Saint James the Less Weekly News & Updates | | From our Sr. Warden, on behalf of the Vestry | | |
“Don’t be afraid; just believe”. Mark 5:36
On behalf of the Vestry, I am writing to provide an update on the restorative process that is underway here at St. James the Less.
First, the Vestry thanks you for your patience, love, and support in this difficult time. We all need to continue to be here for one another, in all ways. We have heard from some of you who shared your thoughts and feelings, and we thank you for sharing that with us. We appreciate hearing your comments.
We are in regular connection with the Bishop’s office and have shared your concerns about this process with Canon Hazel, who is providing regular reports to Bishop Stevenson. He understands the difficulties we are facing as a community of faith. As the Bishop and Rock continue to work during this period pursuant to the agreement reached between them, the Vestry and members of the congregation are receiving resources to address the difficulties we are experiencing during this time.
The Diocese is ensuring the availability of pastoral care for all. The Bishop’s office has connected several parishioners with pastoral care resources. And we are grateful for the Pastoral presence of Father Ohmer here at St. James the Less, both on Sundays and on Wednesdays.
We understand that this is a difficult time, but we also know that things are happening that are beyond our understanding. In scripture, we are given many stories about walking in darkness or confusion. And yet, God goes before us in the wilderness. Angels visit and say “Fear not.” Jesus repeatedly tells us we need not be afraid. We are always reassured that God is with us. As your Vestry, we are encouraged and we are hopeful for the future. There is no path without God’s presence and Love.
In the meantime, we all need to keep doing the things that make St. James the Less the special place that we all choose to call home. The work of ministry will continue. The work of community will continue. In short, we will continue.
Again, if you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to us, your Vestry. Reach out to Father Ohmer. God is at work at St. James the Less.
Jim Allen, Senior Warden
| | Vestry List for Questions and Concerns | | |
Here is the list of the current vestry if you want to reach out and talk.
Jim Allen, Sr. Warden
George Field, Jr. Warden
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Beth Baxter
Nancy Chamlee
Julie Ericksen
Richard Grosse
Melissa Hoar
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Tripp Hudgins
PK Kinser
Melissa Roberts
Derrick Rosser
Sylvia Spagna
| | Email addresses for vestry will be available on a table across from the office and posted on the vestry bulletin board and at the office. | | |
Sunday, June 8, 2025
- 8am Eucharist Rite I (Outside)
- 10am Eucharist Rite II with music
Monday, June 9, 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
| | | Tri-Cities Workcamp 2025
Youth group is thrilled to share we have three campers attending Tri-Cities Workcamp in Petersburg, VA, from June 22-28. Their names are Peter Moberg (chaperone and multi-year alumni of Workcamp), Ruby Starrett (camper and rising senior at Hermitage), and Adel Truitt (camper and rising sophomore at Maggie Walker). This retreat experience is focused on service, fellowship, and fun (learn more here: https://www.tcworkcamps.org/ ). Please consider sending words of encouragement to our campers. Part of the retreat involves being free from social media and phones for the entire week, so hearing from you will be especially meaningful!
WORKCAMP MAILING ADDRESS:
Participant's Name
WORKCAMP 2025
P.O.Box 1761
Petersburg, VA 23805
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Chenery Fund
The Christopher T. Chenery Fund was established in 1973 to honor Mr. Chenery, a former
parishioner, and owner of horse racing’s triple crown winner, Secretariat. The committee’s
current (2025) members are George Spagna (Chair), Ginny Meyer, Melissa Roberts, Lara
Brown, Joanne Robb, Patty Smith, Kris Allen, Margaret Belyea and Chandler Deas. Bobbie
Street, who has been handling correspondence and notifying recipients of grants awarded,
has agreed to continue this role even after she officially left the committee!
The committee considers requests for funding and consists of parishioners appointed by the
Vestry and Rector, each serving a three-year term. The interest income generated from the
fund is available for funding charities, outreach programs and parishioners’ participation in
retreats, conferences, camps and classes designed to promote Christian spiritual growth.
2025 distributions are approximately $27,400 – all expenditures are approved by the Vestry.
The Fund also tithes to the Building Fund, the church operating budget, reinvestment to
principle, and makes annual contributions to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. Invested
funds are administered by Diocesan Trustees of the Funds.
In 2024 we supported several campers and participants in the annual Shrine Mont retreat
and made contributions to our parish food ministry. Other recipients included the YMCA,
Habitat for Humanity, the Wings of Hope Ranch, the Hanover Churches Network, and CJs
Thumbs Up Foundation. A special award was sent to Episcopal Relief and Development for
hurricane relief.
Do you have someone going to summer camp at Shrine Mont? We can provide 75%
towards the fee for first-time campers and 50% for repeat campers. Are you planning to
attend our fall retreat at Shrine Mont? We can support 50% of that cost. Are you
participating in a mission trip? We can support that, too.
Application forms are found in the upper left mail folder across from the office. If you have
questions feel free to reach out to George Spagna or any of the committee members.
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Acolytes Wanted!
Every Sunday, we work together to celebrate and worship. We are a liturgical church, and "liturgy" literally means "the work of the people." A big part of that is having folks who assist in the service by carrying the cross, bringing out the Gospel book, gathering the offering, and assisting at the altar. If we have enough, we also have torchbearers lighting the way. Often we have older children and teens helping out. We will soon be holding a training, and would encourage interested parties, no matter your age, to participate as we rebuild our post-COVID ranks of our acolyte team. Let the office know of your interest or your child's interest.
