Something's happening almost every day with the Renew and Revitalize Task Force. AND we just created a Youtube Playlist on our St. James the Less Youtube Channel where videos of our work will be posted from time to time--even more once substantial work begins in the spring. In our latest video--shot just today--Louise Griggs, our engineer, takes the first percolation test from our newly dug holes in the parking lot. The holes test the soil content and rockiness, and also the percolation rate of the soil. You can see the test in action in the video, with Louise's explanations.

The approaching holidays can be tough for those who've lost loved ones, or who are going through a difficult time. We have many ways to support you at St. James the Less. You can reach out to me, Mother Storm, and come talk to me in my office (or even just a phone call). You can come to church on the first Sunday of the month for Healing Prayer at both services. You can request a talk with one of our lay chaplains.

The Samaritans, a group within the parish that looks out for others' needs, are also putting together holiday baskets to distribute to people who've lost someone in the past year. If you know someone who could use a basket, or just a note of support, please let them know at samaritans@stjamesscarsdale.org. All information is kept confidential, and please use discretion sharing others' information or making a request on behalf of another. 

We're here to support each other--that's the most important thing, and in a rough time, it's a lifeline. Please know this, and don't hesitate to reach out. 

So much is happening in the world today that a small bit of news from the Anglican Communion--the worldwide body of Christians (the 3rd largest in the world) to which we Episcopalians belong--may have gone unnoticed. That would be understandable.

Last week the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned. He was accused of covering up abuse that happened some years ago in the church and caused untold pain to the victims over many years. It's heartbreaking. I don't use this word much, but it's sinful.

I'm thankful he resigned. This hardly needs to be said. People come to our churches and schools because they believe these are safe spaces. We've seen in other traditions as well as our own how we haven't safeguarded God's people, especially God's children. The archbishop didn't act quickly (or at all) over many years, but at least he stepped down with speed when the report was released.

Here in the U.S., we have our own governing structure (and, by the way, a new Presiding Bishop as of this month). As Episcopalians belonging to the Diocese of New York, we are further guided by the careful policies of our diocesan bishops and diocesan lay leaders. In keeping with those policies, our clergy and staff at St. James have to be carefully vetted and routinely re-certified for Safe Church Training. This is a requirement of the diocese; it is not left to the local parishes to carry out if they happen to have the bandwidth. Obviously it's too important for that. All the same, our vestry will review this story at tonight's meeting and recommit to making St. James a safe space for everyone.

It is an honor to serve in a role where so much trust is given me. With our leadership, I'll be diligent in making sure we're abiding by Safe Church policies and am deserving of that trust. 

This list includes digital recurring gifts without an end date; please let us know if you plan to make any changes!

Irv and Sandy Atkinson, Uma and Ajit Banerjee, Lyn Boreland, Ruth Boser and Rob Fath, Susie Bourhill, Nigel Bunnett, Melissa Caramanica, Al Conte, Russell and Omaira Crane, Eliza Davies, Ocean Mills and Tom Finlan, Diana and Kevin Finnerty, Bill and Becca Foley, Sherin and Sam Frank, Nathan Gallup, Tina and John Gerraughty, Charles Gibson, Russell Grant and Pedro Ladislau, Matt and Meagan Henry, Wilder and Mary Jean Howland, Donna and Roberto Hunter, Priscilla and Tsutomu Ishiguri, Angela Kenney, Linda Killian, Nicholas King, Tom Lacalamita, Geoff and Margy Loftus, Ricky and Yachiyo Lu, Tracy and Marc McCarthy, Ellen McNally, Diana and Michael Mitchell, Francia Morhardt-Smith, Maureen Moser, Janice Ohrablo, Gunilla Fahringer-Perez, Karen Preiser, Roseanne Riolo and Frank Durante, Greg and Rachel Roberts, Donna Robertson and Raymond Chow, Jennifer Sabia, Catherine Schoetz and Neil Ritchie, Pam and Walter Schwer, Monica Sganga, Sean and Rebecca Smith, Stephen Stamas, Andrew Wood and (the Rev.) Astrid Storm, Sarah and Jose Tabb-Garza, Gina Taglieri, Mark and Kathy Trager, Mark and Meaghan Vernazza, Janelle and Mark Walhout, Judith Walsh, Andrea and James West, David and Qin Wiles, Neil and June Winward, Tom and Lisa Wolfe, Pat and Deidre Wynne, Dorothy and David Yewer, Rick and Dotty Young

In this sermon, I go through our budget in detail to help us understand where we spend (and get) our money, what our strengths and challenges are, and why it's so important that everyone--each and every one of us--gives to St. James the Less. I hope you find it helpful as you discern what to pledge for 2025.

Jesus said, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

Those aren’t words one wants to hear right as we’re trying to shore up our church and raise the money we need to operate another year! This reading and Jesus’ prediction about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple comes as sure as the Fall, with its shorter days and colder weather. In the church, it signals the shift from the long season of Pentecost to--starting in just 2 weeks--Advent, and then Christmas. It also comes just as we’re trying to take care of our buildings, pay our staff, invest for another year in the present and future of our church through the contributions and commitments of our members. At St. James we call this the Annual Appeal.

I guess this points to the paradox in life where We know that everything, certainly ourselves, but everything else, even the grandest structures, everything is impermanent. Everything eventually flattens out to a geological stripe on the fossil record. And yet we’re called for our brief time here to act as if things were going to last. To take care of our health, and our bodies. To take care of our churches, our institutions. Our earth...

The Renew and Revitalize Task Force is active almost every day bringing our plans to life--the new parking lot, HVAC system, masonry and other improvements to our buildings. And it's never too late to jump in. 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!

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