Date
January 22, 2025
Credits
Date
January 22, 2025
Credits
Description: Youth in grades 3-12 assist the clergy and lay ministers during regular Sunday and special services by lighting and extinguishing altar candles; carrying torches and cross; receiving offertory gifts; and other assigned duties.
Participants: 18-20
2024 highlights: We welcomed a few new acolytes into the ministry, and they've been such a blessing! I've intentionally paired newer acolytes with more experienced ones so they can learn “in real time.” It's also been great to see the more experienced acolytes help them out and share their knowledge of the duties.
Challenges and needs: We need more volunteers! Over half of the currently active acolytes are in high school and will be graduating in 0-3 years. We need increased participation from the middle and elementary youth to ensure a sufficient number of volunteers in the long-term. Despite having enough volunteers where each would only be scheduled every 5-6 weeks, there have been a number of Sundays where we've only been able to have a crucifer because one, or both, of the scheduled torches have been unable to serve and no replacements could be made. We also need a second adult leader to share the Sunday duties because I won't be able to be at every service.
Other: The four tall torches we have need to be replaced. I know Mary Battaglia had been requesting new ones each year while she was the ministry leader. The candles are being secured with rubber bands and poster putty, but only one of them is secure enough to not tilt. Two are missing at least one screw that secures the glass globe in place. I remind the acolytes to carry them straight up and down, but am praying we don't have any accidents with these.
Jill Lacey
703-200-7686
jnlacey1@comcast.net
Description: We prepare the altar for all church services. We care for all linens and brass and silver used in services.
Participants: 29
2024 highlights: We assured the smooth running of all services, both for the church and school.
2025 plans: We will be restructuring this year to create a “board” of leadership. This group of six will share leadership of the guild for four month periods.
Challenges and needs: As our members move or retire from service, we continue to need new and dedicated members.
Other: Come join our guild!
Penny Dart
540 270 1393
apdart@gmail.com
Karla MacKimmie
540-270-2558
karlamackimmie@gmail.com
Description: We support baptism and confirmation through communication with the family, coordination on the day of the event and ensuring that baptism supplies are in place before the service.
Participants: 2-3
2024 highlights: Making sure the family is welcomed and comfortable with the service.
2025 plans: Not expecting any changes.
Susan Brittle
540-347-2485
ssnbrittle@yahoo.com
Description: Support funerals and receptions.
Participants: 11 signed up
2025 plans: Train and recruit church members to support this service.
Challenges and needs: Contact family, parishioners willing to set up Parish Hall, help with the reception and clean up afterwards.
Judy Jones
540-270-6766
gbjones@gmail.com
Description: We repair homes for homeowners in our community without the means or resources to make repairs themselves.
2024 highlights: We repaired the home of an older woman with major health concerns to make it safe, accessible, and more functional for her circumstances. We engaged volunteers in building the home and in the building of community.
2025 plans: It would be helpful to connect with a better way to find the repair needs in our community. Asking directly in the community would likely overwhelm our small ministry. So continuing to try to connect to existing services in the community (i.e. People Helping People, Hero’s Bridge) that can identify repairs is part of moving forward.
Challenges and needs: Identifying needs
Dorothy Smith
540-219-9001
fineart111@aol.com
Description: Children's Church is held during the 10:15 service and is designed for our youngest worshipers. Age-appropriate lessons are offered for pre K through 5th grade students, and the topics covered mirror the Gospel reading heard in the adult service for that day. Nursery is offered for babies through pre K and provides a safe environment to play so that parents can participate in church.
Participants: 15-20 children each Sunday (average)
2024 highlights: Children's Church and nursery are both offered year round. Children's Church takes a slightly less structured approach over the summer, with a more formal curriculum during the program year.
2025 plans: We currently host two children's classes each Sunday, one for preschool-aged students and one for elementary students. Depending on attendance, sometimes classes are combined into one. I would love to expand that back to three classrooms consistently.
