Vestry Corner ~ July 2022
We Wardens wanted to open this month’s remarks with a bit of a “spotlight” on one of our very modest, but supremely faithful parishioners. Diane MacAskill has served as the Clerk of Vestry for so many years we have lost count. Diane attends each and every vestry meeting and records our discussions and debates in the most amazing manner. We have known for years what a gift Diane has given us, but a recent audit of our parish financials actually specifically praised the great minutes Diane prepares for us. Here’s to Diane and all she has done for St. James!
As you volunteer for the many wonderful upcoming church events including with the youth group, VBS, Sunday School, and more you will likely be asked to complete a background check and some online modules. These steps come from the “Safe Church, Safe Communities” initiative from the Episcopal Church. This initiative is designed to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults. We always want our church to be a safe place for all and are being proactive with the Episcopal Church’s guidance.
On a related note, in light of the increased attendance with the lessened COVID risk and recent events nationally, the vestry did discuss and support Rector Craig’s suggestion that the parish Safety Committee be re-engaged. They will review the previously-prepared Security Recommendations and update it to our current reality. Please know that any and all prudent precautions will be taken to ensure your safety at all parish events.
We are so excited to have Gray & Caitie Hodsdon who will be joining us beginning Sunday, July 17th downtown in our sanctuary. Please join us in giving them both our warmest St. James welcome!
For those that did not hear about our recent unfortunate excitement, just before the Great Thanksgiving during the Convention Service (and in the middle of an extreme storm event), our recently replaced roof sprung a leak. Accolades to our Facilities Manager, Wes Clewis, and others who immediately acted in such a gratuitous manner that the service continued unimpeded amidst adding collecting containers and mopping around the main altar. The entire Diocese and our Bishop expressed appreciation for the way everything was handled.
For those who worship this summer at Mount Lebanon Chapel and have experienced challenges hearing the service, please know that we heard you! This month the vestry approved a proposal to improve this situation with the replacement of the sound system. Please look forward to better acoustics as we worship in such a sacred place - but know that we cannot do anything to quiet the sounds of nature all around!
Please do check out the feature below about the recent 139th Diocesan Convention prepared by our Parish Administrator, Florence Ellen Cowden. St. James was well represented with Phillip, Cheryl, and five Delegates. Many significant resolutions were adopted and we encourage you to review them all at the Convention website https://www.diocese-eastcarolina.org/139th-convention-of-the-diocese-of-east-carolina/ . Our parish has already started discussions with the Vestry on how we might lead with our support of these initiatives and we hope you will join us.
The Parish Picnic was held the afternoon of Sunday, June 5th and was a wonderful time of fellowship and fun for all. We estimated over 200 of all ages and generations attended and enjoyed food grilled by Web Cowden and his grillmasters, live music by The Hewlett Creek Boys (local and very talented bluegrass band), and fun in a giant inflatable bouncy house. For an event that had not been held since 2017, this resounding success guaranteed this to be a sure annual event going forward! Big thanks go out to Porter Young and the Parish Life Commission for their huge support to make this happen!!
Steve Thomas (Senior Warden) & Leslie Jarrett (Junior Warden)