FROM THE RECTOR • MUSIC • FROM THE TREASURER • FAMILY MINISTRIES • GREEN TEAM • FLOWER GUILD • EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) • HEALTH • BUILDS • REFUGEES • LEARNING STARTS EARLY • FELLOWSHIP • SAINT JAMES' EPISCOPAL SCHOOL • FREE CLINIC • ACOLYTES • GREETERS
BY THE REV. BEN MAAS, RECTOR
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that affects 5% of the population, but I would guess that far, far more feel the effects of the shortening days, the loss of vibrant colors as the leaves have fallen and the encroachment of winter. If other aspects of life feel discouraging — our health, relationships, our finances, our concern for our world, a sense of loneliness or grief, or diminishment of motivation, the view outside our kitchen window personifies and exacerbates it. For some, Dec. 21 may be circled on the calendar as much as Dec. 25. From that day forward, we are moving toward the light. Days are slowly getting longer, and we inch closer to those signs of new life coming through the soil, blossoming from the trees, echoing across the skies.
There are two critical reservoirs that sustain us through these literal and metaphorical seasons: hope and community. These are also two of the greatest gifts that churches are hard-wired to provide.
The church, at her best, is a community that walks beside you and showers you with even more love when you don’t feel like the life of the party, when you are vulnerable, even — or especially — when you are grouchy. At its very best, a church finds you when you’ve buried your head under your pillow, when it seems harder and harder to get out of the house, when you need the light to come to you.
The second gift we bring is hope. Our story — our center — is the embodiment of hope. During this time of year, we don’t just race to Christmas but deliberately watch the night sky and point one another to the new thing that God is doing, to that light slowly rising above the horizon. It is no accident that the colors of Advent reflect that beautiful sky before the sun reigns in a new day. Advent also heralds a new day — the true light, which enlightens everyone — is coming into the world, a light that darkness cannot shroud or overcome. In the darkest weeks of the year, the church grabs each other by the hand and says, watch for it, see … the light is coming, Christ will be born!
And long after the Christmas decorations have returned to the attic, the church gives context for those lengthening days and signs of life, the light that shone in the darkness, the Christ child that met us in darkness, will rise from the damp dark cave and bring new life to the world. Darkness doesn’t win. Hope wins! Christ who met us in love, who loved us to the end, wins! This is our story and in the face of all that tells us otherwise, we squeeze each other’s hands and fix our gaze upon the horizon where the light always comes over that ridge, always heralding a new day.
May your Advent not only remind you of the light breaking into your life, but may it compel you to show others where God, where love and light is shining through. And remember that sometimes it isn’t easy to know who is struggling. For some, it is just too much to walk toward the light, and the light needs to be carried to them. So go and knock, knowing that you bring with you those two life-sustaining gifts: community and hope.
Contact Father Ben at rector@saintajameswarrenton.org.
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BY ROBERT BAIRD, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
The end of daylight saving time always hits me like an oncoming cold. The darkness and chilled air can feel oppressive and like they might limit my ability to enjoy already limited free time. I think many feel this way — and though I’ll acknowledge that I can only speak anecdotally — it appears to me as though there is a distinct trend of Christmas trees going up earlier each year. This makes sense, of course, that the warm glow that brightens our living rooms demonstrates a symbolic embrace of the hope of Christ’s coming and a light that dispels all darkness. The days grow shorter for the time being, but in this singular way our spirits grow fuller with anticipation, reflecting the promise of renewal and the joy to come.
Before I speak more about the future, it is absolutely necessary for me to extend a massive amount of thanks to everyone involved in the Music Ministry’s offering of Fauré’s Requiem this fall. A short and non-comprehensive list should include our wonderful choir, soloists, the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, our volunteers that facilitate increased building usage, our staff (especially Coy!) for helping with bulletins, building scheduling, advertising, and everything else, and Father Ben and our parishioners for allowing the packed chancel to make communion a little more complicated than the average Sunday. I don’t feel like I have the adequate words to express my gratitude for the ability of our community to pull off these massive events, but I feel genuinely blessed to be a part of them. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
In addition to our offering on Nov. 3 — the day before the centennial of Fauré’s death on Nov. 4, 1924 — the choir’s offering on Oct. 20 with the Arts Chorale of Winchester and the PSO at Highland was a great success — so much so that Jonathan Griffin, DMA, the artistic director and principal conductor of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), extended them an invitation to sing the the Fauré Requiem with a limited number of ensembles at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 27, 2025.
