Not to be served, but to serve.
SAINT JAMES’S EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
Cambridge, MA
ANNUAL REPORT
2014
Table of Contents
Rector’s Report ............................................................................................................................... 1
Associate Rector’s Report .............................................................................................................. 4
Senior Warden’s Report ................................................................................................................. 5
Hospitality Committee ...................................................................................................................
St. Nicholas Festival ........................................................................................................................
Bible Study Group...........................................................................................................................
20’s & 30’s Group ............................................................................................................................
6
7
8
9
Church School.................................................................................................................................. 10
Nursery ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Parish Retreat................................................................................................................................... 12
Welcomers ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Ushers ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Finance Ministry.............................................................................................................................. 14
Missions Committee ....................................................................................................................... 15
Prison Ministry ................................................................................................................................ 17
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO).......................................................................... 19
Anti-Oppression Team ................................................................................................................... 20
Outdoor Church .............................................................................................................................. 21
Helping Hand Food Pantry ........................................................................................................... 21
Women’s Meal ................................................................................................................................. 22
Scouts ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Redevelopment Committee ........................................................................................................... 24
Property Report ............................................................................................................................... 25
Holy Currencies Committee .......................................................................................................... 26
Worship Commission ..................................................................................................................... 26
Music Ministry ................................................................................................................................ 27
Altar Guild Report & Budget ........................................................................................................ 30
Marriages, Burials and Baptisms .................................................................................................. 31
Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting ........................................................................................... 32
RECTOR’S REPORT – the Rev. Holly Lyman Antolini
It’s a pleasure to look back over our 150th year of looking forward at St. James’s! I
remember former Society of St. John Evangelist superior Martin Smith telling the
General Convention in Denver in the year 2000 that though God works in the stuff of
history unspooling messily behind us, God is a God of the Future, inviting us forward,
inviting us toward God’s Commonwealth. One of the many things I love about St.
James’s is, we get this. We have a long history and it could easily hold us back and
swallow us up. (Just as we have a large church building and IT could easily swallow us
up!) But we live forward and outward, in hope, in mission, looking for whatever’s next,
letting our history, our building, our budget, our worship be the tools that propel us
“not to be served, but to serve,” rather than ends in themselves.
People ask how St. James’s is surviving its long sojourn in the wilderness of no parish
house, with no firm date when construction can begin, given the current (third)
neighbor suit against our project. I say, “Interestingly, we’re growing!” So it is, when
you follow a God of the future! Inconveniences and insecurities, wearing as they are –
such as waiting six months to hear that the City of Cambridge has approved a
temporary classroom outside our West Door for our youngest church school members are, as my old mentor the Rev. Craig Eder used to say, “Insignificant compared with the
Incarnation!” The Holy Spirit of God is very active amidst our uncertainties, and has
been throughout our 150-year history. We’re just building on our own strong St. James’s
tradition of keeping the focus on the things that are important: prayer, joyful worship,
close attention to God’s holy Word, a warm and hospitable welcome to and an
eagerness to learn from newcomers & visitors, and a stretching effort to bring the forces
of compassion and healing to a broken and struggling world, both locally and
internationally. All the rest – important as it is – is adiaphora, spiritually neutral.
And besides, God’s Holy Spirit keeps supplying what we need when we need it. Take
our wonderful Associate for Church School & Family Ministry, the Rev. Judith
Atkinson! Out of the blue (well, out of Australia, truth to say) came this wonderful
person, mature in her faith, mature in her ministerial skills, huge of heart and humor,
warmly inclusive, to help establish our Church School and Family Ministry on a strong
curricular & instructional foundation and expand our teaching staff unimaginably to
include 18 people, despite classrooms distributed over the neighborhood and families
besieged by the intense triage of “ordinary life” in our highly professionalized
community. Judith’s singular call to the ministry of accompaniment with young adults
was also a gift quite beyond her initial mandate, and immensely fruitful for our
congregational life in more ways than I can count. Then there’s the added value she
brought in her remarkable husband and liturgical theologian the Rev. Dr. Stephen
Burns, who contributed his gifts for imaginative liturgical planning with our Worship
1
Commission and preached and presided often at St. James’s, in addition to adding his
own to Judith’s gift for young adult formation. That they took a call to Melbourne
Australia and departed this December is no surprise: Stephen will live into his broad
formational gifts as an Associate Dean at Trinity College Theological School and Judith
will be Rector of Holy Trinity, Hampton, Victoria. Keenly as we feel their loss, we look
forward with energy and enthusiasm to calling a new Assistant for Church School &
Family Ministry soon, as I draw on the assistance of our able search team of Rachel
Evans, Liz McNerney & Anne Read. And we give profound thanks for the YES! of our
18 teachers: Liz McNerney, Anne Read, Kate Sackton, Jules Bertaut, JonTom Kittredge,
Mary Beth Mills-Curran, Sam Zimmerman, Tom Marsan, Jason Sparapani, Debra
Gustafson, Aletha Musser, Benazeer Noorani, Julia Schuster, Tammy Ryan, Lauren
Zook, Andrew Rohm, Michael Salib, & Monte Tugwete, our stalwart Nursery
Coordinator, not to mention the many, many congregation members who assist Monte
in the Nursery.
More gifts of the Spirit in our 150th year: our transitional deacon, Reed Carlson, PhD
candidate at Harvard Divinity School in Hebrew Scriptures and ordained in the Diocese
of Minnesota, fine preacher, gifted teacher, with a pastor’s heart. Not one, not two, but
THREE nominees accepted by the Diocese of Massachusetts as postulants for
priesthood, Isaac Martinez, Mary Beth Mills-Curran & Nicholas Hayes, young adults
who serve in our parish leadership and welcome and outreach ministries with vibrancy,
commitment and imagination. Our seminarian intern, Didi Millien, who herself has just
been made a postulant in the Diocese of Connecticut, and who brings a special
multicultural perspective to her ministry as a native of Haiti. Our redoubtable Food
Pantry Director the Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman, rector of our sister parish St. James’s
Somerville, who besides developing new resources to fund our Helping Hand Food
Pantry (and co-chairing the committee that masterminded our new Bishop Alan Gates’
consecration in September), is overseeing the Food Pantry’s move into permanent
facilities in the Fresh Pond Apartments, 364 Rindge Ave., this coming spring. Hong
Chin continues to endear himself to the parish by his servant’s heart in his role as
sexton, and following the abrupt departure in mid-November of Myanne Krivoshey,
our Office Manager position is filled with great good humor by Dorothy Post, who
brings to the job a long experience as an Episcopalian, including past service as Sr.
Warden and present activity on the pastoral care team at St. Stephen’s in Lynn.
The newly revitalized Anti-Oppression Team, which shared a VISIONS multicultural
training with the Vestry in November and a special Eucharist and demonstration in
support of Black Lives Matter in December as well as our moving Anti-Oppression
Lessons & Carols for Epiphany this January 4th, was poised and ready to respond to the
events in Ferguson MO and Staten Island NY, and continues actively to seek ways to
2
participate with others in dismantling racism and other prejudices to shift our society
forward toward its dream of equal opportunity for all.
The Missions Committee continues its long tradition of support for ministries on the
ground in our community and overseas, each with a personal St. James's connection:
diverse school programs in Haiti; a lay ministry training program in Lesotho, South
Africa; the emergent congregation The Crossing, here in the Diocese of Massachusetts;
our own Outdoor Church and Prison Ministry and the diocesan Refugee Immigration
Ministry; the Padilla-DeBorsts' Christian base community in San Jose, Costa Rica; the
Kenyan Self-Help Project for girls' empowerment and Tatua Kenya, a Kenyan
organizing project to eradicate child poverty. And thanks to Mission Committee
member Mary Caulfield's long connections in the Anglican Province of Brazil, we have
a connection with their clergy and their Primate, the Most Rev. Mauricio Andrade that
invites us to consider a mission trip not to so much to serve there as to LEARN about
the work of the Holy Spirit in that province. Think of the great web of relationships we
have here in our community and around the world, with these ministries as energy
nodes connecting us in Christ!
The building - and the prospective NEW building! - continue to be a focus of energy for
the parish leadership, and here again, we have gifts abounding. Jeff Zinsmeyer, CoChair of the Redevelopment Committee, puts untold hours into the various actions
needed to stay abreast of the legal, financial, and construction details of our Parish
House project. Sr. Warden Sylvia Weston is our front line for property issues, and
spent precious time stewarding the funding, including a low-cost Stokes Loan from the
diocese for the repair of our Rose Windows, to be carried out by Charlie Allen
Restorations this spring. Last summer the Sound & Light Committee - Sylvia, Peter
Merrell, Steve Clark, Mardi Moran and Andrew Rohm - oversaw improvements in our
sound system and lighting in the church. We haven't reached the Kingdom in sound &
light yet, but things are perceptibly better than they were!
Our 20's-and-30's group provides an important welcome and incorporation for young
adults at St. James's, with a weekly brunch and other activities. But the Holy Currency
of their Relationships with each other and with Christ does not stop there. It flows into
many other ministry areas as well, from Vestry to Property to Outreach to Formation.
