st. james’ episcopal church 204th annual meeting...204th annual meeting february 2, 2020 12:00pm...

ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH 204TH ANNUAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 2, 2020 12:00PM

IgnitingPassionforJesusChristtoChangeLives

TABLE OF CONTENTS

St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 1

TableofContents

Agenda............................................................................................................................................................................2

Rector..............................................................................................................................................................................3

PriestAssociate..........................................................................................................................................................6

Deacon............................................................................................................................................................................7

Warden’sReport........................................................................................................................................................8

Warden&VestryNominatingCommittee.....................................................................................................9

Organist/Choirmaster...........................................................................................................................................12

WorshipBand............................................................................................................................................................13

CongregationalLife................................................................................................................................................14

Children’sMinistry.................................................................................................................................................17

PastoralCare..............................................................................................................................................................20

St.James’PrayerChain.........................................................................................................................................21

AltarGuild...................................................................................................................................................................22

MissionTeam.............................................................................................................................................................23

HumanResources...................................................................................................................................................24

EarthWorks................................................................................................................................................................25

Building&Grounds................................................................................................................................................26

Stewardship...............................................................................................................................................................27

2019FinancialReport..........................................................................................................................................28

2020BudgetNarrative.........................................................................................................................................32

St.James’EpiscopalChurchFoundation......................................................................................................34

TheWomenofSt.James’Report......................................................................................................................35

TheWomenofSt.James’2020Budget.........................................................................................................36

St.James’ThriftShop............................................................................................................................................38

MinutesfromSt.James’2019AnnualMeeting.........................................................................................39

AGENDA

St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport20202

AgendaCalltoOrder TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerper

PrayerfortheParish

AlmightyandeverlivingGod,sourceofallwisdomandunderstanding,

bepresentwithushereaswetakecounselatSt.James’

fortherenewalandmissionofyourChurch.Teachusinallthingstoseekfirstyourhonorandglory.

Guideustoperceivewhatisright,andgrantusboththecouragetopursueit

andthegracetoaccomplishit;throughJesusChristourLord.Amen.

OpeningRemarks

SecretaryElectionSecretary MarieHughes

AppointmentofHeadTellerHeadTeller EarlTuttle

NamingofTellersRetiringVestryMembers CarrieChantler,JohnGilly,BrianHidySt.James’Members-at-Large BillButerbaugh,DavidGeorge

NominatingCommitteeReport ColleenGannon

VestryElections

~ThePollsareopenforonehour~

Approvalofthe2019AnnualMeetingMinutes(Page37)

StateoftheParish TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerper

RecognitionofVolunteerService

StewardshipofFinancesReport ColleenGannonandJimIles

10thAnnual“BodyBuilders”Recognition TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerper

TheReportoftheElections ColleenGannon

RetiringVestryRecognition TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerper

Adjournment

RECTOR


Rector

THE REV. DR. REBECCA B. COERPER Eighteen months ago, St. James’ was awarded a prestigious $50,000 grant from the LillyFoundation forclergyandcongregationalrenewal(sabbatical). Whenthecalendarpage turnedfrom2018to2019,thestaff,sabbaticalplanningcommittee,andVestrysteppedupourprocessofpreparation for the14weeksof sabbatical thatbeganMay20th and culminatedonAugust26th,2019.Thegrantapplicationincludednearlyeverydetailofthesabbatical,so,oncewereceivedtheaward, it was a matter of confirming commitments from leadership, and registrations andreservations.

The themeofmyportionof the sabbaticalwasdeep listening in five relationships thatget lessthanmy best attentionwhileworking full-time. The fivewere:my relationshipwith God,withScripture,withmyhusbandKip,withour grown children, andwithmyphysical health.All theactivitiesofthesabbaticalweredesignedtosupportthelisteningprocessintheserelationships–oftenfocusingonseveralinoneactivity.

Themainactivitiesformyrenewalincluded:

Six days at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in western Massachusetts, including aworkshoponmindfulnesspractices.

Tendays in theHolyLandonapilgrimageoffered throughSt.George’sCollege, JerusalemfollowinginthefootstepsofJesus

TwoweeksinNewHampshireatmyfamily’ssummerhome.

