Dear people of St. James the Less, 

In my Ash Wednesday homilies yesterday, I referred to a short reflection that came out a few years ago by Fr. James Martin, S.J. about the season of Lent and what we should be thinking about giving up for Lent. 

I can’t improve upon what he wrote, so all I tried to do in my homily was three things:

1) Summarize it: for Lent, Fr. Martin suggests taking on three practices [three ways of being kind]. First, “don't be a jerk.” Second, honor the absent (stop talking about people behind their backs). And third, give people the benefit of the doubt." (And yes, giving up those things for Lent is a LOT more difficult than giving up sweets, alcohol, soft drinks, or snacks!)

2) Show how his challenge is consistent with the Book of Common Prayer’s invitation to “the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance, by prayer, fasting, and self-denial,” and 

3) Show how his challenge is consistent with Jesus’ challenge in the gospel passage appointed for the day to not practice our prayer, fasting, and giving in hypocritical ways, but rather, with an audience of only one (God) in mind. 

If you want to read my entire homily, you can click below. Better yet, I suggest you read Fr. Martin’s article -- it’s super short, but super powerful -- and to the degree we take his challenge to heart and put it into practice in our daily life, the people closest to you will be grateful! 

A blessed Lent to you, 

John 

*Given recent events in Minnesota and elsewhere around the country, I spent substantive time at our February vestry meeting having a conversation about, and getting the vestry's advice and consent on, establishing a “rapid response” team of St. James the Less parishioners who are willing to help protect the constitutional rights (and God-given dignity) of St. James the Less Free Clinic clients. I've also had several conversations about this with several of the key stakeholders/leaders of the Free Clinic. If you are interested in getting educated and then organized about what would be involved in such a ministry, please meet with me after the 10:00 service this Sunday (February 22nd) in the 4th Quarter Room. This will be an "interest only" organizational meeting, and very brief.

Thank you doesn't seem like "enough" for these wonderful folks rolling off our current Vestry. Melissa Hoar, George Field, and Melissa Roberts- We are deeply grateful for the leadership, care and use of their gifts. They will be missed but we know they have set up the next Vestry very well.

Introduction of Vestry Slate

The Vestry Nominating Committee is pleased to present the preliminary slate of nominees for our upcoming election. These nominees represent a wide range of backgrounds, experience, and skills — all of which will be tremendously valuable to our Vestry and our entire congregation. We are so grateful for their willingness to serve!

It’s not too late to add your name to the slate. Please contact a member of the Nominating Committee (below) if you (or someone you know) is interested.

Please reach out to Melissa Roberts, George Field , and Melissa Hoar with any questions or feedback.

Barbara Bauserman

St. James the Less has become a place of grounding, grace, and belonging for me. It would be an honor to give back by serving as a member of the Vestry.

My career has been spent helping those who are broken or wounded—from caring for the critically mentally ill to serving severely wounded active-duty service members on a polytrauma brain injury unit. Accompanying patients and educating families during some of the hardest moments of their lives was sacred work. It required steadiness, honesty, and a willingness to sit with pain while holding onto hope.

Experiencing the same kind of trauma myself as a new widow raising four sons here in Ashland taught me resilience, trust in God’s provision, and the importance of community support — lessons I carry with me into every part of my life.

Throughout my life and work, I have tried to be someone who notices “the least of these,” helping these people feel heard, valued, and understood. I believe the church is called to do the same — within our congregation and beyond our walls.

As a Vestry member, I would serve with humility, faith, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our parish. I care about strengthening our sense of connection, supporting our ministries, and ensuring that we remain a welcoming, loving presence in the wider community. I believe vestry service is not just about governance, but about prayerful discernment and faithful stewardship of the people and mission God has entrusted to us.



It would be a true privilege to serve this church which has begun to mean so very much to me.

Doug Bower

I have been a lifelong Epicopalian, growing up at the Church of Our Savior in Somerset, MA.  Karen and I met in the Canterbury fellowship at Christ Church in Blacksburg.  We were married at All Saints Episcopal Church – Sharon Chapel in Alexandria.  Karen and I have been members of St. James the Less since 1997, with an extended excursion (2003-2021) to another Episcopal closer to our home in Mechanicsville.  Our oldest daughter Megan was baptized at St. James the Less, and our youngest daughter Molly was baptized at our diocese’s Cathedral at Shrine Mont.