Nicholas Hayes stewards our connection with the Greater Boston Interfaith
Organization and a number of young adults serve as visitors in our Prison Ministry.
Micah Fellow Kacey Minnick resourced the Women's Meal and Food Pantry. Not only
have we been blessed with a young-adult component added to our stalwart Church
School teaching team, but young adults Reed Carlson, Micah Lott, Mary Beth MillsCurran & Jon Povilonis also led a well-subscribed and well-reviewed adult Lenten
3
course on the "three-legged stool of Anglicanism: Experience/Reason, Scripture, &
Tradition." And Lauren Zook leads the year-long youth Confirmation Class, ably
assisted by host Anne Read and a wide variety of presenters from our young-adult
cohort.
And the old Christmas Fair was resurrected in a new and devotedly communityoriented St. Nicholas Fair, a warmly vibrant occasion, stewarded by a large committee
headed by Nancy McArdle and anchored by the Silent Auction stewarded by its
marathon-runner of a champion, Judy Beers. The Fair was a wonderful blend of old and
new: a testimony to how we can re-invent our history so that the new shines without
losing the luster of the old.
I should conclude with a note about that little adventure we all embarked upon last
January, the discernment of our next Diocesan Bishop! The Vestry & congregation could
not have been more generous about my candidacy as a Nominee for Bishop of
Massachusetts, despite the prospect of my moving into a different relationship to our
ministry here, which would have meant potentially heart-stopping adaptations for St.
James's. Everyone mobilized with heart-warming support for me and even though
many of us heaved a sigh of relief (I count myself among them!) when I was not elected,
that support continued with a particular joyous and rich experience of Holy Week and
Easter after the election. Such a public process, involving the prospect of losing one's
sitting rector, makes real emotional demands not just on the rector and Vestry but on
the whole congregation. That we have resumed our ministry together with such energy
and obvious commitment - look at our budget for 2015, funded to the full by pledges;
look at our strong slate of nominees for parish leadership; look at our thriving Church
School! - is a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit, moving us forward together in
faith!
God willing, the coming year will see the beginnings of our parish house construction,
because it surely is in God's hands, as hard as your leadership works in collaboration
with the Spirit for this goal! Whatever the timeline - and all timelines are God's
timelines - we know we are in good hands because we are in God's hands, as we have
been for all the "changes and chances" of 150 years! Thanks be to God!
ASSOCIATE RECTOR’S REPORT – the Rev. Judith Atkinson
I am very grateful to have served as St. James's Associate Rector in 2014 and to have
shared in different ministries with members of St. James's. St. James is such a special
place, full of wonderful people and activities. It was with much sadness that my family
and I left at the end of the year, and we were grateful to you for the lovely goodbye you
4
gave us. We will miss you all a great deal and will be keeping you in our prayers in
Australia.
Much of my work in 2014 was focused on the nursery and young church and
confirmation class ministries [please see those reports for fuller accounts] as well as
monthly preaching, worship planning, vestry meetings, welcome meetings and pastoral
care. Stephen and I enjoyed hosting several young adult events. It was good to be
involved in the planning of the Summer retreat and the St. Nicholas' Eve Fair, both
excellent inter-generational events including all ages of our fellowship. I appreciated
the opportunities to spend time with church members on the Vestry retreat and the
Anti-Oppression weekend. I will carry with me much inspiration from the people of St.
James.
Outside the parish, I continued regular spiritual direction through Bethany House in
2014 and attended the deanery clericus meetings. I took two courses at EDS, one on
ecclesiology and mission, and the other on liberation theology. In the diocese, I served
as a member of the Mission Hub Steering Group and as locum for the (Cathedral's)
Crossing Congregation in the Summer.
SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT – Sylvia Weston
God is constantly building his kingdom, calling and directing the community of St.
James’s on this journey, and though at times we may not see the frame, the work goes
on at all times and places. Thanks to all the participators who are involved as we
journey to the land of promise. His promise is true; it is real, and we will get there.
Heaven knows!
The year began with Board positions filled except for Junior Warden, and what a
miracle and amazement we witnessed that night at one of our meetings, when during
Prayer-time, the gift of the Holy Spirit lighted on Isaac Martinez, and Nancy McArdle,
who answered “I will!” to the call.
The year has been rewarding. Metaphorically, the stages of the journey are like that of
family - parent and child working in conjunction with each other. It is a combination of
being guided and led, setting goals, with listening and obedience, caring and action,
sometimes challenging. We make it through; we get there, and then as family, the
community gathers at the table to celebrate. Faith has brought us this far. We come,
feast, rest and celebrate. All these are invitations offered to us by Christ. What now?
Have we come to the end? No, this is only a pause on the journey. Now let’s continue.
5
It’s the beginning of another chapter - another leg of the journey. “Remember, I am
with you always…”
We have been Sustainers on our Food Pantry mission, while located at Fresh Pond in
North Cambridge, it continues to help many families within and beyond our
boundaries. Our ministry to the children have thrived, we have spoken our truth of
justice for all by our witness in the square; we have honored the dignity of every human
being by engagement in the prison ministry, we have marched with mourners against
violence, and in many other ways members of our community have fed, cared for, and
helped one another in times of need. We have prayed for one another. These are just a
few examples in which we are involved in building the kingdom. Added to these is we just get together to worship, to praise and to have a good time in the power of the
Spirit. We fling open the doors and walk out and do as Jesus says: GO. Do as I have
done. Love, heal, feed, care, teach, build. Be a friend, brother, sister. As we continue
on the journey, and as New things happen in our midst, may we grow in Grace and in
the knowledge of Jesus Christ. May we never grow weary, and when we do, may we
hold each other up and rest and return to the Fountain of life, Jesus, for refreshing drink
and restoration. He is our source and He works in and through us. Blessings.
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE – Elaine Agard
I thank God for another year with the Hospitality Ministry and our committee. The
Hospitality Ministry provides and serves refreshments every Sunday after the 10:30
a.m. service September through June. We host the coffee hour in the back of the church
due to the redevelopment of the parish hall and kitchen. We eagerly anticipate the
completion of the redevelopment project and are looking forward to using our brand
new parish hall and kitchen. The Hospitality Committee is in desperate need of
volunteers to host the coffee hour. Volunteers will be reimbursed for their expenses,
just save your receipt. During the summer, coffee hour is hosted by volunteers who
serve light refreshments. Besides hosting the weekly coffee hours, the committee hosts
special events including; The Annual Meeting, International Sunday, Farewell
Celebration for Rev. Judith, Stephen and Dominic, Ministry of Aids Concert Reception,
Weddings receptions and Funeral collations or whenever there is a need for a
celebration. Committee members include Elaine Agard, Chair; Joan Jordan, Co-chair;
Sara Forrester, Laverne Agard-Lynch, Marietta Sbraccia, Carol and Leonard Youens.
Recently retired from the committee is Mabel Moore-Pollard; we thank her for many
years of dedication and service.
The year 2014 was a great year for the committee, as for me Elaine, it was a bitter bitter
sweet year. Bitter, with the passing of my beloved husband Ebert and sweet to have the
outpouring of support from my church family during that difficult time. Special thanks
6
to Rev. Holly, The Hospitality Committee and all those who helped with the wonderful
repast. The Hospitality Committee also wants to thank everyone who supports the
coffee hour by generously giving each week. Your donations are always needed and no
contribution is too small. When money is collected it goes to the church general fund.
Special thanks to the groups that host a Sunday throughout the year including; Judy
Beers and friends for Easter, Anne Read and the church school for Earth Day, Eric
Maynard and the church men for Mother’s Day and Tom Tufts and The Prison
Ministry. If your Ministry would like to host a Sunday, just let any member of the
committee know. Special thanks to Hong Chin our Sexton, Susan Rice, John Hixson,
Janet Hobbs, Vida Carrington, and Sonya Jordan for their generous contributions. In
addition, I would like to extend my appreciation to committee members for their
participation, dedication and faithfulness.
ST. NICHOLAS FESTIVAL – Nancy McArdle
Following the 2013 Christmas Fair, a number of the long-term organizers expressed a
desire to step back from that role due to a lack of help, a sense that the Fair was no
longer serving its historic goals, and a relatively small payoff in return for a great deal
of effort. Instead, they met in July to brainstorm about possible Fair alternatives and
conceived of the St. Nicholas Festival (approved by the Vestry), held on Friday evening,
December 5th from 5-8pm. The Festival was well attended and received, providing a
wide range of activities for all ages, promoting fellowship, welcoming visitors, raising
funds for the parish (approximately $4,300), and providing a variety of volunteer
opportunities for parishioners to work together. Families with young children seemed
especially appreciative.
Activities included:




The always popular Silent Auction (excellently coordinated by Judy Beers, with
help from Mark Agard, Sarah Forrester, Steve Clark, Bill and Carolyn Taylor,
Anne Shumway, John Irvine, Sam Zimmerman), with a wide variety of items and
services donated by local businesses and parishioners. This year we also tried to
feature the work of various St. James’s artists/authors/other creative types. The
Auction raised approximately $3,800.
A delicious hot meal, prepared and served by Marietta Sbraccia, with help from
Sarah Forrester the Jordan family, and several members of the 20s and 30s group.
