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Weekly News from St. James' Episcopal Church | Leesburg, Virginia
November 28, 2025
| | Watch the service live at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning or at your leisure at a later time. | |
No Children's Formation this Sunday
Nursery
Children are always welcome in worship! If needed, Nursery care is available beginning at 9:30. 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.
| | Advent Begins this Sunday | | | | |
Advent at St. James'
Click here for a full listing of Advent offerings!
This Sunday:
Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, November 30 | 9 a.m. | Parish Hall
Let's mark the beginning of Advent together by creating Advent wreaths for our homes! All supplies will be provided.
Our? Lady of Guadalupe Webinar
Sunday, November 30 | 5 p.m. | Zoom
Spend an hour with Rev. Marybeth as we explore the significance of the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the Anglican tradition. This offering will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Click here for the Zoom link.
Advent Bible Study
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, & 17 | 10 a.m. | Janney Parlor
Join Fr. Chad for a discussion of Louie Giglio You: An Advent Journey of Hope ’ s Waiting Here for . Participants may wish to purchase the book, but are not required to do so.
Next Sunday:
Alternative Gift Fair
Sunday, December 7 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Parish Hall
Give a gift that makes a difference this season. Shop in person or online. Preview the fair here!
Christmas Eve Service Schedule
1 p.m.: Carols & Communion
4 p.m.: Family Christmas Pageant
6 & 9 p.m.: Candlelight
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One Body, Many Gifts: Joined in God's Grace
Thank you for your generosity--we are so close to our goal!
Thank you to the 180 households that have made $916,282 in 2026 pledges. We are 83% of the way toward our $1.1 million goal and 72% of the way to our goal of 250 households. If you are ready to make your 2026 commitment to St. James’, click the button below to pledge online or return your pledge card to the office. It takes all of us!
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St. James' Vestry Election
The Vestry Nominating Committee would like to thank everyone who recommended potential candidates this year. From a list of 32 strong nominees, the Committee has identified eight candidates whose unique skills, gifts, and experience are well-suited for this important leadership position at this time in our journey together as a Parish. Of these eight candidates, four will be elected by the congregation at our Annual Parish meeting on Sunday, February 1, 2026. All St. James’ communicants in good standing* are invited to choose their top four candidates to serve as the Vestry Class of 2029. Please take a moment to learn about each candidate and prayerfully consider your choices as you prepare to vote.
You can read about the candidates and vote online by clicking here, or your can find the nominee bios and a paper ballot in the narthex on Sunday. Ballots are due by December 22, 2025.
*A communicant in good standing consists of all baptized members who:
- have been faithful in corporate worship, unless for good cause prevented, and
- have been faithful in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
If you have questions about your status listed in our parish rolls, would like to learn more about becoming a member, or need to update your information, please contact our church office at rsnodgrass@stjamesleesburg.org or call 703-777-1124.
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Youth Group
All 6th through 12th graders are invited to join regular meetings of St. James' students, led by our fantastic team. If you are interested in getting your student involved, reach out to Rev. Marybeth.
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Youth Sunday School
6th through 12th grade
9:00 a.m. Sunday School and snacks in the Youth Room
"Who or What Do We Serve?"
This class provides a unique lens on the nature of sin, suffering, and our human vulnerability.
Questions? Email Jon Coate
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Men's Service Ministry Book Study
All men of St. James are invited to join a weekly MSM meeting at 7 p.m. Mondays in the lower level of the Parish House. For additional info or should you have questions, please email Mike Scott.
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St. James' Preschool
Providing children with a creative learning experience in a Christian atmosphere of love and acceptance since 1972.
NOW ENROLLING for 2025-2026
There's still time to give your little one the opportunity to grow, learn, and be nurtured in a faith-filled environment where God’s love guides every step. We currently have openings in our 3 and 4-year-old programs. Secure your child’s spot in our vibrant preschool community today! Please visit our website for more information and to contact the Preschool office: stjamespreschoolleesburg.org.
