SUNDAY
January 24, 2021
January 24, 2021
VESTRY NOMINEES
LAUREN ARINGTON
Lauren Arington grew up in Auburn, Alabama and attended Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor in Architecture. She became a Registered Architect in the State of Alabama in 2016 and works for the US Army Corps of Engineer as an Architect. Lauren, along with husband and two sons, joined the St. James parish in 2015 where she has been an active member in leadership and fellowship. She has held an active role in ministries in serving on the St. James School Board, since its formation in 2017. Lauren has offered her voice in the St. James Choir and has also led the ministry for Financial Peace
University. Lauren has a passion for community, great interest in the enrichment of lives, and a drive to empower others. She is interested in being considered for the vestry to help with the continued growth of St. James within the parish and the community.
Lauren Arington grew up in Auburn, Alabama and attended Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor in Architecture. She became a Registered Architect in the State of Alabama in 2016 and works for the US Army Corps of Engineer as an Architect. Lauren, along with husband and two sons, joined the St. James parish in 2015 where she has been an active member in leadership and fellowship. She has held an active role in ministries in serving on the St. James School Board, since its formation in 2017. Lauren has offered her voice in the St. James Choir and has also led the ministry for Financial Peace
University. Lauren has a passion for community, great interest in the enrichment of lives, and a drive to empower others. She is interested in being considered for the vestry to help with the continued growth of St. James within the parish and the community.
BEBE GOETTER
Bebe Goetter has been worshiping at St. James since moving to Fairhope with her husband in 1988. They were invited to St. James by another couple and after attending their first service, they knew the Episcopal Church was where they wanted to be and St. James could be their home. She was born near Bessemer, Alabama and was the eldest of three children and the only female. When growing up, she attended the Baptist Church and she became a Christian at the age of ten. By the time she was in her early 30’s she began to investigate other denominations in hope of finding a place where she could learn more about herself and her relationship to God. In 1990 she was confirmed in the Episcopal Church here at St. James. In 1974 she graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS degree in Nursing. She spent the next 13 years working at UAB hospital and was fortunate to have many varied nursing opportunities. She met and married her husband, Bill, while working at UAB. She and Bill are parents to a son and daughter (deceased) and have one grandson. They have just recently become owners of a pet cat for the first time in over 30 years.
Here at St. James, Bebe has served as a member of the Altar Guild, the Bereavement Reception Committee, the Food Ministry, committee member to investigate purchase of church organ, Vestry member, Vacation Bible School volunteer, lay Eucharistic Minister and lay Pastoral Care Giver with the Community of Hope. These experiences have afforded her a deeper understanding and appreciation of the commandment to serve others. Her community experience consists of working with the American Lung Association, local Literacy Council and the Alabama Free Clinic.
Bebe and her husband have now lived in Fairhope for over 30 years and feel the community has shaped them both in many positive ways. But the one influence that has had far-reaching impact has been the Episcopal Church and the people of St. James. Bebe and her family have received love and care from St. James and she feels if she can be of service to the church this at this time, she would be honored.
Bebe Goetter has been worshiping at St. James since moving to Fairhope with her husband in 1988. They were invited to St. James by another couple and after attending their first service, they knew the Episcopal Church was where they wanted to be and St. James could be their home. She was born near Bessemer, Alabama and was the eldest of three children and the only female. When growing up, she attended the Baptist Church and she became a Christian at the age of ten. By the time she was in her early 30’s she began to investigate other denominations in hope of finding a place where she could learn more about herself and her relationship to God. In 1990 she was confirmed in the Episcopal Church here at St. James. In 1974 she graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS degree in Nursing. She spent the next 13 years working at UAB hospital and was fortunate to have many varied nursing opportunities. She met and married her husband, Bill, while working at UAB. She and Bill are parents to a son and daughter (deceased) and have one grandson. They have just recently become owners of a pet cat for the first time in over 30 years.
Here at St. James, Bebe has served as a member of the Altar Guild, the Bereavement Reception Committee, the Food Ministry, committee member to investigate purchase of church organ, Vestry member, Vacation Bible School volunteer, lay Eucharistic Minister and lay Pastoral Care Giver with the Community of Hope. These experiences have afforded her a deeper understanding and appreciation of the commandment to serve others. Her community experience consists of working with the American Lung Association, local Literacy Council and the Alabama Free Clinic.