Challenges and needs: Consistent attendance
Other: I’m so very grateful to all volunteer teachers who continue to serve in this ministry on Sunday mornings and to our nursery attendants who come faithfully each Sunday morning to provide a place for children to play while parents attend adult formation, Café and church.
Jen Taylor
703-298-7084
jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: The mission statement is — 1. Let God guide us. — 2. Become friends in faith. — 3. Honor our different traditions and celebrate our common threads. — 4. Do something for the good of the community. — 5. Work against racism locally and promote racial healing and justice.
Participants: 12-200
2024 highlights: 1. Racial healing workshop – 2. Common Threads Sunday with First Baptist Church – 3. Joint Christmas carols worship with First Baptist
2025 plans: We want to focus more on working against racism locally. Our plan is to learn about antiracism, practice it and teach others to practice it.
Challenges and needs: Finding ways to reach more people and inviting them to join our ministry.
Other: We welcome all.
The Rev. Randolph Charles
202-841-8365
randolph@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: ECW is for women of all ages to be in fellowship and friendship with one another. ECW typically meets on the first Thursday of each month and welcomes new faces — we hope you can join us!
Participants: 30
2024 highlights: ECW continued to flourish in 2024, with many laughter-filled evenings in fellowship. We kicked off the year watching Michigan win the College Football National Championship at O'Brien's (featuring hometown celebrity Blake Corum), then visited our friends at Barking Rose Brewing Co. for a March social (thank you Rose family!). Flora Duvall graced us with a native seed planting demonstration in April, and Toni Shreve hosted our May meeting at her beautiful home. We gathered at Harry's in September to start the church program year, then dropped by Silver Branch for a pizza party in October. In November, we were visited by Liz Carpenter from Slater Run Vineyards for a holiday wine tasting, then concluded the calendar year with a Sip & Shop event at Latitude's (shout out to Lee, Terry, and Steph Donovan for welcoming us!). Thanks to everyone who helped make our programming possible this year — we couldn’t do it without your support!"
2025 plans: Continue to come together to support one another in faith and friendship. We are excited to welcome new members to our ministry! Please reach out to Jen or Margy if you are interested in joining ECW and we’ll be sure to include you in our email notifications. The more the merrier! We can’t wait to see you.
Jen Taylor
703-298-7084
jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org
Margy Thomas
540-222-1539
mweastham@gmail.com
Description: On the first Thursday of each month, Saint James’ provides dinner to the volunteers at the Fauquier Free Clinic. Dinner consists of two entrees, two salads, two dozen rolls and two desserts.
Participants: 12. Each dinner requires 7 people
2024 highlights: Provided 11 complete dinners to the clinic. (The clinic was closed on Thursday, July 4.)
2025 plans: To continue supporting those who provide medical services to members of our community who need free health care.
Challenges and needs: As in past years, we need new “cooks,” who will consistently participate in this program. A significant majority of the twelve members who participated in 2024 are involved in other church activities or outreach programs and have been for many years. Continuation of this program in the future will depend on younger members stepping up and making a commitment to the church and the Fauquier Free Clinic.
Other: We have begun our 29th consecutive year of providing dinner to the volunteers at the Fauquier Free Clinic. Those who are responsible for the success of this program in 2024 and for some, many years in the past, are Sue Brinkman, Eileen Burgwyn, Joe Errera, Beth Fobes, Anne Hall, Ninie Laing, Karla MacKimmie, Penny Pennington, Michele Price, Ella Taylor and Margy Thomas.
Babs Alliman
540-364-1863 (h)
540-878-3067 (c)
allimanb@msn.com
Description: Volunteers from Saint James’ will cut, split, stack and deliver donated firewood to needy Fauquier County residents, supporting a program led by Warrenton Baptist Church and Fauquier Community Coalition.
Participants: Restarting this ministry — no numbers from 2024
2025 plans: This ministry calls volunteers from Saint James’ to help the poor in our community to stay warm and feel the love of God through our involvement
Challenges and needs: We are planning to schedule the regular involvement of Saint James’ volunteers in this program, working with the leaders at the local wood lot.
