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Meet the Vestry


We are the governing board of Saints James and Andrew, comprised of the clergy and elected lay-members of SsJA, who are responsible for defining and articulating the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. In order to serve on the Vestry, one is required to be a confirmed Episcopalian, make a financial pledge to the parish, be present and participate in parish life. Learn more about the history of the vestry. 

We asked each Vestry Members to answer the following three questions:

  1. What particular gift or passion do you bring to the community?

  2. What brought you to SsJA? What has kept you here?

  3. What other ministries are you involved with at church and in the world?

Officers


Officers run for their position annually at the Annual Meeting, and can serve for one year, or several depending on the needs of the community at any given season.  These positions are Warden, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Clerk. While not required, wardens tend to have experience in leadership and serving on the Vestry, as they are the primary lay representatives of the parish; treasurers tend to have experience in finances, as they oversee church finances; and clerks tend to have an eye for detail, as they carefully record the discussions and decisions of the Vestry.
Ella Ingraham
Co-Warden
My particular passion is Creation Care and the Green Team

I came to SsJA with St. Andrews in 2017. SsJA is an exciting church. There is an emphasis on the community of faith and I feel challenged to grow spiritually by the liturgies and the examples of the clergy and other lay leaders.  Being part of the Green Team is important to me because the climate crisis is more real now than I ever expected it to be during my lifetime.

I am a Co-Warden, member of the Digital Ministry team, a counting team, Altar Guild, and coordinator for the Prayer Circle group. Outside the parish I am a member of the Diocese's Finance Committee.  In Turners Falls, I volunteer for the Franklin Area Survival Center's Food Pantry and compile the monthly Gill police logs for the Montague Reporter.  I participated in Sacred Ground in 2021 and it was a very meaningful and learning experience.
Ginny Crowl 
Co-Warden

I enjoy seeing progress in our projects. I am firm in my love of the liturgy in our church.

I stay here to feel the joy and energy that our clergy shares with us so well. It has empowered the entire congregation  and we welcome all to join us and help feed bodies and souls with our many missions.

I am mostly a hands-on person, love the choir, and am happy to serve on Property, Welcome, and Pastoral Care Teams.

Fred Momaney
Treasurer


An open mind and desire to make the world a better place.  A strong sense of humor and the ability to keep things in perspective.

My mother. I was baptized here in the 1950's. I love our community and our commitment to being good stewards.

Sunday soup and sandwiches, the green team, counters, finance and various other committees.

Karen Greene
Assistant Treasurer

I don't know if this is a gift or a passion, but I'm a little bit nerdy and like crunching numbers.  If I run a report and the numbers are off, I lay awake at night wondering where I went wrong - lol.  Hopefully over the years, my "passion" has been a "gift" to this church!

I always loved the celebration and pageantry of Christmas and Easter (especially the music).  When I was growing up, we had a very strong Youth Group that met almost every week and always had so much fun.  That connection as a young person kept me involved and interested in the church at an age when a lot of teenagers might have participated in worship because their family required them to...not because they wanted to.

Over the years I have been involved with many different groups - Acolyte, LEM, Nursery Helper, Church School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, VBS, ECW, Quilters, Flower Guild, Finance Committee, Vestry.  I have been a high school swim coach and tennis coach.   I am currently the Treasurer of the Montague Center Fire District and a high school and college swim official for the Western Mass. Swim Officials Association.

Bill Hattendorf
Clerk
Gift or Passion: It’s too awkward to speak about personal gifts. Self perception as a “nice guy” seems quite an underwhelming choice anyway. But a passion that draws me to the church is certainly liturgy. That’s why I took the Verger’s course some years ago, and why I’m involved in liturgy and ritual in other organizations too.

I was baptized into the Lutheran church (my dad’s family tradition) and grew up in and confirmed in the (United) Methodist church (my mom’s family tradition), first in a “high” Methodist church in suburban Chicago, and then to a more “low” church in North Georgia. By college, I was drawn to Episcopal services, which seemed more interesting to me, and closer to the “high” Methodist from my younger days. When I first moved to the Valley, I attended St. James off and on. When I got married, my wife (Sheila had grown up Catholic) and I went church shopping, starting in Turners Falls, and St. Andrew’s seemed perfect for our family, and we looked no further. The merger of SJA seemed to close a circle.

Besides serving as Verger and coordinating the rotation of volunteer service leaders, I serve as Clerk of the Vestry (and held other positions at St. Andrew’s). Almost two decades ago, I enrolled with other church folks in EfM, and became a facilitator my last two years; the group enjoyed each other’s company so much that we continue as a religion-related book club and close with compline trend each gathering. My other ministries have included the board of Habitat for Humanity, Greenfield YMCA, Monadnock Family Services, youth soccer coach, Cubmaster, Chi Psi Fraternity (currently national president and senior ritualist), several area veterans’ groups (Ruck-Up, Vietnam Vets, Warrior Connection) and other men’s organizations (MenLiving, Evryman, Iron Council, The Good Men Project), and WNMH (Northfields Mount Hermon’s radio station).