Thirtydays inGreatBritain includingvisits toEdinburgh, Iona, Canterbury, anda ten-daywalking pilgrimage of St. Cuthbert’s Way, along the borderland between Scotland andEnglandwhen our sons, their spouses, and our granddaughters (6months and 3+ years)joinedus.

Inbetweeneachof these activities, I followed the adviceof previous grant recipientsandplannedampletimeforreflection,rest,andpreparation.

Thissabbaticalwastrulytheexperienceofalifetime.Everythingaboutitexceededmyhopesandexpectations.ManypeoplehaveaskedifIhadafavoriteactivity.TrulyIcannotchooseonethingaboveanyother.Itwasallamazingandlife-changing.

The sabbatical planning team also set out to provide parallel listening activities for thecongregationwhileIwasaway.ThepeopleofSt.James’werealsoencouragedtoslowdown,todoless, and to listenmore. The feedback on congregational activities indicates that therewas an

RECTOR


eagernessandappreciationtoengageintheseplans,butalsototakeastepbackfromtheusualbusy-nessofthisparishfamily.

The Clergy Renewal program requires three reports as follow-up to the sabbatical: a financialreport,aclergyreport,andacongregationalreport. Interestingly, thereportsarenotdueuntilSeptember 1, 2022. This indicates their keen interest in the lasting impact for clergy and forcongregation fromundertaking an intentionalsabbatical. I continue reflectingand listening forthewaysinwhichthesabbaticalhastransformedmyrelationshipsandmybeingasapastorandleaderforSt.James’.

Inadditionaltoallthatthesabbaticaloffered,followingaresomehighlightsfromtheremainderof2019:

STAFFING:ThebigstaffingnewswastheretirementofbelovedParishManager,BethCichostepski,after28yearsoffaithfulandexemplaryservice.WecelebratedBethatapartyonDecember3rdand despite cold temperatures, lots of folks courageouslywore “beach attire” in honor ofBethandFran’smovetoFlorida.

Thanks to the Transition Team (John Gilly, BrianHidy, KarenHoyt, andmyself,with helpfrom Laura Posecznick) we accomplished a search process and in mid-December hiredMelissaThompsonasOfficeManagerandNicoleBovaasParishAccountant.Wearealreadyexperiencingtheblessingoftheirprofessionalexpertiseanddelightfulpersonalitiesaseachhelpstosupportandguidethisbusyparish.

FINANCES:St.James’hasastrong,dedicatedandtalentedFinanceCommitteeincludingColleenGannon,JohnGilly,SusanneHouston,andTreasurer,JimIles.Togetherthesefolksarestrengtheningandimprovingourabilitytoforecast,planfor,andtrackSt.James’financialhealth.

2020hasbroughtasmallreductioninincome,whichmeansthatwewillnotbeabletohirepaidstafftocoveralloftheresponsibilitiesincludedinBethCichostepski’sjobdescription.

WORSHIP:Altar Guild co-chairs Corinne and Bill Buterbaugh have infused wonderful energy andcreativity into thismost importantministry, including adding several newmembers. KipCoerperandMichaelLarkincontributeenormouslytotheplanningandpreparationofmusicevery Sunday and especially to festival services. And, St. James’ is richly blessed to haveFOURpreachersinregularrotationincludingToppieBates,EllenKulik,andChuckStewart.

RECTOR


FORMATIONFORALLAGES:Saints-in-Training under Laura Posecznick’s direction, provides a spiritual home for St.James’ youngest (see Laura’s report). We are offering two options for teens: “4West”, acollaborativeyouthministryamongfourlocalEpiscopalchurches,and,amonthlygatheringwithmeforconfirmationpreparation.ThreeadultswereconfirmedinOctober.MikeBrownandChristinaStavenhagen-HelgrenaretrainingwiththeSpiritualRenewalCentertoserveasSpiritualdirectors.EricaOlson-BangandKatelynnRoffowereacceptedbytheDioceseofCNYaspostulantsfromSt.James’andarebeingpreparedforordinationtothepriesthood.Avarietyofadultformationclasseswereofferedthroughouttheyear.