A variety of children’s games, facilitated by Scout Troop and Crew 56, with help
from Anne Read.
A music program (both live and taped), coordinated by Mark Yoder (special
thanks to the Men’s Choir and to Ed Wu and Pat Michaels for the live music.)
7





Exceptionally popular facepainting by Ursula Hirschi and Janet Hobbs.
Holiday card-making, coordinated by Mary Shetterly.
A wreath table (for purchase), staffed by Didi Millien, Seng Tufts and Marian
King, with help from Sarah Forrester and Anne Read.
A wonderful history table featuring information commemorating the Parish’s
150th anniversary, coordinated by John Hixson, who also led a fascinating
presentation.
A free cookie table, coordinated by Katherine Farrior and Yvette Verdieu and
staffed by Barbara Butler. Thanks especially to the many people who baked and
donated the free cookies.
The Coordinating Team consisted of: Nancy McArdle and Jane Hirschi (overall
coordination), Anne Read (Games/Crafts/Publicity), Janet Hobbs (Publicity,
Facepainting), Judy Beers (Auction), Carol Hilliard (Set-Up/Decorating), and Judith
Atkinson (Games).
Thanks to other vital volunteers: Peter Merrell (set up); Dave Clark, Rachel Evans and
Mary Caulfield (clean-up), and Carol Belgrade. Apologies and thanks to those whose
names were inadvertently omitted.
BIBLE STUDY GROUP – The Rev. Judy Gay
Meeting from 9:15 to 10:15 in the vestry/nursery room
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION
This ministry provides an opportunity between the two services for people to study the
scripture lessons appointed for each Sunday. We discuss the historical, theological and
Biblical context of some of the readings, relate them to what is happening in the church
year and discuss how we believe that God is speaking to us in our present situations
through these passages. Sometimes we try to touch on all of the readings. At other times
we just focus on just one reading to have time to explore ideas in depth. We have some
time before we begin to talk and thus get to know each other and our individual
concerns. We begin and end with prayer. We usually send out a mailing a few days
before Sunday to tell people what the lesson will be and give a few background notes
and questions to help them prepare by reading and thinking about the lessons ahead of
time.
PARTICIPANTS
The group is open to anyone who wishes to participate once, occasionally or on a
regular basis. There is a core group of about six people who provide continuity by
8
coming regularly and others in the parish come occasionally when schedules permit. It
also provides an opportunity for visiting scholars and others for whom English is a
second language, to work slowly through a Bible reading and ask questions about
translation and meaning.
THANKSGIVINGS
We have been blessed this year by having both our deacon, Rev Reed Carlson, and our
seminarian Didi Millien taking turns to share in leadership of the discussions. We give
thanks for the rich diversity of insights and experience which each participant brings,
for what they have given to each other and for the working of God’s Spirit among us.
CHALLENGES - PROBLEMS
The first problem is the limited number of people who come. This ministry should be
more widely known and utilized by people in the parish. There are many who hunger
to know more of scripture, and to know others in the parish better, yet find it difficult to
come to weekday meetings or small groups. In many parishes an adult study group is a
major part of the Sunday program. What can we do to include more people? Another
problem is that while the St James building project is on hold, this is the only available
meeting room. Thus our discussions are often interrupted by people walking through
from the church to the sacristy or to the restroom. We know it is temporary and
unavoidable, but it is still distracting.
20’S & 30’S GROUP – Katherine Farrior
This year, the St. James's 20s and 30s Group focused much of its efforts on connecting
with parishioners and St. James's community events. Highlights include the first
installment of "St. James's Stories", a series of talks with parishioners about their faith
journey and vocation; strong participation in the St. Nicholas Eve Festival and young
church community; and our popular dinner at Holly's featuring a discussion about
calling and spiritual practice by one of our group members, Molly McHenry. The
group wishes to thank the Rev. Judith Atkinson and the Rev. Dr. Stephen Burns for
welcoming the young adults into their home and for joyfully encouraging our
involvement in wider church activities. Leadership of the group continues to ebb and
flow while responding to the spiritual and fellowship needs of the group. We want to
thank Amanda Dausman, who is transitioning off the leadership team, and we want to
welcome Andrew Rohm as he joins the team. Finally, three of our members have been
named as postulants to the priesthood in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
9
CHURCH SCHOOL - Liz McNerney, Anne Read and Judith Atkinson
2014 was a busy and fun year for St. James's Church School with many developments in
our leadership, programming and activities. We have so many wonderful young people
at St. James and it is a joy to work with them.
Sunday mornings
We started 2014 with two Sunday morning groups (ages 4-9 and 10 plus) but the
growing numbers of children encouraged us to look at ways we could move to three
groups during the year. This was made possible by the flexibility of existing leaders and
a number of congregation members responding to the call to teach on a Sunday
morning. In September we were able to move to three groups: ages 4-7 at Pine Village,
8-11 and 12+ groups at the Church Office.
We are very grateful to Liz McNerney, Kate Sackton, Aletha Musser (little group), Anne
Read, Tammy Ryan (middle group), Benazeer Noorani, Julia Schuster and JT Kitteridge
(upper group) for their continued service this year. We are also delighted that Sam
Zimmerman, Deborah Gustafson, Mike Salib (little), Mary Beth Mills-Curran, Tom
Marsan (middle), Jason Sparapani and Jules Bertaut (upper) have joined as Sunday
morning leaders. As well as Sunday mornings, the leaders make time for this ministry
in preparing lessons, attending support and planning sessions and social events where
they get to know the young people better. We are blessed to have such wonderful
leaders at St. James, please pray for them in this important ministry. We were also
grateful for the contributions of Kacey Minnick and Reed Carlson until the Summer.
As well as moving to three groups, we researched (with the help of Amy Cook at the
diocese) and chose a new curriculum with the middle and upper groups. Since
September we have been using the Reform curriculum, and this school year will look at
the OT (till Advent), the NT (to Easter) and Theology (Summer Term). The little group
have continued with the Godly Play curriculum and (as with the older groups) the
leaders have worked hard at establishing a regular routine so that the leaders and
attendees may change but the children know what to expect at their group.
Support for leaders
Anne Read, Liz McNerney and Judith Atkinson continued to meet regularly throughout
the year, organising planning and communication to the wider leadership group and
families. For the wider leadership team we started a pattern of a termly evening event
where we could think more deeply about our ministry to young people together and
share some fellowship. We also supplemented this with 'check in' sessions on Sunday
morning when we can talk about how our sessions are going and agree any necessary
changes required. Judith also had a number of one-on-one meetings with leaders
10
throughout the year. In 2014 good progress was made in developing a culture of
mutual support among the leaders which will hopefully help everyone as they engage
with this challenging and rewarding work.
Activities
Our young people were involved in a wide range of activities this year. This included
social events such as the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party (February), Summer Picnic
(June) and Pizza and Bowling (November), the Maundy Thursday Service (April) and
the Mothers' Day March for Peace (May). A lot of young people attended the Parish
Retreat (June) and the St. Nicholas' Eve Fair (December). The young people led two
wonderful Sunday morning services on the feasts of Ascension and Christ the King and
were very encouraged by the enthusiastic response from the wider congregation.
Confirmation Class
In 2014 we started a high school confirmation class in preparation for confirmation in
May 2015. Anne Read has hosted the group, and Lauren Zook and Jules Bertaut are
supporting the young people as mentors. We have welcomed a number of people from
the congregation as well as Judith to lead sessions and talk about different aspects of the
faith. While this group is small, it has been a great opportunity to get to know the
participants and spend time learning and talking with them, and also provides a good
base for future years.
Safe Church
In 2014 St. James's Vestry approved the updated Safe Church materials and these will
be placed on the website in early 2015. In preparation of the materials, Rachel Evans,
Liz McNerney, Laura Warren and Judith Atkinson undertook a risk assessment to help
inform our processes. Thanks also go to Anne Read for taking care of the formatting of
these and so many other materials for our use. A number of our leaders and officers
undertook the diocesan Safe Church training in May, while several others have
completed it online. We are grateful to Jules Bertaut for continuing to administer the
online training (which is available for anyone who wishes to undertake it).
Judith was very sad to say goodbye to all the young people and such a wonderful
leadership team at the end of 2014. We give thanks for the way this ministry has grown
and strengthened in the last year, and the support provided by the wider church.
11
NURSERY – The Rev. Judith Atkinson
St. James continued to be blessed by the presence of many wonderful nursery families
in 2014, and we were delighted to welcome some new ones to our fellowship.
We were saddened at the beginning of the year when it became clear that our nursery
carer, Shari Moy, could not return to her role because of a back injury. We are pleased
to have kept contact with Shari and hope that our prayers have provided some support
to her in a difficult year. We were grateful to find new carers in Aimee Altizer, Lura
Steele and Monte Tugwete (since September) who provided a warm and
friendly environment during Sunday services, supported by wonderful volunteers from
our congregation. This is an important and appreciated ministry and demonstrates
how our babies and small children and valued and nurtured by St. James.
