Dear People of St. James’,
I write to let you know that Ari Monts, who joined the St. James’ staff in October 2020, will be moving to New York (specifically Queens) to take a full time position as Program and Communications Manager with Lab/Shul and to be closer to family.
St. James’ has been fortunate to have Ari as a member of our community over the last five years and as our Children’s Minister for the past year. In addition to being our Children’s Minister, Ari has been a solid soprano and a chanter of psalms in our 10:15 choir, a youth sponsor, a great Godly Play storyteller, a member of the Liturgy committee, and a composer of our Prayers of the People. They have pushed us to think carefully and prayerfully about how language embraces and excludes, and about how liturgy creates space for healing and knowing each other. It was with gratitude for good work done and sadness at this parting that I accepted their resignation.
Ari’s last day with us will be August 27, 2021. We will celebrate them on Saturday, August 21, as we gather for the Back-to-School Backpack Blessing and Fall Packet Pickup Drive Thru, 11 am – 1 pm. Come see Ari, bring them a moving box or two along with your thanks and best wishes, and we will send them off with our blessing from the services on August 22.
We are immediately seeking a new Children’s Minister as we continue to solidify plans for the fall and to train Godly Play volunteers. If you know someone who would be a good candidate for the Children’s Minister position, please get this posting into their hands as soon as possible!
I ask for your prayers for Ari as they set out on this new journey. Pray also for our parents and children as they navigate starting a new school year, for our Godly Play volunteers, and for the search for a new Children’s Minister.
The Rev. Eileen O’Brien