Judy Williams
540-729-2743
jwilliams0721@gmail.com
Description: The Flower Guild is responsible for providing flower arrangements for the Altar and Chapel as well as floral offerings for special occasions taking place in the church, such as weddings or funerals. The Garden Guild, an offshoot of the Flower Guild, helps to maintain the courtyard garden and the containers outside of the church.
Participants: 14
2024 highlights: The guild held a tea for members of the newly organized Jr. Flower Guild, where the young participants were treated to a demonstration of flower arranging along with a chance to arrange on their own. They also enjoyed floral themed games and refreshments.
2025 plans: We are in the discernment phase of a plan to partially pave a memorial area in the courtyard. (Comments and ideas are welcome.)
Challenges and needs: The guild is always looking for new members to join our group in this gratifying endeavor.
Bonnie Zacherle
540-680-2687
bztoymaker@gmail.com
Description: This ministry is meant to foster fellowship in the church community, hence the name. Our activities feature food and beverages. On Sunday mornings, our teams provide Café and Coffee Hour and, on special occasions, like graduations or bishop's visit, we dress it up and have cake. In addition, the Fellowship Ministry presents events including Mardi Gras celebration, parish picnic, international food and wine nights, and receptions following holiday services.
Participants: ~50
2024 highlights: This was the year that Café returned. Over 30 members of the Fellowship Team take turns in setting up, cooking, serving and cleaning up. That is in addition to the 28 families who have supplied treats for coffee hours. Other events, mentioned in previous answer, have been lively and well attended, staffed by many of the same as serve on Sundays.
2025 plans: We would like to help incorporate newcomers to the church in fellowship activities, both as partakers of hospitality and as team members. We are considering ways to do “invite a newcomer” events.
Challenges and needs: One challenge is to improve coordination of equipment and supplies, especially in the kitchen. The happy truth of many groups using these materials sometimes creates confusion. The other challenge is to plan and implement "invite a newcomer" events.
Mariann Lynch
540-349-4969
mariann.lynch@gmail.com
Greg Arthaud
540-272-6696
gjarthaud@yahoo.com
Description: This is a social ministry where folks get together to share a meal or go out. There were several active groups before Covid. Reactivated in 2023, overall participation was much lighter.
Participants: 20-25
2024 highlights: Three groups were organized with three sets of hosts in 2023-2024. All met at least once rotating with participating members.
2025 plans: There are many avenues to fellowship at Saint James’ through the various ministries offered as well as weekly Coffee Hour, Café and special events throughout the year, like the Mardi Gras supper and the parish picnic.
Challenges and needs: The scope and nature of this ministry is going through a review, a refresh. Originally designed for parishioners to meet the existing clergy and socialize, that is not its current function.
Bené Gilio
703-447-0818
bene.giglio@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: Greeters are present at both services to greet and welcome all who attend. Greeters hand out bulletins, give directions, answer questions and invite everyone to the Coffee Hour after the service.
Participants: 21
2024 highlights: Greeters stayed the course in 2024. We lost a few greeters but gained a few to stay at 21. A “Come and See” program was developed in 2024. The scheduled greeter asks an incoming attendee to help be a greeter. This program gives the congregation an opportunity to meet and greet longtime parishioners and to meet newcomers and visitors.
2025 plans: The greeter ministry can always use additional members. Our task will not need to change in 2025. Our program is to greet and welcome, which every greeter enjoys and performs with pride.
Challenges and needs: The greeters’ challenges are simple: smile, be friendly and treat everyone with respect. Our needs are simple also. A stack of bulletins gets us started on our heartwarming, rewarding Sunday morning mission.
Other: It never ceases to amaze me how receptive attendees are to the greeters. Everyone seems to have something to share or talk about. It could be something small like the weather, a new coat, a ball game score, kids and grandkids.