Karen and I have been married for 40 years.  We have two wonderful daughters, Megan, who will be 25 in March and Molly, who will be 19 I been February.   Participation in worship and other activities at St. James the Less has been a vital part of our family life especially since our return to the parish in 2021.  I jumped back into the Choir almost as soon as activities resumed after the COVID pause.

I work as a General Engineer/Computer Scientist for the US Navy in Indian Head, MD where I serve as Chair of the Navy’s Software Systems Safety Technical Review Panel.   I am also a retired Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service in the Virginia National Guard and Army Reserve. 

My non-working hours, outside of church, are primarily filled with family activities with Karen, Megan, and Molly.   When I have the opportunity, I enjoy music, skiing, hiking, and watching Virginia Tech Football. 

I believe I can bring a valuable perspective to the Vestry.  As a lifelong Episcopalian, I have a lot of respect and admiration for the traditions of the Church.  As a person who has dedicated most of his working life to service to his country, both inside and out of the military, I also understand the need to serve Church as member of the vestry.  Finally, I feel I can contribute a unique form of logical, common-sense leadership, at a critical time in our Church’s life.

Jessica Dowdy

Hi, my name is Jessica Dowdy, and I am a born and raised Episcopalian.  My earliest memories of church began with my parents driving us every Sunday down Broaddus Flats on our way to Immanuel Old Church with my dad singing away to Beatles music.  I grew up at Immanuel Old Church where I was baptized as a baby.  I grew up with active parents in church.  Both of my parents were members of the choir, so every Wednesday night I was brought along to choir practice.  My Dad served on the Vestry for several years at Immanuel and served as a lay minister as well.  Years after we moved from King William to Varina, my mom served on the Vestry along with my grandfather at Varina Episcopal while she also sang in the choir.  My grandmother was also very active in the ECW, which my mom and aunt are now members of.  I was confirmed and married at Varina Episcopal.

I guess you could say I sort of took a somewhat break from going to church regularly while in college and then working retail for a few years.  I would do the usual holiday church services with my family.  Working retail throws a hiccup in the schedule but I have always believed that you don’t always have to be in church to be with God.  Some of the bests thoughts and conversations with God can be just sitting outside by yourself in nature.  I believe as long as you have that relationship with him, he won’t judge you on where you worship.  Justin and I were married in 2007 and moved to Ashland in 2009.   We welcomed our son Jason in 2011 and daughter Lelia in 2017.

I had always wanted to get back into the habit of going to church and having our children raised in the Episcopal Church.  It was just a matter of timing with us.  One day, Jason asked if we could start going to church regularly.  How can you say no to a child asking to go to church?  So off we went and were welcomed by all of you, and I couldn’t be more grateful.  You all truly welcomed us, and I love that we have found our new church family.  I am honored and humbled that you have nominated me to consider serving as a Vestry member for St. James the Less.  I believe our church is in an exciting phase and I will do my very best in helping our church and church family.

Nancy Fines

I am a cradle Episcopalian, baptized at Grace Church and confirmed at St Mary’s both in Goochland. I was married at Manikan in Midlothian. I joined St James the Less in 1989. My two sons, Hunter and Taylor were baptized and confirmed at St James and served as acolytes for many years. Maybe one day they will be married in our beautiful church.

I have served one term on vestry, one term on the Chenery Committee and a long time member of the counter group. I consider it an honor to serve on the vestry. I promise I will do my best serving you and St James the Less.

John Krause

Hello SJTL Family! I’m John Krause. I am a seventh generation Episcopalian having been baptized at St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Sussex, Wisconsin a long, long time ago. My bride of almost 44 years (Geri) and I spent the first 20 years of our marriage moving around quite a bit during my Navy career. 

Our favorite church family (up until recently) was St. Andrews-by-the-Sea in San Diego, California. We spent five amazing years there and made some lifelong friends during that time. I was on the Vestry at St Andrews and was the Junior Warden the last year until we were transferred to Washington D.C. We tried several churches in the DC area (to include the National Cathedral when they established a formal congregation), but we never were able to find that “thing” that makes a church a family. That was, until we arrived at SJTL. We finally found our church family! Thank you to everyone who welcomed us with open arms. 

Geri and I have two amazing adult children and one grandson who is the center of our universe (apologies to the great town of Ashland). They all live in the Richmond area, so we are blessed to have them so close (not the norm for a military family). 

I am honored and humbled to be a member of your Vestry, and I am at your service.