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Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Project
You are invited to participate in the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Project with St. James’! Incarceration can strain family ties to the breaking point. By providing Christmas gifts on behalf of incarcerated parents, Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Project allows the parishioners of St. James’ to extend the hope of the Gospel to families with loved ones in prison. If you’d like to participate, please text Chase Banks at 571-919-1166 for more information. The generous outpouring of support from our parishioners has been amazing. You will help make Christmas special for many children this year. There are a lot of gifts to wrap and fun to be had. The Wrapping Party will be on December 7th and starts at 2:00 pm. It will be more of an Open House, so pop in when it’s convenient for you. Feel free to bring a savory or sweet snack to share, drinks provided. Special Holiday music to enjoy. Tricia’s address is: 17553 White Gate Place. If driving west on Rt. 7 from Leesburg, it’s safer to pass White Gate Pl and use the two traffic circles at Rt. 9, then head east. Please call or text 703.728.1011 with questions.
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Alternative Gift Fair
Sunday, December 7 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Parish Hall
The Alternative Gift Fair is an opportunity for people to give meaningful gifts that will have a lasting impact in our community. In lieu of a traditional gift, a monetary contribution is made to further the ongoing missions of participating non-profit organizations. Local non-profits will be with us on December 7 after worship, where you can learn more about their mission. You may also participate online.
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Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Coffee Hour hosts are needed following the 10 a.m. service each Sunday. This is a great opportunity for ministries to highlight what they do and distribute information about upcoming events. It is also a great way to get to know other parishioners. All ministries, families, and Individuals are welcome to sign up. Please contact Sarah Bauer for more information.
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SAVE THE DATE: 2026 Mission Trip to Honduras
The 2026 Honduras Mission is scheduled for February 28-March 7, and we'll be working with the Partnership for Clean Water and Education again. We'll have details soon, but please feel free to reach out to Henry Stribling (hdstribling@gmail.com or 571-238-5992) if you are interested or have any questions.
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Women's Book Club
Monday, December 8 | 2:30 p.m. | Janney Parlor
All women of St. James' are invited to join us to build community, form friendships, and read a good book. Our gathering for December will be to celebrate friends, our book club, and the Advent season. For more information or to register (not required), contact Fran Smith.
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St. James' Newcomer Class
Sunday, December 7 | 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. Child care available by request with advance registration. Click here to register.
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Christmas Poinsettias
According to our annual tradition, poinsettias will beautify the church for our Christmas Eve worship services. Make a donation of any amount in memory of or thanksgiving for a loved one. Click here to make your dedication and pay online, or use the form provided in the bulletin on Sunday morning and pay with a check. Dedications are due by December 12.
For the cultural history of Poinsettias and their association with Christmas, click here.
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Learn More About Tax-Advantaged Ways To Give
Sunday, December 14 | 9:00 a.m. | Janney Parlor
Join us to learn more about tax considerations as you make gifts to St. James’. Brian McDonald, CFP, will be joining us to help us better understand how the current tax laws can provide opportunities as you plan your gifts. Brian is a Certified Financial Planner, who has been serving the Loudoun County market for nearly 20 years.
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Altar Flowers
To give flowers in memory of thanksgiving a loved one, email info@stjamesleesburg.org.
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(Asterisk * denotes those in the St. James’ community)
Those Requesting Prayers This Week:*Rene, Mary Galloway, Bob Longo, Neal Johnson, *Mark Mobley, and *Meagan Carren.
Those on Our Long-Term Prayer List: Fred Lang, *Lois Krumwiede, *Michael Fabian, *Donna Cash, *Denise, *Christine, *Don Scheuerman, Jared Moon, *McKenna Hagler, *Michael Dowling, Nancy Giffin, Pamela Scott, Noel Shatananda, Richard Ford, Dacia Rolando, *Rebecca Page, Sue Roberts, Bill F., *Alice Forlini, *Darrell Ackmann, Judy Popple, *The Carren Family, Nathan Rodney, *Harold Neely, Isaiah Rice, *Rachelle Graves, Tony Beltrano, Emily, Mary Ellen Hurley, *Fran Smith, Nicholas Rodney, Ed, and Virginia Laughlin.
Those who have died: *Pam Mossburg.
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 war 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 and for protection of the most vulnerable through flu season and cold weather.
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 5:00 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
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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 and 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.
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