Elected Members


At each Annual Meeting, we elect a new class of two vestry members who will serve three year terms. They are eligible to run for two consecutive three year terms. The terms are staggered, so that at any given time, only a few folks are transitioning on or off the Vestry. We have three classes, whose terms will expire in 2024, 2025, and 2026. When an elected member leaves a position early, and someone finishes out their term, that person will still be eligible to run for two consecutive three year terms.

Allyson Michal
Class of 2024
 
I look forward to finding ways to involve and incorporate new members and families.

We joined ssja because of the enthusiasm from leadership, welcoming environment, and stayed for the new growth in young families.

No other ministries, except occasional appearances with music ministry. I’m currently busy being a mom, finishing nursing school, and supporting my fellow classmates as a class representative in multiple capacities!
 
Julie Carew
Class of 2024
The passion that I bring to the vestry is in exploring what it means as the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, right now and into the future, to love God and our neighbors.  The gifts I bring that I believe will be most valuable in my time on the vestry are the ability to listen, discern, and hold space for/seek out the voices of those not at the table.

I did not grow up in the Episcopal Church, and I have been involved in churches of several denominations, but I was drawn to Saints James and Andrew because of the ministries I had seen coming out of it into the community and the welcome that is so clearly stated by the clergy every Sunday. Also hearing Bishop Curry speak about the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement in Pittsfield a few years ago was inspiring and encouraging to me, and helped nudge me in that direction. The leadership, the people, and the mission and involvement of the church in our community is what has kept me here. 

Since joining Saints James and Andrew, I have been involved with both of the community meals, youth ministry and music, and the lay preachers' guild. I am a cellist and music educator by profession, working with students in Greenfield Public Schools and beyond, and I see my ministry in that as coming alongside folks as they find/develop their own musical voice while encouraging them to explore the vast array of music around them.
Kathryn Aubry-McAvoy
Class of 2025

Gifts and interests: a love of liturgy, music of all kinds. I love to teach, especially textile arts and crafts.

I came across the river with the gang from our former St Andrews.

I’m  interested in ways to decrease food insecurity with nutritious local foods, participating in a gleaning initiative which donates fresh produce to the Franklin Survival Center.  Member of community music groups.

Mary Johnson
Class of 2025

I like to help whenever and wherever possibly within the church and our community. My hope is that if I am able to help just one person that they can pay it forward and feel better about themselves.

My faith traditions: I was baptized here at St. James. I attended church regularly with my Dad along with going to Sunday school and later Youth Group meetings. The combination of all that gave me my beginning to learning about the church, Jesus and God. These teachings have helped me at different times in my life to be able to gain strength and to find Peace within myself.

I am the head of the Altar Guild, help with Sunday sandwiches. Both of these ministries give me a great feeling of being able to help this community. I am also part of the church counters team.

Elizabeth Keitel
Class of 2026
My "gifts" are bookishness, a sense of humor and, mirabile dictu, the enjoyment of being on committees.

The book of common prayer and my baptism as an Episcopalian brought me eventually to St. James after many years of skipping church. Just about everything about St. James kept me here. I was welcomed by most of the regulars at the 8:00 service. I am also very proud that our church is tackling two great issues of the day- gun control and the environment.


I am involved in our feeding programs and Whitney's pantry. I am also on the finance committee, and chair the Stewardship Team. Being a member of the small group which worked to make the merger of the two parishes was most stimulating. I learned a very great deal.

Reynolds Whalen
Class of 2026
The gifts and passion I bring to the vestry and our church community are organization, strategic planning, and a passion for liturgy and young adult / youth ministry.

I have been an active member of the Episcopal since 1st grade, and have always sought out the local Episcopal church when moving to a new place. The things that have kept our family here are the welcoming spirit of the congregation, the support and embracing of families with children, the focus on mission and outreach, and the strong leadership of the clergy.

At church, I lead the Digital Ministry and Youth Group, and serve on Diocesan Council. In my personal life, I am a father and husband, serve as Treasurer on the board of the International Language Institute, am a member of a “Circle of Care” supporting Afghan refugees, play baseball in the Pioneer Valley Baseball League, and am a Taize service leader with my guitar at St. John's Northampton.

Clergy


Rectors are voting members of the Vestry, and Deacons have voice, but not vote. The Rector is the presiding officer of the Vestry who organizes and facilitates the work with the wisdom and support of the clergy, wardens, and other officers. 

The Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm
Associate Rector

My love for theology and other ideas, and my love for fiber arts both have lots of places to be exercised in my life at SsJA.

One true answer is that the Holy Spirit brought me.  Another is that while living and serving in the Worcester area I wanted to return to Franklin County to be close to my children and grandchildren who had migrated back here after growing up in Northfield.  Former St. Andrew's needed a priest, and it seemed like place where I could fit.  I stay and continue to serve because it is such a dynamic and growing community of faith.

I lead Bible Study for Nerds and co-lead the Caregivers Support Group, and am active in St.Andrew's Guild.  For the Diocese I chair the Board of Examining Chaplains and serve as the Intake Officer for Title IV and Safe Church, and I assist at national church level by being an evaluator of General Ordination Exams.  It's all fun!
Rev. Heather J. Blais
Rector

I bring a sense of joy, curiosity, playfulness, and hope to the community. I am passionate about helping our community proclaim God’s all-encompassing, welcoming love, and working in concert with God and one another to help bring about God’s dream for this world (or at least our little corner in Franklin County). 

Saying ‘yes’ when the Holy Spirit invited us to grow in faith together in the fall of 2012. I was a baby priest (18 months!) when former St. James’ called me as their Priest-in-Charge, and together we’ve grown and been shaped by God’s love and calling to be a new church in a new age (both figuratively and quite literally - we are now Saints James and Andrew!) Growing into my priestly ministry alongside you and Rev. Molly will always remain one of the single most privileges of my life. Your faith is inspiring and humbling. 

As rector, part of my role is to stay connected to all of our ministries and build and nurture relationships within our community and with the wider world. I’m involved with various diocesan efforts: the Creation Care Leadership Circle and the Human Resources Committee. More locally, I joined the board of Franklin Community Co-op, which I see as one small way to help our community strive towards economic justice by providing local, healthy, and environmentally just produced foods and products.

Parish Life

Photos from  the 11th Hour Calling in January. Bells are rung each month on the 11th at 11 a.m. for 11 minutes to sound the alarm that we are at the 11th hour of the climate crisis. 

Upcoming Events

February 5 at 11:15 a.m.  - Coffee & Conversation
Join us in the Whiteman Room after worship for fellowship. 

February 19 at 10 a.m.  - Grace in Haiti
During the sermon time, we will hear from parishioners at Grace Church who support St. Matthew's School in Haiti. Look for more details in an upcoming Newsletter.

February 22 from at 11 a.m. - Ashes to Go *NEW*
We will begin our observant of a holy Lent with "Ashes to Go", a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the corner of Church and Federal Streets in front of the church.
 
February 22 at 7 p.m. - Ash Wednesday Worship *NEW*
The Ash Wednesday Liturgy includes the imposition of ashes.  The service will also be live-streamed. You are invited to wear your ashes, to claim repentance, grace and deep relationship with God for the challenges of your daily life.  

Featured Announcement
Green Team Event
February 19
at 11:30 a.m.

Environmental journalist and Greenfield resident Karl Meyer will be speaking on the environmental impact of FirstLight's Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Station at 11:30 a.m. For all of us who love the River this is an opportunity to explore the impact on aquatic life and river health that the Northfield Mountain facility produces.

Announcements

The 2023 Parish Directory *NEW*
Is now available. You can contact the office for a printed or pdf copy. There are bound to be further corrections. Please contact the office with any change at office@saintsjamesandandrew.org 

Office Hours & Coverage
Our new office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Messages will be checked on other weekdays. We are still in the hiring process. In the interim time our clergy will be covering essential office duties, while other aspects may be paused until a new administrator is hired. 

Safe Church Training & CORI Checks
If you are a vestry member, worship leader, pastoral visitor, or volunteer with our mission and outreach programs, SsJA requires attendance at Safe Church Training and a CORI check every three years. This is one way we live into our parish's core value of radical hospitality and welcome, by creating a culture where children, youth, elders and marginalized populations are supported appropriately. CORI checks are ongoing, and there are three free upcoming Safe Church Trainings on Zoom: February 18 from 9-12pm, April 16 from 1-4pm, and May 18 from 5-8pm. Register by clicking on a date of choice.  Questions? Need a CORI form? Contact Rev. Heather.

Prayer Corner

We invite your prayers for those on our prayer list: 
Barbara, Edward, Vicki, Jennifer, James, Donna, Ed, Craig, Ann, Janet, Rose, Andrea, Andy, Ann, John, Ginny, Bill, and Linda.