PASTORALCARE:Stephen Ministry, under Nancy Graham’s supervision, continues to be the backbone forpastoral care at St. James’ (see Nancy’s report). Remarkably, 88 home communions wereconducted by Lay Eucharistic Visitors and clergy, nearly double the number of previousyears.

OUTREACHANDMISSION:St. James’continues inpartnershipwith theAuburnRescueMission(seeTomSchneider’sMissionTeamreport).TwoDaysofCommunityserviceeachyear,theYouthpilgrimageandtheMissionofMiracles triptoElSalvador; incrediblegenerosityatChristmasthroughthegivingtree,shoeboxes,pantrycollections,andacoatdrive,allremainimportantaspectsofSt.James’serviceinthecommunity.

AlloftheaboveandsomuchmoreispossiblethroughtheempowermentoftheHolySpiritandthefaithfulness, generosity, collaboration, creativity, perseverance, and sacrifice of so many. I amparticularlythankfulforSt.James’staffwhoeacharepassionate,talented,anddedicatedservants.Ioffermydeepestgratitudeforeachandeveryoneofyou.

Withmylove,gratitude,andprayers,BeckyCoerper+

PRIEST ASSOCIATE


PriestAssociate

THE REV. TOPPIE BATES My role as Priest Associate is defined by my retirement from “active ministry.” By therequirements forministry stated in our Church Canons,my retirement became effective in thespring of 2015. Though once a priest, always a priest, I have been continuingmyministry asdescribedinanannualwrittenagreementbetweenBecky+andme,approvedandsignedbyourBishop.Thisagreementoutlinesmyresponsibilitiesincludingmypreachingschedule,additionalservicesandpastoralresponsibilities.

AnythingadditionalthatIdoisonanindividualagreementbasis.Thisincludedayearandahalfmonthly participation (Jan 2018-May2019) in Becky’s sabbatical planning. From this cameagreed-upon-responsibilities for covering Becky’s 3.5-month sabbatical (5/20/19-8/26/19):leadingworship, preaching, attending to pastoralneeds, and coordinatingministrieswith staff,vestryandTheRev.JimCorlwithwhomIsharedtheclergyrole.Inaddition,duringthisperiodIconducted eleven 2-hour wedding prep sessions, 3 weddings, 2 marriage renewal services, 2baptismsand3funerals.

During this past year, I have continued taking a variety of courses though Oasis, Syracuse andexperiencingaweek-longlearningatChautauquaInstitute(my30thyearinattendancethere).Ihaveattendedall2019DiocesanClergygatheringsandSkaneatelesEcumenicalClergyAssociationmeetings. Icontinuemyministryof13yearswiththeDiocesanCommissiononMinistryandasfacilitatorofaDiocesanDiscernmentTeammeetingmonthlyhereatSt.James.

Inretirementministryhascontinuedtobeafulfillingandenrichingexperience.Thisretirementstage of life has given me the best of all worlds in freedom of choice while participating inministriesofneedandpassion. I rejoiceatwhat theLordshowsmeandbyHisGracegivesmeopportunitytodo.Respectfullyandthankfullysubmitted…ToppieBates+

DEACON


Deacon

THE REV. DR. CHARLES N. STEWART WhenIwasordainedasadeaconinJuneof2016BishopAdamsassignedmetoSt.James’.Deaconsall report to the bishop and the bishop decideswhere deacons work. In late summer of 2017Bishop Duncan Probe asked me to contribute to pastoral care at St. Mark the Evangelist inSyracuse inaddition tomydutiesatSt. James’.Myduties asadeacontakemetomanyvenues.Here’sasummaryofthepastyear.

AT ST. JAMES’

Preachedsixtimes.FacilitatedanadulteducationclassonGenderandtheNiceneCreedinJanuary/February. Facilitated an adult education class on our Baptismal Covenant andHuman Rights in October/November. Served as Deacon at more than eighty Eucharists.Madeafewhospitalvisitstoparishioners.

AT ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST

Imade only elevenpastoral visits as this responsibility came to a conclusion. I served asDeacon at one funeral. I am very happy that they have raised up several Licensed LayEucharisticMinisters.ThecelebrationofmyministrywasonJanuary26ofthisyear.