The nursery families continued to enjoy get-togethers in 2014. We are grateful to the
Petrow, Taylor and McNerney families for their generous hospitality. The get-togethers
are an important way for our families to provide support to one another, and also
welcome those coming through baptism and new to the area. Our nursery families were
also well represented at the Maundy Thursday agape meal, the Parish Retreat and the
St. Nicholas Eve Fair, which were great ways for our little ones to be part of
intergenerational activities. Our Sunday morning services continue to be enlivened by
the happy presence of so many little ones growing up in the fellowship of the church.
Several of our little ones are due to 'graduate' into church school in 2015, so we have
started to make connections between church school leaders and parents to help this
transition happen.
It has been a pleasure and privilege for me to be work with our families this year, and a
joy to know that they are growing up within the wonderful fellowship of St. James's.
PARISH RETREAT– Liz McNerny
Seventy-six St James’s parishioners, ranging in age from 18 months to something over
70, headed to the Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center in Greenfield, NH from
June 20-22, 2014.
This year we shared the camp with 70+ from St. Paul’s Natick and their rector, Jon
Strand. Again, we dined deliciously in the dining hall Saturday and Sunday, stayed in
the lodge (12 rooms) and in cabins (7 of them, mostly on the lower road this year), and
participated in worship services indoors & out. The daily office in the chapel was well
managed by our active 20s & 30s and various seminary affiliates. We did not have a
program leader, rather, our “ordinary” selves, sharing our ordinary activities made the
12
weekend Extra-Ordinary. High Ropes, hikes, drawing, swimming & boating, and a
proper English tea - with scones & cream - at the waterfront kept us all busy
throughout the day. The Hootenanny and Bonfire were again held on Saturday
evening. Our outdoor Sunday worship was a joint affair with St. Paul’s and included
everyone bringing all kinds of offerings to the big stone altar. There was much singing,
sharing and joy -- right down to the bubbles.
The total cost was $7,700 – paid by individuals and families attending with some
support from the Rector’s discretionary fund.
In 2015 we hope to offer more extra-ordinary workshops, seminars, and discussion
groups as we move to “Extra-Ordinary 2.0” when we are back at the BCHCC on June
19-21, 2015.
WELCOMERS – Chanta Bhan
In the first half of 2014, we had two Newcomer Dinners at the home of Bill and Carolyn
Taylor and at the home of Jeff and Shanti Zinsmeyer under the able leadership of Isaac
Martinez who also coordinated a dinner to thank the ushers and welcomers at Sarah
Forrester's home. Emerson Chadderton, Jonathan Povilonis, and Kacey
Minnick transitioned from the team and Chanta Bhan transitioned to the team as Team
Leader/Welcomer Chair.
In the second half of the year, we welcomed 30-35 visitors and scheduled a new rotation
of Welcome Dinners for January 2015 at Bill and Carolyn Taylor's, May 2015 at Sylvia
Weston's, and November 2015 at Jeff and Shanti Zinsmeyer's. In July, the Welcomers
and Ushers gathered together in the Vestry to discuss ideas to implement for the future
and to improve the team's ability to welcome and incorporate visitors in the life of the
church. As a team, the group has tried to streamline the process of
contacting visitors and sending contact information to the office. We began to send
Visitor Welcome Packets via email. Team Member Kate Hornstein was instrumental in
establishing a Welcome Station near the back entrance of the church and she ordered
pens that encourage visitors to complete contact information cards with ease. Our
Sexton, Hong Chin, developed a brilliant velcro mechanism to attach pens to pews for
easy access and convenience.
The Welcomer and Usher Ministry is entering a new phase of ministry and some goals
include: completing personal follow up with visitors, sending contact information to the
office within three days, and outreach to families.
Thank you, St. James's for being such a friendly church!
13
USHERS – Nancy McArdle
The Ushering Ministry continues to provide welcome, assistance and information to all
who enter the church on Sunday Mornings. This year we were pleased to add Didi
Millien as our sixth usher coordinator, joining Mark Yoder, Nancy McArdle, Cynthia
Joseph, David Bliss, and Tom Tufts. We were also glad to participate in joint
planning/social events with the Welcoming Team. The usher coordinators, working in
pairs, welcome parishioners and visitors, hand out bulletins, make and record an
accurate count of worshippers, answer questions, and recruit weekly usher volunteers
who bring up the Eucharistic elements to the altar, take up the Offertory, and usher
during communion. Although we invite the participation of a variety of volunteers on
Sundays, we are especially grateful for the frequent assistance of Anna Evelyn, Gloria
Pingue, and Bob Estes. We continue to endeavor to make the ushering ministry as open
to as many people as possible, while maintaining flexibility and respecting those
parishioners who might choose not to participate. We welcome any who would like to
join the usher coordinator team or assist in any other way.
FINANCE MINISTRY – John Irvine
Looking back, 2014 was a year of accomplishments and challenges. The rise in pledging
was a significant accomplishment for St. James’s and enabled the support of several
critical ministries. Actual donations, however, fell short, and it was necessary to tap our
reserves to cover the difference. The 2014 budget projected $ 256,670 in pledging
income, based on the hope of matching the 2013 pledging level. The actual level of
giving in both 2013 and 2014 was below the target. However, open-plate giving was
higher than projected. The total Congregational giving for 2014 was $ 247,426.23,
approximately $15,000 below budget. Looking ahead to 2015, the Currency of Money
Committee has worked hard to encourage congregation giving, and we are very close to
our goal for 2015.
The apparent budget surplus in 2014 is largely because we have drawn on Oaktree
funds to replace the rental income during the redevelopment phase. Because
redevelopment has continued for so long, these funds have been depleted and future
budgets will not rely on this source of funding. The Finance Committee is proposing a
balanced budget that will support a 1/3 time Assistant Rector.
14
Table 1. Budget Summary for 2014, and 2015
2014 Budget
2014 Actual
2015 Budget
Income
$ 508,097
$ 508,097
$ 471, 235
Expense
$ 506,383
$ 473,735
$ 470,183
$
$ 34,363
$ 1,052
Difference
1,259
Church Helpmate is the database we use for, among other things, maintaining records
of pledging and contributions. Because of an upgrade in 2014, our Bookkeeper has been
able to assume added responsibility for maintaining our records and streamlining the
preparation of financial reports. Consequently, reports have gone out to members on a
quarterly basis this year.
MISSIONS COMMITTEE – Nancy McArdle
During 2014, St. James’s parishioners continued involvement in a number of local
ministries funded through the Missions Fund. Parishioners continue to make
sandwiches for the Outdoor Church each month, with Mardi Moran being an important
link with that ministry. A number of parishioners are active in the St. James’ Prison
Ministry, led by Tom Tufts, which celebrated the release of the mentee who they have
been visiting over the past several years. The Prison Ministry has now taken on a new
mentee through Partakers. Other parishioners, led by Yvette Verdieu, have worked
tirelessly with the Ministries of Aides International, greatly improving lives for Haitian
children, while Anne Shumway has provided valuable service to immigrants through
Refugee Immigration Ministries.
We were pleased to welcome parishioner missionaries, Ruth and Jim Padilla-DeBorst,
visiting from Costa Rica (as well as several of their children throughout the year), and
also to facilitate parishioner card-writing to the DeBorsts at the fall Ministries Fair. We
also note that parishioner Jodi Mikalachki’s ministry, On the Ground in Burundi, has
closed down, granting its major remaining capital to Lycée Bududira to build a teaching
kitchen to support courses in cooking and nutrition, and to prepare meals for the
boarders, who will grow by one class a year. This change is due to Jodi’s move to
Kenya for a new assignment with the Mennonite Central Committee. Natalie Finstad, a
parishioner who founded Tatua—a leadership development ministry in Kenya, has
returned to the U.S. and been accepted into the postulancy process for ordination in the
Episcopal Church. We are assured that the transition of leadership at Tatua has been
well-planned.
15
In addition to providing educational opportunities and supporting our missionaries in a
variety of ways, the Missions Committee administers the Missions Fund. For over thirty
years our parish has supported dedicated people and organizations who, in the name of
Christ, work in such areas as theological education, community development, housing,
medical care, and church planting. We believe that support for and involvement in
missions is our response to God's grace and love for us. God calls us to care for the
spiritual, physical, and social needs of others and to join in the restoration of all people
to God's self.
The Mission Fund is allocated a percentage (5.5%) of the parish’s total overall pledge
income.
In 2014 we funded the following ministries:










Lay Ministers Education in Lesotho
The Crossing
Ruth and Jim Padilla DeBorst, St. James’s Missionaries in Costa Rica
Refugee Immigration Ministries
Good Samaritan School in Haiti
The Outdoor Church
Kenya Self-Help (Girls empowerment)
Ministries of Aides International (Haiti)
St. James’s Prison Ministry
Tatua--Kenya (founded by St. James’s missionary Natalie Finstad)
You can read much more about the missions we support on the missions page of the
parish web page: http://www.stjames-cambridge.org/missions-committee/ . Several of
our longer-term missionaries also have their own blogs available from the St. James’s
website. As always, we encourage parishioners who want to undertake missions
activities to speak with us about support. We also welcome members who would like
to serve on the Committee.