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In Remembrance of Bob Brown
We are very sad to report that Bob Brown passed away yesterday. He and his family are beloved to this church family. We hope you will join us as we celebrate his life: a Memorial Service will be held at St. James the Less on Saturday, June 7th at 2:00 pm.
Please keep Mary Lou, Sanborn, Lisy, Julie, Chris, as well as family and friends in your prayers.
| | CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMMING | | |
June 9, 2025
No planned children's activities
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Pop Tops
Please make sure to continue to collect pop tops over the summer! We will have a wonderful end of summer event to count them and hopefully beat our record of last year!! There is a bucket downstairs and then a small jar in the window upstairs near the office. Can't wait to see how many we can collect!!
Activities During Service
The program year officially ends this Saturday. We will have one last Sunday School and Children's Church. Once the Summer begins, I will have some crafts and quiet activities that will be stocked in the library area near the existing toys. There are drawers that I will fill with individual craft kits that you are free to take and do in the library or in the pews. I hope you all have a wonderful summer!!
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Registration is open until June 9, 2025!
Instead of a weeklong summer camp, RMC is offering a new format for youth to explore the Convergence of Faith and Science this summer. What's different?
- Rather than a week-long theme, we are offering one-day events (with an overnight two-day event at the end of the week) so that youth may choose to come just for a day OR for the entire week
- This year's program is open to both middle and high school students
- Teens may register and come as an individual who is interested OR youth groups can register and come together as a group ...
Our hope is that this new format provides quality programming that youth and youth groups can enjoy while not taking up too much time in your summer schedules.
Here is our format this summer with several different themes to choose from:
- Tuesday, June 24: Food, Faith, and Farming; location: Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday, June 25: Greening The Church (Creation Care); location: Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Thursday, June 26 10:00 am through Friday, June 27 at 5:30 pm: Faith and Healthcare; location: Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA (overnight in the college dorms.)
Each one-day experience is $25 per youth participant, and the Thurs/Fri overnight experience is $75 per youth (adult youth ministers are free.) Applications are open at this weblink Home | Convergence @ Randolph-Macon College - A High School Youth Theology Institute on Faith and Science. All Christian denominations and traditions are welcome.
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Sign up to bring meals for the Clinic Volunteers HERE
- Help stock our Emergency Food Pantry (outside the clinic)
- Send in your Pop Tops for McDonald House
- Bring in Hygiene or laundry items for Peter Paul
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Donate to ACES- Click HERE for current needs (we have a box in our hallway)
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Donate to Peter Paul Development Center. (box in our hallway)
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Lord, we lift up this nation struggling with itself these days. Encourage us to faithfulness, righteousness, and compassion for all God’s Children. We lift up Sean++, our Presiding Bishop, Mark+, Gail+ & Bud+, our Bishops, John+ and Rock+, our priests. We pray for Bart, our Seminarian, in his formation. May they be strengthened and encouraged as they work with us to proclaim your Good News in this world. We pray for Donald, our President, Glenn, our Governor, and Steve, our Mayor, and all our elected officials. Guide them to lead us to the common good.
We ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people including those of the Ukraine. We pray especially for Gus Miller, Erin Yagla, Meghann Batten, Haden Hopkins, Hilda Kelly, Smith family, Mary Ann Harris, Mary Lou Brown, Pam Gillette, Ruth Beaudry, Dawn Haase & Family, Kimette Cannady, Alicia Wood, Anna Marie, Judy Sledd, Floyd Moore, Tim Yagla, Erik Klauss, Steve Crain, Jessica Wingo, Margaret Belyea, Calvin Stanley, Lee Chambers, Patty Smith, Douglas and Karen Bower, Ginger Brooking, Jennifer Fewell Gardner, Tom Slaughter, Charlie Bonner, Christen Meacham, Susan Arthur, Dearing Gardner, Jason Robb, Paul Schofield, Heather Grande and Teva Rittenhouse.
We ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. We also ask your prayers for those serving in the diplomatic corps, the military, and as missionaries: Larson Flanagan, Kemper Jones, Greg Ericksen, Matthew Thomas, Philip Morison, James Ashley, Ellie Deas, Andrew Brunson, and Katherine Murphy.
We ask your prayers for those who have died, including Scott Candler. We ask your prayers for those who grieve their missing loved ones.
Our citizens who live in Hanover County, the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Manager. The print and broadcast media. The churches of metropolitan Richmond: members and clergy. All who live in poverty. All who suffer from mental illness. Our citizens who live in Ashland, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg, the town and city Councils and Managers. All who work in banks and finance; all making financial decisions for greater Richmond. Prisons and jails of metropolitan Richmond: prisoners and staff. All who are unemployed or underemployed. All public servants.
For all those who seek peace in the world and for ourselves, that we may bring about God's Kingdom here on earth. For our enemies, and for those who wish us harm.
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored.
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June 6
Curtis Shifflett
June 8
Andy Baker
Matt Woodbridge
Michael Toscano
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June 9
Pat Funk
Taylor Fines
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Saint James the Less Episcopal Church
125 Beverly Road
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-6336
Staff: (click on the name to email them)
The Rev. Rock Higgins, tssf Rector
Reggie Long- Organist/Music Director
Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director
Dawn Baker- Interim Parish Administrator
Office Hours: Monday 9am-2pm, Wednesday 9am-2pm and Friday 9am-12pm
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Weekly E-News Deadline: If you have an announcement to be shared with the parish, please get the information in no later than noon on Monday. | | | | |
