December 3, 2023 | First Sunday of Advent

Sunday Worship

• 7:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I
• 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (live-stream)
• Children are always welcome in worship! If needed, Nursery care is available beginning at 8:45.
• All children under 10 are welcome to come up for a short children’s sermon, followed by Children’s Chapel in the Parish Hall.
• We will celebrate God’s love through music and a brief activity before rejoining our families to take part in the Eucharist.
• Children’s Chapel is for ages 4 to 10; ages 3 and under are welcome, however, to attend Children’s Chapel with a guardian.

Wednesday Worship

• 11:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Livestream Worship

We've changed our technology to make an easier and more streamlined process for you to watch our livestream on Sunday mornings!

On our webpage -- stjamesleesburg.org/st-james-livestreaming -- you can see the livestream when it begins, as well as download service bulletins for that Sunday.

You can see all of our archived Sunday services on our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@saintjames151

And, if you prefer to join us on Facebook Live, please visit www.facebook.com/stjamesleesburg/live.

St. James' administration needs your help to better provide information

in the bulletins and the e-Pistle. Please send requested announcements to the Parish Office at least 10 days prior to the inclusion date. For example an announcement for December 10th should be in the office by November 29th. Thank you for your assistance with this logistical issue.

St. James' Newcomer Class

Sunday, December 3 | 11:15 a.m. | Parish Hall

Join Fr. Chad to hear more about the history, values, and mission of St. James, and discover what it means to be a member of the Episcopal Church. You will also learn more about our active ministries and ways for you to get involved. Childcare will be provided upon request. For more information or to register click here contact Ready Snodgrass at 703-777-1124 or [email protected]

Sunday Forum: "Waiting with our Senses: Advent in Art"

December 3, 10 & 17 at 9:00 a.m. Parish Hall

First in a 3 week series. All ages are invited to join Rev. Marybeth for a lectionary-based exploration of images, music, and literature during the season of Advent. A facilitated soft space will be available in the Parish Hall for small children. The nursery will also be available for very young children. (Livestreamed if possible)

Prison Fellowship Ministry "Angel Tree Project"

We will have our annual “wrapping party” on Monday, December 4th at the home of Tricia Sauer, contact Chase Banks at 571-919-1166 for more information if you would like to help.

Advent Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 10 | 10 a.m. | The Church

Please join us for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 10. Advent is a season of quiet reflection and joyful expectation. This special prayer service will celebrate scripture lessons and music of the season as we prepare our hearts and minds for the true joy of Christmas. Please note,

Holy Communion will only be offered at the 7:45 a.m. service.

Christmas Poinsettias

According to our annual tradition, poinsettias will beautify the church for our Christmas Eve worship services. Donate poinsettias in memory of, or thanksgiving for, a loved one.

Contact the church office at 703-777-1124 or by email with your dedication.

Payment may be made in any amount:Online: go to this link and make your payment. Please call the office with your dedication if you pay online

Check/Cash: please drop off your dedication form and check or cash in the offering plate or to the church office. For the history of Poinsettia's and their association with Christmas, click HERE

Master Singers of Virginia at St. James'

Saturday. December 16 | 4:00 p.m.

The MSVA will present a Christmas concert featuring contemplative and joyous works that celebrate the season. Highlights of the program include a variety of musical styles and expressions highlighting the meaning of the season with outstanding sacred and secular music. Enjoy the energy in Psalm 96 by Merrill Bradshaw and also in Alleluia by Jake Runestad. The Christmas Alleluias by Kim André Arnesen is our major work and will feature solo harp accompaniment and vocal solos. We’ll close with the King’s Singers arrangements of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) and Jingle Bells.

St. James' has a discount code for 25% off all December concerts. The discount code is StJames and tickets can be purchased on the MVSA website

December 3^rd, 3:00pm - Angel Tree Shopping Trip to Target

Meet at Parish House/Youth Room, we will eat dinner near Target after shopping – permission slip available on YOUP schedule website.

YOUP Schedule

There are lots of activities on the calendar for the fall. Make friends and connections and have fun doing it. Open to young people in 6th through 12th grades. Please check the schedule HERE

Pray for the People of the Holy Land

God of peace, we pray for the people of the Holy Land in these perilous and dangerous times. For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm. For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing. For all who have died, we pray they find rest. For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort. For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all your children. God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love. God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail. We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Adapted from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

St. James' Preschool has Openings

A quality learning experience with art, music, science, pre-academics, and social play interaction. Our caring teachers seek to develop positive self-confidence in each child and to pave the way for a successful transition to their kindergarten and school years. We currently have openings in our 2s, 3s, 3.5s, 4s and Extended Day classes. Give us a call at (703) 777-8439 or visit our website at: www.stjamespreschoolleesburg.org

We look forward to meeting you and your child!

Church Renovation Update

Restoration work on our beautiful, historic church building is now complete and our contractor, the Witmer Group, has vacated the site. Their work can be characterized as nothing short of excellent. On many occasions, they have gone beyond what was required to meet our needs and even hopes, sometimes. Phase 2, which includes similar work on the Rittenhouse and Parrish Hall, is under consideration by the Vestry; if approved, completion of the church’s restoration could begin next Spring. Its duration would be shorter, only three months.

Epiphany will begin their work on the general maintenance of all stained-glass windows next week, so further but less intrusive scaffolding will appear shortly. Duration of this work is two weeks.

Our gratitude to Tom Horne and members of the Property Committee for their continuous oversight and close communication with Witmer to repair and conserve the beautiful and unique stonework. Its lifespan will, no doubt, now exceed most of ours.  If you have any questions or would like to make a financial contribution to help support this vital project click the button below or call the church office at 703-777-1124

Mark your calendar

December 3 - Advent I; Ministry Commissioning: Choir

December 3 - YOUP Angel Tree shopping trip to Target

December 4 - Angel Tree wrapping meeting

December 10 - Advent II; Advent Lessons & Carols @ 10:00 am & Ministry Commissioning: Grace to Go 

December 16 - Master Singers of Virginia will be appearing at St. James' at 4:00 p.m.

December 24 - Christmas Eve

December 25 - Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

December 31 - Second Sunday after Christmas

Those Requesting Prayers This Week: George Burghardt, John Powers, Barbara Roark, Fran Smith, Nicholas Rodney, Genevieve Fabian, Mary Ellen Hurley, Barb Lash, Ed, and McLean Pumphrey.

Those on Our Long-Term Prayer List: Chris Pettit, Bristol Kate, Walter Krikstan, Mary, Christa Stillman, Paula Kiley, Fiona Ahrweiler, Julio Loza, Judy Mosse, Tony Longo, David Ray, Sandra Beall, The Bomar Family, Aiden Wallace, Scott Clark, Lois Simpson, Pam Mossburg, Emily, Dennis Brogan, Debbie, Virginia Laughlin, Bruce Bucklin, Alice Lynn, and Barbara Rose.

Those Who Have Died: Jim Volpicelli and Gretchen Zeltner.

Those Who Need Our Prayers:

All those impacted by acts of violence, those affected by COVID-19, the Holy Land, the people of Ukraine and those involved in the Ukraine war, those who are unemployed or underemployed, those serving in the armed forces at home and abroad.

Do You Need Prayer or Care?

"In case of illness, the minister of the congregation is to be notified." (BCP p. 453)

Make a prayer request here.

Call the Church Office | Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(703)777-1124 ext 1 | [email protected]

After Hours Pastoral Care Line | (202)750-4247

St. James' Episcopal Church | stjamesleesburg.org