Bebe and her husband have now lived in Fairhope for over 30 years and feel the community has shaped them both in many positive ways. But the one influence that has had far-reaching impact has been the Episcopal Church and the people of St. James. Bebe and her family have received love and care from St. James and she feels if she can be of service to the church this at this time, she would be honored.
EARL JACKSON
Earl and his wife Kay have been members of St. James for six years where they are both active in the choir. Prior to joining St. James they were active members of Fairhope United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir and served in many capacities. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a degree in accounting. Most of his career he was CFO for a petroleum company in Mobile. The last six years of his career, he was Executive Director of Mobile Opera.
Earl and his wife Kay have been members of St. James for six years where they are both active in the choir. Prior to joining St. James they were active members of Fairhope United Methodist Church where they sang in the choir and served in many capacities. He is a graduate of the University of South Alabama with a degree in accounting. Most of his career he was CFO for a petroleum company in Mobile. The last six years of his career, he was Executive Director of Mobile Opera.
CHRIS NELSON
Christopher L. Nelson, born in Foley, Alabama on July 16, 1962, resides in Magnolia Springs, AL with his wife of 31 years Susan Jurkiewicz Nelson and their two children – Emily age 26 and Andrew age 22. He grew up in Bon Secour, AL working at Bon Secour Fisheries, Inc. after school, on weekends and during summers. After graduating Foley High School, Chris received a B.S. in Biology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. During a leave of absence from Sewanee, he attended the Fall Undergraduate Marine Sciences Program at Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. He later received his Masters of Science in Marine Environmental Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
While completing his Masters thesis Chris was a Congressional Sea Grant Fellow in Washington, DC, serving as a legislative assistant for Senator Ted Stevens. After his fellowship he worked for the National Fisheries Institute in Washington as a project coordinator.
He has been at Bon Secour Fisheries since 1989 and is now a Vice President working with his two brothers, John Andrew and David, and father John Ray. His most immediate area of responsibility is oyster product manager. This involves oyster procurement, processing and sales. His additional areas of responsibility include government and regulatory affairs.
The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) is among the several professional associations in which Chris participates. He has been active in the ISSC since 1984. He currently serves on its Board of Directors. He is also a Commissioner on the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and a member of the Gulf Oyster Industry Council. In the aftermath of the 2010 oil spill he was asked by then Governor Bob Riley to serve on the Coastal Recovery Commission of Alabama. On the Commission he served as Chairman of the Seafood Subcommittee. He also serves on the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission. Most recently, Chris is a member of the 25th class of Leadership Alabama.
Chris was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s, Bon Secour and attended St. Paul’s Chapel, Magnolia Springs and served on the vestry at both of those churches before coming to St. James. Chris has taken an active role in ministry at St. James by serving as a lay reader and chalice bearer.
Christopher L. Nelson, born in Foley, Alabama on July 16, 1962, resides in Magnolia Springs, AL with his wife of 31 years Susan Jurkiewicz Nelson and their two children – Emily age 26 and Andrew age 22. He grew up in Bon Secour, AL working at Bon Secour Fisheries, Inc. after school, on weekends and during summers. After graduating Foley High School, Chris received a B.S. in Biology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. During a leave of absence from Sewanee, he attended the Fall Undergraduate Marine Sciences Program at Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. He later received his Masters of Science in Marine Environmental Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
While completing his Masters thesis Chris was a Congressional Sea Grant Fellow in Washington, DC, serving as a legislative assistant for Senator Ted Stevens. After his fellowship he worked for the National Fisheries Institute in Washington as a project coordinator.
He has been at Bon Secour Fisheries since 1989 and is now a Vice President working with his two brothers, John Andrew and David, and father John Ray. His most immediate area of responsibility is oyster product manager. This involves oyster procurement, processing and sales. His additional areas of responsibility include government and regulatory affairs.
The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) is among the several professional associations in which Chris participates. He has been active in the ISSC since 1984. He currently serves on its Board of Directors. He is also a Commissioner on the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and a member of the Gulf Oyster Industry Council. In the aftermath of the 2010 oil spill he was asked by then Governor Bob Riley to serve on the Coastal Recovery Commission of Alabama. On the Commission he served as Chairman of the Seafood Subcommittee. He also serves on the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission. Most recently, Chris is a member of the 25th class of Leadership Alabama.
