Episcopal shield

11815 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, Maryland 20854

church office: 301-762-8040
web: http://stjamespotomac.org
email: office@stjamespotomac.org
fax: 301-762-4076

News and Notes
 

News and Notes is sent out from the church office weekly (usually on Thursdays) in the form of an email to the whole parish.  The contents of the email are also posted here.  If you would like to receive parish-wide emails directly, you may add your email address to our mailing list by using our online email sign-up form (select "Email Sign-Up" in the menu to the left).

Note: Phone numbers and email addresses of parishioners are not listed on the website.  Call the church office if you do not have a church directory.


In This Issue:
  • A Thought to Ponder  
  • This Week at St. James'
  • Important Notes
  • Coming Events at St. James'
  • In the Community
  • Miscellaneous
The calendar of parish events is attached.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER  
Cindy Baskin, rector
A Thought to Ponder
 
In one of our Eucharistic prayers, there is a line that reads: “Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us” (Eucharistic Prayer C, BCP, page 372). In a daily devotional guide that I like to use there is also a line that reads: “My Lord, you shall speak to me in the events of this new day that is beginning.” In yet another devotional guide, I find the line, “May I find You in everything and everyone I meet.” These three prayers speak to the same theme: God is active in the events of our lives – not just occasionally, but everyday. The problem is we don’t always recognize God’s activity in our lives, often assuming that such occurrences are simple luck, mere coincidence, or just an unusual happenstance. I wonder what would happen if we began to be more intentional about looking for God’s actions in our lives each day. What stories might we have to tell?

One way to become more intentional in “opening our eyes see God’s hand at work” in and around us is to take a few moments each evening just before bed to review the day. Look for those moments when God seemed active or present; identify those moments and then give thanks. Try this simple process for a few days and see what happens. 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JAMES'

St. James' Ringers at the 11:15 a.m. Service 
The St. James' Ringers will play a prelude at the 11:15 a.m. service this Sunday, February 5.  They will also play a bell enhancement by Newton Lewis for the Sanctus we usually sing at that service.

Adult Christian Ed This Sunday
9:15 Adult Forum, Parish Hall Library  
The 9:15 Forum will continue its study of Common Theological Questions with the topic "What Happens When We Sin?"  While the topics are titled simply, the lessons are both informative and thought-provoking.  All are welcome.

Sunday Morning Bible Study on AMOS with The Rev. Cindy Baskin
This week:  Amos, Chapter 5 -6 in Room 106, lower level of the parish hall.
 
The Contemporary Issues and Christianity discussion will complete its three week discussion this Sunday on "how can we respond in a Christian way to people on the streets asking us for money?" in the parish hall Meeting Room. For more information, email james@stjamespotomac.org

Seniors Luncheon, Tuesday, February 7
John J. McCarthy, Esq., Montgomery County State's Attorney will be the featured speaker at the Seniors Luncheon next Tuesday, Feb. 7, so the time to make your reservation is NOW. Contact Sarah Padgett.  Invite a guest and make a reservation for him/her, too.  Only $10 per person for lunch.

IMPORTANT NOTES
Year End Giving Statements Have Been Mailed!
The 2011 Year End Giving Statements were mailed on Tuesday, January 24.  If you have not received yours, please email the Treasurer at Treasurer@stjamespotomac.org or call the church office at 301-762-8040.  Once you have your statement in hand, please open the envelope and check it over to make sure that it is correct.  Don't just put it in the pile of income tax "stuff" and open it on April 14!  It is much easier to get corrections made earlier than later!!

Jail Ministry Needs Help
A strong person is needed to transport cases of Bibles from St. James' office to the Rockville detention center (about one mile from the church) several times a year.  It is a great blessing to pass out Bibles at the jail, and we have cases of new Bibles provided through our Mission & Outreach ministry.  Anyone who could help out during the day on a Thursday, one or more times a year, please contact the church office at 301.762.8040 / office@stjamespotomac.org.
 
Phone Line Repaired
The phone line problem has been fixed.  You may call the church office at the usual number 301.762.8040 now.
 

 

COMING EVENTS AT ST. JAMES'
Guest Preacher Next Sunday, February 12
World Mission Sunday will be celebrated at St. James' next Sunday, February 12.  The Episcopal Church sponsors "appointed missionaries" who spend years serving in other Anglican dioceses, there is also an extraordinary experience available to young adults in the Episcopal Church: to spend a year doing international missionary work in the Young Adult Service Corps.  At each of the morning services on Feb. 12, a guest preacher who served as a volunteer in the YASC will join us to preach and a discussion in the Contemporary Issues and Christianity class during the Christian Formation time.  Please join us for this day sponsored by our own Mission and Outreach Commission.
 
Valentine Plant Sale Next Sunday, February 12
Our beautiful cyclamens will be back for sale in the parish hall after services.
 
Parent Meeting Next Sunday, February 12, 10:15 a.m., Church Lower Level
Attention:  Parents of pre-school and school-aged children, we want to hear from you about your experience of our Sunday School and youth programs and our worship services. We want to hear your suggestions and solicit your help in improving our programs for children and youth.  Please join us in the undercroft next Sunday, February 12 at 10:15 a.m.  So that all parents can attend, the FOLK Group and the Spirituality of Parenting Group will not meet next Sunday.
 
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes, Feb. 21
The Men’s Prayer Breakfast Group under the leadership of chef Roger East will serve a traditional pancake/sausage dinner on Tuesday February 21 2012  6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall.  Donations and “cook’s helpers” welcome. See you in the parish hall.  For more information contact chef Roger.

IN THE COMMUNITY
Coffee House--Friday, February 10, 7-10 PM, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 12801 Falls Road, Rockville.  
The Coffee House has been organized by Mark Lively, husband of our vestry member Tracy Lively.  Ask Bill and Doris Wallace about their experience in January.

MISCELLANEOUS
Do you have two hours to spare once a week or a couple of times a month?  Or, are you willing to be on call if needed (only if you're available, of course)?  The church office needs some friendly, helpful people to help answer the phones, welcome visitors, and assist with miscellaneous office duties.  Call or email us at 301.762.8040 / office@stjamespotomac.org to volunteer or for more information.

DO YOU NEED A ST. JAMES' NAMETAG?

Let the office know if you need one, and we'll get it made.


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