Toni Shreve
540-905-5460
toniandjims@comcast.net
Description: The Parish Health Ministry monthly or bi-monthly CPR, AED and first aid classes and health maintenance information for parishioners.
Participants: 50-200
2024 highlights: Obtained PATH Foundation grant to provide CPR, AED and first aid classes, purchased all needed equipment and supplies, recruited two certified CPR Instructors to co-direct classes, conducted three classes in late 2024 with several more accepting students for early 2025. Wrote health maintenance and prevention articles on seasonal topics for newsletter and bulletins. Assisted parish seniors needing transportation and technology support to remain independent. Our member dentist provided dentures to a senior in need.
2025 plans: Increase communication with parishioners experiencing health setbacks to offer support and answer any questions. Increase CPR classes from monthly to bi-monthly. Provide babysitting certification with CPR training.
Challenges and needs: Volunteers willing to write to parishioners and to write health prevention articles for newsletters.
Other: The ministry continues to be humbled and grateful for the parish support.
Ruth Fugee, RN, MSN
540-326-5940
ruth.fugee@gmail.com
Description: This ministry comprises volunteers who assist with church services. They act as readers, prayer leaders and chalice bearers. Serving at both Sunday gatherings, they also help with special services throughout the year like Easter, Christmas and, given the need, funerals.
Participants: 30-35
2024 highlights: Participation at this time is robust with the recent addition of several new members. All are conscientious and willing to substitute when needed. More seasoned members are willing to act as mentors.
2025 plans: May look to offer some training or refresher sessions.
Challenges and needs: Maintain current roster of volunteers and always welcome new participants.
Other: This is a worship ministry and participants add greatly in assisting Father Ben (or the serving priest) each week during the service. Two chalice bearers, as an example, are needed at the 10:15 a.m. service to help with the flow of communion. Readers, in their delivery, help share the lessons and/or special needs of the parish.
Anita Sherman
540-272-9200
anitajustwrite@gmail.com
Description: The Saint James' Music Ministry gives glory to God through music.
Participants: 35-45
2024 highlights: The Music Ministry at Saint James’ is a vibrant and inspiring part of our community, enriching worship through the power of music. In 2024, we strengthened our connections and shared some truly meaningful offerings throughout the year. Highlights included our collaborative Lessons and Carols service with First Baptist Church sponsored by Common Threads. We are especially grateful to Saint James’ Episcopal School and their music teacher, Larke Pain, for their partnership and support, along with the contributions of the adult choir, Handbell Choir, Church Band, and all who helped make these offerings possible.
The adult choir’s moving performance of Fauré’s Requiem with the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra at the Highland School was another highlight, reaching both our congregation and the wider county. Following our presentation of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah last year, we also presented Parts II and III, continuing a beloved tradition of sacred music. The Handbell Choir added beauty and joy to our worship, while the Church Band lifted spirits throughout the year. We’re deeply thankful to everyone who makes this ministry such a blessing, and for the opportunity to sing for services in person, enriching our worship together.
2025 plans: In 2025, the Music Ministry at Saint James' is excited to expand and enrich our offerings in meaningful ways. This year, we will present Mozart's Requiem during Holy Week, creating a deeply moving experience for reflection and worship. For Easter, we will celebrate with a joyous Haydn mass, bringing the beauty of sacred music to life in a powerful way. In the spring, I’ll also be sharing my graduate recital, a personal milestone that I’m thrilled to offer as part of our musical journey together.
Looking ahead to the summer, we’re planning a series of concerts to engage both our congregation and the wider community. This fall, we’ll also introduce Evensong services, creating a space for prayerful music and contemplation. And, as always, collaboration will remain at the heart of what we do—we’re looking forward to partnering with other musicians and groups for more inspiring events that bring people together through the gift of music.
We are so grateful for the continued support of this incredible community, and we can’t wait to see how these plans unfold in the coming year!