Looking forward, please mark your calendars for Dec. 15 at 5 p.m., when Saint James’ will offer our annual Service of Lessons and Carols, an evening of scripture and song heralding the contemplative time of Advent and joy of Christmas. Sponsored by Common Threads, this service will feature a tapestry of musical offerings, including contributions from First Baptist Church of Warrenton, our own Saint James’ choir, the handbell choir, the school choir, and the church band. This is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the season together as a community.
The holiday season is a time for gratitude, remembrance, togetherness, and great music, and the services at Saint James’ during Advent will help us celebrate hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us as we prepare for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we gather for candlelight services to celebrate the nativity, followed by a joyful Christmas Day service with family and friends. For those seeking a reflective moment amidst the season, Saint James’ is a special place to pause and appreciate life’s blessings. I hope that as we approach a new year that this season will fill your heart with peace, joy, and the warmth of our wonderful church family.
Contact Robert Baird at music@saintjameswarrenton.org.
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BY COLIN BORGSTROM, TREASURER
As we approach the end of the calendar year, please ensure your pledge and open plate giving is up to date. Consider dropping checks and cash into the plate this Sunday. If sending in funds electronically, ensure your payments are scheduled and made before Dec. 31. Stock transfers or distributions from other assets require additional logistics and timing is key; please reach out to parish accountant Casey Rigney (accountant@saintjameswarrenton.org or 818-571-5904) this week to confirm any expected contributions from these sources (and consult your tax professional).
Did you get an unexpected year-end bonus? Prayerfully consider tithing a portion of that to Saint James’.
As noted at the annual parish meeting in January, the church expected to operate at a deficit in 2024. The deficit forecast has been cut by prudent expense management and generous giving. Your extra year-end contribution will assist to keep the church in a strong financial position as we prepare for our 2025 projects and staffing.
Any 2025 pledge cards still sitting around on your counter or desk? Make sure to drop those off this week as well so the church leadership can move forward with 2025 budgeting.
Thank you for your continued support of our parish!
Contact Colin Borgstrom at theborginva@gmail.com.
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BY JEN TAYLOR, DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES
Youth ministry is an integral part of life at Saint James’, providing opportunities for young people to grow in their faith, form relationships and engage in meaningful activities. While the youth groups and Children’s Church serve to educate and inspire, they do so in different ways, addressing the unique needs of young people at various stages of their spiritual journeys.
Last month, our middle and high school youth groups participated in a team building retreat at Verdun Adventure Bound in Rixeyville. Our students worked together on low ropes activities and challenged each other with rock wall climbing and a dual zip line. We look forward to a joyous season — we will host the “Christmas Olympics” during youth group and will also plan our annual ski trip. We are also anticipating a large confirmation class on Dec. 15, when the bishop visits Saint James’.
During Advent, students in Children’s Church will hear the familiar story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem through our Godly Play curriculum. They will also discover the significance of symbols we see throughout Advent and Christmas that remind us of the birth of Jesus.
Whether it’s volunteering or getting your kids involved, there are many ways to be engaged. If your kids are interested in becoming involved, please contact me!
Contact Jen Taylor at jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org.
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In December, our School transforms into a festive holiday wonderland. The hallways come alive with twinkling decorations, lovingly arranged by our dedicated parent association and volunteers. Every classroom sparkles with cheerful artwork created by the students, showcasing their creativity and excitement for the season. As you walk through the school, the joyful sounds of students practicing Christmas hymns fill the air, adding warmth and a sense of togetherness. It is truly a season of joy, community and celebration for all!
A highlight of the season is our cherished Christmas pageants, where preschool and elementary students reenact the nativity. These special performances will be livestreamed and available on the school's YouTube channel for all to enjoy.As we celebrate this magical time, we wish our church family a very blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Important reminder: The school will be closed from Dec. 19 to Jan. 5. Faculty, staff and students will return on Jan. 6.
January is the start of the admission season at SJES. Early application for the 2025-2026 school year will be Jan. 21-31 and, as a reminder, Saint James’ Episcopal Church parishioners automatically earn a free spot on the early application request list. While early application does not guarantee admission or first choice of class, it does allow parishioners to apply before admission is opened to the public (Feb. 1) and the $150 early application fee is waived (there is still an admission application fee). Interested parishioners should complete the Early Application Request Form for parishioners.