Members:
Nancy McArdle (chair)
Anne Shumway
John Gay
Mary Caulfield
Yvette Verdieu
16
PRISON MINISTRY – Thomas Tufts
The Prison Ministry Team finished a two-year assignment as academic mentors to a
student at Framingham Prison and started a second assignment with another student.
The Prison Ministry Team concluded its two-year assignment of academic mentoring
with Keora on September 18, when we made our last visit to her in prison. Keora was a
student at MCI Framingham enrolled in Boston University’s Prison Education Program
(PEP). She was released from Framingham the following week having qualified for
early release due to her hard work and academic achievement. In addition, she had
also earned a cosmetology certificate. The academic mentoring program is organized
and managed by Partakers, Inc. as the College Behind Bars program. Partakers
organizes, recruits, trains, and manages the mentoring program in addition to raising
all its own money under the extraordinary leadership of its single staff person,
Executive Director Arthur Bembury. Partakers lost four staff positions during the
recession, but not only didn’t reduce its program, but expanded it with the help of a
restructured and active board. Partakers’ mission is to reduce prisoner recidivism
through education and civic engagement. Its vision is to advance restorative justice,
rehabilitation and the healing transformation of both those in prison and society at
large.
Since Keora’s September release we have met informally with Keora and her mother,
Rhonda, twice in Worcester, to go to church and have brunch. On Sunday, December
14, Keora spoke about her Partakers experience at the celebration of a new prison
ministry at the Myrtle Baptist Church in Auburndale. It was amazing to see this young
woman who two years prior was reluctant to speak in class or even to friends, speaking
eloquently and with ease and passion about her educational experience. Thanks to her
studies in prison and prior, she is now only one course short of obtaining her AA
degree from Quinsigamond Community College.
A visit to St. James’s by Keora on January 18 is planned as part of the epiphany series of
Eucharist services and healing prayer. Keora and Tom will share a conversation on
how each of us was healed in our own way by the mentoring experience.
Our new mentee is Nichole. Didi and Sarah made our first visit with Nichole on
Thursday, December 11. The following people will be on Nichole’s support team:
Didi Millien
John Thomas Kittredge
Linda Luikel
Mary Caulfield
17
Micah Lott
Molly McHenry
Sarah Borgatti
Tammy Ryan
Tom Tufts
Yvette Verdieu
Nichole writes of herself,
“I am 36 years old and I am currently serving a Natural Life Sentence. I have been incarcerated since
April of 1997. I am aware that I will never leave prison but I refuse to be a “prisoner.” I enjoy reading and writing
and I truly enjoy learning. Once upon a time, when I first started BU in 2006, I had dreams of being the first
“inmate professor” and while I have woken up from that fantasy my desire to learn, grow and become better
informed has not diminished. Over the past 8 years that I have been involved with the BU PEP program, I have had
some issues – 2 psych hospital trips, and 1 CCU placement – but I believe that I have grown beyond the person that
I was and I choose to continue growing into a better person every day.”
- Partakers college student at MCI
Framingham
Income: We gratefully received $1,948 this year from St. James’s Mission Committee as
of 12/31/14. Our gratitude extends to the Vestry which makes decisions about the
allocation of resources and to all the parishioners whose prayers, volunteer work and
financial contributions make everything else possible by the grace of God.
Expenses: The committee has paid all its own expenses since September 2012 in order
to save money for the initial fee, $2,000, of supporting a new mentee in 2015.
Balance: $2,150.20
Going forward in 2015, we hope to see Nichole, the student we currently mentor,
continue to grow into her leadership role among other prisoners. We hope to continue
our work in advocacy, especially, against mandatory minimum sentences, the highly
questionable constitutionality and effectiveness of many practices in the War on Drugs
and the outrageous practice of mass incarceration targeting people of color. We invite
interested parishioners to talk with any committee member about our work. Thanks to
all who have supported us with their prayers and in other ways! Over 30 parishioners
have participated in recent years. Come join us for a year or two. Commitment: one
visit to the mentee per quarter and brief monthly organizational meetings the first
Sunday of every month. You’ll never be the same.
Thanks!
18
GREATER BOSTON INTERFAITH ORGANIZATION (GBIO) – Nicholas Hayes
In 2014, the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization turned its attention largely inward.
While previous years had been defined by ambitious public campaigns around issues
like affordable housing, healthcare, and fiscal reform, GBIO leaders recognized the
present moment required something new. The organization's ranks, and energy, had
grown thin. GBIO's own leadership had moved through transition, as had, or soon
would, many of the public officials we had dedicated much time to building
relationships with (the governor, the mayor, the attorney general). Big questions hung
in the air about what the organization's next steps should be. A period of rebuilding,
and rejuvenating, the base, was required. In response, GBIO launched the
Congregational Organizing Initiative (COI).
The COI, in many respects, hearkens back to GBIO's founding in 1999. At that time, to
lay the ground for the organization, GBIO organizers and leaders had engaged in a
comprehensive "listening" campaign of one-to-one meetings and house meetings with
thousands of people--clergy, lay-leaders, public officials. Through that campaign, the
fledgling GBIO built the relationships and surfaced the leaders that allowed it to grow
into a powerful organization, uniquely bridging Greater Boston's many diverse
constituencies. It also identified and heard the priorities on its members' hearts, which
shaped its agenda going forward. Such deep and comprehensive listening enabled
GBIO to leap right into action. But since 1999, GBIO had seldom paused from its
relentless engagement with priority issues to do a similar campaign. Fifteen years later,
it was time to return to our roots. That's what the COI has made possible.
The COI has had two phases so far. In Phase 1, from roughly February through June,
GBIO trained existing leaders in the art of one-to-one "Relational Meetings," and then
launched a comprehensive "relational meeting campaign. GBIO's core of leaders across
its congregations engaged in almost 1,100 relational meetings from April to June. The
great bulk were meetings between leaders and members of their own congregations--to
better learn the stories of the people in our own community, and what animated them.
Leaders also engaged in one-to-one meetings across congregations. Through Phase 1,
many new leaders became involved in GBIO. A number of congregations formed new
GBIO core teams, or strengthened existing ones.
Phase 2 of COI, which began in September, will conclude next month (February, 2015).
In Phase 2, GBIO leaders will be engaging over 2,000 members, new and veteran, in
approximately 300 "house meetings." House meetings are our prime tool for identifying
what larger problems and issues are of greatest concern to our members--and drawing
in still more of our base. By the end of Phase 2, we hope to have heard enough from our
members to begin building a new agenda for the coming years, and kick back into full
19
action. We will also have recruited a number of new congregations. Our COI will come
to a triumphant close in April, 2015, when we host a 2,000 person accountability
session (our biggest event in years) to unveil our new priorities with the governor,
the mayor, and other key public leaders. (Stay tuned!)
Here at St James's, because there have been many other priorities have occupied our
GBIO leaders, we have not engaged in COI as fully as some other congregations.
Nonetheless, COI served as an occasion to form a new, four person GBIO leadership
team, comprised of myself (Nicholas), Tom Tufts, Isaac Martinez, and Sylvia Weston.
Our leaders have conducted 15 one-to-one relational meetings, and polled
approximately 40 members of the congregation to hear their own issues of greatest
concern. We sponsored two "Contemplative Justice Services" in December, 2014 to serve
as "house meetings." Before Phase 2 of COI ends next month, we will have held two
further, more traditional house meetings. We strongly encourage interested members
of the congregation to be in touch with us. Now we have a unique opportunity to
shape GBIO's priorities going forward! St James's should add its voice strongly to
this moment of internal conversation.
Along the way, GBIO has not wholly pulled back from its engagement in signature
issues. Small cadres of leaders have maintained our engagement with state-level
leadership on health care cost containment, gun control, minority small business
ownership, and the Dearborn School in Roxbury. We hosted a candidates forum with
250 GBIO leaders on October 26 for both Martha Coakley and Charlie Baker, to begin
building a relationship with the new governor elect. For more information on any of
these ongoing engagements, please be in touch with Nicholas Hayes.
ANTI-OPPRESSION TEAM – The Rev. Holly Lyman Antolini
Though in the spring of 2014, we were still in "re-organizing" mode and somewhat
distracted by Holly's "bishop process," St. James's Anti-Oppression Team was restaffed
and ready to go into action again in the fall in response to the eruption of the summer's
painful episode of outrage and demonstration following the shooting of young Michael
Brown in Ferguson MO. We held a long-planned training for both our Vestry and our
A-O Team with VISIONS, our consultant for multicultural training and communication,
on Friday & Saturday November 14 & 15. We led "Black Lives Matter" Sunday on the
Third Sunday in Advent, December 14th, in solidarity with African-American churches
all over the country, including a march and demonstration in Pigeon Park at the Porter
Square T stop. And we hosted the Anti-Oppression Lessons & Carols for Epiphany.
Now we are discerning next steps, including ways to incorporate the congregation more
fully into our work and ways to reach out into the community and the diocese to
20
partner with others on our goals of redressing the manifest injustices that persist
systemically in our society, beginning with the simple incarnation and exploration of
our differences, an exploration that proves fundamentally challenging to our sinful
inclinations as humans to make ourselves "better than" those different from us, and
fundamentally rich in opportunity to stretch and grow spiritually when we allow
ourselves to open to those different from ourselves.