Chris was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s, Bon Secour and attended St. Paul’s Chapel, Magnolia Springs and served on the vestry at both of those churches before coming to St. James. Chris has taken an active role in ministry at St. James by serving as a lay reader and chalice bearer.
reports
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR WARDEN - 2020
St. James started the year with the annual meeting and the welcoming of 4 new members to the Vestry – Evelyn Garrett, Elizabeth Erwin, Shannon Pesnell, and Jeanie Smith. Roger Guilian was elected Junior Warden; Anderson McKean was re-elected Clerk of the Vestry, and Katie Smith was elected Treasurer. An annual budget of $1.44 million was approved. On January 15th, we welcomed Fr. Forbes Sirmon and his family to St James.
Our St. James School began its third year of operation, continued to grow and expanded to add a first grade class. To date the school has been remarkably successful. It has outperformed the expectations of the school board and the vestry both with growth, and by continuing to remain financially solvent, while remaining out front with the education they are providing. The school has also done well in the area of evangelism by recruiting several families into the parish community. Being surrounded with positivity,
further school expansion seems to be a logical decision for the future of St. James.
In 2020, St. James also faced a number of challenges. In March, the Covid-19 pandemic caused us to cancel in-person worship for a time, with the clergy and staff working feverishly to switch to online services, and then re-opening us for in-person services in June. In September, we said farewell to Mother Mary Jayne Ledgerwood, as she accepted a call to become the Rector of Trinity Church in Mobile. We also had Hurricane Sally hit our area pretty hard, displacing many parishioners, and thankfully only doing minimal damage to our parish buildings. Unfortunately, several of our trees (54) were pushed over or damaged to the point that they had to be removed. Although this was an expensive undertaking, the cost can more dramatically be seen on the perimeter of our grounds. We lost a good portion of our privacy from the neighborhoods, and our stations-of-the-cross walk is still in need of major repairs.
Although we haven’t made it out of the woods yet with the pandemic, there is still a TON going on at St. James. It’s been a difficult year for us all, but the staff has really done a tremendous job behind the scenes, working long hours, and keeping our church going. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication and I hope you will join me in thanking them.
It is a privilege to serve as Senior Warden, as we seek God together, share His love, and serve others.
God's Peace,
Pel Henry
Senior Warden
St. James started the year with the annual meeting and the welcoming of 4 new members to the Vestry – Evelyn Garrett, Elizabeth Erwin, Shannon Pesnell, and Jeanie Smith. Roger Guilian was elected Junior Warden; Anderson McKean was re-elected Clerk of the Vestry, and Katie Smith was elected Treasurer. An annual budget of $1.44 million was approved. On January 15th, we welcomed Fr. Forbes Sirmon and his family to St James.
Our St. James School began its third year of operation, continued to grow and expanded to add a first grade class. To date the school has been remarkably successful. It has outperformed the expectations of the school board and the vestry both with growth, and by continuing to remain financially solvent, while remaining out front with the education they are providing. The school has also done well in the area of evangelism by recruiting several families into the parish community. Being surrounded with positivity,
further school expansion seems to be a logical decision for the future of St. James.
In 2020, St. James also faced a number of challenges. In March, the Covid-19 pandemic caused us to cancel in-person worship for a time, with the clergy and staff working feverishly to switch to online services, and then re-opening us for in-person services in June. In September, we said farewell to Mother Mary Jayne Ledgerwood, as she accepted a call to become the Rector of Trinity Church in Mobile. We also had Hurricane Sally hit our area pretty hard, displacing many parishioners, and thankfully only doing minimal damage to our parish buildings. Unfortunately, several of our trees (54) were pushed over or damaged to the point that they had to be removed. Although this was an expensive undertaking, the cost can more dramatically be seen on the perimeter of our grounds. We lost a good portion of our privacy from the neighborhoods, and our stations-of-the-cross walk is still in need of major repairs.
Although we haven’t made it out of the woods yet with the pandemic, there is still a TON going on at St. James. It’s been a difficult year for us all, but the staff has really done a tremendous job behind the scenes, working long hours, and keeping our church going. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication and I hope you will join me in thanking them.
It is a privilege to serve as Senior Warden, as we seek God together, share His love, and serve others.
