Say hello to the only Level 4 Child Center in Richmond!
The St. James’s Children’s Center is a source of pride and delight for every member of our parish–plus, of course, the families who are served by this wonderful place. Well, now we have even more to feel good about.
As of June 1, the Children’s Center Quality Rating has been elevated to Level 4 –– making it the ONLY child center in Richmond with the highest possible rating, and one of only a handful in the state.
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In her letter to the SJCC Board of Directors, executive director Diahann Whittington said in part:
“To accomplish this [Level 4 rating], I had to have your support. We needed to purchase and update materials. Hire and maintain qualified staff and teachers who were willing to work towards achieving and maintaining this goal. This was all done with your encouragement and support. Level 4 ratings are designed to ensure that children are engaged in meaningful learning and play, guided by qualified caregivers in an enriched educational environment that supports school readiness. We had numerous training and ratings to ensure that we were prepared when the opportunity to get rated for a level change presented itself. Through all the preparation your unyielding support has provided for the continued support of our students, their families, and the retention of our amazing staff. Another caveat is that we have been able to do all of this while navigating a pandemic.”
In a world where good news can be hard to find, this is definitely a story to warm our hearts.
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Wednesday, June 15
Welcome Summer Recital Series: 7 pm in the Sanctuary
Cynthia McCard and Daniel Stipe
Our second concert in the Welcome Summer Recital Series features
soprano Cynthia McCard accompanied by Daniel Stipe, pianist.
They'll be performing music by Barber, Duparc, and Strauss
Thursday, June 16
Picnic on the Playground: 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Soar365 Park - 3600 Saunders Avenue, Richmond
Bring your own picnic food and
find us under the canopy at our reserved picnic tables!
Saturday, June 18
Shalom Farms service opportunity: 9am-12pm.
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This week's eChimes features |
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- God loves everyone - letter from the clergy
- Keeping up with St. James'sers this summer
- Amazing Month of Music - June 15 and June 19
- A chance to hang out and serve - June 16 and June 18
- Save the date: The Ordination of Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer
- A gift for Blake and Kilpy
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- Vacation Bible School registration deadline: June 15
- Welcome our new Bishop Elect
- The Juneteenth FOOD Volunteers still needed
- Scholarship opportunity for St. James'sers
- Young Adults socially connecting this summer.
- Hiring: Hospitality and Event Coordinator
- Prayers of the People
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Dear Parish Family,
Our Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer calls us to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves” and it reminds us that as Christians “we will strive for justice and peace, and respect the dignity of all human beings”.
We are proud to be part of a church that is committed to loving our neighbor and welcoming all people to worship at St James’s. In a secular society that celebrates Pride Month, we remind ourselves that as Episcopalians we are committed to striving for a community and world that will value all people no matter who they are and who they love.
We lament the sad reality that many LGBTQ people in our world continue to experience violence and oppression, and we repent of the ways we have failed to love our neighbors as ourselves. As Christians we remind ourselves each time we gather for worship that we are a church community that welcomes all God’s people to the Eucharistic table and in doing so affirm God’s unconditional and all-embracing love for all.
Blessings in Christ,
John, Amelia, Blake and Doug
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Keeping Up with St. James'sers this summer.
We know lots of you will be doing awesome things this Summer. So we came up with a fun way to stay in touch. We call it “Keeping Up with St. James’sers”.
And as you can see from the sample pictures here, we’ll publish photos of whatever you’re doing on our Instagram and Facebook pages throughout the Summer. It could be anything from a big family trip to an afternoon of gardening, a walk through Carytown or pictures of your pet(s).
So have fun. And remember, “Pics or it didn’t happen.”
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There’s a reason we’ve been calling June “An Amazing Month of Music” here at St. James’s. Starting with the Memorial Day concert and Jazz Mass, and continuing with our Wednesday Night Recitals, it’s been one amazing music event after another. And there’s so much more to come.
Mark your calendars and call your friends. This is the perfect way to introduce someone to St. James’s.
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Welcome Summer Recital
Wednesday, June 15
This coming Wednesday at 7 pm, we’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed soprano Cynthia McCard and pianist Daniel Stipe to St. James’s as they perform selections from Barber, Duparc, and Strauss.
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Sunday, June 19 at 5pm
Then NEXT Sunday it’s our highly anticipated Juneteeth concert – a celebration of freedom that features world-renowned organist Dr. Carl Haywood plus choirs from Norfolk State University and St. James’s. You’ll hear organ masterpieces performed by Dr. Haywood plus rousing spirituals sung by the choirs, including Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel and Great Day.
