This Monday marks the 140th anniversary of Labor Day, begun in New York City 1882 when 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march through the streets in support of everyone fighting for labor rights (see photo above). Over time, improvements like a 40-hour work week, safe work conditions, paid time off, and sick leave became the law of the land. Within 12 years of the NYC Parade, Labor Day was recognized as a Federal Holiday (see image above).
We hope your Labor Day Weekend is full of fellowship, gratitude and grilled goodies (Labor Day is the third biggest day of the year for grilling, after all.)
That being said, remember the words of John, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
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The parish house will be closed on Monday, September 5
in observance of Labor Day
For pastoral emergencies, here's how to reach our clergy:
The Rev. Dr. John McCard, (404) 408-8241
The Rev. Amelia Arthur, (504)330-3089
The Rev. Blake Singer, (423) 298-4907
The Rev. Dr. Doug Wigner, (804)269-2946
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This week's eChimes features
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- New Year Kick Off Schedule
- Welcome Sunday
- Young Family Social
- Sunday School and Youth Group
- Get your very own St. James's Name Tag
- It's a perfect time to become an usher
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- The Celebration
- Let's us hear your musical voices
- Young Adult Small Group
- Confirmation registration is open
- Several ways Youth can participate in worship services
- Prayers of the People
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Welcome Sunday, September 11
We’re one week from the beginning of the new program year, the first year in a while where everything will be up and running the way we remember it. It all starts September 11 with Welcome Sunday, your chance to have fun, enjoy some great food, hear live music, go in a bounce house (if you’re a kid), buy some St. James’s merch, and perhaps most importantly, get a good idea of the ministry opportunities St. James’s offers.
It takes many hands to make the Street Fair a success. We've already recruited a lot of volunteers, but we still need a few more. To see the volunteer opportunities, go here and see what fits you best.
Starting September 18, we’ll kick off our full worship schedule with three Sunday morning services (yes, the 7:45 is back!), plus the kick-off to Sunday School for our children and youth, plus Adult Fellowship.
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Our FIRST Young Family Social is just around the corner.
Our first Young Family Social will be next Saturday, Sept. 10 from 4-6 pm at 400 Woodlawn Avenue, Richmond.
Everyone with a child living at home is invited. Just bring your family and a favorite beverage. We’ll provide water, lemonade, and snacks. We can’t wait to see you! Moving forward, we’ll be holding these socials the second Saturday of each month. So keep on eye on social media and the eChimes for updates.
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Registration is open for
Sunday School & Youth Group!
To register, please click here.
We will kick off our program year on September 18th with an open house and informational meeting.
The first classes will begin on September 25th.
Sunday School and Youth Group are from 10:15-11:00 am each Sunday.
To find out more information about our program offerings, go here.
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Get your very own St. James’s Name Tag to have and keep.
The days of throwaway peel ‘n stick name tags will soon be behind us. The church will now happily make a permanent name tag for you, complete with a plastic holder that has your choice of a magnet attacher or a pin/clip.
Just go to this registration page, answer two questions, and your new name tag will be waiting for you in the Narthex (the church entrance) come Sunday, starting on September 11, Welcome Sunday.
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It’s the perfect time to become an usher.
We’ve spent a lot of time in the last few eChimes extolling the virtues of being an usher. If you’re beginning to think this is a ministry that suits you, please contact:
Brink Brinkley (11:15 a.m. ushers), (804) 840-9618 or asb3rd@aol.com ,
or
Harry Turton (9:00 a.m. ushers), (804) 282-3484 or
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Save this date: October 26
That’s the date of our first ever Celebration: A feast of goodwill and connection. It will take place at the Dewey Gottwald Science Center and features dining, entertainment, and countless chances to Connect & Reconnect.
More details to follow.
But make sure you mark your calendar for
this very special event.
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We want to hear your musical voice.
If you or your child has been thinking about joining a choir, Fall is the perfect time!
The choirs are filled with singers of varying degrees of training and experience. Some read music, others learn by ear, some have amazing voices and others are just learning how to produce beautiful sounds. Everyone’s contribution is essential. We encourage you to join. You will be so very welcomed.
Here is a list of the choirs, the day and time they rehearse, and the date of their first rehearsal. Give Mark or Virginia a call (355-1779, ext. 323 or 324) for more information.
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Cherub Choir (K – 2nd grades) – Wednesday, September 14, 4:00 p.m.
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Children’s Choir (3rd – 5th grades) – Wednesday, September 14, 5:00 p.m.
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Youth Choir (6th – 12th grades) – Sunday, September 11, 12:30 p.m.
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West Gallery Choir (9:00 a.m. service) – Wednesday, September 7, 7:00 p.m.
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Guitar Ensemble (9:00 a.m. service) – Wednesday, September 7, 8:30 p.m.
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Parish Choir (11:15 a.m. service) – Thursday, September 8, 7:30 p.m.
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Singing Class meets on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. for 6 weeks, starting Sept. 21
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The Young Adult Small Group is back.
The St. James’s Young Adult Small Group will be meeting Mondays at 5:45pm at St. James’s beginning on September 12.
On Mondays, we’ll gather for some combination of fellowship, prayer, and Bible or book study. The group also meets sporadically for dinners and other fellowship events.
If you’re interested or if you know a young adult that may be, contact the Rev. Blake Singer, bsinger@doers.org
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Registration for Confirmation is open.
First meeting is September 25.
Confirmation is one of the most meaningful and fascinating parts of a young person's life --especially here at St. James's, where our confirmation program has become a mode for other churches around the country.
Our kick-off meeting will be September 25th from 12:30-2:30 pm. We’ll begin with lunch at church, then have our information meeting.
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We’re inviting even more Youth to take part in our worship services.
We’re excited to invite more of our youth than ever to participate in our worship services.
For the first time, we’re inviting fifth graders to join our 6th thru 12th graders as acolytes, lectors, and ushers.
You don’t have to be just one, you can participate in as many ways as you like.
To learn more or sign up, please complete this form.
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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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