God's Peace,
Pel Henry
Senior Warden
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JUNIOR WARDEN - 2020
January 24, 2021
Unprecedented. Challenging. Difficult. These are just some of the seemingly ubiquitous adjectives that have been used to describe 2020. For St. James, 2020 meant confronting the first worldwide pandemic in over a century as well as a glancing blow from a stubborn and slow-moving hurricane that caused significant wind and tree damage to our campus. Through God’s grace – and thanks in no small part to the prayers of our parishioners – St. James has so far weathered 2020’s adversities.
In large measure because of the COVID pandemic, not very many physical projects were undertaken in 2020. Those that were, however, were significant to our campus and the church.
Additional projects are under consideration for 2021 as well, including addressing the northernmost gravel ingress and egress at Highway 104 and the addition of upstairs classrooms and life/safety improvements in Wilson Hall. A tightening construction market, struggles in locating contractors who do not already have a significant backlog from Hurricane Sally, and additional challenges posed by COVID-19 will all impact St. James’ ability to address other improvements to the campus and grounds in 2021.
As a community anchored in Christ, faith is central to our outlook. I have faith that the projects and improvements that are necessary for St. James to continue to do God’s work in the world will be realized, with His help, in the coming year.
Let us lift our neighbors and one another up in prayer, do what we can to keep each other safe, and never lose sight of how richly God has blessed us and St. James Episcopal Church, even in these most taxing of times. Thank you for your support of St. James, without which maintaining our beautiful “beacon on the hill” would not be possible.
God’s Peace to you all+
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER C. GUILIAN
JUNIOR WARDEN
January 24, 2021
Unprecedented. Challenging. Difficult. These are just some of the seemingly ubiquitous adjectives that have been used to describe 2020. For St. James, 2020 meant confronting the first worldwide pandemic in over a century as well as a glancing blow from a stubborn and slow-moving hurricane that caused significant wind and tree damage to our campus. Through God’s grace – and thanks in no small part to the prayers of our parishioners – St. James has so far weathered 2020’s adversities.
In large measure because of the COVID pandemic, not very many physical projects were undertaken in 2020. Those that were, however, were significant to our campus and the church.
- Installation of new welcome signs on either side of the main entrance to the church was completed in 2020 under the direction of Immediate Past Junior Warden Bruce Stone. I wish to extend my thanks to Bruce for his example, service, and leadership during his tenure as Junior Warden.
- Several downed and wounded trees were removed throughout the church campus following Hurricane Sally. One parking lot light still needs to be replaced, as do some lights below the main entrance along Section Street. Those projects are currently being addressed.
- Asphalt sealing and restriping of the main parking lot was initiated in late 2020 and completed this month. A full report on that project will be included in next year’s Report of the Junior Warden.
- St. James School added two new classrooms and a life/safety upgrade in the form of a fire arrest sprinkler system to Wilson Hall. These additions necessitated running a new water line from a fire hydrant at Section Street up to the school building.
Additional projects are under consideration for 2021 as well, including addressing the northernmost gravel ingress and egress at Highway 104 and the addition of upstairs classrooms and life/safety improvements in Wilson Hall. A tightening construction market, struggles in locating contractors who do not already have a significant backlog from Hurricane Sally, and additional challenges posed by COVID-19 will all impact St. James’ ability to address other improvements to the campus and grounds in 2021.
As a community anchored in Christ, faith is central to our outlook. I have faith that the projects and improvements that are necessary for St. James to continue to do God’s work in the world will be realized, with His help, in the coming year.
Let us lift our neighbors and one another up in prayer, do what we can to keep each other safe, and never lose sight of how richly God has blessed us and St. James Episcopal Church, even in these most taxing of times. Thank you for your support of St. James, without which maintaining our beautiful “beacon on the hill” would not be possible.
