Flowering the Cross

St. James' Parish Flowering the Cross Easter Day, March 31st   Flowering the Cross on Easter Day Please bring cut flowers to St. James' Church on Easter Day!  After the 9:00am and 11:00am services, the children and youth will "flower" the cross that will be standing outside of the west door of St. James' Church.      Here is a little history of the tradition.   "In spite of its function as a brutal form of execution, the cross stands at the center of our faith as a symbol of life.  Saint Paul speaks of the shame of the cross, while Saint John portrays the cross as the principal sign of the glory of Christ, but both recognize that the cross is the source of life.  There can be no Easter without Good Friday, no Resurrection without the Crucifixion.  Indeed, the cross, rather than the empty tomb, has held the place of honor as the primary symbol of the Christian faith.  Christian art certainly has many examples of the cross as an instrument of suffering and death, but some of the earliest depictions of the cross emphasize its life-giving qualities. The flowering cross is found in Christian art as early as the sixth century and is based on a legend that says that the cross itself burst into bloom at the moment that Jesus died.  The legend of the True Cross describes how the wood of the cross came from a tree that sprang from a seed taken from the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.  A modern expression of this idea may be found in the custom of flowering the cross. On Easter morning, flowers are used to decorate a cross. The cross can be of any size and needs to have wire or mesh netting wrapped loosely around it so the stems of the flowers can be inserted. In cooler climates, the cross may be set up inside the church, and it may be necessary to obtain flowers from a florist. But, ideally, the cross should be set up outside as a witness to those who pass by. If gardens are in bloom, bringing cut flowers from home can be a wonderful offering in honor of the risen Lord, and can also provide an opportunity for families to talk about the meaning of the cross and the resurrection."                                                                                                     http://fullhomelydivinity.org/articles/easter%20customs.htm   God bless, Dawn Campbell+

Youth Fellowship - Easter Eggs!

St. James' Parish Youth Fellowship Sunday, March 24th starting at 11:30am REMINDER: ALL HANDS ON DECK!!   Youth Fellowship will take place this Sunday, March 24th starting at 11:30am.  We will have lunch and then, help to prepare for Easter Day by filling Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt.    For more information please contact Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com.  God bless, Dawn Campbell+

Atrium Fellowship

St. James' Parish Atrium Fellowship Sunday, April 7th starting at 11:30am Sunday, April 7th starting at 11:30am the Atrium children will gather in the Parish Hall to hear the story of The Three Trees, share a meal, and paint wall crosses from The Clay Bakers in Annapolis. The crosses will be returned to The Clay Bakers to be fired, and will be returned to the chidren when complete. The firing process takes a week to ten days.  To sign up or for more information contact Dawn+ by emailing dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. Please sign-up for fellowship on the bulletin board across from the clergy offices or email dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. God bless, Dawn Campbell+

Christian Formation Field Trip

St. James' Parish Christian Formation Field Trip National Cathedral & Zoo    When: Sunday, May 5, 2013 Who's Invited: Everyone!    We will be leaving St. James' Church to attend a Holy Eucharist service at the National Cathedral, hopefully have a short tour, and then have brunch in the Bishop's Garden. We will then walk to the National Zoo for an afternoon of furry friends and fellowship. For walking directions, click here.     The day will begin at 7:00am when we will meet and board a bus to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the 8:45am worship service at the National Cathedral.    The trip will take place come rain or shine!    The cost will be $5.00 per person and BYOB (Bring Your Own Brunch).    Everyone under the age of 18yrs. must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.   To RSVP click here, or for more information contact Dawn+ by emailing dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. God bless, Dawn Campbell+