SUNY UPSTATE HOSPITAL

Assistant Chaplain (more than 500 hours) inMedical ICU units, aswell as responding toCodeselsewhereinthehospital.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

AuditedoneseminarycourseontheGospelofMatthewatColgateRochesterCrozerDivinitySchool.

IN THE DIOCESE

Servedasdeaconat theConventionEucharist.ChairedCompanionDioceseCommittee(ElSalvador) and coordinatedwith theMission ofMiracles. Chaired the diocesan investmentcommittee.LedtheYouthPilgrimage(eightpeople)toElSalvadorinJuly.Servedasdeacontwiceatoursisterparish,SantisimaTrinidadinSanMartin.IbegantomoreintenselystudySpanish, taking twoweeksof immersion classes inEl Salvador andbeginningweekly twohourSkypeclasses.

WARDEN’S REPORT


Warden’sReport

JEFF DAVIS & COLLEEN GANNON Rest, renewal, reflection– thatwas themaintheme forSt. James’ in2019. Unlike thepast twoyears,whichwereverytaskoriented,the2019vestryretreatfocusedonpreparationforBecky’ssabbaticalandwhatthevestrywantedasaparallelexperienceforSt.James’parishioners.ItalsofocusedontheimportantrolethevestrywouldhavewhileBeckywasgone.Allofthispreparationledtoaverysuccessfulseasonofrestandreflection.

WithBeckytakingamuchneededandmuchdeservedsabbaticalin2019,thevestry,clergy&stafffeltthatthecongregationprobablyneededsomethingsimilar.Programstohelpthecongregationfocusonself,relationships,God,&healthweredottedthroughoutthesummerandappeartohavebeenverysuccessful.

Theconcertedeffortof thevestry, staff&supplyclergyreallyhelpedtokeepSt. James’ runningsmoothlywhileBeckywasgoneandwearesoappreciativeoftheirefforts.

WethankourfellowvestrymembersforallthehardworkanddedicationoverthispastyearandespeciallythankouroutgoingvestrymembersCarrieChantler,JohnGilly,andBrianHidyfortheircontributions.WardenJeffDavissalutesColleenGannonforhertirelessworkandexpertiseandisforever grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Vestry and as a Warden. Warden ColleenGannonthanksJeffDavisforhistimeaswardenandhasenjoyedworkingwithhimoverthepastseveralyears;hiswisdomandthoughtfulnesswereamazing.Welookforwardtowelcomingournew vestry members and are excited about the contributions they will make to our vestrythroughouttheirtimeserving.WethankBeckyforherwisdomandguidancethroughouttheyear,especially the work done to secure our new office manager & accountant. We will miss ourlongtime friendandparishmanager,BethCichostepski,whoretiredat theendof2019,butareexcitedtoseethechangesandnewinsightsthatournewofficemanager,MelissaThompson,andaccountant,NicoleBova,willbringtoSt.James.

WARDEN & VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE


Warden&VestryNominatingCommittee

COLLEEN GANNON & CAROLYN LEGG The2019NominatingCommitteewascomprisedofColleenGannon(non-outgoingWarden)whoservedasco-chairwithCarolynLegg(alsoamember-at-large);outgoingvestrymembersCarrieChantler,JohnGilly&BrianHidy;andmember-at-large,BillButerbaugh.

The openpositions tobe filled at the2020annualmeetingwereonewardenand three3-yearpositions.

The committee considered thepositions that theoutgoingvestrymembers filled in the varioussub-committeeswhendecidingwhotoselecttojointhevestry. Creatingawell-balancedvestry,filled with spiritual, energetic, thoughtful and wise people was the goal of the nominatingcommittee.Aftermuchthoughtandprayer,thecommitteepresentedthefollowingslatetovestryforapproval:SusanneHouston,Warden;LauraAbbott,BillSpalding&AnneSveentofillthe3-yearterms. The slate was unanimously approved by the vestry and the names were published viaemail and in the Spirit for the congregation. The Nominating Committee did not receive anypetitionsbytheJanuary12th,2020deadlinetoaddcandidatestotheslate.

