Outreach

  • The Shell Newsletter – April 2, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – April 2, 2020

    From the Rector Grace Groups are launching tomorrow!  Last week we shared that we would be launching Grace Groups, a way for us to stay connected, stay church, and take care of each other in the days ahead. We have now pulled together the Grace Groups Leadership Team who will oversee this project, and…

  • The Shell Newsletter – March 26, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – March 26, 2020

    Vestry This last week at home has proven to be an interesting experiment of both displaying and controlling my feelings. I am overjoyed that all my children are safe at home with me yet I am frustrated that they have questions about school issues I can’t answer. I am so excited about all the…

  • 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 – 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…

  • Rebuild Puerto Rico

    Rebuild Puerto Rico

    REBUILD PUERTO RICO On Sunday, February 9, 2020 we will join with our Diocese in support of our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico.  Here’s the call to action along with a link to donate directly.  You can also drop a donation in the offering plate on Sunday.  Please help rebuild Puerto Rico.  Whether…

  • The Shell Newsletter – January 9, 2020

    The Shell Newsletter – January 9, 2020

    From the Rector – Giving Thanks and Saying Farewell Last September we welcomed DOV Intern Tommy Turbyville, and time sure has flown because now it is time to say thank you and farewell.  This Sunday you’re invited to festive coffee hours in his honor after both services, and then on his last Sunday, 1/19,…

  • The Shell Newsletter – December 12, 2019

    The Shell Newsletter – December 12, 2019

    From the Rector – Connecting to the Wider Church Because we are at a distance from the seat of the diocese in Baltimore, it can be easy to feel disconnected or just not pay attention to what’s going on in the wider church except at specific times, like Diocesan Convention (or General Convention when…

  • 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…

  • 15 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood

    15 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood

    Donating blood can feel intimidating – maybe you’re not a fan of needles, or maybe you think there’s just not enough time in the day. Your lifesaving donation is sure to be worth it, though. Here are a few of the reasons why you should donate blood: Your single blood donation has the potential…

  • 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…