There's much to celebrate at St. James the Less, and I'm so grateful for that. Our church is also a place where we can grieve, reflect, and process loss, as individuals and communally. I'm grateful for that, as well. 

Yesterday was the anniversary of the October 7 attack in Israel, and a day to reflect on an entire year of trauma for so many, in our community, around the world, and especially in Israel and Palestine. 

Bishop Heyd wrote a moving note and summary in his weekly email yesterday, which I've linked here. Our prayers are with all the families who've suffered incalculable loss, and with those in government and leadership who bear the responsibility to make wise choices for the good of all. 

"The key to the future of the world is finding the optimistic stories and letting them be heard." 

I've clung to that Pete Seegar quote like it's the secret to the universe. Which I think it may be. Some of you have heard me quote it before. It's not just a reminder for what to say, but also for what to take in. Which are connected. 

Yesterday I came across a story on Episcopal News Service about a Haitian priest blessing animals for the Feast of St. Francis. I've shared with some of you that I grew up in Springfield, Ohio. My entire childhood and early adult life were connected to that town, age 1-36. I even taught in its public schools after college. I mean, I know the people being interviewed on the news. My husband laughs when I call out their names--including the current mayor, my older sister's best friend's high school boyfriend. For real!

This story has been heartbreaking to me, but more importantly, to the people who still live there AND to the Haitians trying to make a life there now, trying to make Springfield a better place. Meanwhile, my family all left for better climes, which I've also reflected on a lot in recent months.

When I saw that a Haitian priest in New Hampshire was blessing animals--and that Episcopal News Service made a point to cover the story--it was as if all those weeks of sadness washed away. No, it may not directly help the Haitians in Springfield, but it reminds me of the larger forces of good in this world and our country, forces that have nothing to do with party politics--we all know that; my friends in Springfield can tell you that--and everything to do with our common desire to do good and love one another.

The Renew & Revitalize Task Force met last night. Present were: Omaira Crane (facilitator), Pat Wynne (minute-taker), Ocean Mills, Tom Finlan, Mark Trager, Linda Killian, Christopher Burrows, and Monica Sganga.

I (Mo. Storm) reported that the grant results came in from the diocese, and we received a much smaller amount than we requested--$10,000 (we'd requested $53,000). Given what seemed like prior assurances of the diocesan property manager, this lower amount came as a surprise. The diocese said that nothing other than demand determined the smaller amount, and that we could choose to apply again for the next cycle (due November 8) in the hopes that there are fewer churches in that round. The Task Force discussed our options, and agreed that we would have a conversation with David Soles, the diocesan property manager, when he visits St. James on October 18. Based on that conversation, we'll decide how best to proceed. 

Overall, it's important for the Task Force and the congregation to remember that grant-seeking and fundraising are not over. We will re-apply to the Bedell Fund from St. Matthew's as our project proceeds, and we'll continue to apply for diocesan grants in the next several years. We're asking parishioners to send along information on other grants we might be eligible for. And remember: some companies do have matching gifts. Ocean Mills, our Capital Campaign co-chair, received a five-year matching gift from her law firm. She'd be happy to help you explore if your company does the same: omills001@gmail.com. That could make a big difference for us at St. James!

Just one more note about the grant and the diocese: we're in transition right now, with a new bishop who is still putting into place practices that will better serve the diocese as a whole. As he knows, I believe churches that are successful in raising money and have a record of good lay leadership, as ours does, should be prioritized for some grants. Sometimes just the opposite has been the case. Our struggling churches certainly need to be helped, but there also needs to be a diocesan strategy and some triage when it comes to helping congregations. Not all of our 200 churches will make it; those with a plan for the future and the commitment to getting there should be prioritized. I realize the bishop gets a lot of unsolicited advice from clergy(!), but he's a great listener, and our parish is a good example of one that needs diocesan support as part of our overall strategy to last another 175 years.

More news on last night's meeting will be included in next Tuesday's member email. For now, a request from all of you:

We're going to start reaching out soon to contractors, and would like to solicit names from all of you. Is there anyone you've worked with and would recommend? If so, please let us know by responding directly to this email. Every suggestion we receive will be passed along to the R&R Task Force.

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!

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2024 Vestry Minutes

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To Reach a Warden:

Senior Warden, Pam Heldman: pamheldman@gmail.com

Junior Warden, Christopher Burrows: cburrows37@gmail.com