Children and Youth Announcements

St. James' Parish Old Herring Creeke   Children and Youth Announcements    March 24 - March 31, 2013 Youth Fellowship - Preparing for Easter Day Sunday, March 24th the youth will gather from 11:30am to 1:30pm for a meal, and then help prepare for Easter Day by helping to stuff the Easter Eggs that will be hidden in the church yard and Rector's Garden for the younger children.     The Easter Egg hunt will take place on Easter Day at 10:00am.  COMING SOON!! Atrium Fellowship Sunday, April 7th from 11:30am - 1:30pm The Atrium children will gather in the Parish Hall to hear the story of The Three Trees, share a meal, and paint wall crosses from The Clay Bakers in Annapolis.  The crosses will be returned to The Clay Bakers to be fired, and will be returned to the chidren when complete.  The firing process takes a week to ten days.    To sign up or for more information contact Dawn+ by emailing dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. Prom Dress Drive Saturday, April 13th from 9:00am - 12:00pm the YAC (Young Adults in Church) will be giving dresses to young girls in the community who may be in need.  The YAC is collecting gently used and cleaned prom style dresses, as well as accessories and shoes.  YAC believes this is a terrific opportunity to recycle prom dresses and to minister to a need in the community. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Hall. If you have no clothes to donate, we are accepting cash donations to help cover the costs of additional dresses, accessories and shoes.   If you have any questions, please call St. James' Parish at (410)867-2838. Senior High Youth Lock-in Friday, April 19th - Saturday, April 20th the Senior High youth will gather to compete with one another in a Supermarket Sweep at Safeway in Edgewater.  They will then return to St. James' with the groceries they have purchased and stock the SCAN Food Bank.  Each year the youth have come together for this event to enjoy fellowship and an outreach mission.     Please stay tuned for details and a sign up sheet.  For more information contact Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. J2A Pilgrimage Friday, April 19th - Sunday, April 21th the J2A class will be going on a pilgrimage to Lancaster, PA to see "Noah" at Sight & Sound, as well as visit an Amish community.  The J2A leaders will be taking six of our J2A youth.  Please keep our pilgrims and leaders in prayer during this enriching experience.  Province III Retreat Friday, April 19th - Sunday, April 21th several of our Junior High youth will be participating in the Province III Retreat that is sponsored by the Diocese of Maryland.  The retreat will take place at North Bay Adventure Camp on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  Province III is comprised of 13 dioceses in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delware, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  Christian Formation Field Trip - National Cathedral & National Zoo Sunday, May 5th for all interested, we will be leaving St. James' Church to attend a Holy Eucharist service at the National Cathedral, hopefully have a short tour, and have brunch in the Bishop's Garden.  We will then walk to the National Zoo for an afternoon of furry friends and fellowship.  The day will begin at 7:00am when we meet to board a bus and travel to Washington, DC to attend the 8:45am worship service at the National Cathedral.  The trip will occur come rain or shine!  The cost will be $5.00 per person and BYOB (Bring Your Own Brunch). Everyone under the age of 18yrs. must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.    Please stay tuned for more details and a sign up sheet.  For more information contact Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. We are always looking for volunteers to help with fellowship and events.  Please contact the Rev. Dawn Campbell for more information on how you can participate with our children and youth, email dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com or call (410)867-2838.   Have a blessed week! Dawn+

Children and Youth Announcements

St. James' Parish Old Herring Creeke   Children and Youth Announcements    March 17 - March 24, 2013 Acolyte Festival Saturday, March 16th from 9:30am - 2:00pm is the annual Acolyte Festival at St. Anne's Church in Annapolis. The event includes workshops, lunch, and meeting Bishop Sutton.  The cost per participant is $8.00.   For detailed information and to register for the festival click here.  For those St. James' youth interested in being an acolyte, or are already an acolyte and would like additional training as well as meet other acolytes in the area, this festival is a wonderful opportunity.  Please consider registering with St. Anne's and signing-up with Dawn+. There is a sign-up sheet across from the clergy offices to attend the festival as a group from St. James' Parish. Registration deadline is March 11th.  Each youth must register with St. Anne's for the festival.   YAC Outing Sunday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day the YAC class will meet in their classroom after the 9am service and depart for an outing to downtown Annapolis.  Please be sure to fill out a Youth Fellowship Registration form, if you have not already had one completed by a parent/guardian, click here.    Also, be sure we have a signed permission slip for this particular event by printing the permission slip provided here and giving it to one of the YAC leaders.    DON'T FOREGET TO WEAR GREEN! YAC Parental Permission for Outing to Downtown Annapolis on March 17, 2013 As a parent/guardian, by signing this permission slip, you are giving consent for the youth named below to attend the above named event. Youth Name:____________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name:_______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Contact Phone Number: (Cell)______________________________ (Home)_____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________ *Permission slips are required for all youth participating in events without parental supervision, and are in addition to the required Youth Fellowship Registration that must be on file for all youth. Bishop's Bash Saturday - March 23rd from 6:00pm - 10:00pm for youth grades 7th - 12th Casual dress, live band, games, fellowship, and food.  A dinner and dance featuring Bishop Sutton. Cost: tickets are $10 Location: St. John's Ellicott City, 9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 To order tickets and for more information on participating in this event, click here.     Linda Dinges will take any youth interested in participating in this event, please sign up by emailing dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com.  Youth Fellowship Sunday, March 24th the youth will gather from 11:30am to 1:30pm for a meal, and then help prepare for Easter Day by helping to stuff the Easter Eggs that will be hidden in the church yard and Rector's Garden for the younger children.     The Easter Egg hunt will take place on Easter Day at 10:00am.  COMING SOON!!  Prom Dress Drive Saturday, April 13th from 9:00am - 12:00pm the YAC (Young Adults in Church) will be giving dresses to young girls in the community who may be in need.  The YAC is collecting gently used and cleaned prom style dresses, as well as accessories and shoes.  YAC believes this is a terrific opportunity to recycle prom dresses and to minister to a need in the community. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Hall. If you have no clothes to donate, we are accepting cash donations to help cover the costs of additional dresses, accessories and shoes.   If you have any questions, please call St. James' Parish at (410)867-2838. Senior High Youth Lock-in Friday, April 19th - Saturday, April 20th the Senior High youth will gather to compete with one another in a Supermarket Sweep at Safeway in Edgewater.  They will then return to St. James' with the groceries they have purchased and stock the SCAN Food Bank.  Each year the youth have come together for this event to enjoy fellowship and an outreach mission.     Please stay tuned for details and a sign up sheet.  For more information contact Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. Christian Formation Field Trip - National Cathedral & National Zoo Sunday, May 5th for all interested, we will be leaving St. James' Church to attend a Holy Eucharist service at the National Cathedral, hopefully have a short tour, and have brunch in the Bishop's Garden.  We will then walk to the National Zoo for an afternoon of furry friends and fellowship.  The day will begin at 7:00am when we meet to board a bus and travel to Washington, DC to attend the 8:45am worship service at the National Cathedral.  The trip will occur come rain or shine!  The cost will be $5.00 per person and BYOB (Bring Your Own Brunch). Everyone under the age of 18yrs. must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.    Please stay tuned for more details and a sign up sheet.  For more information contact Dawn+ at dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com. We are always looking for volunteers to help with fellowship and events.  Please contact the Rev. Dawn Campbell for more information on how you can participate with our children and youth, email dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com or call (410)867-2838.   Have a blessed week! Dawn+

