A THOUGHT TO PONDER FROM OUR RECTOR

We usually begin each vestry meeting at St. James’ with a short, spiritual reflection given by one of our vestry leaders. But this past Tuesday we did something a little different. Following up on our celebration of Pentecost this past Sunday, I asked each person present to spend a moment in thoughtful silence and then to share briefly an experience each had had of the Holy Spirit. At first almost every parish leader stared down at the table, but then one person began and from there we simply moved around the circle. The diversity of experiences shared was fascinating. Some shared very specific moments when they felt the Spirit at work; some shared spiritual insights that had been uttered by their children (in some cases, very young children) but was exactly what they needed to hear at the moment; some commented that they couldn't remember any specific occasion but often felt “nudges” that were impossible to ignore and needed to be followed; others shared their experience of comfort or consolation during difficult times. And yes, there were those who shared events that could not be explained away easily by coincidence. Each person’s sharing reflected the presence, power, and activity of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of the faithful. It took a while to hear from each of the 17 parish leaders gathered, but it was certainly worth the time. And it reminded me once again that the Holy Spirit is often quite subtle in its work among us – if we don’t open our eyes to see and our ears to listen we might just miss the very activity of the Holy Spirit for which we pray. Thus I challenge each of us once again to consider: “When have you experienced the presence or activity of the Holy Spirit in your life – in you or in the community?” It’s a question worth pondering and then sharing with someone else.

THIS WEEK AT ST. JAMES'

Trinity Sunday, May 26
9:15 a.m. Adult Forum, Parish Hall
Join us in the Parish Hall library at 9:15 a.m. for a discussion of "Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism?" This one-Sunday topic will use materials emailed in advance from The Thoughtful Christian. If you do not regularly attend Adult Forums, email Marshall Finch to receive the study materials in advance.

9:15 a.m. Contemporary Issues and Christianity Discussion, Parish Hall Library
This Sunday (5/26), the Contemporary Issues and Christianity group will continue discussing James's article in the most recent Pilgrim newsletter and Bill Gates's feature on "The Future of Food": http://www.thegatesnotes.com/Features/Future-of-Food 

Sunday School This Week, May 26
9:15: Movie: Jonah and the Whale and popcorn for the holiday weekend
10:30 Pre-K- K will have normal routine and watch Boz the bear for our story about friendship

No Children's Worship Experience for 1st - 3rd graders THIS Sunday, May 26
We have had a great year with the Children's Worship Experience! Last Sunday was the last Sunday of the CWE so the 1st-3rd graders are invited to join their parents during the 10:30 a.m. services.

Book Club Meets This Sunday, May 26, 6:45 pm, Parish Hall Meeting Room
The St. James’ Book Club will gather next Sunday, May 26, to discuss The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis. We'll order in pizza for those who want to eat. Please RSVP to the rector at rector@stjamespotomac.org.

COMING EVENTS

Bishop's Visitation and Luncheon, Next Sunday, June 2
Join us in welcoming our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Marian Edgar Budde who will be preaching and celebrating at all three services next Sunday. Meet her at the brunch in the parish hall at 11:45 a.m.

Workcamp Meeting, Next Sunday, June 2, (Time and Place TBA)
There will be a meeting of all workcampers and their parents next Sunday, June 2, to talk about preparation for the trip and answer questions. If you can't make it, please talk to Bill Josey; he needs some info from you. The meeting is especially important for those who haven't been to workcamp before.

Tuesday, June 4 Seniors Luncheon and Meeting
Dr. Edward E. Stonestreet, a Rockville physician who practiced medicine from 1852-1903, will visit the Seniors group on Tuesday, June 4. In the personage of Dr. Stonestreet, Clarence Hickey, a re-enactor and interpreter of historical health care, will share experiences from long-ago practices. Well-qualified to do so, he comes from his own history as a biologist and environmental writer. To attend, please make a reservation with Sarah Padgett. Where? The undercroft. What time? 11:30 a.m. The cost? $10.00 per person. Guests are welcome.

Youth Group Auction and Carnival, June 9
The Youth Group auction and carnival is on June 9. If you would like to make a donation for the auction please email Susan@stjamespotomac.org. We are especially looking for handmade items for the auction.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Scholarship for Social Justice to High School Senior
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Diocese of Washington, invites graduating high school seniors to apply for the Bishop John Bryson Chane Scholarship for Social Justice. One scholarship is awarded to one high school senior in each region of the Diocese of Washington. The scholarship was established to honor Bishop Chane for his tireless effort and support of social justice issues as well as his recognition and support of the important role Episcopal Church Women have in this Diocese and throughout the Church. The deadline is June 15, 2013. For eligibility criteria and an application, go to www.ecw-edow.org.

OTHER NEWS

Health Tips, Building a Healthy Parish One Tip at a Time,
Laura Shay, PhD, RN, C-NP, Diocesan Liaison, National Episcopal Health Ministries
Current physical activity recommendations for adults: 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. Moderate intensity is when you can carry on a conversation but need to stop talking once in a while to catch your breath. Vigorous intensity is when you can only speak in short sentences. What should I do? Keep track of the time you spend each day being physically active and add up the minutes at the end of the week. For more information go to: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html 

IN THE COMMUNITY

Camp EDOW Registration Deadline Extended through June 1
There is still time to sign up for Camp EDOW 2013! Registration has been extended through June 1. Camp EDOW is a sleep-away camp for rising 4th-8th graders in beautiful Nanjemoy, MD. Running July 28-August 2, campers will be able to grow in their faith as they have fun! More information is available on www.edow.org/camp.

Faith Community Help with Global Warming
The Greater Washington affiliate of Interfaith Power and Light is inviting homeowners to participate in its "Strong Home" program to access discounted rates and an easier, guided process. Two congregations--Christ Congregational UCC and Cedar Lane UU Church--are hoping to expand their groups this month. To learn more, go to www.program@wipl.org or contact the Program Coordinator, Josef Lorentz, at 716-713-6589 or program@gwipl.org