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A chance to hang out. And a chance to serve. |
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Our first two fellowship opportunities of the summer are coming up fast!
On Thursday, June 16th, we’ll meet at the amazing Soar365 Park (3600 Saunders Avenue, Richmond) from 5:30-7:00 for play and fellowship. Bring your own picnic lunch and find us under the canopy at our reserved picnic tables!
On Saturday, June 18th, join us for a morning of service at Shalom Farms from 9am-12pm. Sign up here!
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SAVE THE DATE:
The Ordinations of Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer, Saturday, June 25.
June 25 will be a milestone day for Blake Singer and Kilpy Singer, and by extension for St. James’s too. It’s the day both will be ordained.
The ordinations will be held at 10:30 at The Church of the Holy Comforter, 4819 Monument Ave, (at Staples Mill). All are welcome to attend in person or to view the livestream.
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We're collecting a purse in honor of Blake and Kilpy’s upcomingh ordinations.
Gift Type: "Give one time"
Giving Type: "Singer Ordination Gift"
You can also write "Singer Ordination Gift" in the memo line. Thanks!
If you would like to gift by check, please send to the church office, Attn: Lois Wallenhorst. 1205 W. Franklin St. Richmond, VA, 23220. All gifts should be received by June 24.
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Registration ends
this Wednesday, June 15
We all have special memories of our time in Vacation Bible School. And with St. James’s’ VBS just around the corner, it’s time for your child to make memories (and maybe even friendships) that will last a lifetime.
Built around the line from the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” this summer’s Vacation Bible School (June 27-30, 9 to noon each day) is the perfect way for your child to “get on a roll with God.” All the activities will be reminders that everything we have comes from God — and that it’s by turning to God in prayer that all of our daily needs are met.
The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 15, so please don't wait.
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Welcome the Bishop-elect of Virginia:
The Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson
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More than 450 lay and clerical delegates gathered last Saturday, June 4 at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Va. for a special convention to elect the 14th Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Virginia. The delegates elected the Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson on the second ballot.
To learn more about our Bishop-Elect, go here.
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“We are thrilled that Mark has been elected as the next bishop of Virginia. We think he brings gifts of wisdom and experience, as well as a heart tuned to listen to how Jesus is calling us as a diocese and in our congregations.”
--The St. James's Clergy
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FOOD VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
for Juneteenth, June 19
Our Juneteenth Celebration on June 19 is followed by a reception and we’re seeking volunteers to assist with everything from preparing the food to serving and cleaning up.
St. James’s has a legendary reputation for putting out impressive spreads–and we need as many of you as possible as we expect a large turnout to our Juneteenth event, including people from outside our parish.
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Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship
Funding for the Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship is given through the generosity of Mrs. Thomas Branch Scott, Jr. and Lucy Nelson Taliaferro in memory of their parents and grandparents, and Dr. and Mrs. Richard Michaux.
The Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship was created to provide financial aid for the undergraduate college education of St. James’s members. The scholarship awards are based on need and service to the community.
Applicants must submit the following:
- a personal letter which includes the objectives or purposes for pursuing a college education, financial need and any other sources of funding,
- a description of family (e.g. number of household members)
- a description of service efforts (e.g. church, community, and school)
Only one recipient is allowed per household. Please submit application letters to:
Tracy Schneider--Senior Warden
c/o Mary Brown
St. James’s Episcopal Church
1205 W. Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220.
All application letters are due by July 1st.
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Hiring: Hospitality
and Fellowship Coordinator
St. James’s is seeking an energetic, professional part-time Hospitality and Fellowship Coordinator. This person will ensure that fellowship, hospitality, and special service events are organized and executed smoothly. This critical part-time position is essential to the spiritual health and vitality of our faith community.
Please submit a resume, along with a cover letter addressed to the Rector, the Reverend Dr. John McCard c/o Donna Ellis, describing why you are called to this ministry. Please email your resume and cover letter to dellis@doers.org.
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Staying connected this summer.
Our College and Young Adult Small Group will be meeting up informally throughout the summer for social gatherings. If you are or know of a college student or young adult that would be interested, contact Blake Singer at bsinger@doers.org to be added to the list. |
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Click here to see the names of those we're remembering in our prayers this week.
We do our best to keep this list current, but if you want your name added or removed, please contact Mary Brown or call her at 804-355-1779, ext. 313. |
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St. James’s Episcopal Church | DOERS.ORG | (804) 355-1779
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