Children and Youth Announcements

St. James' Parish Old Herring Creeke   Children and Youth Announcements    March 10 - March 17, 2013 DAY LIGHT SAVINGS TIME!! Please remember to set your clocks ahead this Saturday night, March 9th. Youth Fellowship Sunday, March 10th youth fellowship will take place from 11:30am - 1:30pm. Acolyte Festival Saturday, March 16th from 9:30am - 2:00pm is the annual Acolyte Festival at St. Anne's Church in Annapolis. The event includes workshops, lunch, and meeting Bishop Sutton.  The cost per participant is $8.00.   For detailed information and to register for the festival click here.  For those St. James' youth interested in being an acolyte, or are already an acolyte and would like additional training as well as meet other acolytes in the area, this festival is a wonderful opportunity.  Please consider registering with St. Anne's and signing-up with Dawn+. There is a sign-up sheet across from the clergy offices to attend the festival as a group from St. James' Parish. Registration deadline is March 11th.  Each youth must register with St. Anne's for the festival.   YAC Outing Sunday, March 17th the YAC class will meet in their classroom after the 9am service and depart for an outing to downtown Annapolis.  Please be sure to fill out a Youth Fellowship Registration form, if you have not already had one completed by a parent/guardian, click here.    Also, be sure we have a signed permission slip for this particular event by printing the permission slip provided here and giving it to one of the YAC leaders. YAC Parental Permission for Outing to Downtown Annapolis on March 17, 2013 As a parent/guardian, by signing this permission slip, you are giving consent for the youth named below to attend the above named event. Youth Name:____________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name:_______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Contact Phone Number: (Cell)______________________________ (Home)_____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________ *Permission slips are required for all youth participating in events without parental supervision, and are in addition to the required Youth Fellowship Registration that must be on file for all youth. Prom Dress Drive Saturday, April 13th from 9:00am - 12:00pm the YAC (Young Adults in Church) will be giving dresses to young girls in the community who may be in need.  The YAC is collecting gently used and cleaned prom style dresses, as well as accessories and shoes.  YAC believes this is a terrific opportunity to recycle prom dresses and to minister to a need in the community. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Hall. If you have no clothes to donate, we are accepting cash donations to help cover the costs of additional dresses, accessories and shoes.   If you have any questions, please call St. James' Parish at (410)867-2838. We are always looking for volunteers to help with fellowship and events.  Please contact the Rev. Dawn Campbell for more information on how you can participate with our children and youth, email dawncampbell@stjameslothian.com or call (410)867-2838.   Have a blessed week! Dawn+