Dear Fellow Parishioners,

I wanted to share with you some of the important developments that came out of this weekend's 248th New York Diocesan Convention.

Bishop Heyd spoke on many topics, but importantly, he's envisioning a "ground up" renewal in our church for the healing of the world. Especially in these desperate times we find ourselves in.

They've established five Mission Priorities to bring about this renewal. Of particular importance to our congregation is:

Imagine: New financial models that are clear, strategic, and equitable.

•Big idea: revise the revenue model for our diocese to reflect a changed reality and new opportunities for revenue.

Re-envision: How we steward our properties.

•Big idea: develop and resource a clear mission-focused vision for the properties across the diocese.

They're finally realizing that all of us in this diocese are struggling with these matters and are attempting to rectify it for the future.

I'm also pleased to say that we as a diocese reaffirmed our commitment to our baptismal covenant by pledging to support those at the margins of our society: the most vulnerable, the needy, refugees, and members of the LGBTQ communities, to provide them with a self and welcoming home in our church. As the Gospel compels us to do. (-Christopher Burrows, Junior Warden)

You're receiving this email because you're already a pledging member of St. James the Less--thank you! Our Annual Appeal is underway and you can view all the resources, plus a video message from a fellow parishioner, at the link below (it's the same email that went out this past Sunday morning). THANK YOU for your generosity! 

The HVAC committee has been researching the comparative costs and energy efficiency of a range of alternatives for replacing and upgrading St. James's aging HVAC system. Given the church's floor layout and differing cooling and heating needs, we have been evaluating everything from simply replacing the existing units to heat pumps, geothermal, and hybrid systems. We have spoken with members of Christ Church (Episcopal) in Bronxville, which is planning an all-geothermal system, held on-site interviews with two (so far) commercial contractors, and plan to visit St. Barnabas (Episcopal) in Irvington this Sunday (so you won't see us in church!). We always welcome questions and additional members on our committee. Talk to us on a Sunday or to Mother Storm, who will be glad to connect and/or add you to our group. 

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make sure we're making informed decisions about every aspect of our work, from the parking lot to the HVAC system to repairs on the Great Hall. Please come be part of the R&R Task Force. We meet every month, in person or online. Complete the short form below to join our efforts!

I'm thankful to the St. James community for your grace, always, on the Sunday after a big event in our country's life. After eight years with all of you, this isn't the first time I've preached to something happening in our country or our world, and it's one of the great honors to be entrusted to do so. I've gone ahead and posted last Sunday's sermon, and will include it again in this Thursday's email (as usual).

Two weekends ago we lost two matriarchs of St. James the Less, Nancy and Ann. Nancy died peacefully nearby in the presence of family. Ann died also in the presence of family, in her home in Chatham, New York. I'll be sure to share their obituaries once those are published. These two women, whom I was fortunate to know, were pillars of St. James the Less, serving as wardens, vestry members, on the Altar Guild, Nursery School Committee, and so much else. I'm particularly moved by how they both died on the same weekend we celebrated All Saints' Day in the church. Truly, these were saints of our parish, and we owe them our tremendous gratitude for their faithful and generous service. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. + 

Read the minutes from our elected leaders, the vestry, which meets to discuss and vote on church business every month. Newly updated; includes September's minutes.

2024 Vestry Minutes

Please check and update your information, while helping us keep everyone's info secure and password protected

Breeze Online Directory Invitation

To Reach a Warden:

Senior Warden, Pam Heldman: pamheldman@gmail.com

Junior Warden, Christopher Burrows: cburrows37@gmail.com