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

October 16, 2026

Sunday Schedule



October 18 | The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost



8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I


9:15 a.m. Family Service in the Parish Hall


10:00 a.m. Formation

Keep scrolling for details


11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II

(live-streamed)


View this Sunday's service order


Children in Worship

Watch the service live at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning or at your leisure at a later time.

Midweek Eucharist

Wednesday, October 21 | 11:30 a.m. | The Church

This Weekend at St. James'

Men of St. James’ Breakfast Speaker Series

Saturday, October 17 | 9:00 a.m. | Parish Hall


All men of the parish are invited to join us for a morning of delicious food, fellowship, and an inspiring speaker. This October, we’ll welcome The Rev. Earl Mullins, former interim rector of St. James’.


Register here.


The Rev. Mullins will also be our guest preacher on Sunday, October 18.

Stewardship 2027 Kickoff Celebration: Waffles & Worship

Sunday, October 18 | 9:45 a.m. | Parish Hall


Kick off our 2027 Stewardship Campaign, Gather at God’s Table: Where Abundance Becomes Generosity, with Waffles & Worship on Sunday, October 18, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Enjoy waffles, fellowship, and a celebration of all we make possible together!


More details here.

Christian Formation

Formation for All Ages

10:00 a.m.


Children’s Formation:

Regular classes begin October 18 on the third floor of Janney House. Click here to register.

 

Youth Formation:

This semester, our youth will gather for The Road, exploring how the journeys of the New Testament invite us to follow Jesus “the Way” in our own lives. Light snacks, usually donuts, will be available most Sunday mornings.


Upcoming Adult Forum:

Generosity as a Spiritual Practice

with Carolyn Briles

Come explore how generosity can become a faithful and abundant way of life. Begins October 25. Learn more.

Parish Life

October at St. James'

Blessing of the Animals & Oktoberfest: Rain or Shine!


A little rain couldn’t dampen the joy at St. James’! From giving thanks for God’s creatures at the Blessing of the Animals to sharing food and fellowship at Oktoberfest, we celebrated the gifts of creation and community. Brats, brews, beloved pets, and plenty of laughter reminded us of the many ways God’s grace meets us in everyday life. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather and to the volunteers whose generous hospitality made both gatherings possible!


Photos © Zan Didoha

Click here to view more photos.

Oktoberfest Thanks & Winners


The Men’s Service Ministry thanks everyone who braved the weather and joined us for Oktoberfest in the Parish Hall! For the first time, we brought the celebration indoors—and discovered that grilled meats and malt beverages taste just as good inside.

Special thanks to everyone who brought side dishes and desserts to share. Congratulations to this year’s winners:


  • Best Dessert: Kate Dulle’s German pumpkin cake
  • Best Side Dish: Connie Nash’s German hot potato salad
  • Best Newcomer Entry: Deborah Lindeen’s German dip


Thank you for making it a wonderful celebration. We’ll see you again next fall!

Vestry Nominations 2027-2030


The Vestry is St. James' governing board, overseeing matters of finance, property, and maintenance for the parish. The congregation elects the vestry, and each member serves a three-year term.


If you would like to nominate a member of our parish to serve on our Vestry, click below to learn more about the process and submit your nominations. You may also nominate using a paper form available in the narthex.


Nomination deadline is Monday, October 26.

 

George C. Marshall Lecture Series

Wednesday, October 21 | Tour at 4:45 p.m., Lecture at 5:30 p.m. | The Church


We are honored to host this event presented by the George C. Marshall International Center. United Airlines Captain Laura Savino will recount the events of September 11 from a pilot’s perspective, including the urgent effort to land thousands of aircraft worldwide. Arrive at 4:45 p.m. for a brief tour highlighting St. James’ history and General George C. Marshall’s connection to the parish. Registration is required.

Sacred Soil Society Workdays


The Sacred Soil Society is a convivial group of folks who tend faithfully to the grounds of St. James’. This is a great way to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and serve your church community. No experience necessary! If you're interested in joining, please contact Pamela McGraw.


  • Saturday, October 24: 9-11 a.m.
  • Friday, October 30: 10 a.m.-noon

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 25 | 10:00 a.m. | Parking Lot


Costumes, games, and goodies, all right from the safety of the St. James’ parking lot! Want to help? Contact info@stjamesleesburg.org to sign up to provide a trunk or bring candy donations to the church.

Baptism Sunday

November 1 | 11:00 a.m.


If you're interested in being baptized or having a child baptized, please call 703-777-1124 or email info@stjamesleesburg.org.

All Saints’ Sunday & Remembrance of the Faithful Departed

Sunday, November 1



On All Saints’ Sunday, we celebrate the saints who have gone before us and remember those whose lives and love continue to shape our own.

To honor someone who has made a difference in your life, submit their name for our Faithful Departed listing by emailing rsnodgrass@stjamesleesburg.org or calling 703-777-1124. Names must be received by noon on October 28.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.


Make a life-saving appointment at redcrossblood.org, sponsor code stjamesepiscopal.


Volunteers needed for set-up and registration. Contact info@stjamesleesburg.org for more info and to sign up.

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: *the Quinn family, Jason McGraw, Paul Carren, Joan Douglas, Kristopher Fortier, *Olivia Bateman-Neifeld, *Harold Neely, *John Stine, *Wayne Newell, *Bob Jamison, and *Virginia Smith.


Those on our long-term Prayer List: *Susan Helsley, *Donna Ray, *Traci Eddinger, Paul Fifield, Agnes Kall, *Mike Carren, *Sheila Brooks, The O’Hara family, Jenn Quinn, *Carson Scheuerman, Susan Beaver, Kevin, 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, *Sandra Moody, Margaret, *Christopher Osborne, The Spealman family, Kate Pinson, *Rene, *Lois Krumwiede, *McKenna Hagler, Richard Ford, *Alice Forlini, *Darrell Ackmann, Judy Popple, Nathan Rodney, *Rachelle Graves, Tony Beltrano, Mary Ellen Hurley, Nicholas Rodney, Ed, and Virginia Laughlin.


Those who have died: Mark Mangilit, Craig Percopo, Michael Forest, and *Nancy Burghardt.


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 5 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

 
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