OUTDOOR CHURCH – Mardi Moran
The Outdoor Church, which has been in Cambridge since 2003, provides worship
services, street outreach, hospital and prison visitations to congregants, and memorial
services for parishioners who have died. They provide hope and encouragement to
their members also distribute toiletries and white socks. The Reverends Jedediah
Mannis and Patricia Zifcak are Co-Founders, with Reverend Thomas Hathaway
functioning as Executive Director and Cynthia Anderson-Bauer as Student Minister
This year, St. James’s has continued to support this ministry by providing a space for
them to keep the supplies necessary for the service at Porter Square that occurs each
Sunday at 9:00 AM at the Porter Square Subway Station. A number of St. James’s
congregants provide at least fifty sandwiches on the fourth Sunday of each month and
have provided a grant from the Mission’s Committee. The Outdoor Church deeply
appreciates all that St. James’s does for us and thanks all of the individuals who bring
sandwiches and juice throughout the year.
HELPING HAND FOOD PANTRY – The Rev. Karen Coleman
Once again this has been a challenging year at the Food Pantry in terms of meeting the
food needs of our guests. The strike at Market Basket resulted in a swell in our
numbers. The FP was featured in the Boston Globe. We were also featured on WCVB –
CityLine. We were the featured guests at the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra’s
Holiday Concert. Terrence Rogers chef/founder of TBD foods held a fundraiser for us
in December.
We have expanded our volunteer base, adding volunteers from Tufts, Wellesley College
chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the Russian community, an improv story teller
and a volunteer visiting from Italy. Our sources from the area faith community have
expanded as well with us being the food pantry drop off from St. Peter’s Catholic
Church on Concord Avenue in Cambridge. In addition First Church Cambridge has
expanded their food ministry. Both houses of worship make weekly deliveries on
Tuesdays to the pantry. Once again we received food that was collected by the Many
21
Helping Hands Food Drive during their annual day of service. Café Barada, Mass.
Avenue, Cambridge also made a generous donation of food in January. Shaw’s
donated two large pallets of food in the winter that carried us through the summer. We
continue our relationship with Boston Area Gleaners to provide fresh fruit and
vegetables to our guests.
This year we served 1576 households, 593 children and 542 senior households. This is a
substantial increase across the board from 2013.
We received grants from the DioMass, Sending Serving and House of Mercy grants.
Our Project Bread and Feinstein Challenge remained at level funding.
The Food Pantry passed with flying colors all or inspections with the City of Cambridge
and The Greater Boston Food Bank.
We continue our fine relationship with Fresh Pond Apartments and are extremely
grateful for their assistance and support.
WOMEN'S MEAL – Anne Shumway
Our meal is still at Friends Meeting, in their large parish hall off of Brattle St. While we
lost a few guests due to the location, we still have six to eight women who come
regularly for the companionship and a good meal. It has become very special for those
attending- a time to share what is going on in our lives, a time for friendship.
Anne also takes a meal to Carol Simon, a woman who has been homeless over 25 years.
At Christmas time we have a special party, this year provided by Community Cooks.
We are very grateful to the St. James’s women who continue to prepare the meal every
month or two, one time a month: Sarah Forrester, Lee Ann Lowe, and Carolyn Taylor.
A few St. James’s women have helped serve, several times. However, due to St. James’s
parishioners’ work schedules (the meal is 4:30 to 6:30, early because of the Friends’
calendar) we do not have much help from St. James’s. Instead, we are increasingly
dependent on Community Cooks, which provides meals for groups all over greater
Boston. They have been providing two meals a month, but now have arranged to
provide a third, which will relieve Carolyn Taylor of her cooking duties. They are also
providing women to help with the serving of the meal. Sandy Morrow, from
Community Cooks, has been of tremendous help twice a month, bringing the meal and
helping serve it.
22
My hope for the future is to have more involvement from St. James’s. It seems such an
important outreach ministry, to serve our neighbors as Christ called us to do (the
women who come are all low-income, some with mental health or physical health
issues).
SCOUTS – Derrick Jackson
In the summer of 2014, Scouting Collective 56 sent 6 boys, 2 girls and 4 adults on a 10night youth-leadership backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. It
was the sixth such trip for us since 2004. On the way the crew visited Cheyenne
Mountain and Great Sand Dunes National Park. At Philmont they hiked about 80
miles, with rain every day of the first half of the trip and caught in lightning storms
(yikes!). At trail camps they did challenge games, mountain biking, railroad spike
pounding (that was REALLY hard) and blacksmithing. They threw hatchets (at
targets!), shot black-powder rifles (again, at targets!), climbed spar poles and spent two
days using burros as pack animals. They climbed the highest peak on the range, Mt.
Baldy at 12,441 feet. Four of the youth, including St. James’ Zoe McNerney, stayed at
Philmont for another week to take the Scouts’ National Advanced Youth Leadership
Experience.
The current year in Scouting began with Zoe being elected our crew president this fall.
With NAYLE under her belt, she also staffed the council-level National Youth
Leadership Training course this year (which two of our other girls attended). Our fall
and early winter trips included canoeing, a service trip cleaning a portion of the
Acushnet River, a turkey roast camping in below-freezing temperatures and a
snowshoe trip to Maine. Trips planned in the late winter and spring include a
snowshoe trip to Zealand Hut high up in the White Mountains, orienteering,
backpacking, whitewater rafting and canoeing. The year ends with a select group of
Scouts and adults canoeing and camping on the famous Allagash Wilderness
Waterway.
In the course of past several months, three Scouts attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Brian
Zick, Jacob Klibaner and Beau Rideout. Their community projects to attain Eagle were
digitalizing the archives of a Beacon Hill community center (Brian), organizing a youth
showing at the Cambridge Open Studios (Jacob) and trail landscaping at Mass
Audubon Habitat (Beau).
In addition, several scouts worked on staff at Scout summer camps and one adult is
currently working on attaining the highest achievement in adult training, Wood Badge.
23
Scout Collective 56 is an inclusive, co-ed Scouting program that does not discriminate
on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, or faith tradition. We believe in
youth leadership and outdoor adventure.
The Collective meets at the Church every Thursday at 7 p.m. We invite all youth and
adults who are interested to drop by to meet our youth and adult members. More
information about the Troop and Crew is available at www.troopcrew56.org or by
contacting our Troop Committee chair, Dr. Michelle Holmes
(holmes@troopcrew56.org), our Scoutmaster, David English (english@troopcrew56.org),
our Venturing Advisor, Robin Bonner (bonner@troopcrew56.org) or our Chartered
Organization Representative, Derrick Jackson (Dzjacks@aol.com).
THE REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – Jeff Zinsmeyer
Members: Holly Antolini, Alan Aukeman, , Becky Bjork, Ric Dumont (co-chair), Rachel
Evans, Sarah Forrester, John Hixson, Liz McNerney, Peter Merrell, Mardi Moran, Anne
Read, Ross Speer, Anne Tate, Bill Taylor, Yvette Verdieu, Mark Yoder, Jeff Zinsmeyer
(co-chair) .
In prior years, the Redevelopment Annual Report characterized our building effort as a
journey across a river – a wide river— whereby counseling patience. As 2014 began, it
felt like the metaphor had shifted as if we were in a rocket ship, poised on the launch
pad with countdown underway.
Recall that in the fall of 2013, many steps had been taken to prepare for construction.
Plans for decoration and fittings for the proposed Parish Hall and Church offices were
finalized. Following a Vestry suggestion, an exhibit was erected in the back of the
church illustrating the interior design, colors and materials for the proposed Parish
Hall, classrooms and church offices. It looked good. An Owners’ Representative was
identified and ready to go.
Early in 2014 we executed an amendment to our Development Agreement with Oaktree
to provide more time for project completion. Building insurance issues were fleshed
out. Parishioners made suggestions for the new Parish Hall: David Bliss provided ideas
on bicycle stand placement and size. In early February, there was an ‘all-hands’
meeting with our development partners for step by step review of construction plans.
As many details were addressed, we seemed ready for lift-off.
In February, St. James’ sponsored a tour of the Church and its grounds for Oaktree and
Acorn principals. It had been awhile since they had visited the church and
24
acknowledged that St. James’ was ‘bursting at the seams’ – our ‘space capsule’ was too
confined. Oaktree agreed to help create additional, quality space for the younger
children. Plans were made for a trailer to be set right outside of St James’ entrance.
This initiated a long process of obtaining City authorizations, planning for the right
location and trailer type- which is still underway.
Then, the countdown was suspended. The abutter group had filed yet another suit. In
response, in April, Oaktree sought a ‘motion to dismiss’ arguing essentially that ‘we
have been down this road’ several times. In May, there was a court hearing arguing the
case for the dismissal. Sylvia Weston, Holly and Jeff attended. While the judge listened
attentively, she made little indication as to merits of either side’s arguments. A
judgment on the motion was not issued until late in the year. A ruling was made in
favor of plaintiffs, meaning the judge chose not to dismiss the case outright at its
inception (a common result because of the high legal standard involved) and the case
advances for a prospective 2015 trial. Oaktree and St. James’ have also moved for
summary judgment, with a hearing scheduled for February 2.