This week we invite your prayers for people experiencing homelessness and subject to this weekend's extreme cold temperatures:

God of compassion,
your love for humanity was revealed in Jesus,
whose earthly life began in the poverty of a stable
and ended in the pain and isolation of the cross:
we hold before you those who are homeless and cold
especially in this bitter weather.
Draw near and comfort them in spirit
and bless those who work to provide them
with shelter, food and friendship.
We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

~ from the Church of England, 
A Prayer for the Cold and Homeless and Those Who Care for Them 

Add a name to the prayer list by submitting this form

Giving Gratitude

We give thanks for the financial ministry of Alan Kurkulonis. Alan served as our parish's Treasurer for three years. He said 'yes' to this position only to find himself leading our financial team during an unprecedented global pandemic. He led us with caution, organization, and a quiet confidence that ensured we were being as responsible and reasonable as we could be with our financial resources. Alan's good nature, eye for detail, and patience also ensured we completed a comprehensive inventory in the merger and maintain that inventory for our annual audit each year. Alan continues to support the Finance and Property Committee make thoughtful decisions as we seek to be good stewards of our parish's resources. 

Beyond the Parish


Updates from our ministry partners, our diocese, and the wider Church

Episcopal Voices
Tyre Nichols

Presiding bishop sends pastoral word on the death of Tyre Nichols
Episcopal News Service: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a pastoral word on Jan. 28, the morning after the Memphis Police Department issued body-camera footage of the beating of Tyre Nichols. The 29-year-old motorist was beaten by Memphis police officers after a Jan. 7 traffic stop and died as a result of the injuries three days later. Read More

For Tyre - Special Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter
I have not watched the film of five Black Memphis police officers beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols to a pulp. I have not seen the EMTs who did so little while a beloved child made in God's image lay dying at their feet. I have not looked, yet it is all I can see. Read More

Actions on Police Reform
In light of the death of Tyre Nichols, we are re-re-releasing a modified list of actions you can take NOW to address police violence. First, please join us in taking action by doing what we can at the federal level. But some issues, policing being one of them, have critical components at the state and local levels. The other actions below are intended to encourage you to get involved locally, as the approaches to addressing police violence are highly dependent on local context, local structures, and local relationships, and must be attended to as such.  The Episcopal Church urges action to address police violence and police reform and 'condemns the improper and violent actions of authorities against people of color. Read More.
 

Episcopal Creation Care

February 8 at 4:30 p.m. - Earth Hospice Rites *NEW*
Offered by Radical Joy for Hard Times, Earth Hospice Rites is a brief, online, bimonthly gathering to lament, celebrate, share, and offer mindful attention to the places and species we love that are endangered by climate change. Together we take a deep collective breath and say, “Yes, the Earth as I know it is dying.”. Co-hosts are Alison Cornish of The BTS Center and Trebbe Johnson of Radical Joy for Hard Times. More information is here.

March 18 at 9:30 a.m. - Healing judgment: A Lenten online retreat *NEW*
Retreat led by the Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas.  Lent invites us to look deeply into our lives and into the society in which we participate. How is God stretching us to live at our best? How is God calling us to wake up from our dull habits of thought and behavior and to see clearly where love urges us to change? Many people dread (and avoid) the traditional Lenten practices of self-examination and repentance because we fear that these practices will drag us into harsh self-criticism and self-attack. This retreat will invite us to question our kneejerk self-judgment and to open instead to the healing judgment of a loving God who sees our preciousness and seeks our wholeness.  To register, visit here.

Friendly Reminders

Calendar - View the SsJA Calendar

Contribute to The Newsletter - by emailing the office the Monday prior to the first and third Thursdays of the month. The Newsletter is published at 12pm on the first and third Thursdays of the month. 

Memorials and Thanksgivings Submit Your Memorials and Thanksgivings to sponsor a Sanctuary Candle, Altar Flowers, Christmas & Easter Flowers, and other Memorial Gifts.

Office Hours - Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Messages are checked throughout the week. Our church sanctuary is open daily for those in Franklin County to stop by to pray, rest, and be. Closed Holidays

Pledge your Support -  Fill out our Online Pledge Card to become an ongoing supporter of SsJA's mission and ministry. Learn more about Legacy Giving on our website.  You can also Give Online or text "give" to (978) 525-0712.
Our Mission  

We believe God is calling us to cultivate a community of love, joy, hope, and healing. Jesus is our model for a life of faith, compassion, hospitality, and service. We strive to be affirming and accessible, welcoming and inclusive; we seek to promote reconciliation, exercise responsible stewardship, and embrace ancient traditions for modern lives.
Please contact us if you are looking for information about:
  • Our weekly worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. In Person & Livestreamed. 
  • Contact information for our Vestry or the parish directory. We no longer post it here due to information being misused for spam or phishing efforts. 
  • Looking for a space to hold a meeting or event.
  • Learning how to support SsJA with the purchase of a Big Y or Stop & Shop Card
  • Anything else! 
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