Weekly News from St. James' Episcopal Church | Leesburg, Virginia

July 31, 2026

WORSHIP

Sunday Worship

August 2 | The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost



8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist


10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

(live-streamed)


View this Sunday's service order



Watch the service live at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning or at your leisure at a later time.

Midweek Eucharist

Wednesday, August 5 | 11:30 a.m. | The Church

Children in Worship


Pew Pals

Children in grades 2–5 are invited to join the Children’s Formation team in the front two pews on the lectern side for the first half of the service. They will have an engaging, hands-on formation experience where they can explore and learn more about Episcopal worship through quiet activities. Younger children are also welcome to participate with an adult.

 

Children's Chapel

Following the Children’s Sermon, children Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to gather for Children’s Chapel during the 10:00 a.m. service (in lieu of Children's Formation), with the exception of second Sundays, when we offer our Second Sunday Family Service at 9:00 a.m.

 

Nursery

Children are always welcome in worship! If needed, Nursery care is available beginning at 9:30 for infants and preschoolers. The Nursery is located through the front left doors of the sanctuary. Go through the Parish Hall and up the stairs – the Nursery is around the corner from the kitchen.

This Sunday at St. James'

Summer Adult Forum: Deliverance

August 2, 16, and 23 | 9:00 a.m. | Parish Hall


Join us for a study led by Jonathan Coate exploring the biblical theme of deliverance. Deliverance is a valuable framework for making sense of the big story told in the Bible and a core element of our hope as Christians. 

Opportunities for Youth

Diocesan Youth Leadership Team Applications Open



Do you know a high school student who is welcoming, creative, curious, and ready to grow as a leader? Students entering grades 9–12 are invited to apply for the Diocese of Virginia’s 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Team.

Team members will build friendships with youth from across the diocese while helping plan and lead the Spring 2027 Diocesan Youth Retreat at Shrine Mont. It is a wonderful opportunity to share ideas, explore faith, and take on a meaningful leadership role.

Applicants must be able to attend all required meetings and the retreat. Applications are due September 15.

Parish Life

Second Sunday Family Service

August 9 | 9:00 a.m. | Parish Hall


All are welcome at this casual, laid-back service led by parishioners of all ages.

Support the Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, August 13 | 10:00 a.m. | Parish Hall



St. James’ will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, August 13. Volunteers are needed to help with setup at 9:00 a.m. and with donor registration. You don't need to stay all day, and no experience is required. If you can help, please call the church office at 703-777-1124.

To schedule a blood donation, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Music George Washington Heard

Presented by the Town of Leesburg Performing Arts Commission

Saturday, August 15 | Doors Open at 2:00 p.m.; Concert at 2:30 p.m. | The Church


St. James’ is honored to host this special concert dedicated to the memory of our beloved longtime Organist and Choirmaster, Dr. Steven Cooksey. Inspired by Dr. Cooksey’s vision, the program will feature the Leesburg Violin Studio and guitarist Kareem McCullough performing music from the era of George Washington. Mayor Kelly Burk will open the event with a commemorative proclamation, and colonial reenactors will greet guests and offer a presentation during intermission. Admission is free, but The Town of Leesburg requests attendees to register.

Newcomers Class

Sunday, August 23 | 11:30 a.m. | Janney Parlor


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 to get involved.

Save-the-Dates: Bishop's Visit and Confirmation

Confirmation Retreat: Saturday, August 29 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Bishop's Visit: Sunday, September 13


We are pleased to welcome Bp. Stevenson to St. James’ on Sunday, September 13. Those wishing to be confirmed during his visit should attend the Confirmation Retreat on Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



Fr. Chad will lead the adult session, and the Rev. Marybeth will work with youth confirmands in grades 8–12.

Upcoming Liturgical Change for St. James'

Gathering Safely at the Table



Beginning Sunday, August 9, we will make a small change to the way Holy Communion is administered. Following the guidance of Bishop Stevenson, communicants will no longer dip their own host into the chalice.

If you wish to receive by intinction, simply hold out your wafer, and the chalice bearer will dip it into the wine and return it to you. You are also welcome to receive from the common cup or receive the bread alone, which is a full reception of Holy Communion. Thank you for helping us care for one another as we continue to celebrate the Eucharist with reverence and love.