Rachel Reynolds

Growing up in Florida, I was an active member and participant in congregations in the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Lutheran traditions. In high school, I served on the Board of Deacons in my home (Presbyterian) church. As an adult, I migrated towards the Episcopal church. We were active at Trinity Episcopal in Fredericksburg when we moved back to Virginia in 2001, and I served on the Vestry there. When we moved to Ashland in 2003, we slowly started attending St. James the Less and fully transferred our membership sometime around 2007. I currently live in Ashland with my husband (Roger) and our adult son (Lennox). 

My professional work is in the nonprofit sector. I currently work full-time for the Medical Society of Virginia, where I am the assistant director of operations for the Virginia Mental Health Access Program. I have a PhD in Organizational Leadership and serve as adjunct faculty in the nonprofit studies program at the University of Richmond. Complex systems, strategic planning, program evaluation, and organizational culture are some of my favorite leadership topics! 

I’m also the volunteer managing director for CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation (CJSTUF), a nonprofit my husband and I started in memory of our daughter, Charlotte. We are grateful to St. James the Less for the tangible and in-kind support the church has provided to CJSTUF since its founding in 2010. 

This church has been a source of support, community, and strength to my family for many years, and it would be an honor to serve on the Vestry at this time.

What a beautiful way to finish out our Epiphany Season! We are grateful for each other and the goodness that flows when we are together.

Shrove Tuesday was so much fun! Everyone came together to celebrate the "feast before the fast." The food was delicious! The celebration was through the roof!

Invitation to Participate in our "Welcome Audit"

If you have a heart for welcoming new people to our church, we invite you to join us for a one-time walkthrough designed to enhance our warmth and hospitality as a church. This event is scheduled for February 25, at 9:15 AM, following the Wednesday morning service and coffee. The walkthrough is expected to last about an hour, and we are hoping to form three teams of three people, totaling nine participants.

Walkthrough Details

During this experience, you will be asked to approach the church as a guest would—thinking, moving, and listening from the street, to the seat, to the coffee hour. Each participant will be provided with a clipboard with questions designed to guide your observations.

The session will include time for walking and talking in small groups, as well as convening together to share and compile your findings. Each group will be encouraged to identify both short-term and long-term goals to improve our feeling of welcome.

Although the walkthrough will take place on a weekday, we also ask that you continue reflecting on these questions during a church service and share additional insights with us. This deeper engagement will help us better understand the experience of newcomers.

How to Participate

If you are interested in joining us, please let our office know and we will be happy to have you!

Service: Retreat into Silence



Lent is a time to slow down and purposefully linger as we study scripture, pray for ourselves and others, and listen with a discerning heart, so that we hear God’s will in our lives. In 1 Kings 19:12, we read that Elijah experienced God’s presence as a voice within sheer silence. From our historical and contemporary friends, we learn that it is within the quiet spaces we hear God’s ever-present whispers. Therefore, St. James the Less offers a safe and brave space of silence and reflection for community members to discern God’s heart in their lives.

This Service: Retreat into Silence will be held Wednesdays in Lent from 6 – 9 PM and will begin in the church sanctuary. We welcome all into the Retreat into Silence. Dress comfortably and bring journals, papers, pens, pencils, crayons, coloring pencils, paints, and other items that facilitate hearing God’s “still small voice.”

The logistics of the Service: Retreat into Silence

Where: St. James the Less church sanctuary

Days: Wednesdays (February 25, March 4, 11, 18, & 25, April 1) during Lent

Time: 6:00-9:00pm*

Guide: The Rev’d Deacon Dr. Susan T. Parlier, LMSW, MAR

You are welcome to be present at as many retreats as you wish. *And please know you are welcome to come to only a part of any evening's retreat -- take a look at the order of service below, and feel free to come at any point you want, and leave at any point you want! Note: Please also feel free to bring "silent foods" (foods that folks can eat without making a lot of noise) for yourself or the community.

The order of the Service: Retreat into Silence

6:00 - 6:10 PM    enter the silent community in prayer

6:10 - 6:15 PM     announcements for the community

6:15 - 6:30 PM     reflection

6:30 - 7:15 PM     silence

7:15 – 7:30 PM    reflection

7:30 – 8:15 PM    silence

8:15 - 8:30 PM     reflection with community prayers

Nourish Your Body and Soul: Join Us for Lenten Lunches

As we enter the season of Lent—a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal—we invite you to take a break from the busyness of the week to reconnect with God and our community.

Beginning Ash Wednesday, 2/18, St. James the Less will host a weekly Lenten Lunch series every Wednesday at noon. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to slow down, share a simple meal, and enjoy a brief, uplifting message.