TheVestrySlatebeingpresentedis: SusanneHouston,WardenLauraAbbottBillSpaldingAnneSveen

BIOSFORWARDENANDVESTRYCANDIDATES:

SusanneHouston—Jr.Warden Iamhonored tobewriting thisbiography,andgrateful for theopportunity to join the current Vestry and fellownominees inthisleadershipmissionandministryoffaith.My10+yearswithSt.James’havebeenanabsoluteblessing.BeingamemberoftheVestry in the past not only brought me closer to the innerworkings of our faith community but it greatly enriched myspiritual life. I carry those teachings with me daily. Over theyears,Ihavebecomeco-editoroftheSpiritMonthlyNewsletter,filled a seat on the finance committee, served as amember oftheCapitalCampaign,andsingintheChoiratthe9a.m.service.WitnessingtheworksoftheSpiritinandaroundSt.James’hasbeen a true honor, and has filled my life with love. As for



qualifications, I have heldmanywork titleswhich leadme to the last 15 years at the IvystoneGroupnowasBusinessAnalyst.Theseroleshavetaughtmehumility,patience,empathy,honesty,tact, organization, logic, creativity and strength. Combinedwith an open heart and ears turnedtowards the Lord, these are the skills and experiences I will continue to draw on as Warden.Finally,whatdoIenvisionforSt.James’future?Mystoryhasnotchangedintheleast.Istillsharethe vision of continuous growthagainst all odds.This expansion is not just in reference to thenumberoffamiliesmakingupourparishorofthebuildingasitstands,butinSpirit,blowingopenourdoorsandencompassingthoseinourcommunityaswellasabroad.Inaworldwheremanychurchesarestruggling toreach thoseat themarginsand inspire, thisparish family’ssolidarityand faith in God’s plan will become contagious and inviting to all wherever they are in theirjourneyoffaith.

LauraAbbott

My name is Laura Abbott, and I have attended St.James’since2004.IgrewupinInterlaken,N.Y.,andwas raised in theBaptist faith. I attendedChristianschoolsthroughmyfourthyearofcollege.MyfamilymovedtoAuburnin1991,andIattendedafewlocalchurches sporadically, never finding the fit that feltlikehome.IwasinvitedtocheckoutStJames’bymydearfriends,ColleenandJeanGannon.St.James’wasimmediately aplace I couldbe exactlywhere Iwason my journey of faith. I kept coming back, andeventually became a member. What has made thedifference is that I canworship aswell as serve in

churchministries.Mywife,Kristina,and IweremarriedatSt. James’ in2016.Wesingwith theworshipbandatthe10:45service,andalsohelpwithAltarGuildpreparations.IcurrentlyamtheEducator for Sterile Processing at SUNYUpstate UniversityHospital.When I amnot atwork, Ienjoydoingprojectsaroundthehouse,creatingart,adventuringwithmywife,cooking,goingforabike ride, and spending time with my parents and friends. As a member of the Vestry, I willcontinue to support the mission of St. James’ through prayerful consideration and positivecollaboration.IlookforwardtoworkingwiththeleadershipofthisBodyofChrist.Mydesireistoencouragegrowthandprosperity,whilemaintainingafocusonGod,andwhatHiswill isforourscopeofservice.



BillSpalding

IwasbornandraisedhereinSkaneateles.Aftera10-year sojourn inCortlandwhere Imetmywife, Molly, I moved back home. Mygrandparents and my parents were/are StJames’ members. I was christened andconfirmed here. Molly and all three of mychildren were baptized in the lake here at St.James’. My business, Upstate TemperatureControl, is basedhere in Skaneateles servicingHVAC Control systems for larger commercial

buildingsthroughoutUpstate.IamexcitedattheopportunitytogivebackthroughserviceontheVestry.

AnneSveen

IhavebeenamemberofSt.James’formorethan18years.Iammarried to John Sveen and have three daughters, Sarah (21),Mia (18) andLily (10).We lived inCamillus for20years andmovedtoSkaneatelesabout6monthsago.IamapediatricianatUpstateMedicalUniversityandhavebeenthere forover20years.My faithhas alwaysbeena significantpartofmy life. IwasraisedaCatholic,butcametotheEpiscopalChurchabout20 years ago and found a welcoming community here at St.James’.Ifeelitisimportanttolivemyfaithandparticipatinginthe church community is oneway I can do this. In the past Ihavedonethisthroughmymusicorvolunteeringmytime.IampleasedtobeaskedtobeontheVestrybecauseIfeelacalling

toparticipatemore.Thankyouforconsideringmeforthisopportunity.

ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER


Organist/Choirmaster

KIP COERPER The 9am choir now usually has around 15 singing on Sunday morning. A Festival Choir isavailableforthosesingerswhowouldliketosingforspecialoccasionsbutdonothavetimeforthe regular Thursday night commitment. Singers in this groupwill be invited to sing for ourFestivaldayserviceswhichincludeChristmas,Easter,Epiphany,Ascension,Pentecost,Trinity,St.James'Day,andHolyWeekLiturgies.TheFirstSundayofAdventandtheFirstSundayofLentarealsoSundayswhichhave specialmusic including a sungLitanywithhandbellsas theopeningprocession.aroundthechurch.Aspecialeventthisyearwasour“LessonsandCarols”serviceonDecember8,whichincludedthechoirsofSt.Luke'sCamillus,St.PeterandJohn,Auburn,andSt.John's,Marcellus. Weanticipate thisevent,withawonderfulreceptionsupportedby theThriftShop,willbecomeanannualgiftto theSkaneatelescommunity. Over40voicessangatthis joyfilledoccasion.

AFuneralChoirgathersformostfuneralservicestohelpsupportcongregationalsinging.

Dave Peebles – trumpet – blessed us by enhancing the liturgies at Easter and the Christmaspageantservicewithhiswonderfulplaying.Atthe9amChristmasEve,astringquartetandguestfluteplayerblessedusaswell.

MichaelLarkin,St. James'banddirector,singswithusandoccasionallyconductsthechoirwhenKipisattheorgan.

DuringAdventseveralchoirmemberssangcarolsatGatewayandtheAthenaeum.

St. James' 9am choir is a collaborative ministry of joy and caring for each other and for thiscongregation.Weaimtoleadandenhanceworshipwithourvoicesandourpresence.

"SingtotheLordajoyfulsong"!AllGod'speopleareencouragedto"makeajoyfulnoise"andanywhohaveadesiretosingarewelcometojointhisministry.Everyoneisencouragedtosingwithafullvoiceeveninthepews!

WORSHIP BAND


WorshipBand

MICHAEL LARKIN In2017,IvisitedSt. James’forthefirsttime.Tomygenuinedelightandbemusement,thesamewarm and welcoming atmosphere I experience then, is not only still present, but somehowstrongernow.Assomeelementsofthispositioncomfortablysettleintomanageable“boxes”,Iamnonetheless continuously challenged and encouraged by new and completely unexpectedexperiences. Imust thank the band, staff, and congregation of St. James’ for all you’ve done tomakeoureffortssoaccomplishedandappreciated.

In 2018, we purchased an electronic drum set to aid in overall sound balancing. In 2019, wewelcomedMarcusOliver toplay thosedrumsona regularbasisand indoing so,weadded theconsistency of another talented staff member to the music department. After Christmas, PeteThomas stepped down from his position as our A/V specialist. Although the work can beperformed by someone else, Pete cannot be replaced. Slide creation and in-service slideadvancementwillbetheresponsibilityofanewcastofcontributorsin2020.DanielleLarkinhasbeenmakingapositiveimpactasourAudioTechniciansincethispastSummer.Ilookforwardtothecontinuedgrowthofourmusicprogramin2020.

Asalways, thanks toour vocalistsandauxiliarypercussionistsBeckieHidy,BrianHidy,KristinaAbbott, LauraAbbott, andMegAbbottwhoseharmonious contributionsare at the fore-front ofeverything we do. My deepest appreciation to drummer Marcus Oliver, pianist/organist KipCoerper and guitarist/saxophonist/harmonicist John Helgren whose efforts serve as a steadyfoundationforthisgroupmusicallyandinter-personally.It isfromthisplaceofsurefootingthatwemaintainourcooperativequalityandbegintoreachbeyondinthecomingyear!

