WELCOME TO ST. JAMES!
Our worship times on Sundays are 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. (Children's Church available),
and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Our Thursday service is held in the Chapel.
We invite you attend one of our Sunday Services in person or watch our live stream
service by clicking on the picture below.
The Messenger Our Monthly Newsletter
Click here to read the current Messenger:
May 2026
Click here to read past issues:
Past Messengers
Rev Dr. Sebastiana Springmann
Congratulations to our very own Rev. Sebastiana on fulfilling her requirement for priesthood!
Sebastiana was ordained on Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park.
We are blessed to have Rev. Sebastiana at St. James.
The Daughters Of The King
The Daughters of the King meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.min the Parish Hall.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Fr. Tom will continue his Bible study with us on the Epistle to the Hebrews
If you are interested in joining the Daughters ofthe King, please contact: Catherine Holt.
All are welcome!
2026 Parish Picnic
Click on the picture to see the slide show.
Pastoral Care Update
St. James has some exciting news to share regarding Pastoral Care. The Rev'd Dr. Sebastiana
Springmann will now be the "Coordinator of Pastoral Care" for St. James. After her ordination to
the priesthood, her title will be "Priest Associate for Pastoral Care.
" This means that Rev'd
Sebastiana will be the central person for coordinating all Pastoral Care issues that might arise.
Here is how it will work. All Pastoral Care input/requests will be sent to Rev'd Sebastiana, regardless
of their source. She will then triage the information and pass the need along to the Pastoral Care
Ministry that can best meet the need. For instance, if someone cannot make it to church, and
would like communion brought to them, Rev'd Sebastiana will send that information to the person
who coordinates Eucharistic Visitors. If there is a loss, and the person would benefit from receiving
the Grief Booklets, that information will be passed along to the person who coordinates that
ministry.
We are thrilled to now have a "Clearing House" for all Pastoral Care needs. This will certainly
enhance the delivery of Pastoral Care services to the members of St. James.
If you have any questions about all of this, please contact:
Rev'd Sebastiana: evsebastiana@stjames-leesburg.org
St James Mens Group Ministry
The Men’s Ministry holds a prayer breakfast
on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at
8:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Their next
meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20th
If you are interested in joining the Men’s
Ministry, please contact: Ted Kermode
Operation Homebound
Operation Home Bound provides hot meals to those who are homebound, five days a week, year
round,including all holidays. Meals are prepared at the Operation Home Bound Center at
North Lake Presbyterian Church in Lady Lake. A team of dedicated members of
St. James delivers the meals to Church members and other shut-ins in the Leesburg area.
Participate at our
Services
If you have an interest in becoming a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher
or Greeter, please sign up in the church office.
Young Adult Group Begins New
Study
Continues to meet on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. to participate in the St.
James Spiritual Formation Course. The course is free and dinner is included.
Last week, discussed what “church” means to us and how we can best serve God
in His church. As part of the lesson, we created a banner that represents
the church we aspire to be. Please join us this Sunday as we explore
ministry and stewardship further in our session on Collaborating With God.
If you have any questions, please contact: Lara Lahey at 407-461-7014 or
Dorry Curran at 949-633-8471.
Our Mission
Saint James seeks to be a community that grows more Christ like, expressing
the love of Jesus Christ in our worship, our outreach, and our commitment to discipleship. Giving to Saint James and Stewardship.
MESSENGER MAILING LIST
We are in the process of updating our mailing list for the Messenger.
Currently, the Messenger is sent out by both postal mail and parish-wide email.
Copies are available in the church that may be picked up.
We are aiming to streamline our mailing list for those who wish to continue
receive the Messenger by postal mail.
If you would like to be kept on our list, please send us an email letting us know.
Click here to send us and email
office@stjames-leesburg.org
Temporary Medical Epuipment
Loan
If you have medical equipment at home that you no longer need, and is in
good working condition, and that you would be willing to loan to a fellow
parishioner for a short-term, we need your help.
St. James would like to set up a Medical Equipment Directory for our
parishioners. This directory will be filled with names and numbers of
individuals they can call for an equipment loan after an accident or befoe
a planned surgical procedure.
If you are interested, please contact Janice Tindall.
Caregivers Support Group
The Alzheimers-Dementia Care Givers Group welcomes all who have a loved one or are
caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia. We meet on the first Wednesday of the
month to discuss the ways and means of expressing compassion and how to care for our
loved ones in the midst of a difficult challenge.
All discussions are kept in strict confidentiality. Please note that our meetings are for
caregivers only (and not the one with A/D) to allow the freedom to share as needed.
Saint James Grief Support
Our next Grief Support Gathering is Thursday, June 04, 2026 in the Parish Hall at St. James Episcopal Church (204 N. Lee Street in Leesburg) at 5:00. This is going to be an informal dinner with our grief partners. Your spouse or special someone who has supported you during our grief journey are also invited.