Challenges and needs: In 2025, one of the main challenges for our Music Ministry will be ensuring we have enough voices and hands to support the exciting opportunities ahead. We’re in need of more singers for our choir, more ringers for our Handbell Choir, and truly, anyone who is eager to be part of our vibrant community. We welcome those who simply want to share in the joy and beauty of music, regardless of experience or background. Whether you’re passionate about singing, playing, or just being part of a group that celebrates the spirit of music, there’s a place for you here.
Other: Above all, we want to express a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and contributed to our music ministry. Your dedication, energy, and love for the arts make all that we do possible. Whether you’re a singer, a ringer, or a supporter from the pews, your involvement truly transforms our worship and brings our community closer together. We are deeply grateful for each person who shares their gifts with us, and we look forward to the amazing things we’ll accomplish together in 2025. Thank you for being a vital part of this beautiful ministry!
Robert Baird
703-989-0502
music@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: The Prayer Chain is a small group that prays daily for Saint James’ ministries, staff, Vestry and parishioners’ individual needs. We also pray for the needs of the community, nation and the world.
Participants: 4
2024 highlights: We started the Prayer Chain in the middle of 2024 with two people, and soon added another two people. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to pray for any kind of need for anyone, especially when the church office is not available.
2025 plans: We’re hoping to have more people join us in prayer, and also, to have more people request prayer, no matter how big or small the request.
Challenges and needs: Getting the word out regularly with our contact information.
Sarah Sudduth
540-229-5178
sarahhsudduth@gmail.com
Participants: 5
2024 highlights: The Refugee Ministry met approximately every two months, either in person or via Zoom.
Our Ministry has continued to support Afghan refugees. Our first assigned Afghan family of four graduated to self-sufficiency. The ministry helped the family find a suitable apartment in Manassas and a family vehicle, obtain access to dental and medical care, and — with guidance — learn to navigate complex U.S. legal and public assistance systems. We still have frequent contact with the family, now most often for advice or to keep in touch socially. Their son, Samim, who had been left behind when the family evacuated, is now in the U.S. and living with his family as he awaits his immigration hearing and keeps in touch with his Saint James’ friends.
Our experiences working with the first family informed our support for a second family of six. When we discovered the family sheltering in the garage of a private home with no mattresses or air conditioning, we helped them find a hotel room while searching for an apartment that could accommodate four children. We were able to find and fund an apartment in Manassas and transport furniture, mostly acquired through the generosity of Saint James’ parishioners. We found medical care and immunizations through Catholic Charities Free Medical Clinic in Manassas, and Dr. Susan Griffin from Saint James’ provided free dental care for the family.
The head of the family, Mujahed, is a qualified civil engineer. We helped him find employment in his field and transfer certifications and licenses. He is now working on a contract that will keep him in Alabama for a few months. Meanwhile, Joanne Charles is helping his wife, Frishta, get a driver’s license and manage shopping and appointments while Mujahed is out of town. She was a kindergarten teacher in Kabul and hopes to find a child care-related job soon. We continue to provide support to the family, but at a lower level.
We now have a third, very small, family. Ahmad is here because his father drew the Taliban’s attention, endangering Ahmad and his young, pregnant wife Nadia. Terry and Lee Owsley generously donated their basement apartment for six months. Ahmad has a part-time job with Amazon, but is seeking more hours. Joanne is helping them find a new apartment before the baby arrives, in February. Nadia is receiving medical care through the Fauquier Hospital system and is eligible for some Medicaid because of the baby. We are trying to get Nadia seen for a potential dental problem at the Fauquier Free Clinic.
The Refugee Ministry organized a Refugee Sunday at Saint James’ this past spring, including recruitment efforts to assist our ministry. Jeff Sabol and Joanne Charles gave a special address to the congregation.
The Refugee Ministry team met via Zoom with our National Episcopal Church’s Episcopal Migration Ministry to explore becoming an affiliate Neighbor to Neighbor church.
