The Shell Newsletter – April 22, 2021

Vestry

New Vestry Member
Rainey Stafford has volunteered to serve on our Vestry! She will be completing the remainder of Vivian Carden’s term. When you see her, please thank her for stepping forward. Rainey, we look forward to working with you. Since our meetings are still socially distant, you’re exempt from the “New person must bring donuts” rule. 😉

Payroll Protection Program
Saint James’ is blessed with a generous congregation. You’re always willing to share your talents and treasure to help out. Even so, our finances are pretty tight, especially so this past year. We received two pieces of good news on the Payroll Protection Program. First, our original PPP loan was converted to a grant (forgiven). This improves our financial situation. Second, the government announced a new Payroll Protection Program earlier this year. The Vestry voted to ask our treasurer to see if we’re eligible for a second PPP loan. Through the hard work many people, especially our treasurer, Jane Barger, we applied for and received a second PPP loan. It’s for the same amount as the previous loan so our debt load remains the same. This will definitely make our financial situation a little less precarious. Thank-you Jane!

Dave Rak, Senior Warden

Sunday Worship Information

Join us on the Fourth Sunday of Easter for Liturgy of the Word at 10:30 am followed by Zoom Coffee Hour, or watch the service livestreamed on Facebook.

A printable bulletin is available here.

We will “open the doors” beginning at 10:15 am for folks to greet each other and say good morning.  Kristin+ will give instructions at 10:25 am and we will begin recording and livestreaming the service promptly at 10:30 am.  Don’t worry if you’re late – you can still attend via Zoom if you “get to church” at 10:40!

Join Zoom Meeting

Sunday School classes will be held this coming Sunday on Zoom for preschool-5^th.

The middle-high Sunday School classes will be at 9:30 am this Sunday in the sanctuary following masks/distancing/sanitizing guidelines.  Once the nicer weather arrives, we will return to holding class in the outside Memorial Garden.

Nursery School

The following announcement was made to the Nursery School families last Friday.

Dear St. James’ families,

I  have had the honor of being the Executive Director of the St. James’ Nursery School for many years. I’ve worked with many loving and hardworking staff members, supportive parents, and dear children over that time and consider what I have accomplished here my greatest achievement.

I have decided to retire at the end of July and the St. James’ rector, Rev. Kristin, the Nursery School Board, and the Church Vestry will begin the process of selecting a new Director for the school. I am confident they will find someone to effectively lead this quality and accredited program.

I cannot possibly find words that are sufficient to express my feelings at this time. I am blessed to work with talented women I consider friends and to have enjoyed the love and support of kind parents each year I have been at St. James’. My appreciation for the congregation of the church, including Rev. Kristin, is profound. The greetings, smiles, and love I have received from the children will also be something that I will take with me and always remember.

Thank you all so very much and please read the note below from Rev. Kristin.

Fondly,

Pat
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In Gratitude for Pat and Planning Next Steps

Pat Castle has led the St. James’ Nursery School community with both heart and dedication for nearly two decades. We face a great loss with her upcoming retirement even as we send her forth with love and gratitude. Pat’s leadership has shaped St. James’ into the robust accredited program we enjoy today and for that we are indeed thankful. On a personal note, I have enjoyed working with and learning from Pat, and will miss her greatly. I hope you will join the entire St. James’ community in the coming months as we celebrate her and say goodbye.

As we look ahead to what’s next, I want to take this opportunity to let you know that we will keep you updated as the search for our next Director unfolds. I am pleased to share that Board Members Sarah Brown, Terri Demosky-Tippett, and Marc Argoud will join me in this work. If you have any questions or comments about this process please reach out to me. And please keep our whole community in prayer as we prepare for this transition.

The Rev. Kristin Krantz, Rector

ANNOUNCEMENTS