• When: Wednesdays at 12:00 PM (February 18- April 1)
• Where: Parish Hall at SJtL
• What: A simple lunch followed by a 20-minute reflection.

Whether you are looking to deepen your faith journey this Lent or just need a moment of peace in your week, all are welcome. Let's walk this Lenten journey together.

Contemplative Service- Sunday, February 22nd at 5pm.  Escape the noise of daily life and find quiet rest in God. Featuring silent reflection, gentle music, Scripture, and readings, this service offers a peaceful space to deepen your connection with God and yourself.

Please plan to join us for our Annual Meeting, Sunday, March 1st at 9am in the Parish Hall. We will meet to give you Parish updates.

This isn’t just a business meeting; it is a time for us to celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past year and prayerfully align ourselves with God's vision for our future. We will review the accomplishments of our ministries, vote on leadership positions, and approve the budget for the upcoming year. Your voice matters, and your presence is essential as we make decisions that affect the life and direction of our church family. Let us come together to honor the past and prepare for the future.

There will be no adult formation on this day, due to the Annual Meeting.

We are so blessed to have Bobbie Street as our Parish Nurse. A Parish Nurse serves as a health educator and advocate, promoting wellness of body, mind and spirit. February is recognized as American Heart Month to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. Check out the information in the hallway that Bobbie created for us.

Westminster Canterbury produces a Lenten Devotion every year. This year, A Lenten Journey: A Collection of Devotions, written by residents and staff, is available electronically. Click below to download your copy. We will have a few hard copies available at the church.

Peter Paul Development Center is collecting items for their food pantry. They are in need of non-perishable food, individually wrapped snacks (no nuts, or peanut butter items please) and small water bottles. We have a box in the hallway if you would like to donate.

Lord God, encourage us to faithfulness, righteousness, and compassion for all God’s children. We lift up Sean, our Presiding Bishop, Mark, Gail & Bud, our Bishops, and John, our Priest in Charge. 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, Abigail, our Governor, and Steve, our Mayor, and all our elected officials. Guide them to lead us to the common good. 



We pray for members of our community, friends and loved ones who are ill, especially, Gus, Erin, Meghann, Haden, Hilda, the Smith family, Mary Lou, Pam, Ruth, Alicia, Judy, Erik, Steve, Margaret, Patty, Ginger, Jennifer, Susan, Dearing, Jason, Paul, Mike, Melissa, Amy, the Skidmore family, Martin, Cara, Sharon, Sandi, Jack, Winnie, Michael, Addison, Kim, Pat, Julie, Ray, Heather, Carol, Tom, & Cleve. 

We pray for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. We ask your prayers for those serving in the diplomatic corps, the military, and as missionaries: Larson, Greg, Matthew, James, Ellie, Andrew, Katherine and Duke. 

We pray for those who have died, especially George Field Jr. We ask your prayers for those who grieve their missing loved ones. Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored.

February 19- Derrick Rosser

February 20- Pam Gillette

February 22- Grace May

February 25- Forrest Lewis

February 26-Connor Freeman

• Ask for prayer-Send in your prayer request (please acknowledge if the prayer is private or for our Parish list)
• List of Local Food Pantries- Click here for a complete list of local food pantries.
• Fall Line Farms- A wonderful organization that supports local farmers. Click here to order food so you can pick it up here at SJTL on Thursdays.
• Self- Guided Ways Of Worship Brochure- has wonderful ways of engaging with your own space (and the spaces around the church) to find the Holy, already present, within them.
• Blessings & Dressings- A copy of the SJTL Cookbook 
• End of Life Planning Kit- Help with estate planning from the Episcopal Church Foundation.
• Diocesan Creation Care Website- Creation Care Task Force for 2025

Vestry Contact Information

Here is the list of the current vestry members, if you want to reach out:

Melissa Hoar, Sr. Warden

George Field, Jr. Warden

Beth Baxter

Nancy Chamlee

Julie Ericksen

Richard Grosse

PK Kinser

John Krause

Melissa Roberts

Derrick Rosser

Sylvia Spagna

Use these email address to contact the wardens or whole vestry:

vestry@stjamestheless.church

Saint James the Less Episcopal Church

125 Beverly Road

Ashland, VA 23005

(804) 798-6336

Staff: (click on the name to email )

The Rev. John Ohmer Priest in Charge

Reggie Long- Organist/Music Director

Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director

Kasey Buckland- Coordinator of Administration and Hospitality

The church office is open/staffed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 3pm.