Ash Wednesday is less than two weeks away, followed by the 40 days of Lent that lead us to the cross.
In addition to our Lenten Sunday services, Palm Sunday, Easter and other Holy Week services, there are fascinating Adult Learning opportunities on Sunday and Wednesday evenings, plus services every day of Holy Week.
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Monday, February 21st Presidents Day
Community Yoga on Zoom:
Yoga for Mobility & Stability: 2:30 pm (suitable for beginners)
Vinyasa Yoga: 4 pm
Tuesday, February 22nd
Tuesday Men’s Bible Study on Zoom: 7:30 am
Women's Bible Wisdom on Zoom: 5:00 pm
Education for Ministry (EfM) on Zoom: 6 pm
Tuesday Readers: 7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 23rd
Living Faith Bible Study: 10 am
Wednesday Night Worship, Study & Fellowship on Zoom: 6:00 - 8 pm
Introduction to Mindfulness & Meditation Last Class
Topic: Mindfulness and Christian Faith with Br. Leo Campos
Meeting ID number: 838 0728 2761 / Passcode: 572867
Thursday, February 24th
Men's Bible Study Breakfast: 7:30 am
Valentine Hall
The Parish House will be closed on Monday, February 21st
in observance of Presidents Day
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This week's eChimes features |
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- Meet the Rev. Dr. J. Lee Hill
- Choral Eucharist this Sunday
- Play at role in Youth Sunday on February 27th
- Corey's Gospel Hour
- We need your gift to complete our Annual Giving Campaign
- The Family Outreach Project
- Youth Ministry has Big Plans for Summer
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- Adult Learning Classes in Lent
- Lent-in-a-Bag
- Mask Update
- Calling all Gardeners
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We're looking to fill a seat at the Parish House
- The Story of Everything
- Hilary's last day
- Prayers of the People
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Meet the diocesan Missioner for
Racial Reconciliation and Healing
St. James’s is thrilled to welcome the Rev. Dr. J. Lee Hill, Jr. to lead our February 27th Adult Forum (that’s next Sunday) in Valentine Hall.
In September of last year, Dr. Hill became the first-ever diocesan Missioner for Racial Reconciliation and Healing, a vitally important position created to help church leaders in the work of healing across racial and other divides.
He’s coming to St. James’s to get to know us better and, of course, to allow us to get to know him–and his mission–better too. Among many other topics, he’ll discuss the recent resolutions at the Annual Convention for reparations, and furthering our support for ministries like the Peter Paul Center and ReWork in our local community.
A native Virginian, Lee holds degrees from George Mason, Wake Forest, Emory University, and post-graduate certificates from Princeton Theological Seminary, the Morehouse School of Pastoral Leadership, and the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He is an ordained minister with standing in the Alliance of Baptists and the United Church of Christ, and has served congregations in California, New York, and North Carolina. You might already know him as one of the readers at our recent Martin Luther King Day reading.
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“One of the musical treasures of the Anglican tradition.”
This Sunday, February 20 at 11:15 am service, the Parish Choir will sing William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices. This mass is one of the musical treasures of the Anglican tradition. You can go to any of the great cathedrals of the world to hear this magnificent music—or you can come to St. James’s. The Celebrant and Cantor will be the Reverend Hilary Streever.
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Youth Sunday
is next Sunday, February 27.
Mark February 27 on your Church Calendar. That’s the Sunday St. James’s youth will take over the 9:00 and 11:15 services, including preaching, ushering, reading the prayers, and on and on. It’s usually one of the most inspiring Sundays of the year as we watch our teenagers display their growth as Christians, as future leaders, and as young adults.
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Corey’s Gospel Hour is back.
This coming Friday, February 25th, at 7pm
Maybe you’ve seen his one-of-a-kind act at Main Line Brewery or Cary Street Cafe. Or maybe you’ve read about him in RVA Mag or Style Weekly. Or maybe you have no idea who Corey Axt is. It doesn’t matter, you’re gonna love Corey’s Gospel Hour, Friday, February 25th at 7 pm in Valentine Hall, so mark it on your calendar.
We’re lowering the lights but turning up the intensity, whether it’s old gospel hymns, a quiet poetry reading, or original songs performed by Corey himself, it promises to be an unforgettable evening.
This is the third time Corey is bringing his gospel hour to St. James’s, joined by The West Gallery Choir and Guitar Ensemble. You don’t want to miss it.
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We're nearing our goal.
Make it your goal to help us get all the way there.