Undaunted, in early summer, after a meeting with city officials, St. James decided to
open up the garden by moving the fence back. This resulted in a more inviting
appearance. Beginning in July, the garden gate was left open for public access during
the day.
In fall, our attorney – Robert Orsi – attended Sunday Services to announce Oaktree’s
intention to apply for demolition permits. This meant the car wash might be coming
down sometime soon (the Parish Hall will not be demolished until the ‘last minute’
before construction). He also noted that neighbors, according to law, would receive
written notification. That notice went out at the end of the year.
We ended the year, sitting on launching pad ready for the countdown to recommence.
While we wait, the Redevelopment Committee and its co-chairs will do its best to keep
you informed.
As always, your questions, suggestions, critiques, support and prayers are welcome
during this ongoing saga.
25
PROPERTY REPORT – Sylvia Weston
The year has ended with the good news of obtaining a Stokes Loan, along with a Green
Grant to repair the Rose Window. We have contracted with Charlie Allen Restoration
to do the repair.
Winters Plumbing has carried out maintenance and repairs on the boilers. We had an
Insurance Inspection of the property, and recommended boiler code upgrade has been
done.
We have formed a Light and Sound Committee and its members, Peter Merrell, Steve
Clark, Andrew Rhone and Mardi Moran have made improvements in the lighting and
the sound system.
In 2014 we had the privilege of 2 companies doing snow ploughing and cleaning. This
winter, the ploughing and sanding is done by Oaktree.
Regular upkeep of the property continues by the sexton, Hong Chin.
We continue to pursue quotes for floor refinishing in the Sacristy and Baptismal Font
areas.
HOLY CURRENCIES COMMITTEE – the Rev. Holly Lyman Antolini
In 2014, the Holy Currencies Committee was re-constituted as the Currency of Money
Committee. This group led the fall pledge campaign with a focus on all the ways that
the Currency of Money supports the other Holy Currencies (and vice versa). St James's
parishioners were inspired to "Light the Flame" through generous gifts of time and
money, resulting in a newly balanced 2015 budget that fully supports all our ministries.
The committee also wrote notes to thank each pledging household for investing in St
James's flow of the Holy Currencies: Gracious Leadership, Relationship, Truth,
Wellness, Time & Place, and Money.
WORSHIP COMMISSION – the Rev. Holly Lyman Antolini
An adventuresome year unfolded in 2014 in the Worship Commission, with the Rev.
Dr. Stephen Burns bringing a wide vision of worship to us from his experience as a
scholar and liturgical designer in the far-flung Anglican Communion, and
incorporating new members from among those at St. James's discerning a possible call
to ordination. Not all our initiatives bore fruit as we had hoped; we only managed two
"Considering Worship" liturgies, though both were beautiful in different ways, the first
on Candlemas, February 2nd, and the second, after an occasionally strenuous learning
26
process about the complexity of innovative liturgical planning in a multicultural parish,
on November 23rd. And we still hold hope, yet unrealized, for a systematic review of
the ways in which our liturgy does and doesn't "welcome the stranger" as it might. But
we did broaden our base of resources for worship to include new liturgies, blessings,
and prayers that are being developed around the Communion, thanks to the
thoughtfulness and expertise both Stephen and Judith brought to our liturgy-planning
process. And we affirmed once again the extraordinary openness at St. James's to trying
new things, both musical and liturgical, in worship - a singular charism of our
congregation!
MUSIC MINISTRY – Patrick Michaels
St. James’s has enjoyed a year filled with the musical offerings of its members. Each
singer’s voice adds to the richness that we know God has given us. Congregational
singing is at the heart of our community, and each person who sings adds to the
richness.
We have blended the best of traditional hymnody with an openness to new things; we
have sung Songs of Praise and service music for a season, adding them to our
congregational repertoire; we have tried to create a joyful, participatory, challenging
worship experience to engage each worshipper and bind us all into a deeper sense of
wonder and love.
We have worked to ensure support for the continuing excellence of our music. We have
projects focused on congregational songs and hymns, on Psalms we have written, Choir
robes (bought 7 new ones), and choral music, on Choir membership and growth and on
organ repair and tuning.
We have been learning songs from St. James’s Sings and the congregation seems to
actually enjoy learning new pieces. It has already enhanced the singing of the people,
and has been a resource for anthems for the Choirs as well.
Diverse musical leadership for the congregation is provided by many of us: four Choirs
(soon to be five!), and many individual musicians.
The Adult Choir has welcomed four new members--Lauren Zook, Andrew Rohm, Seth
Warren, and Yasmine Kudjoe. Hilary Sallick has re-joined the Choir very recently after
taking time off for work commitments. We are thrilled to have these strong singers in
our ministry!
27
Mabel Moore -Pollard is taking time off for health reasons. Longtime singer Shirley
Bayley (never missed a rehearsal for 30+ years?) has retired from the Choir after many
decades of service. Eustace Pollard has also retired after many years. We are deeply
grateful to them for their commitment, loyalty, and musical gifts!
Singers may join the Choirs throughout the year, and we look forward to still more new
members in the coming months. In addition to those already named, we are proud to
count the following members: Mike Burris, Dana Evelyn, John Hixson, Janet Hobbs,
Margot Chamberlain, Kate Hornstein, Benazeer Noorani, Mike Salib, Lucas Sanders,
Bill Taylor, Kathy Udall, Yvette Verdieu, and Sylvia Weston.
The Adult Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings in the church from 7:30 to 9:30. We
meet Sunday mornings and sing an anthem all but the 4th Sunday of the month.
The Greenleaf Choir welcomes singers from 2nd through 6th grades. All are welcome.
We rehearse on Fridays from 3:30 to 4:15 and again at 10 a.m. on Sundays. Returning
singers are Connor Evans, Lydia Evans, Rayne McNerney, Fiona Thomas, and Justice
Weston. Dominic Burns sang until recently moving to Australia.
Gospel Schola (7th-12th grades) welcomes singers from 7th through 12th grades. We
rehearse from 4:15 -5:00 on Fridays and at 10 on Sunday mornings. The Gospel Schola
now has 5 singers: Christina Millien-Kruzshak, Natalia Abbate, Zoe McNerney, Gwei
Gwei Strong-Allen, Emilee Butler.
The Choirs take turns singing an anthem every Sunday at Communion, lead the hymns
and service music, and process at the end of the service.
Both of these Choirs are interested in welcoming new members. We spend a lot of time
talking about the words that we sing; we study and learn and discuss theology, Bible
stories, poetry, voice production and musical reading and performance, and other
subjects of interest to the group.
The Men’s Choir has deepened the worship of the congregation with its offerings of
anthems on the 4th Sundays and many other selected occasions. Our thanks go to Mark
Yoder, Tom Hirschi, Matthew Abbate, David McGee, Matthew Abbate, Bill Taylor, John
Hixson.
Margot Chamberlain has continued inviting new folks to compose new Psalm settings,
and assisting them in notating and performing them. We are in her debt, and also to all
those who have enriched our life together with their musical inspirations.
28
Our drummers and other instrumentalists have again provided wonderful music for
meditation and contemplation, and dancing and celebration. Thanks to Tom Hirschi,
Steve Clark, Cynthia Owens, Ed Wu, Sarah Borgatti, Art, Matthew and Beth Abbate,
Mark Yoder.
A big question for the whole congregation for the coming year is, How can we actively
encourage our younger members to contribute to the life of the Parish through their
musical ministry?
New projects for 2015 include:
1. A Women’s Choir--to sing occasionally at the 10:30 service, beginning this winter.
Rehearsal schedule to be determined.
2. A Benefit Concert for the Helping Hand Food Pantry on April 18.
3. Pat Michaels’ HymnSing with his newest hymns. Date to be announced.
29
ALTAR GUILD REPORT & BUDGET – Susan Harris
RECEIPTS
Balance 1-1-14
Donations
DIT 4 Quarters
DeSachet Acct.
Foster Covert Acct.
N Matthewson Acct.
TOTAL RECEIPTS
477.89
$1,511.00
1,948.20
600.00
500.00
500.00
$5,537.09
EXPENSES
Flowers
Wreaths
Candles
Wine
Gifts
Palms 2014
Palms 2015
TOTAL EXPENSES
$3,882.50
40.00
709.98
204.00
200.00
120.00
61.60
$5,217.08
Balance 12-31-14
320.01
Much appreciate to: Elaine Agard, Laverne Lynch Agard, Virginia Carter, Hong Chin,
Tom Harris, Janet Hobbs, Marian King, and Eric Maynard for all their assistance; and
also to Carolyn Taylor for all her work coordinating the memorial flowers.