This meal is going to be a “potluck dinner”. I’ll provide the plates, silverware, and drinks. The main course is going to be chicken. Gail is bringing her famous rhubarb pie! Let me know if you are going to be able to join us and what you plan on bringing (casserole, vegetable, salad, appetizer, and dessert).
Hope you can join us! This is a good way to help each other heal and find joy in our lives again. Remember, you are not alone!
Hugs and prayers
Susan Cyrus,
Grief Support Facilitator
Click to email
Susan Cyrus
Invite - Welcome - Connect
Update
Greeters and the “Welcome” Ministry of IWC at St. James
Our greeters provide the hospitality component of our Invite Weclome Connect ministry.
They arrive early and are stationed at the welcome table in the Narthex. With a smile on their face,
they greet our guests, provide our “Red Bag” and offer the Welcome card to be filled out by the guest.
They escort the guests to a seat in the sanctuary and introduce them to the members around them.
We have greeters at both services.
Contact/Text Chris Leware to offer your help (352-255-2535)
Ministries at Saint James
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Saint James seeks to be a community that grows more Christ like, expressing the
love of Jesus Christ in our worship, our outreach, and our commitment to discipleship.
If you feel the need to help us in our outreach, discipleship or any of our ministries click on this
link
Ministry Catalog
to view and/or download the catalog, find the ministry that fills your
need to help and contact the parishioner that leads that ministry.
END OF YEAR YOUTH MUSIC PROGRAM
Click on the Plcture to watch the video.
In our Liturgical Calendar we are now in EASTERTIDE, which began on Easter
Sunday(The Day of the Risen Lord) and which lasts 50 days until PENTECOST SUNDAY,
MAY 24th. During Eastertide we celebrate and reflect on our Christian faith. On Pentecost
Sunday we wear red to commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit; red reminds of us of
Christ’s passion and the fire and power of the Holy Spirit. It is the start of the long summer
and fall season, the longest of Christian church seasons, which ends on ADVENT SUNDAY,
NOV. 29th in 2026.
Be sure, be adventurous, and know that you are welcome to read from our Parish Library
collection any of the informative books about our Christian faith. These will inspire you and
deepen your understanding of our liturgical year and answer many religious questions for
you. I look forward to welcoming you in our library during the summer.
Open hours are every THURSDAY MORNING. Also recently acquired books are available
on the book trucks in the Parish Hall. Wishing you a happy and safe summer.
Margaret Branham (mabranham@aol.com
Saint James Tee & Polo
Shirts
We have been asked to have an option for women's 3/4 sleeve polo shirts.
These are now available for $30. If any woman who has submitted a new order
in the last few weeks wants to switch to 3/4 sleeves, please contact me
directly via email, call, or text. Snowbirds. If you would like to order
shirts to have when you return (and pay for then too), please contact Marc
Crouch via email
crouch.marc@yahoo.com
to order the shirts or download the order form and give it to Marc.
Click here to
download the order form.
As a reminder, payment is due when you pick up the shirts
St James Episcopal Church Women Events
Welcome Ladies! ECW would like to remind the women of St. James, our new parishioners and
guests, that all women are invited to visit and potentially join the Saint James Episcopal Women’s
organization, known as ECW. This group is a sisterhood of the church women who enhance their
Christian experience through service, study and sisterhood. We are also the main charitable arm of
the church helping to provide for our local community using monies that are raised throughout the
year. We always mange to combine service with fellowship.
Please consider visiting one of our meetings. General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each
month in the Parish Hall. This is a coming together of all ECW members. We also meet in smaller
individual chapter groups to support each other in Christian enrichment/study and fellowship. There
are three main chapters who meet on the third Tuesday of the month. Most members visit each of thechapters
before deciding which chapter they are most drawn to. Members are also always open to
visiting the other chapters as well.
Please join us on our ECW Quiet Day where the ladies of St James are invited to join us in a
quiet and healing day, exploring / discovering new ways to pray and listen to God. Our
discussions will be led by The Reverend Dr Sebastiana Springman and The Reverend Beth
Hall and our goal is to explore ways to deepen our private prayer experience.
Comfortable and casual will be the order of the day allowing us all to relax and enjoy a
peaceful and joyful day focusing on enhancing our relationship with God.
Included in the day’s activity will be a “morning tea and biscuits” including music with Birdy
and Ralph, a Healing and Anointing service, prayer exploration and contemplation, a salad
bar for lunch and an introduction to using the labyrinth and journaling to complement our
prayers.
Seating will be limited so please register to join us in our ECW Quiet Day Retreat.