Thank you so much to everyone who chose to pledge last week. Your generosity and commitment to the mission of our church is deeply appreciated. As you can see from the Steeple-o-meter, we have not yet reached our goal–but we’re closer. If you have yet to pledge, please consider doing what you can to help us reach our $2 million goal. Remember, no pledge is too small except the pledge that isn’t made.
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• Your pledges have taken us to 87% of our budgetary goal.
• We need to reach our goal of $2M and your pledge matters.
• Together we will do better – and
our church ministries, missions and outreach will flourish.
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The Family Outreach Project is helping St. James's Children's Center |
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The Family Outreach Project is a chance for children and youth--and their families--to do valuable work for the St. James’s Children’s Center. On Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 10:15 to 11:00, instead of holding Sunday school/JYF/SYF, we'll be working together to support the facilities and staff of the St. James’s Children’s Center. We have lots of work to do, so the more people who sign up, the more great things we can accomplish together. To register, click here.
The deadline to register is March 1, 2022. For questions, please contact Ashlee Ligon, Interim Director of Children’s Ministry ([email protected]) or Katie Ricard, Interim Director of Youth Ministry ([email protected]).
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St. James’s Youth Ministry has
big plans this summer.
Whether you’re in 5th grade or college, St. James’s has amazing opportunities for you this Summer.
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Or watch this video to hear what Katie Ricard, our Director of Youth Ministry, has to say about the terrific plans for this summer.
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Adult Learning Classes
in Lent
We’ve created special Adult Learning classes just for Lent. On Sundays, the clergy will be teaching a series called The Story of Everything that’s open to everyone. Folks on the confirmation path are required to take The Story of Everything plus Pilgrim’s Path House Church Confirmation classes on Wednesdays. There’s also a fascinating series called Why We Need Dante.
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Lent-in-a-Bag
Brought to you by the Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and
Adult Formation Ministry.
Wondering how to connect with God and others during Lent? Lent-in-a-Bag is a one-size-fits-all curated collection of devotionals, calendars, and activities that all ages can use to engage with this holy season, as individuals or as families or other groups.
- Indicate if you plan to pick yours up or would like it delivered on February 27 and 28, just in time for Ash Wednesday on March 2.
- Extras will be available Sundays, February 27 and March 6.
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Starting next Sunday we're Mask Optional.
Beginning Sunday, February 27, we will return to a mask optional policy for our worship services. This will apply to our 9 am, 11:15 am and 5 pm services
While masks will be optional in the sanctuary, the children’s ministry and youth ministry will continue to require masks for all children, youth, and volunteers.
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Calling all Gardeners.
Or lovers of Church Gardens.
The diocesan Creation Care Task Force Garden Working Group is hosting its first conversation about church gardens. If you want to learn more about this ministry and how to engage, please join working group chair, the Rev. Deacon Courtenay Evans. on February 21 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Register here. The link to join the Zoom event will go out in a confirmation email after you register.
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We’re looking to fill this seat at the Parish House
St. James’s is looking for a temporary part-time Administrative Assistant, with an opportunity to become a permanent employee.
You’ll never be bored with these responsibilities:
• Greet visitors on the phone and in person
• Assist with print and copy jobs
• Help with creating and drafting MicroSoft Office documents
• Proofreading
We can also confidently say you’ll be working with a great bunch of people who love their jobs and are great to work with. If you’re interested–or know someone who’s interested–contact Michael Smith at [email protected]
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“The Story of Everything”
Our 2022 adult confirmation class will consist of two meetings a week. Everyone seeking adult baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church or reaffirmation of baptismal vows will gather on Wednesday evenings for House Church (prayer, study, reflection, and fellowship).
There's also a 4-part Lenten series--called The Story of Everything--that's open to all parishioners. It hits all the high points of the Bible: Creation, Crisis, Covenant with Israel, Christ, Church and the Coming Reign of God.
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OPEN TO EVERYONE: "The Story of Everything," Sunday Study: March 6 to April 3,
10:15 am to 11:00 am, Valentine Hall, taught by the clergy
FOR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES: House Church: Wednesdays, March 9 to April 13, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Register by March 2 (Ash Wednesday)
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Hilary's last Sunday is March 13.
The Reverend Hilary Streever’s last Sunday at St. James’s Episcopal Church will be on March 13, 2022. The party celebrating Hilary and her family will be held between the 9 am and 11:15 am services.
We are also collecting funds for a gift for Hilary as she departs from St. James’s. Please send checks or online payments marked “Hilary Gift” to the church office by Friday, March 4th.
Mark your calendars and plan to be at St James’s on this special Sunday as we celebrate the gifts that Hilary’s ministry have brought to our community and to wish the Streever family well on their next adventure.
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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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