Dear People of St. James’,
As the school year kicks off, there has been such amazing energy and enthusiasm around gathering together for worship, for connection, for holy work in our communities, and to learn more about scripture and the rich heritage of our Christian traditions. This has also been a time of transition for many in our community. Scott Madison, Sarah Mast, and Steven Tomlinson have started new years in seminary and the Iona School for Ministry in preparation for priesthood; Garrett Lane, Teri Calinao, and Liam Barr are joining us for field education. Miranda Jackson, for whose work in the nursery we have been so grateful over the past year, has moved on to doing other work on Sundays. Singers who were away during the summer are coming back to the choirs.
In the midst of these many changes, you will no doubt have noticed that Simone Monique Barnes’ role in our community has changed as well. Since the start of 2020, we have been blessed that Simone has brought her many gifts to a dual role, working part-time for St. James’ and part-time for Welcome Table. This past May, Simone had to largely step away to address the needs of her family, and she returned to her part-time work as Director of Parent Engagement for Welcome Table at the end of June. After a further period of leave from St. James’ responsibilities, Simone has discerned that she would like to continue on as Director of Parent Engagement for Welcome Table, but to step down from the role of Director of Youth and Nursery. Unexpected events happen in all of our lives that precipitate new beginnings, and we are very grateful for the season Simone has given the people of St. James’ in family ministries. I expect that you will have an opportunity to communicate that gratitude to her directly as Simone is a St. Jamesian and will continue to be a blessing in our community.
Youth ministries at St. James’ will continue because of the dedication of a fantastic and growing team of volunteers. Over the coming semester, we will have a Fall Youth Retreat at Camp Allen, volunteer at Trinity Center and Casa Marianella, explore eco-justice and eco-theology, and just have fun in the company of one another. I will coordinate the youth ministries team as we discern how we may best serve youth and parents as we all grow in faith together. Diana Espinosa has taken on administrative responsibilities related to the nursery, but you can expect to hear from Amber Sarpy as she seeks to connect parents of our little ones to each other and to ways to minister to their children.
When I came to St. James in February 2019, the Vestry had set a goal of growth for our ministries with children and youth, and we continue to pursue the thriving of these communities that light our lives.
May God bless our doing and our being,
Rev. Eileen
