February 12, 2025

Saint James the Less Weekly News & Updates

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A Note From Father Rock

Good morning, friends. I hope this finds you safe and well. Hanover Schools will be closed Wednesday (today) and we will not be having our 8 am Eucharist. (A Reminder: Check our social media on Facebook or Instagram if in doubt, or we follow Hanover Co. Public Schools weekdays. We publish by 7 am if closed on the weekends.)


This Sunday we are going to have a family kitchen table discussion about the budget for 2025. Costs are up. Giving has taken a dip. We will be looking at priorities and next steps. God is a God of Abundance. And God has given us all that we need. We have new people visiting us weekly, looking for a church home and family. We are so blessed. Our ministries to all ages are changing lives. I know that together we can make 2025 a strong and good year in the history of St. James the Less, and move us to a stronger and healthier place for the years to come. Please join us Sunday after the 10 am service (about 11:30) for our conversations, brainstorming, and prayer for our parish. Hope to see you there.

And as a reminder, we have our Annual Meeting on March 2 between our two Sunday Services. Please be here and on time as we have about a 45 minute window for this. If we have a quorum, we will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Another reason to come out that day is the Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Deacon d'Rue Hazel, is preaching in both services in preparation for her leading our Vestry Retreat a few weeks later. 


Blessings, and stay safe with the weather!

Rock+

VESTRY CANDIDATES

In St. John’s Episcopal Church, Chase City Virginia, I was Baptized and Confirmed. As children, we learned early on how enjoyable and fun church was. The feeling stuck. Being in church today is still fun and enjoyable for me. I get strong feelings of love while in church.


Bob and I moved our membership from St. Thomas in Richmond to St. James the Less in 1995. We have enjoyed the loving relationship we feel strongly here.


Altar Guild, Hospitality, Bell Choir, Sunday School/ Adult Education, and being a Lector are things I participate in. I like being busy.


Trusting me to serve on Vestry this term is an honor. I promise I will do my best serving you and St. James the Less.


Thank You,

Nancy



My name is Julie Ericksen and I have been a lifelong Episcopalian and member of St. James the Less since 1998. During this time I have served on the vestry for 8 years and as Junior Warden. I currently serve as a Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Counter, and Tech Support.

Additionally, I have served on the Stewardship Committee twice, taught K-1 Sunday school for three years, took three trips to the gulf coast to work on restoration efforts with my family, other parishioners, and the Tri-cities workcamp. My two children, now grown, participated in the youth group and Tri-cities work camp.


When I was serving on the vestry Outreach Committee in 2006, I approached Dr. Tom Hubbard to ask how we could support the medical and dental ministries he was offering outside of our church. He shared his dream of starting a clinic in our under-utilized lower level. I arranged for him to talk to the vestry, despite the fact that we were in an interim period, though under the able leadership of Rev. Doug Burgoyne. Nine months later we had a medical and dental clinic at St. James the Less. I worked at the clinic as the Medication Access Coordinator for 7 years until my husband Jeff developed a GBM brain tumor and died 8 months later. He is buried in our courtyard. I was deeply supported by this congregation during his illness, and to this day.


I am a CNVC Certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and consultant with my own business offering workshops, practice groups, and individual consultations. Additionally, I have completed the two-year Ruah School of Spiritual Direction at Richmond Hill. My faith is an integral and important part of my life and work. At this time, I feel called to serve the well-being of this place that has been so important in my life, and hope that I will be chosen to do so.

Richard Grosse has been a member of St. James The Less for over 20 years. He has held many different positions at the church. He co-lead the youth group for seven years. He was the director of adult education under David Anderson. He was on the vestry seven years ago. Richard has been married to Debra Bernard for 38 years. They have two wonderful children brought up at St. James The Less, Dylan Grosse and Rachel Henley. Richard is a licensed clinical social worker. He has been a practicing psychotherapist in the community for over 40 years. Richard played Bass Guitar with the St. James The Less bluegrass band at the Sunday night Bluegrass Mass. 



Hello, I am Derrick Rosser. My wife, Janet, and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary in April, 2024. We have three sons, Sam, Charlie, and Will. Our sons grew up attending St. James the Less.

Our first visit to St. James the Less was in June, 1993. Of course, Dick Shirey approached us immediately following the service and welcomed us. As I recall, Woodi Sprinkel stopped by our house later that afternoon. Suffice it to say, we felt welcome our first time here and never left (You can blame Dick and Woodi).

I have served as an usher, a senior high youth group leader, a vestry member, and as a member of various committees during the past thirty years. One of the contributions that is particularly meaningful to me is serving as an usher at funeral services. I had the great privilege of being mentored by two of the best – Ron and Conde Hopkins.

I would consider it an honor to be selected to serve on the vestry again.