We agreed to proceed with the process and currently have five ministry team members who are undergoing extensive online training as the first step in the process, but we were unable to fulfill the program’s requirement for a detailed planning and resourcing plan with only five active members.
The Refugee Ministry Team has maintained communications with the Saint James’ community with postings in the weekly news, Sunday bulletins and the website.
2025 plans: 1. Identify and develop local community support for our Refugee Ministry. — 2. Congregational education of global and local issues and the needs of refugees. – 3. Continue to partner with Greenwich Presbyterian, Centreville Presbyterian, Centreville Baptist churches’ Refugee Ministry Program as needed. – 4. Continue to provide guidance and pastoral care to our refugee families in Manassas and Warrenton.
Other: We invite any interested parishioners to join our team to assist with our mission.
Joanne Charles
757-373-6967 (c)
540-364-2989 (h)
jcharles1331@gmail.com
Cathy Byrne
703-314-2611 (c)
540-359-6110 (h)
catheeb.cb2@gmail.com
Description: SJES provides exceptional, affordable educational offerings in Preschool (age 2) through Grade 5 that build strong intellect, character, and faith.
Participants: 250-350
2024 highlights:
Strategic Growth and Development
The Board of Trustees (BOT) Committee on Strategic Planning conducted surveys of School families, students, faculty and staff as well as the parish community, working collaboratively with the Vestry to gather valuable insights. These surveys played a crucial role in informing strategic planning efforts, helping to shape the future direction of the School while also supporting the Church in its mission. Implementation of a new strategic plan, focusing on expanding opportunities for students while strengthening the school's mission and values.
Enhanced Educational Programs
Continued success of initiatives like Mindful Minutes and the Food for Thought Lunch Club, which support social-emotional health of students. Expansion of the outdoor education program, making full use of the unique campus features such as the Audubon-certified wildlife garden, vegetable garden and spaces for chickens.
Record-Setting Community Support
A strong SJES Fund campaign with significant unrestricted dollars raised for the operating budget. The incredible success of the Spring Gala, which included the highest ever paddle raiser that benefited our science space and maker space.
Strengthened Family and Community Engagement
Vibrant Parent Association events like bingo nights, book fairs, and spirit days, which created a welcoming and fun atmosphere for families.
Exciting Facilities and Campus Updates
Renovations/updates to the Science Space and Maker Space, made possible by last year’s successful paddle raiser. Made a payment of $217,637.00 for 50% of the first loan payoff with the Church.
Gratitude and Connection
Transition from an Annual Report to a more engaging and celebratory Impact Report, showcasing the difference supporters who have made in the life of the School. Trustee/Vestry Meetings and social gatherings cultivating stronger relationships with the SJES/SJEC community.
2025 plans:
Deepening Collaboration with Saint James’ Episcopal Church
Strengthen shared mission work between the School and the Church, emphasizing service projects and community outreach. Expand opportunities for families to engage in Church programs, fostering a greater sense of connection and belonging. Collaborate on the use of existing spaces and begin to imagine opportunities for unused/underutilized spaces.
Securing the Future of the Far Field
Continue efforts to purchase the Far Field in conjunction with the Church, ensuring it remains an integral part of the School’s outdoor education and the School and Church community-building efforts.
Enhancing Social-Emotional and Academic Support Programs
Build on the success of Mindful Minutes and the Food for Thought Lunch Club, by exploring new ways to support students’ mental health and engagement, such as adding peer-led initiatives or partnerships with outside experts.
Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
Continue cultivating events that celebrate the diversity of the School community and provide opportunities for families to connect and feel valued. Expand resources to support families new to the School, helping them feel more at home within the SJES community.
Challenges and needs:
Considering Space
As enrollment has grown, so has the programming of the School. Space for classrooms, recreational space, small group learning are high on the list for faculty, staff, and students. There will be substantial fundraising that will need to occur for this to happen.
Securing the Far Field
Raising the necessary funds to support this acquisition without compromising other key initiatives is a main challenge for the coming year.
