The Last Hoorah!

That’s it, folks. I’m afraid summer is coming to an end. The Labor Day weekend is upon us, and last weekend was our last lake service of the year. But, oh, what a lake service it was!

Our St. James Gang sounded fantastic; 5-year-old guest of honor, Preston Harris Pannell, Jr. was baptized in Lake Martin; and I believe the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt by all. It was a fantastic way to finish up our lake services for 2025. But worry not, there is much to look forward to in the remainder of the year.

This Sunday, August 31, at our last 9 a.m. service of the year, we will have the pleasure of baptizing William Maynard Saul, the son of Matt and Hayes (Holliday) Saul. Then, the weekend after Labor Day, we will go back to two services each Sunday; one at 8 a.m. and one at 10 a.m. I know many of you, particularly the eight o’clock gang, are looking forward to that. In October, Betsy Iler will serve as Lay Rector for Cursillo #238. Also on staff will be Mark and Martha Tucker, William “Billy” Barrett and myself, your humble priest. Pilgrims from St. James will include Mel and Leslie Loftus, as well as Caroline Harmon.

Shortly after that, beginning on Sunday, October 19, we will start an ‘open to everyone’ confirmation class/Sunday school. This class will prepare those who will be confirmed by one of our two bishops when during the bishop’s annual visit on November 23. This class won’t just be for our confirmands, but for anyone who wants to learn more about the Episcopal Church, St. James and what makes us who we are as Episcopalians. And, of course, our annual Holiday Bazaar will be here before you know it on November 15.

This is just a sampling of our fall line-up my friends. We have many other events planned before Christmas. So, get ready to tie the boat to the dock, trade your flip-flops for shoes and socks and plan to meet all your friends at St. James!

Peace, Rob+