30
BAPTISMS, CONFIRMATIONS, MARRIAGES, BURIALS
BAPTISMS:
6
Lucie Virginia Lakin-Schultz
Graham Edward Kelly
Rowan Anderson King
Emery Evelyn Hardie-Futrell
Benjamin Peck Simmons
Daniella Isabella Dierdorff
1-5-14
5-18-14
6-22-14
8-17-14
8-31-14
11-30-14
CONFIRMATIONS:
5
Jason Mario Sparapani
Carolyn Kay Thompson Doyle
Sarah Christine Borgatti
Kacey Minnick
Jade Anjellica Marshall Carrington-Lazare
5-31-14
5-31-14
5-31-14
5-31-14
5-31-14
MARRIAGES:
Guy Evans &
Kazue Murata
6-28-14
5
Michael Thomas Proscia &
Susan Nancy Tweed
8-23-14
Thomas Evans Wohlers &
Melissa Sue Milner
9-20-14
Jason Mario Sparapani &
Carolyn Kay Doyle
9-25-14
John Thomas Kittredge &
Charles Roy Morehead
10-4-14
BURIALS:
Edward Humphrey
Emily Pomeroy Dodge
2
1-7-14
9-13-14
31
ANNUAL MEETING
MINUTES OF THE 2014 ANNUAL MEETING
St. James’s Episcopal Church
Minutes for Annual Meeting
January 26, 2014
Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting
Rev. Holly Antolini, Rector, opens the meeting with prayer.
Establishment of Quorum
Quorum is established by clerk, Isaac Martinez. Senior Warden Carol Hilliard is
designated Chair of the meeting.
Acceptance of Minutes
Lucas Sanders moves that we accept the minutes of last year’s meeting. Carole Belgrade
seconds. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Receipt of Annual Report,
Michelle Holmes moves we receive The 2013 Annual Report. Cathy seconds.
Unanimously approved voice vote.
Presentation of Slate of Candidates:
Katherine Gilliland introduces the slate of Vestry officers, members, convention
representatives, and deanery representatives on behalf of the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee attended the 2013 Leadership Picnic in September and
spent the fall speaking and listening with many parishioners. Katherine encourages
those who said they would consider joining the Vestry at a future date to continue
praying about it.
The final slate consists of:
Senior Warden – Sylvia Weston
Clerk – Isaac Martinez
Treasurer – John Irvine
Asst. Treasurer – Lucas Sanders
Members-at-Large for Class of 2016 – Nancy McArdle, Tom Beecher, Thomas Wohlers
32
Convention Representatives – Katherine Gilliland and Sylvia Weston
Alewife Deanery Representatives – Marian King and Jonathan Povilonis
Katherine opens the floor for Junior Warden nominations. Mabel Moore Pollard
nominates Bill Taylor. Sylvia Weston seconds. Margot asks what the Junior Warden
does. Katherine explains the mutual and equal leadership of the two wardens. Bill
Taylor declines the nomination but is honored by it.
Holly explains that the Vestry voted that if there were no Junior Warden elected, we
would ask for a 4th Member-at-Large be elected and then the Vestry would appoint a
Junior Warden from among the members. Linda asks what a Member-at-Large does.
Anne Read nominates Mark Agard for Member-at-Large. Mark declines. No further
nominations.
Election
Jeff Zinsmeyer moves the full slate of nominees to the floor. JT seconds. Unanimously
approved by voice vote.
Thomas Woehlers moves that we vote to elect the full slate of nominees. Carole
Belgrade seconds. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
The Vestry will appoint a Junior Warden.
Summary of 2014 Budget:
John Irvine – Treasurer, presents and thanks the St. James’s Financial Team including
outgoing Asst. Treasurer, Michael Walters-Young, Susan Harris – Asst. Treasurer,
Lucas Sanders – incoming Asst. Treasurer, Cindy Rebidue – Bookkeeper. Others
supporting the Finance Committee are the Revenue Enhancement Taskforce and
Investment Committee, as well as multiple counters. John asks for parishioners to think
about joining the Revenue Enhancement Taskforce or the Investment Committee.
John presents the 2014 budget and process. A budget is, in its simplest form, a reflection
of the values of an organization. The 2014 budget is a balanced one after running a
surplus in 2013 (as well as in previous years). John and Holly highlight the issue of
outstanding pledges.
Anne Read asks where the money from Oaktree really comes from. John answers that
the MOA payments are upfront payments now in place of a larger share of the profit
that would come at the end of the project due to sale of the condos/apartments.
33
Cynthia Owens asks where the Sunday count goes. John highlights the hard work of the
volunteer counters and states that all receipts go into interest-bearing accounts. Margot
Chamberlain asks who Oaktree is. Holly answers. Nancy McArdle asks how taking the
monthly payments now would affect the payout at the end. John answers that because
of rising property prices in the area, we are unlikely to get the short-end of the stick.
Expenses: 57% of the budget goes to personnel. 7% for redevelopment costs are mostly
for paying for the Owner’s Project Manager. 16% pays for outreach and missions.
Our budgeted surplus in 2013 was $57,996. Preliminary end-of-year surplus is over
$116,000. JT asks if the unexpectedly larger surplus is sad news. John answers that it is
part of the saving up in order to pay for our expenses once construction begins and the
Oaktree payments cease.
Cynthia asks that if anything happens to Oaktree (i.e. if they go to bankrupt), how that
would affect the project. Holly answers that there are financial safeguards built into the
deal to ensure we could rebuild the parish house ourselves if needed.
The 2014 budget is received.
Capital Campaign Final Year Report:
John Irvine presents on the outcome of the Capital Campaign, including critical repairs
to the building envelope (no leaks!) and saving for furnishing the new parish house.
Statements on capital campaign pledges will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
Redevelopment Update:
Jeff Zinsmeyer, Redevelopment Committee Co-Chair, presents on the state of
redevelopment. Jeff reminds us of the need for confidentiality. In January, we signed a
new addendum to the Oaktree agreement. In February, we procured a Green Grant to
begin restoring the rose window. In the spring, we cleared and cleaned the garden,
which we used in July for the St. James’s Day picnic and the September Leadership
Picnic. In the summer, we won our appeal on the redevelopment case. And although
we received a letter hinting at new suit, it never materialized. In the fall, we met with
the architects to review the plans for the parish house. We have hired our Owner’s
Project Manager, Brian Goldson, who works for the firm of our real-estate development
consultant. Brian will take ascertain the physical state of the church/property before
heavy construction starts and ensuring we can accurately assign responsibility (and
insurance payments) to the appropriate party.
34
John Gays verifies that the threatened suit hasn’t materialized. Liz McNerney asks if
there are safeguards to protect against construction stopping due to lawsuits once it
starts. Jeff answers that the likelihood is low.
A Church School & Family Report:
Rev. Judith Atkinson, Associate Rector, presents on the gift of St. James’s to families
with young children.
The Parish Retreat Announcement:
Liz McNerney, Parish Retreat Team, announces the 2014 Parish Retreat on June 20-22,
2014 after Fathers’ Day, Pentecost, and before Ramadan. This year, the parish retreat is
looking to firm up program ideas and presenters by March. In May, the team will start
asking for sign-ups and logistics.
The Rector’s Word on the Episcopal Election:
Holly presents on the state of bishops in the diocese, the episcopal discernment process,
and her journey with it. She outlines what will come next for the diocese and St.
James’s.
Parish Affirmations
 Holly affirms the Nominating Committee for their pursuit of a full slate of
nominees.
 JT Kittredge affirms Anne Read for her leadership of the church school.
 Sylvia Weston affirms Ken Holmes for being a strong, affirmative person for our
community.
 Holly affirms Isaac Martinez for his work as clerk.
 Carole Belgrade affirms Pat Michaels and the choir for making her feel welcome.
 John Gay affirms Judith Atkinson for her leadership during Holly’s sabbatical.
 Anne Shumway affirms Kacey Minnick for her help with the Women’s Meal.
 JT Kittredge affirms Ed Humphrey for his life of inspiration to this parish.
 Holly affirms John Irvine for his work as treasurer.
 Peter affirms Jeff Zinsmeyer for the redevelopment work.
 Mardi Moran affirms Susan Rice for her service.
 Janet Hobbs affirms Marian King and Susan Harris for their dedication to the
altar guild.
 Pat Michaels affirms all the singers and song-leaders, and musicians.
 Holly affirms Carol Hilliard for her work as Senior Warden.
 Holly affirms Sylvia Weston for her work as Junior Warden.
 Anne Read affirms Derrick Jackson and Michelle Holmes for bringing the scouts
to St. James’s.
35











Elaine Agard affirms the Hospitality Committee.
Marian King affirms Sarah Forrester.
Iselma Carrington affirms Holly and the Nominating Committee for asking her
to join the Vestry, which has been a positive experience for her.
Isaac Martinez affirms Lucas Sanders for stepping up to be Assistant Treasurer.
Holly affirms the Vestry and outgoing members Warren Huber and Steve Clark
and thanks them for their faithful service.
Mary Caulfield affirms Yvette Verdieu for her enthusiasm in all her ministries.
Holly affirms the Healing Prayers and the Lay Eucharistic Visitors.
John Hixson affirms Eric Maynard for his service.
Pat Michaels affirms Mike Salib, Anne Read, Sylvia Weston, Lucas Sanders, and
Judy Beers for their work on the new St. James’s Sings.
Cynthia Owens affirms Elaine Agard for leading the hospitality committee
Kacey Minnick affirms the entire congregation for embracing her.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Isaac Martinez, Clerk
36