Dear People of St. James’,
Since October, Ari Monts has been serving the community of St. James’ as Intern for Family Ministries. In the past few months, Ari has been hard at work: helping us start a weekly e-newsletter for family ministries with resources for formation at home, as well as updates about what’s going on in the larger community; contributing to the outdoor Children’s Service; organizing monthly family formation opportunities on Sunday mornings; creating and curating family materials for Stewardship season and Advent; participating actively in the life of the Godly Play community; and organizing the online Children’s Christmas Pageant.
Originally, the Family Ministries internship was funded through a special gift through the end of May. However, the generosity of the people of St. James’ in this stewardship season has made it possible for us to develop a 12 hour/week, year-round Children’s Minister position. In light of Ari’s amazing work with us since October, it is with great pleasure that I announce that Ari has accepted this position, effective January 1. This expansion of staff hours for ministries for families with children and youth will allow Simone Barnes to focus on youth ministries and nursery for St. James’, in addition to her role as Parent Engagement Coordinator for Welcome Table’s Freedom Schools program.
Ari L. Monts is an independent scholar, artist, and queer liturgist based in Austin, TX. Ari grew up in Connecticut, got a B.A. in Music, Theatre, and Women’s and Gender Studies from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and just finished coursework towards a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. Their research looks at the role of participatory performance rituals and their roles in community formation. Ari has been attending St. James since 2017, and has been a confirmed member of The Episcopal Church since 2018. They love cats, The Book of Common Prayer, and craft coffee. They are excited to bring their gifts to the children and families of St. James in a more official capacity!
As Children’s Minister, Ari will focus on implementing the Godly Play program (in its in-person and online formats) and certain multigenerational events that bring families of all types together. They will also develop culturally appropriate resources for special celebrations and seasons, and partner with parents and grandparents in the Christian formation of their children year-round.
Want to get on the Children’s Ministry e-news list? Email ari@stjamesaustin.org.
See you on Sunday!
The Rev. Eileen O’Brien
