundraisers and It’s Almost Here! The “Basket Brigade” (the members who do all the footwork for this), work for months in advance to complete 50+ baskets for the community to bid on. But they need assistance. If you like to…

  • The Shell Newsletter – August 22, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – August 22, 2019

    From the Rector – Fall Kick-Off:  Ministry Fair, Choir Returns, Backpack Blessing, and more! As hard as it is to believe, summer is coming to an end.  It’s been nice over the summer, to worship together in one service and slow down a bit, but I know I’m getting excited for all that fall…