Our School will be hosting the following admission events for prospective families for the 2025-2026 school year:
KINDERGARTEN READY COFFEE & CONVERSATION
— Jan. 9 from 9 to 10 a.m.
— SJES reading specialist Nell Lawrence, SJES kindergarten teacher Laura Harmon, SJES Director of Curriculum & Instruction Rachel Sirene and SJES pre-kindergarten teacher Dawn Dinklocker will provide tips to help prepare your child for kindergarten. Adults only, please. RSVP required.
PRESCHOOL POP-IN
— Jan. 17 and Feb. 21 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
— Prospective students and parents can experience the joy of preschool! Children must be ages 2 to 4 by Sept. 30, 2025, to be eligible for Preschool Pop-In. We'll have music class, story time with a craft in the classroom, and unstructured playtime. RSVP required.
OPEN HOUSE
— Jan. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m.
— SJES will open its doors to prospective families to see classrooms, ask questions and meet teachers plus our chickens and trout! RSVP required.
We hope you will share this schedule of events and the many wonderful aspects of our School with anyone who may be interested in joining the Saint James’ family.
Contact Saint James' Episcopal School at office@saintjamesepiscopalschool.org
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BY FLORA DUVALL
The holidays are a joyous time to spend with our loved ones and friends. We have much to praise and give thanks to God. After the holidays, I start my annual grumbling about the inconveniences of winter, with its cold wind and threats of snow. This year, I am trying to find a deeper appreciation for these colder winter months ahead.
For our vulnerable members of society, I hope that we remember and provide care for them as they struggle through these months. But for the rest of us, I hope that we can see God’s love and hope in all that the winter landscape offers.
As I look around in the winter landscape, I cannot help but see the raw beauty of the trees and natural habitats that God has created. It is nothing like the monocultured, perfectly manicured gardens and lawns that we might be told are beautiful. The oak tree’s branches jut out in obscure angles, trees crowd each other in competition for resources and all of this becomes a wild mess. And in this, I can also see where human landscapes start and God's landscape begins. I imagine that in years past there was much more of God’s garden and much less of ours. I see and hear Jesus’ truth calling me here. Telling me to "tear down the temple" of modern ideas of what is good landscaping design and embrace God's idea of true landscaping beauty. With many organizations trying to restore more of God's beauty, I am thankful and hopeful.
And while the Green Team is joyously planning for our many spring events, there is time to pause and listen and see Jesus revealed in the winter splendor. We pray that you will also do the same. Some good resources are Doug Tallamy, Edwina von Gal, and the Center for Spirituality in Nature, to name a few. Please stop us at church or send us your winter reflections.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
I have been working through the new curriculum called Love God, Love God's World. The course is much like Sacred Ground, if any of you are familiar. It is a very deeply moving study into environmental justice and ways that our church can heal and love. If anyone is interested in learning more about this course, please let me know.
We would love to hear how your spring seedlings are doing. Please send us a line to let us know. I will be posting some suggestions for deer protection fencing in the coming months.
We are working on few exciting projects with Saint James' Episcopal School. With help from the Garden Club teacher, Elaine Dubin, and science teacher Cortney Arnold, our composting program was given some exciting enhancements. The four rolling composters donated to the church and school were in desperate need for repair. Elaine, Cortney and Wesley Duvall emptied the existing compost, repaired the compost tumblers and relocated them to a sunny spot which will facilitate better breakdown of the materials. In the future, we hope to expand our compost efforts to provide rich soil for our vegetable and pollinator gardens. New signs have been placed in the kitchen and outside the composter station to remind us of what can and cannot be composted. A big thank you to Elaine and Cortney for your help!
We are working on collecting plastic bags and film for another Trex bench. Thank you to all who are contributing! Your donation will help build a beautiful bench and keep these plastics out of the landfill.
We are also working with Fauquier County Parks and Recreation, Saint James' Episcopal School and the Warrenton community to establish a pollinator garden along the Warrenton Branch Greenway. This will provide much needed food sources for our native pollinators. We have started planning and even collecting some native seeds for this project. More exciting news on this project is forthcoming.
Additionally, please consider joining the Diocese of Virginia’s Creation Care Committee on Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. for a webinar with Bishop Mark Stevenson discussing extreme weather and spiritual resiliency. You can register here.
Wishing everyone a happy and sustainable holiday season!
