St. James' Episcopal Church, Potomac, Maryland

Weekly Announcements
December 6, 2009

Note: Phone numbers of parishioners are not listed on the web page.
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Upcoming Events
Dec 6 Trees & Wreaths Distribution
Dec 6 Poinsettia Sale
Dec 6 Guest Speaker – Adult Forum
Dec 13 Cindy's 10th Anniversary & Monthly Luncheon
Dec 13 Bake Sale, Gift Sale, Wee Saints Shoppe
Dec 13 Angel Tree Collection
Dec 13 Guest Speaker – Adult Forum
Dec 20 Chancel Drama: Nativity on the Square

Welcome:  We welcome all newcomers and visitors to our service.  Please sign our guest book in the church foyer and join us in the parish hall for fellowship, some light refreshments, and coffee and donuts.

Fellowship Hour today is hosted by the Ushers.

Flowers in the church today are given by Barry and Jo Ann Thompson in thanksgiving for, and in celebration of, the birthday of son, Chris, and the anniversary of son, Stu, and daughter-in-law, Heidi.

Adult Forum - 9:15 am in the Parish Hall

Today we welcome guest speaker Rabbi Nissan Antine from Beth Sholom Talmud Torah, the synagogue next door, as he kicks off our new series on Abrahamic Celebrations with a look into the history and practice of Hanukkah.  Next Sunday, November 13th, join us to hear Brother Abdul Jalid speak about Islamic celebratory holidays.

Seniors Monthly Luncheon, Tuesday, December 8

Bring your memories of Christmas past:  The senior ministry luncheon will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 in St. James' undercroft.  We will be crafting simple Christmas items that can either be taken home or donated to the Christmas sale on December 13th.  The meal will be catered by Chicken Out Catering and will start at noon.  A donation of $10.00 to cover the cost of food is appreciated. To RSVP, please email Tami Roessler or call the office at 301-762-8040.

Don't Forget Celebration Sunday – December 13 
December 13 is the big day!  Don't forget the luncheon in Cindy's honor, the Angel Tree, the bake sale, gift sale and Wee Saints Shoppe.  Please, please let us know how many in your household will be there for lunch.  We expect some extra attendance, and we don't want anyone to go hungry!  RSVP to office@stjamespotomac.org.  Thank you.

Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program:  Gifts need to be brought to the Meeting Room in the parish hall no later than NEXT Sunday, December 13th.   If you would like to volunteer to help with this year's program, please contact Bill or Lynn Howard.

Poinsettia Sale  TODAY!  Shop in the parish hall after services for beautiful plants to enjoy for the holidays and to give as gifts.  Every year we hear that these very healthy plants last for many weeks, too.

Pick Up Your Christmas Trees and Wreaths TODAY in the parish hall, between and after morning services.

GIFT SALE coming next week.  Plan to select a few gifts from among these new or like new items, including jewelry, new sweaters, and household items.   Leave any contributions for the sale in the bin in the parish hall today.

Christmas Flower Contributions
As we reflect on our blessings and our hopes for the New Year, please remember that donations and dedications for Sunday flowers are always welcome.  Please use the special envelopes provided in the church pews if you wish to contribute specifically to the flowers and greens for Christmas.  Dedications and memorials received by Wednesday, December 16 will be included in the service bulletins for the Christmas services.

Looking for a way to get involved in St. James?  How about Ushering?  Please join us for a short 1hr Usher Training session on Sunday, December 20, 2009.  The session will start promptly at 12:00 p.m. in the Library and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m.  Contact Gib Kirkham with questions.  We hope you can join us!

Cider Makers Needed

For several years we have offered hot apple cider as a refreshment following the 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm Christmas Eve Festival services. This has provided a delightful treat that both warms the hearts of those present as well as creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the church for our many visitors. If you can help us make and serve the cider this year, please contact the office.

Next Book Club Discussion – January 3, 2010

We will be reading The Christmas Train by David Baldacci This is a uniquely entertaining holiday tale in which disillusioned journalist Tom Langdom must get from Washington DC to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of s slight “misunderstanding” at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic.

Music Today:  We welcome our guest organist, Ken Lowenberg, who is substituting for Newton Lewis today.

Where is Your Pledge for 2010?
We hope it is not still on your desk!  Your Stewardship Commission is making every effort to follow up on every member.  If we haven’t heard from you and you need a new pledge form please call the office or go to http://www.stjamespotomac.org/.  Your vestry cannot prepare a budget for 2010 until we hear from you.  If you have returned it, thank you!

A Request:  Some of our parishioners are allergic to fragrances and scents so it would be most helpful if we all refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne or any other heavily scented products.  Thank you.

Do you want to be on our mailing list? Fill out the "Voice from the Pew" card and place it in the offering plate or go to St. James’ website (http://www.stjamespotomac.org) and fill out the information online. We want you to know all the exciting things going on here at St. James’.

Music: We have an active music ministry which includes our adult choir, junior choir, bell choir, praise group, and instrumentalists. All are welcome to participate. Speak with Newton Lewis, our Director of Music Ministries (301-762-8040).

Prison Ministry: St. James’ has a Prison Aftercare Ministry whose purpose is to help inmates at the Montgomery County Detention Center to build constructive lives when they leave prison. Participating church members receive extensive training and are then assigned to work one-on-one (men with men and women with women) with inmates several months before the inmate’s release date. They continue to meet with the inmate on a weekly basis for six months or more after the inmate’s release. A brochure and a video are available to explain the program. For more information, call Jim Finch.

Men’s Breakfast: Every Wednesday morning the men of St. James’ are invited to come together to pray, read, study the Bible and share Christian fellowship over breakfast. The program runs from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. in the parish hall.

Shepherd’s Table: St. James’ provides volunteers to serve a hot meal to the homeless on the 5th Wednesday of the month. Come join this ministry which touches so many lives in our community.

St. James’ Children’s School: Offers an outstanding infant and preschool program, plus a full day kindergarten. Our commitment is to serve the community by providing a nurturing Christian environment, quality child care and a superior educational opportunity designed to prepare children for first grade. St. James’ is "working parent" friendly with daily hours and holiday schedules to meet our parents’ needs.

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