God’s Peace to you all+
Respectfully submitted,
ROGER C. GUILIAN
JUNIOR WARDEN
Christian Education 2020 Annual Report
ADULT MINISTRY
• FEBRUARY: Lenten Program: “Seeing God in 2020” -average attendance 90-100 people
• MARCH: Women’s Overnight Retreat at Camp Beckwith -attendance 50 women
• APRIL-MAY: Wednesday night Zoom series “Covid-19 Spiritual Survival Guide”
- Good Book Club Bible Study with weekly videos available on the website
• AUGUST: Confirmation Service for 14 confirmands
YOUTH MINISTRY
JANUARY
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
(reported by Ellen Huckabay)
JANUARY
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
ADULT MINISTRY
• FEBRUARY: Lenten Program: “Seeing God in 2020” -average attendance 90-100 people
• MARCH: Women’s Overnight Retreat at Camp Beckwith -attendance 50 women
• APRIL-MAY: Wednesday night Zoom series “Covid-19 Spiritual Survival Guide”
- Good Book Club Bible Study with weekly videos available on the website
• AUGUST: Confirmation Service for 14 confirmands
YOUTH MINISTRY
JANUARY
- Annual Ski Trip over MLK weekend to Beech Mtn, NC
- Confirmation Classes began the last week in January and continued through March with final class held at Beckwith
- Weekly Rite 13 Classes for 7th/8th
- Weekly Sunday Evening EYC meetings
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
- Weekly Sunday Evening EYC meetings
- Weekly Rite 13 classes for 7th/8th
- Weekly Zoom meetings on Wednesday afternoons
- Tuesday Evening Picnics, games and compline for grades 7th-12th in the parking meadow
- Confirmation Service for 14 Confirmands
- Rite 13 Service for four 8th graders
- Weekly Rite 13 classes for 7th/8th grades
- Weekly Rite 13 classes for 7th/8th grades
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
(reported by Ellen Huckabay)
JANUARY
- 20+ children participated in the Epiphany Feast of Lights Pageant.
- After-school Lent program started strong with 4-8 regular attendees.
- Children’s Chapel continued virtually each week during the spring and summer shutdown.
- In-person Children’s Chapel with an average of 5 children per week
- You Group for 5th and 6th grade students and their parents. We have several regular attendees, with an average attendance of 10 participants
- Trunk or Treat for the St. James Church, School, and the greater Fairhope community.
- In-person Children’s Chapel with an average of 5 children per week
- You Group for 5th and 6th grade students and their parents. We have several regular attendees, with an average attendance of 10 participants
NOVEMBER
- In-person Children’s Chapel with an average of 5 children per week
- You Group for 5th and 6th grade students and their parents. We have several regular attendees, with an average attendance of 10 participants
DECEMBER
- In-person Children’s Chapel with an average of 5 children per week
The Daughters of the King
Mary and Martha of Bethany Chapter
After participating in a quiet day retreat with Mother Mary Jayne in February of 2020 our Daughters of the King Chapter hosted on March 7th the DOK Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast Spring Assembly and Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Russell Kendrick. Following that event, the Covid-19 pandemic prohibited, for six months, in-person meetings. During that time, our National Office and our Central Gulf Coast Diocese leadership provided our members through Zoom meeting programs opportunities for spiritual enrichment and connection with each other.
Throughout quarantine, our Daughters have faithfully maintained our Service of Prayer for our clergy, staff, parishioners, and all on our Prayer List. We have also remained financially faithful in our support of our St. James Seminarian, Kenneth White-Spunner.
In September, our Chapter reinstated our monthly meetings in Green Hall as we carefully adhered to Covid-19 safety guidelines. We have been imbued by the spiritual community these meetings have afforded us as we have resumed devotions and Christian study together. In December, our members generously contributed food and paper products to Prodisee Pantry.
Presently, our Chapter has suspended monthly meetings until Covid-19 vaccines can be dispersed throughout our area and we can ascertain that impact on the virus.
Our dedication of daily prayer continues as we look with hope to the opportunity in the near future of resuming our meetings,
and to our mission of service and evangelism.
Respectfully,
Fonda Wilson, President
Mary and Martha of Bethany Chapter
After participating in a quiet day retreat with Mother Mary Jayne in February of 2020 our Daughters of the King Chapter hosted on March 7th the DOK Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast Spring Assembly and Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Russell Kendrick. Following that event, the Covid-19 pandemic prohibited, for six months, in-person meetings. During that time, our National Office and our Central Gulf Coast Diocese leadership provided our members through Zoom meeting programs opportunities for spiritual enrichment and connection with each other.
Throughout quarantine, our Daughters have faithfully maintained our Service of Prayer for our clergy, staff, parishioners, and all on our Prayer List. We have also remained financially faithful in our support of our St. James Seminarian, Kenneth White-Spunner.