Contact Flora Duvall at fwallace@mail.umw.edu.
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BY MARGY THOMAS
The women of Saint James’ have had a busy fall — a September social at Harry’s, an October pizza party at Silver Branch, and holiday wine pairing workshop with Liz Carpenter from Slater Run Vineyards in November.
Please plan to join us for a private Sip & Shop at Latitudes Fair Trade Store on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Our thanks to Lee and Terry Owsley for this fun holiday shopping experience. Episcopal Church Women is for women of all ages to be in fellowship and friendship with one another. ECW typically meets on the first Thursday of each month and welcomes new faces — we hope you can join us!
Please reach out to Margy Thomas or Jen Taylor to be included in our monthly emails.
Contact Margy Thomas at mweastham@gmail.com and Jen Taylor at jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org.
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BY DOROTHY SMITH
The build ministry hopes to have a repair project for in the spring. Criteria are: that an individual owns their home, plans to stay in place, and generally has no other resources to make repairs.
Multiple individuals and families from Saint James’ were involved in the last build. Each of you reading this took part in the ministry in one way or another, either through prayer, support, community or hands-on work.
Heading into the holiday season, I think it’s worthwhile to reflect on the changes we have been privileged to witness as builders. For those who have homes in good repair and resources, it is a time for gratitude. When we reflect that thanks with our hands, resources and hearts, our community grows stronger.
You can involve yourself with a build through giving and providing work, food and supportive prayer during the build.
Feel free to email me if you want to learn more, if you know of someone in need, or want to be added to the list as builders or participants. All builders, regardless of skill level, may be asked to be runners and clean-up crews. We will each work to make everyone feel an equal part of the team.
Contact Dorothy Smith at fineart111@aol.com.
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BY CATHY BYRNE & JOANNE CHARLES
During this quarter, our Refugee Ministry has worked extensively with our Afghan family of six in Manassas to assist with learning English, job searches, asylum applications, dental and medical care, and winter clothing. The ministry will step back from major assistance to this family, expecting them to be able to take over their own finances soon.
We have also been involved with a young Afghan couple, Ahmad and Nadia, who are pregnant with their first child. Refugee Ministry team member Terry Owsley and his wife Lee have offered Ahmad and Nadia use of their basement apartment for six months. Ahmad and Nadia are here with humanitarian visas, needing to flee Afghanistan due to a close relative working with the U.S. military. Ahmad is a mechanic and looking for a job. They will need some help with transportation and shopping; they are short on furniture and baby items; and Nadia will need help with English. The Refugee Ministry, with help from Saint James’ parishioners, will try to fill in the gaps.
The Refugee Ministry has resolved that we will not be able to sponsor any new families that need the level of support similar to our Manassas family. We lack both personnel and financial resources for such a commitment. We will continue to network with our four area churches to see what assistance we can offer to new refugees in the area, and our team is now collecting furniture and household goods to assist an Afghan family newly arrived in Centreville.
Contact Cathy Byrne at catheeb@icloud.com and Joanne Charles at jcharles1331@gmail.com.
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Saturday, Nov. 23 was a beautiful day to Gobble, Run or Wobble. This year we had 600 folks join us, and we could not be more grateful to all the members of Saint James’ Episcopal Church & School who participated!
From all of us at Learning Starts Early and the Gobble, Gobble, Run or Wobble 5K race committee, we are so thankful for this year's pavement-pounding race participants, hard-working volunteers, and the fantastic sponsors who made the annual event possible. Special thanks to our indefatigable race coordinator, Kathleen Nevill.
Continue to support LSE by clicking the donate button on our website.
We can't wait to see you again next year for our 11th annual race!
Contact Learning Starts Early at info@learningstartsearly.org.
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BY RUTH FUGEE
Ruth Fugee, RN, MSN, and Megan Fay, PA, conduct Heartsaver CPR, AED and first aid classes one Tuesday a month in the Parish Hall. This is an American Heart Association class designed for members of the public.
This class has no written test, you can have your manikin on a table, and if you are not able to demonstrate CPR at the end, you will become a CPR coach. We will cover signs of heart attack, stroke and sepsis, relieving choking, and fall prevention in the first aid section.
The next class is Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. Register here.
Classes will continue monthly until they have a waiting list, then we will add some Saturdays. The cost is $40 and includes a book and a first aid kit. The price is less than half of the commercial rate due to a generous grant from the PATH Foundation. Visit lifesaviorstjames.com for the schedule.
