Father of all nations and ages,
we recall the day when our country
claimed its place among the family of nations;
for what has been achieved we give you thanks,
for the work that still remains we ask your help,
and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation,
grant that, under your providence,
our country may share your blessings
with all the peoples of the earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
This week's eChimes features
  • A note from the clergy
  • Get a look inside our amazing organ
  • Send us your pictures for "Keeping up with St. James's"
  • Update on our summer Service and Fellowship Events
  • New: August 19-20 "Good-bye to summer"
  • Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship applications due today, July 1
  • Rector Q & A
  • Staff Reading Picks
  • Help make St. James's a warmer place
  • Vacation Bible School 2022 photos and highlights
  • Use a Name Tag to make everyone feel more welcomed
  • Prayers of the People
A Note from the Clergy

As we again find ourselves a nation in the midst of division and troubling times we wanted to send a note to remind you that each of us is here for you. Should you want a listening ear, someone to talk to, or someone to pray with you as you process the events of the last few weeks, months, or years, know that our first and most important job is to walk with you as you journey. Whatever you think or feel about any of the issues that currently divide our nation we are here to be with you and to love you, so please reach out and know that we will meet you where you are.

All of us continue to pray for each of you every day, and we pray that in the midst of such divided times we might all remember that as a church community we are more united than divided, and that we are called together by our God who loves each and every one of us unconditionally.

We hope to hear from you, now or whenever you may need the care and space we can provide.

In Christ,

John, Amelia, Blake, Doug
Get an inside look at our organ next Sunday
 
Next Sunday, July 10, after the 10 am service, our guest organist Casey Dunaway will offer a guided tour of the inside of our beautiful C.B. Fisk organ, one of the most impressive church organs in the country. Anyone wishing to see the interior of this magnificent instrument should meet Casey in the balcony after the service.
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.

It could be anything from a big family trip to an afternoon of gardening, a walk around RVA, pictures of your pets - anything is possible.

We’ve created a form on our website – https://doers.org/keeping-up-with-st-jamesers/ – where you can download your pics (you can definitely send more than one) and tell us a little about what you’re up to. 

So have fun. And remember, “Pics or it didn’t happen.” 
Save the date for
our summer Fellowship & Service events!

Update: July 21- Picnic and Play, 5:30-7:00pm at Cheswick Park, 1700 Cheswick Ave, Henrico (across from Henrico Doctor’s Hospital)

July 23- Family Service Opportunity at St. James’s in Valentine Hall, 9-11am

August 18- Night out at the Flying Squirrels, 6:35pm

All ages are welcome!
New: August 19-20
"Good-bye to summer"

We’re planning to say, “good-bye to summer” with one last service opportunity for our youth in grades 6-12.

Come to our Youth Service Lock-in from August 19th-August 20th at St. James’s! We’ll meet at 5pm on August 19th, have dinner, and go to the Goochland Drive-In Movie Theater. The next morning, we’ll wake up, have breakfast, and engage in a service activity until 3pm!

To sign up, go here. Hope you’ll join us for fellowship, service, and fun!

Scott-Taliaferro Scholarship
Applications due TODAY
 
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.

Letters may also be submitted electronically to mbrown@doers.org.
All application letters are due today, July 1st.
Save the Date for
The Rector’s Q&A 

On Sunday July 17th—right after the 10 am service in Valentine Hall—we’re bringing back the Rector’s Forum.

John and other church leaders will be available to answer any questions you have about the church as we look ahead to the new program year. 

We value your questions and comments, so please make plans to be at this important event. 
Summer is a great time to catch up on reading. If you’re looking for some ideas of what to read next, the St. James’s staff has a list of books you might consider. Happy reading, y’all!
  • We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter – Donna Ellis
  • Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus by Robin R. Meyers – Jay Sandusky
  • The War of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors by Dan Jones – John McCard
  • Explorers of the Nile: The Triumph and Tragedy of Great Victorian Adventures by Tim Jeal – John McCard
  • 1912: The Year the World Discovered Antarctica by Chris Turner – John McCard
  • Honor​​​ by Thirty Umrigar – Katie Ricard
  • Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb – Katie Ricard
  • This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi – Katie Ricard
  • The Devil's Half Acre by Kristen Green – Katie Ricard
  • Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle – Virginia Whitmire
  • A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory by Frederich BuechnerVirginia Whitmire
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck – Blake Singer
  • Diving into The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan – Blake Singer
  • Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry by Will Willimon – Annika Cline
  • Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas – Annika Cline
  • Beach Read by Emily Henry – Annika Cline
  • Dune by Frank Herbert – Annika Cline
  • A good girl's guide to murder by Holly Jackson – Annika Cline
  • Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven by John Elliot Gardiner – Mark Whitmire 
  • A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn – Mark Whitmire
  • Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles – Winnie Canup
  • Hey White Girl by Judith Bice – Winnie Canup

Help make St. James’s a warmer place.  

Our Sunday Services can use your special brand of warmth. Greeters play an essential role at St. James’s, especially when it comes to making newcomers feel welcome and comfortable. There are openings right now.

If you are interested in joining this wonderful ministry, please contact Marisa Trible at valenzmc@gmail.com
Vacation Bible School 2022 Highlights

This year’s Vacation Bible School wrapped up on Thursday. During VBS the children focused on “Give us our daily bread” from the Lord’s Prayer. They learned through activities that everything we have comes from God and that through prayer all of our daily needs are met.

It was a joy to have the children at the church learning, doing crafts, singing, playing and making new friends.
Your name here.

We understand the importance of name tags, so moving forward you’ll find pens and name tags in the Narthex to use on Sundays. 

We’re also in the process of creating permanent name tags that you can order and keep. We’ll have more details as we finalize our plans, But in the meantime, please use the disposable ones in the Narthex. 

It’s a great way to help everyone feel more welcome.

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.
For Diocese of Virginia news and information, visit: https://www.thediocese.net/

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