In September, our Chapter reinstated our monthly meetings in Green Hall as we carefully adhered to Covid-19 safety guidelines. We have been imbued by the spiritual community these meetings have afforded us as we have resumed devotions and Christian study together. In December, our members generously contributed food and paper products to Prodisee Pantry.
Presently, our Chapter has suspended monthly meetings until Covid-19 vaccines can be dispersed throughout our area and we can ascertain that impact on the virus.
Our dedication of daily prayer continues as we look with hope to the opportunity in the near future of resuming our meetings,
and to our mission of service and evangelism.
Respectfully,
Fonda Wilson, President
Family Promise 2020 Annual Report
Family Promise is still adhering to the same policy as last year with hosting two families at the day center.
A 2021 Church hosting Calendar can be accessed through their website by clicking this link: https://www.familypromisebaldwinal.org/calendar
St. James currently is hosting the following weeks: Feb. 21-27; June 6-12; and Sept. 5-11. Until things change and the families come back to staying in the churches , if anyone would like to provide gift cards to assist with meals and household needs, you may mail them to:
Family Promise
20511 County Road 36,
Summerdale, AL 36580
Here is the info on the current families participating in the program.
Thank you for all you have done serving the families during the pandemic and hurricane in 2020, by providing donations of gift cards, helping with raising money for their new program - Homeless No More - helping families divert from shelter and moving into their homes.
They truly could not accomplish their mission without your help!
Thanks, again!
Nickie Olson & Evelyn Garrett
Family Promise is still adhering to the same policy as last year with hosting two families at the day center.
A 2021 Church hosting Calendar can be accessed through their website by clicking this link: https://www.familypromisebaldwinal.org/calendar
St. James currently is hosting the following weeks: Feb. 21-27; June 6-12; and Sept. 5-11. Until things change and the families come back to staying in the churches , if anyone would like to provide gift cards to assist with meals and household needs, you may mail them to:
Family Promise
20511 County Road 36,
Summerdale, AL 36580
Here is the info on the current families participating in the program.
- Angela with her two children Everett (8) and Emmitt (6)
- Felicia and her child Leah (13)
Thank you for all you have done serving the families during the pandemic and hurricane in 2020, by providing donations of gift cards, helping with raising money for their new program - Homeless No More - helping families divert from shelter and moving into their homes.
They truly could not accomplish their mission without your help!
Thanks, again!
Nickie Olson & Evelyn Garrett
Music at St. James Episcopal Church during 2020
In sharp contrast to music report of 2019 music at St. James was very much hindered, but it did continue!
Respectfully submitted,
Helen V. Rodgers
Director of Music
In sharp contrast to music report of 2019 music at St. James was very much hindered, but it did continue!
- The organ played every Sunday in 2020 whether the service was attended or only streamed online.
- A service was added on Sunday evening in the parking meadow, music with acoustic guitars. Frank Stabler coordinated music and played for this service, which continued for several months.
- We featured many soloists and small ensembles until we settled in with inviting any choir member who would sing and with a mask. Sunday 10:15 – 10:45 am became rehearsal time in Green Hall with the Choir singing for 11 am service. Singers are spread throughout the nave. We have drawn on our large collection of very accessible anthems and I have been impressed with the choir’s resilience and tenacity to continue to lead this body in worship.
- Remarkably, our group of Compline singers has continued to sing on the 3rd Sunday evening of each month.
- We celebrated a modified Advent Lessons and Carols at the 9 am and 11 am services with Adult choir leadership, singing Advent hymns from the 1982 hymnal.
- Christmas Eve was busy with services at 3, 5, 7, and 9 pm. The Gamard family rang bells at 3 and 5. Various soloists sang for the offertory. The congregation sang our beloved traditional carols.
- The St. James Concert Series held 2 concerts just prior to covid shut down. We were able to feature a double harp concert in November with attendees masked and socially distant.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen V. Rodgers
Director of Music
The St. James Outreach Committee met regularly until March of 2020. We held one virtual meeting this summer and have had two meetings this fall.
Sincerely,
Teddy Faust
- Leading up to Covid we were able to participate in helping Family Promise acquire a portable shower trailer. The unit has two separate shower stalls and provides the ability for homeless families to take a shower at locations where they are housed.
- Since Covid began, outreach has provided much needed funds to Ecumenical Ministries, and Prodesy Pantry.
- We volunteered at the Fairhope Police Department's Red, White and Blue Back to School Program where we handed out backpacks, clothing, school supplies and food.
