Leadership and Staff

Our catechism tells us that the Bible describes the Church as 'the Body of which Jesus Christ is the Head and of which all baptized persons are members. It is called the People of God, the New Israel, a holy nation, a royal priesthood and the pillar and ground of truth'. Our creeds describe the The Church as 'one, holy, catholic and apostolic.' The Church is one because it is one Body, under one Head, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is Holy because the Holy Spirit dwells in it, consecrates its members and guides them to do God's work. It is catholic because it proclaims the whole Faith to all people, to the end of time. It is apostolic because it continues in the teaching and fellowship of the apostles and is sent to carry Christ's misson to all people. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. It does this as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace and love to the world. This work is done through the ministry of all its members. (BCP, 855) In the Episcopal branch of the Church, the rector and the vestry compose the leadership within a parish(a congregation).

Vestry

The vestry is composed of six members of the parish. Each member is elected for a two year term at our Annual Meeting in January. The vestry meets once a month to lay out the vision of the parish, pray for the parish, approve our finances and make other decisions that affect the life of St. James.

Serving on the vestry is an important ministry, requiring a significant amount of time. It is also a very rewarding experience. The rector and all vestry members attend our monthly meetings as well as any other committee heads as necessary to report news of their activity to the vestry. All meetings are open to the church membership, but the vestry has the option to hold a closed session if sensitive issues arise and need discussion.

The current vestry members are:

Class of 2010

Rector's Warden - Sue Claro

Finance - Joanna Taylor

Parish Life and Outreach - June Sherwin

Treasurer: Mary Ann Mento

Class of 2011

People's Warden (concerns about building and grounds) - Mary Loring
Administrative Warden (office concerns) - Pat Clancy

Clerk - Beth Neal

Class of 2012
Worship and Christian Formation - Patricia Michael

Staff

Rector -

The Rev. Scott B. Neal Biography

Music Director - Sara Krohn