JOIN US THIS WEEK

Thursday, February 13, 2025

  • 6pm Handbell choir
  • 7pm Parish choir

Friday, February 14, 2025

  • Office Closed

Sunday, February 16, 2025

  • 8am Eucharist Rite I
  • 9am Sunday School for Adults and Children
  • 10am Eucharist Rite II with music

Monday, February 17, 2025

  • Office Closed

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

  • 10am Book Club

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

  • 7:30am Eucharist Rite II
Click Here to Watch Services Live or Later

February Calendar:

  • 2/14- Office Closed
  • 2/16- Budget Discussion at 11:30am
  • 2/17- Office Closed
  • 2/21- Share the Love Dinner led by Youth


March Calendar:

  • 3/2- Annual Meeting between services and Youth Group 6pm
  • 3/4- Shrove Tuesday dinner at 5:30-7pm
  • 3/5- Ash Wednesday 7:30am Eucharist and 7pm Ash Wednesday Service
  • 3/9-Daylight Saving Time, End of Life Program 11am, Youth Group 6pm
  • 3/11-4/8- Lenten Evening Program, Tuesdays 7pm
  • 3/23- Spring Lunch and Learn
  • 3/23- Youth Group 6pm

Images from Rosemary Jones' Funeral




In Remembrance of Lyde Longaker


We are very sad to report that Lyde Longaker passed away. She was beloved by this church family. We hope you will join us as we celebrate her life. Her service will be held here May 3rd at 2pm.


If you would like to be in touch with the family, please mail:


Eliza Longaker who lives at 9467 West Alabama Drive in Lakewood, Colorado 80232


Please remember Lyde, her family, and friends in your prayers.

2025 Book Club


We will be reading Jesus a Pilgrimage, by James Martin, SJ in our next Book Club. HERE is a link to purchase . It will be on Tuesdays at 10am 2/18-4/8 in 2025. We hope you will join us in person for our next Book Club! All are welcome!

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. Of our regular Sunday morning attendees, our two main acolytes are both seniors. 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 or Father Rock know of your interest or your child's interest.

Brunswick Stew Still for Sale


Friends, we have a few, precious remaining quarts of this year’s amazing “Bishop Blessed” Brunswick Stew. If you would like some quarts, they are $14 each. They were stowed safely in the freezer the day of the event. Grab us on a Sunday or Wednesday after services and we can set you up. We can also reserve for you if you contact the office. We will sell till we are out. Thanks!

2025 Altar Flowers


Sign up sheets are up for the 2025 Altar Flowers. Our Altar guild does an incredible job honoring the lives of the ones we remember. The cost is $35. There are still some Sundays available.

Fall Line Farms Volunteer Opportunity


Do you have time once a month to help distribute food orders for church and fellow members of the Ashland area? We would love to add a person or two to our small team of staff. Requirements are about 3.5 hours of a Thursday once a month from 2:30pm -6pm. Foods are delivered, you divided it into orders for clients and then greet people with a friendly face. (I read or catch up on podcasts while waiting.) Can you join us? Please contact Heather Grande with your availability and join her and the Sehlhorsts for an easy, but wonderful chance to help.

CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMMING

February 16, 2025

9am Nursery, Children's Sunday School

10am Children's Church

Youth Group Dates


Below are the remaining dates for Youth Group. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. We would still love to have you join in for any or all of the dates. Please register HERE. Thank you!



  • March 2nd- Youth Group 6-7:30p
  • March 4th- Shrove Tuesday (MS)
  • March 9th- Youth Group 6-7:30p
  • March 23rd- Youth Group 6-7:30p
  • April 6th- DC Trip (Tentative MS)
  • April 13th- Youth Group 6-7:30p
  • April 27th- Youth Group 6-7:30p
  • May 10th- Mother's Day Car Wash
  • May 18th- Graduate Sunday/End of Year Party 6-7:30p


Youth Group Meals


Youth Group is finally back into full swing for the year!! We had a wonderful first session and are looking forward to many more. One of the ways we need help is through meals. Below is a sign up genius for meals for our meetings. Please help us to fill the gaps and show the youth how important they are to our community! Click HERE to sign up. Thank you!

WAYS TO HELP

  • 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
  • Donate to ACES- Click HERE for current needs (we have a box in our hallway)
  • Donate to Peter Paul Development Center. (box in our hallway)

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE

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, Rock+, our priest. We pray for Bart, our Seminarian, in his formation. May they be strengthened and encouraged as the 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. We pray especially for Gus Miller, Erin Yagla, Meghann Batten, Court Warfield, Andrea Alexander McCallum, Haden Hopkins, Pam Bower, Hilda Kelly, Harry Hassell, Bower family, Smith family, Mary Ann Harris, Bob & Mary Lou Brown, Diana Timberlake, Kristi Elles, Pam Gillette, Ruth Beaudry, Tom & Fran Burke, Dennis Ray, Dawn Haase & Family, Kimette Cannady, Traci Smith, Alicia Wood, Jenny Bruce, Anna Marie, Dale Halter, Judy Sledd, Floyd Moore, Debra Molter, Tim Yagla, Erik Klauss, Teva Rittenhouse, Bobbi Prentice, Steve Crain, David Bandas, Jessica Wingo, Sharon Street, Margaret Belyea, Tom Slaughter, Ray Tyson, Calvin Stanley, Lee Chambers and Bill King.


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. 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.

WEDNESDAY WIT

February 10

Alice Lewis


February 19

Derrick Rosser

HELPFUL LINKS

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

Dr. Bart Natoli- Seminarian

Reggie Long- Organist/Music Director

Miriam Smith- Christian Formation- Children & Youth Director

Dawn Baker- Interim Parish Administrator

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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.