- For Christmas, outreach organized an angel tree and worked with prison ministries to provide Christmas gifts for many in need.
- Outreach continues to look for areas with need.
Sincerely,
Teddy Faust
St. James Episcopal School
Annual Report 2020-2021
2020 was a year of new challenges.
Students at St. James are guided on a spiritual journey, nurtured by clergy and staff dedicated to the growth of our students.
Our staff consists of 14 highly qualified and dedicated teachers and assistants who share an enthusiastic commitment to our students.
As we look to the future, we want to continue to build on our strong foundation with more exciting initiatives.
We will be offering a second grade for the 2021– 2022 school year. We are currently in the process of creating a strategic plan for the future growth of St. James Episcopal School.
Many thanks to the St. James community for helping us provide a quality and unique education experience to our students in an inclusive Christian community. The continued support of the school by the Rector, Vestry, School Board, Staff, parents and parishioners is an example of the care we share as we carry out our mission to “Introduce children to Christ in a nurturing environment by providing exemplary preparation for future learning.”
I am excited for the year ahead.
Respectively submitted,
Shelley E. Miller
Annual Report 2020-2021
2020 was a year of new challenges.
- On March 17th we closed our doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic surge and moved to virtual learning. We met the new challenges head on and we successfully ended the school year.
- Over the course of the summer, we regrouped. The school board organized a task force, along with church and school staff we worked tirelessly to successfully launch a four-week summer camp and returned to on-campus school in August to start the 2020-2021 school year.
- We added two new classrooms on the second floor of Wilson Hall to accommodate our new first grade and pre – K3 class.
- We continue to offer enrichment classes weekly in Spanish, yoga, music, weekly story time and Godly Play.
- This year we added environmental science to our enrichment offerings for all students, and physical education for our kindergarten and first grade classes.
Students at St. James are guided on a spiritual journey, nurtured by clergy and staff dedicated to the growth of our students.
Our staff consists of 14 highly qualified and dedicated teachers and assistants who share an enthusiastic commitment to our students.
As we look to the future, we want to continue to build on our strong foundation with more exciting initiatives.
We will be offering a second grade for the 2021– 2022 school year. We are currently in the process of creating a strategic plan for the future growth of St. James Episcopal School.
Many thanks to the St. James community for helping us provide a quality and unique education experience to our students in an inclusive Christian community. The continued support of the school by the Rector, Vestry, School Board, Staff, parents and parishioners is an example of the care we share as we carry out our mission to “Introduce children to Christ in a nurturing environment by providing exemplary preparation for future learning.”
I am excited for the year ahead.
Respectively submitted,
Shelley E. Miller
Good Morning and Happy Epiphany,
What a year 2020 was. We started the year with hopes and plans for our beautiful ministry. Then, they suddenly plummeted. We all joined our ministry because we loved our mission to meet and greet our church visitors and to make them feel they had found their church family. In mid March, our lives were turned upside down by something we had never experienced. Many of us joined the phone ministry making calls to our fellow parishioners to make sure no one felt left out. Just because our doors were closed, didn't mean we stopped doing for others.
On January 24, we will have our annual Parish meeting. Your comments concerning our ministry would be greatly appreciated. Just because we are not standing outside meeting and greeting, doesn't mean we don't exist. Keep your comfortable shoes handy, because one day they will be much needed when our doors open wide.
In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.
Blessings to you and yours,
Nancy Dennis
nanhall2001@yahoo.com
251-928-8218
What a year 2020 was. We started the year with hopes and plans for our beautiful ministry. Then, they suddenly plummeted. We all joined our ministry because we loved our mission to meet and greet our church visitors and to make them feel they had found their church family. In mid March, our lives were turned upside down by something we had never experienced. Many of us joined the phone ministry making calls to our fellow parishioners to make sure no one felt left out. Just because our doors were closed, didn't mean we stopped doing for others.
On January 24, we will have our annual Parish meeting. Your comments concerning our ministry would be greatly appreciated. Just because we are not standing outside meeting and greeting, doesn't mean we don't exist. Keep your comfortable shoes handy, because one day they will be much needed when our doors open wide.
In the meantime, stay safe and stay well.
Blessings to you and yours,
Nancy Dennis
nanhall2001@yahoo.com
251-928-8218