Maintaining Enrollment
While enrollment remains strong, maintaining strong enrollment numbers amidst competitive local education options is always a challenge. In addition, we aim to attract and retain mission-aligned families who value the unique offerings of an Episcopal education.
Enhancing Financial Sustainability
With enhancements to programs, facilities and outdoor space, there comes a cost. The Board of Trustees is committed to working with the Vestry consider how the entire Saint James’ community understands out shared mission and vision and considers the financial support needed. Identifying sustainable funding sources for ongoing campus enhancements.
Addressing Faculty and Staff Support
SJES has an amazing staff of talented faculty and a leadership team that is second to none. Providing competitive compensation stays on the mind of our Finance Committee and entire BOT.
Other: We are deeply grateful to the Church community for their unwavering support, which strengthens the foundation of our shared mission. Your steadfast prayers, generous financial contributions, and volunteer work are a testament to your commitment to both the School and the Church. Together, we are fostering a vibrant, faith-filled community that nurtures and uplifts all who are part of it. Thank you for walking alongside us!
Stacey Irvin
Head of School
stacey.irvin@saintjamesepiscopalschool.org
Description: Our ministry team of ushers participates in every service assisting parishioners and visitors, recording service attendance, conducting the service offertory, and directing worshippers during the Holy Eucharist.
Participants: 14
2024 highlights: Our team is thankful for the positive response of our fellow worshippers in serving to bring up the elements and filling in as third ushers during the 10:15 a.m. service. These requests to serve are voluntary and occur in the final moments before the service begins. The usher team welcomes the ready willingness of the Saint James' community to assist us.
Challenges and needs: We wish to build the number of participants in our ministry team. We invite our fellow parishioners to join us in this task, and to be part of our commitment to serve our parish.
George Burgwyn
540-272-0363
theburgwyns@comcast.net
Charles Brinkman
540-347-3201 (h)
540-422-3704 (c)
brinkchsue@comcast.net
Description: The Vestry meets monthly to review the status of church finances, physical plant, programming, staffing needs, parish life, pastoral needs and Christian formation. The Vestry also receives and reviews regular updates from the Saint James’ Episcopal School board and head of school, with input as needed.
Participants: 12 Vestry members, plus the treasurer and the rector
2024 highlights: In addition to monthly meetings, we held special meetings for Vestry orientation, a Vestry retreat, and a combined SJEC Vestry/SJES Board gathering in June at 4J’s Brewery.
— At our Vestry retreat, we brainstormed about our dreams and challenges for Saint James’ Episcopal Church and established an action plan to 1. emphasize rebuilding our parish volunteers to reflect the active robust level of ministries pre-Covid and 2. support the Stewardship Committee to bring our operating budget out of a deficit pattern, strengthen our strategic and endowment reserves, and reduce debt going forward.
— At our Vestry-School Board gathering, we reviewed mutual mission, goals and strategies in an effort to strengthen communication and emphasize the importance of our interconnectedness and support for mutual growth. We reinforced our mutual commitments and the ministry, fellowship and spiritual benefits that result from this relationship. We followed this business session with a social hour for fellowship building.
— We began work with SJES on the purchase of the far field, resulting in an agreed contract for the purchase to be completed over 2025-2026.
— We managed staffing to improve the needs of Saint James’ Episcopal Church, including addition of a new part-time volunteer coordinator, movement of our full-time director of music to a part-time position, and blending the job descriptions of the parish administrator and communications director into a single combined position with increased hours.
— We closed an annual pledge campaign on time, reached and significantly passed our established goal and passed a balanced 2025 budget in December.
— The Vestry recommitted to our spiritual lives and the spiritual health of our church with a regular emphasis on our Vestry prayer life, and regularly sharing that with the congregation.