Reservation forms may be turned into Jody’s Gifts and the Church Office. Our hostesses and
facilitators are Birdy Connelly, Joyce Walworth and Barnelia Woodward
ECW May News
As the 2025 – 2026 ECW year draws to an end, I would like to invite you all to the ECW End of the
Year Luncheon. This is scheduled on Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. th
I would also like to say thank you to the many amazing ladies who have worked so hard throughout
the year to make this another successful year for ECW. Through the efforts of our ladies, ECW has
supported and managed:
* Altar Guild,* Monthly Food Drop for the local food bank,* Jody’s Gift Shop,* Supported
financially and physically care for our beautiful grounds and Butterfly garden, * Managed the
Church Library for the good of all, * Provided $2500.00 in scholarships to LSSC, * Provided
comfort to grieving families through the Parish Family Bereavement receptions * $20,000.00 in
community charitable giving.* Financial support and upkeep of the Parish Hall ** A highlight of
our year was to share our support for The Rev. Dr. Sebastiana Springman’s ordination in helping to
provide vestments which will be used throughout her ministry.
It is equally important to recognize that without the backing and support of the church
membership, much of this would not be possible. As mentioned in the April Messenger,
individuals such as Dr. Bob Tendall have stepped up to support our cause and fundraisers making
so much of this possible. And, the church membership at large has made our fundraisers
successful through their generous participation. Thank you all for your contributions
ECW 2026-2027 Officers President: Barnelia Woodward 1st Vice President:Nancy Russell Co 2nd Vice President: Patricia Baily Co 2nd Vice President: Catherine Holt Secretaty: Dee Saylor Treasurer: Sharon Sofield
ECW Meetings May 5th
ECW Board Meeting ~ 10:00 a.m. (St. Nicholas House)
ECW General Meeting ~ 10:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
End of Year Luncheon ~ 11:00 a.m. Parish Hall. CHAPTER MEETINGS May 5th
10:00 a.m.~ St. Anne’s (Parish Hall)
Study: Walk In Love Episcopal Beliefs
10:00 a.m.~ St. Francis’ (St. Nicholas House)
Study: Walk In Love Episcopal Beliefs
3:30 p.m.~ St. Cecilia’s (St. Nicholas House)
Study: The Parables (Parish Hall)
St Martha's Chapter
This group focuses on Christian Fellowship
and is especially popular with busy working
women and mothers of younger children.
This Chapter meets monthly usually in the
evening and at a restaurant. If you are
interested in joining this group, please contact
Lara Lahey at the following: (407) 461-7014 or
lara.lahey@yahoo.co
Ronald McDonald House Outreach
This is one of the times of year we are grateful and count our many blessings.
As you enjoy celebrating with family and friends, pulling flip tops, Ronald McDonald House is also grateful,
and thanks you for pulling the tabs. These tabs make it possible for families of critically ill children that
need hospitalization to have comfortable lodging and meals, gratis. Many blessings and a Happy New Year.
The monetary donations you send will support the “Home away from Home” for these families. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida
To make a gift by mail, send your check made out to RMHC of Central Florida to
P.O. Box 547537 Orlando, FL 32854-7537. To make a gift by phone call 407-206-0957.
P.S. Your donation is tax deductible. Many Blessings to all for the coming year. Meg Bremer
Visit the ECW webpage for additional details: stjames-leesburg.org/ECW.html.
JODY'S GIFT SHOP
JODY’S GIFT SHOP HOURS
WEDNESDAY,THURSDAY,FRIDAY
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
SUNDAY
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?
Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise
a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality,
one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community
experiencing life difficulties. WHO ARE STEPHEN MINISTERS?
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care
to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss,
chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?
After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister
meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide
emotional and spiritual support, as long as the need for care exists. HOW CAN I BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER?
Stephen Ministry training is typically offered once a year.
The next session starts in the Fall, starting September 16, 2023.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact either:
Bob Tindall (717) 575-3092
walruselect@gmail.com
Sherry Lash (706) 614-0290
sblash@protonmail.com
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
Those desiring to offer flowers for any service – either in Memory of Loved Ones or in Thanksgiving,
please contact Bonnie Binneveld @ 352-255-1658. On behalf of ECW, Bonnie will handle
the monthly calendar for Altar and Madonna flowers. Then it is up to the donor to contact
a local florist and make arrangements. They should bill you directly, not St. James.
You can also reserve the Altar candle for $5.00.
Please Stay Tuned
For future updates about Worship times, and for other opportunities to
reach out to those in need, If you have any questions,
call us at 352-787-1981, or email:
office@stjames-leesburg.org
Drive-By Food Drive
St. James ECW is sponsoring an on going “Drive-By” Food Drive,
on behalf of the Leesburg Food Bank
on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Thank you for your generous donations!
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