Parish Health also provides advice and support to parishioners and their families experiencing health concerns. Our basket of skills include general and acute nursing, home nursing care, dentistry and physical therapy. We also can help with technology problems. We are available to attend doctor’s appointments with you and explain your physician’s treatment plan in common terms. If you have health concerns and are not working with one of us, contact Ruth Fugee. Although we don’t have the resources to provide continuing home care for daily activities, we can help you make your plans for at home or facility care.
Contact Ruth Fugee at ruth.fugee@gmail.com.
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BY MARIANN LYNCH
This winter at Saint James’ will offer many opportunities to gather and enjoy food, drink and conversation with our fellow parishioners.
On Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 10 a.m., our Café team will provide the best hot breakfast deal in town. For $5 ($20 maximum for a family), the team serves delicious items including eggs, bacon, pancakes, cheesy grits (a favorite) and much more. In addition, there will be Coffee Hour after the 10:15 service each week, with lighter offerings free of charge.
The special fellowship event in December will follow the Lessons & Carols service on the evening of Dec. 15. There will be a light reception with bubbly drinks and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Then, because Dec. 29 is a fifth Sunday, there will not be Café. Instead, Coffee Hour will follow both services.
Café and Coffee Hour will run as usual in January and February. We will also be gearing up for our annual Mardi Gras party on March 4.
Contact Mariann Lynch at mariann.lynch@gmail.com or Greg Arthaud at gjarthaud@yahoo.com.
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BY BABS ALLIMAN
As Saint James’ concludes its 28th year providing dinners to volunteers at the Fauquier Free Clinic, I would like to thank members who supported this long-standing outreach program throughout the year. Without cooks, there would be no dinner program. I look forward to working together in 2025!
Contact Babs Alliman at allimanb@msn.com.
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BY JILL LACEY
We wish all of our acolyte families a blessed Christmas and a very happy and healthy 2025! Thank you for your continued support of this ministry, with a sincere note of thanks for all of our volunteers who will serve during one of the Christmas Eve services. Please also join me in congratulating two of our acolytes, Maggie Lacey and Gavin Walker, who will be confirmed on Dec. 15. We hope that their faith in Christ continues to grow!
Contact Jill Lacey at jnlacey1@comcast.net.
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BY BONNIE ZACHERLE
The Flower Guild is set and ready to do more arrangements for the coming winter months. Without the material from our own gardens, the members are forced to buy flowers from whatever is available from local vendors. Because of that, we are in more need of donations for memorials and in thanksgiving of loved ones. Be sure to sign up for them on the bulletin board as soon as the new schedule is posted to ensure you have reserved those dates that are important to you.
The Garden Guild is still interested in pursuing the idea of paving part of our front courtyard with paving stones — some etched with the names of parishioners who have passed away. We are still in the idea phase of this project, so we would appreciate any thoughts you might have on the subject. The above photo is nice, but not indicative of what our vision looks like — only the pavers are similar.
The guild is always interested in welcoming new members. If you like to arrange or garden, please contact Bonnie Zacherle.
Contact Bonnie Zacherle at bztoymaker@gmail.com.
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It is hard to believe that the Christmas holiday is just around the corner. Folks will be busy decorating, shopping and spending time with family and friends. Kids will be preparing for the arrival of the big fella.
Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. We will be celebrating the birth of Christ. What better way to honor his birth than to devote time to the ministries of Saint James’.
Greeters are the first contact of everyone attending the Sunday services. Greeters welcome worshipers with a smile, a “good morning” and a bulletin. Greeters are one of the many Saint James’ teams that help parishioners keep returning to church. Our “come and see” program has been fun and welcomed by all.
I would like to recognize the current greeter team: Sue Brittle, Penny Dart, Maria DeCristoforo, Joe Errera, Ruth Fugee, Anne Hall, Erika Hughes, Katherine and Matt Koelsch, Dana and Karla MacKimmie, Kathleen Nevill, Patti Reid, Margy Thomas, Whit Trimble, Linda Wright, Bonnie Zacherle and Bonnie Wilder. Thank you for your faithful service to this important ministry.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of the Greeter Ministry Team, please contact me. We would love to have you on our team!
Contact Toni Shreve at toniandjims@comcast.net.
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73 Culpeper St, Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 347-4342