2025 plans: To continue our prayer life and discerning God in all of our efforts. – Strengthen our commitment to outreach through supportive resources. – Continue to position Saint James’ Episcopal Church as an important part of the Warrenton and Fauquier communities. — Research and emphasize long term financial health of the parish. — Continue to reward our outstanding staff with competitive salaries and benefits.
Challenges and needs: Physical plant structure, ongoing maintenance and preventative efforts. – Needs for space to accommodate growing programs for youth programs and adult formation.
Joanne Charles
2024 Senior Warden
757-373-6967
joanne.charles@saintjameswarrenton.org
Gita Grady
2024 Junior Warden
540-273-9403
gita.grady@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: The Video Ministry promotes Saint James’ through live YouTube streaming of the 10:15 Sunday services, special events, and weddings and funerals as requested. All streams are archived on YouTube. The ministry supports the A/V activities of both the Church and the School and assembles various video segments to produce a video service and other videos when in-church services were not possible
Participants: 3
2024 highlights:
— Continued use of iPhone to live broadcast outdoor portion of Easter Vigil
— 15,525 views of streamed services (14,200 in 2023)
— 92,154 minutes of watch time, a slight decrease from 2023 - 96,624 (2019 - 84,608 minutes)
— 663 current subscribers, an increase from 595 (2023)
— Videos viewed in U.S. and 3 countries (Canada, Tanzania and UK)
— Streamed 134 events (all Church and School Christmas events other than Blue Christmas service)
— 1,984 videos archived on YouTube since streaming started (193,134 total views)
— Used portable professional grade video camera to record and selectively stream events outside of main church such as school plays in the Parish Hall
Bob Irving
540-905-9320
bob.irving@saintjameswarrenton.org
Description: The Wisdom Seekers is an adult study forum who meet weekly to discuss a variety of selected books. Newly named, this group has been meeting for more than a decade. Discussions are lively and always inspiring and kept to one hour to be respectful of people's time and commitments.
Participants: 10-14 at each gathering
2024 highlights: Interspersed with book discussions, the group watches video episodes from The Great Courses. This one focused on the Old Testament presented by Dr. Levine whose scholarly and compelling presentations are followed by engaging conversations. A first in 2024, the group took a field trip to Shrine Mont in Oakley Springs where Father Ben performed a service in the outside cathedral. An end-of-the-year luncheon at Claire’s was a time of fun connection and celebration - an event now to continue.
2025 plans: There is a good reading list ahead for 2025, a continuation of watching informative videos and another field trip planned in May to the Flower Mart at the National Cathedral with a tour of the interior. The group may consider taking on some small fundraising projects in 2025. As an example, repair of the grandfather clock in the reception room.
Challenges and needs: The Reception Room affords a good meeting place for this group. That should continue.
Other: This group is faith centered yet open to learn about other paths to knowing God. Open and embracing, members continue to be nurtured not only through the material discussed but the gifts that each inquiring mind brings to the table.
Anita Sherman
540-272-9200
anitajustwrite@gmail.com
Description: Youth group is for the teens! Our middle and high school students meet weekly (or bi-weekly) on Sunday evenings. Youth group gatherings provide a space for teenagers to explore their faith, build relationships with peers and adult leaders as well as grow spiritually. Each week (high school) or every other week (middle school) comes together for games, dinner and an opportunity to either catch up, reflect on things happening in their lives or discuss current topics.
Participants: 40 biweekly (average), 15-20 weekly (average)
2024 highlights: Our annual mission trip to Hurley, Virginia, and our team building day at Verdun Adventure Bound are both excellent opportunities for students to reach outside of their comfort zones in an environment where they feel loved and supported. Looking forward to Missions 2025!
Other: Very much looking forward to our high school mission trip this coming summer (June 9-14). Many thanks to all of the volunteer leaders who dedicate Sunday evenings to our youth. Coy, Toly, Madison, Margy, Chris & Ryan! We couldn't do this without you!
Jen Taylor
703-298-7084
jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org
73 Culpeper St, Warrenton, VA 20186
(540) 347-4342