Treasurer's Update through June 2026

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer! It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the year. Giving continues to be ahead of budget by over $32,000. Many thanks to those parishioners have completely fulfilled their pledge for 2026. 


Our operating expenses are under budget for the year, as well. We have incurred 48% of our planned operating expenses compared to a budgeted 52% of our total operating expense budget. And this includes absorbing a couple of emergency repairs.


Check your Giving Progress!


Q2 Financial Statements were mailed in the week of July 20. Please review your statement and contact me at Treasurer@stjamesleesburg.org if you have any questions.


For more information on how to give, visit stjamesleesburg.org/give .

Stop and Smell the Hydrangeas

From the Sacred Soil Society


Have you noticed the beautiful hydrangeas along the Wirt Street side of St. James’? Now in its second season, the Fred Williams Meditation Garden—located on the east side of the Parish House—is one of many lovely places on our grounds to pause, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. We invite you to stop by and spend a few peaceful moments there.

Summer Office Hours



Beginning Monday, July 20, the church office will be open from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. These hours will remain in effect until Monday, August 17.

Don't Fall for Scams!

Reminder: St. James' staff will never reach out to you via text or email asking for gift cards. If you receive a message like this, it is a scam. These messages should be ignored. If you are unsure about a suspicious message or have questions about scams, you are welcome to reach out to communications@stjamesleesburg.org.

(Asterisk * denotes those in the St. James’ community)


Those requesting our prayers this week: *Virginia Smith, The O’Hara family, Jenn Quinn, *Carson Scheuerman, Teri Eaton Cloud, Scott & Susan Beaver, Kevin, Danny Jones, and *Carol Chapman.


Those on our long-term Prayer List:  *Wayne Newell, Edward Fortier, Virginia Cogger, The DeHond Family, *Charlotte Woods, Rachel Shatananda, *Fran Smith, Jason & Stephanie, Pamela Scott, The Hovsmith family, Mike Shott, Kathy & Lenny, *Michael Fabian, Joan Douglas & the *Douglas family, Margaret Ann, *Sandra Moody, Jan Harder, Megan Kilkeary, Margaret, *Christopher Osborne, The Spealman family, Kate Pinson, Jan, Bill, *Rene, *Lois Krumwiede, *McKenna Hagler, Richard Ford, *Alice Forlini, *Darrell Ackmann, Judy Popple, Nathan Rodney, *Harold Neely, *Rachelle Graves, Tony Beltrano, Mary Ellen Hurley, Nicholas Rodney, Ed, and Virginia Laughlin.


Those who have died: Owen O’Hara and Vin Mundie.


Those who need our prayers: All those affected by the fires and floods in the US, for the lives lost and that God will sustain them for the recovery ahead, for all those across the globe who suffer the effects of natural disasters; for those who suffer acts of violence around the world, especially for Ukraine and for the Holy Land, for those suffering from the wars in the Middle East and in Sudan; for federal employees and those serving in the armed forces at home and abroad; for those who are unemployed or underemployed; and for those who continue to be affected by COVID-19.

 

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 3:30 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(703)777-1124 ext 1 | info@stjamesleesburg.org

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

Prayer List Changes

The clergy and Pastoral Associates of the Parish have been considering ways to deepen the prayer life of St. James’. Our parish prayer list is a vital part of our corporate and individual prayers. We also know there are many in need of prayer who are known to God alone. 

One of the ways we hope to hold our St. James’ family in prayer is to denote St. James’ congregants using an asterisk in our printed list. This way, whether on the short-term or long-term, those praying in worship will be able to hold those closest to us in mind. We will always continue to pray for friends and family. 

Though we only name a few names out loud, please use the long-term list in your personal prayers. Many who reside on the list are our home bound folks we send communion to. They are a part of us. Please check our weekly email each week for suggested prayers and our diocesan and Anglican prayer cycles. For questions or suggestions, please reach out to Rev. Marybeth

Click the image to view our full weekly calendar

St. James' Episcopal Church | stjamesleesburg.org

Facebook  Instagram  Youtube