From the Rector Diocesan Convention Follow Up Last Saturday the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland met for its 236th Diocesan Convention. Our Convention usually occurs in May but was postponed due to COVID. Because of the ongoing need for social distancing, most clergy and delegates gathered on Zoom, and it was livestreamed on YouTube. You can watch videos…
Vestry August at St. James always seems like a sleepy month – many folks are on vacations or focused on preparing their children to start school. But, many parishioners and committees are busy preparing for this fall. The Sunday School teachers recently had discussions with parents to envision what classes could look like this fall.…
From the Rector No really, how are you doing? Last month Bishop Sutton began holding weekly Zoom meetings with all the clergy and senior wardens in the Diocese. I have really appreciated gathering to pray and hear from Diocesan leadership, and for the chance to check in with each other. Yesterday he reflected on three…
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 ministry…
From the Rector – King’s College Festival of Lessons & Carols I don’t remember exactly when I first heard the King’s College Festival of Lessons and Carols, but in the ensuing years it has become one of the holiday traditions I most look forward to every Christmas Eve morning. The Festival was introduced in 1918…
From the Rector – A Season of Joy, a Season of Grieving As Thanksgiving approaches, and with it the holiday season launching into full gear, I am deeply aware of many folks in our community who are grieving and for whom this time of year is hard. I also know that for some, the holidays…
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. Technology…
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…
From the Rector – Who was St. James the Apostle? How much do you know about our patron saint, St. James the Apostle? On Sunday, July 28 we will celebrate the Feast Day of James the Greater (transferred from his official feast date of July 25). He is referred to as “the Greater” to distinguish…
From the Rector Summer Savings at the Thrift Shop! Is it tacky if I say it pays to be a member? Probably – but this summer it’s true! Look in your Sunday bulletin beginning this week for a special coupon for members of St. James’ only for $5 off a purchase of $20 or more…