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE


CongregationalLife

LAURA POSECZNICK As I stare out ofmy officewindow now a fewweeks into 2020, theword that comes tomindsummarizing 2019 is “Change”. The year 2019 started off asmost do with goal setting and astrategicplaninplacereadyforattack.However,lastyeartrulywasagoodtestformeonhowtobeflexibleandadaptable.Godwasaheadofmeinallofit.Whilemypersonalplanwasthrownoutthewindow,abetteronewasexecuted.ThisreportisasharingofsomeofthehighlightsoverthecourseofaverybusyyearfullofimpactfulmemoriespositioningSt.James’toleadthewayinspreadingtheHolySpirit.

St. James’ Church is unique in how itmarries over 30 areas ofministrywith an active diversecongregation.Thereareopportunitiestovolunteerinjustaboutanyarea.Startingcantakesometimeandtraininghoweverit isworthit intheend. Updatedministryguideswillbecomingoutsoonandwillbe locatedonbothwelcometables.Theseare free foranyone to exploreareasofpossible interest for you. If you are looking to feel useful and know that your presence hasmeaning,comevisitwithmeandwecanfindyousomethingthatfitswithyourjourneyinfaith.

Ministryareasthatareinrealneedformorevolunteersare:

• AltarGuild

• Acolytes

• Ushersfor10:45service

• Nurserycaregivers

• Eventswithfood(prep&cleanup)

St.James’heldits3rdVolunteerAppreciationNightwiththethemeofMardiGras!Wellthatwassuchahit,wewillberepeatingthatagainthisyearonFebruary21st!Iencourageyoualltodonateitemsforthegiftbasketraffleandcomejoininthefellowship,Dixielandmusic,foodandfun.ThiscelebrationisforEVERYONE!ThetimingisperfectasitbrightensthegreyofwinterandslidesinbeforetheprayerfulnessofLent.

Notlongafterthe2019VolunteerAppreciationNight,sabbaticalplanningandpreparationwasinfullswing. Becky(andKipforsome)wasgonefromSt.James’fromMay19th-August27th. Withour fearless leader away, it was the staff ’s responsibility to carry her torch for operations,communicationandbasicallykeepthechurchfromburningdowninherabsence.Asmanyofyouknow,weweresuccessfulandduringthistimeneworganizationalsystemsandprocedureswereestablishedelevatingSt.James’processes.Inaddition,St.James’enjoyedmanyinformativeand

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE


spiritually deep programs. These added events supported Sabbatical themes and engaged thecongregation during the summermonthsmorethaninpastyears.Thestaffbecameexperts at scheduling, setting up,overseeing,cleaningupandlearningfromeachprogram.ThisexperienceallowedSt.James’ to get a glimpse of the untappedpotential that awaits aswe keep openingdoorsandexplorenewideas.

SomeResultsfrom2019

• Newworshipschedulingprocedureandconfirmationcommunication

• Buildinguseprocedure

• SafeChurchTraining(2Xayear)bringingeveryoneintocompliance

• LEMTraining(2Xayear)briningeveryoneintocompliance

• AudioVisualexpansivelyricdatabasefor10:45slides

• Picture/imagedatabaseforchurchcommunicationefforts

• WirelessVendorassessmentandcontracttomove forwardwithabetterWIFIsystem in2020

• Bettercommunicationbetweenstaffandvestry

AlargepartofmyrolehereatSt. James’isthatofcommunicationdirector.2019createdlotsofopportunitytoreachouttoboththecongregationandcommunityregardingprogramming.Eachyear,IamstrivingtocreateaconsistentvoiceandgraphiclooktobrandSt.James’astheloving,welcomingpeopleofGod. Thecontinualchallengeisfindingthebestchannelsandmixtoreacheveryone. For themost part, I believe our channels of website, Facebook,Weekly Newsletter,SpiritMonthlyNewsletter,TakingFaithHome,outsidesignsande-blastsseemtobeworking.Oneinterestingfactisthatoure-blastmessageshavea25-40%openratewhichisprettygoodasthenationalaveragerateforreligiousorganizationsis26%. IwouldliketotakethisopportunitytothankLauraSpanfelner(editoroftheWeeklyandoutsidesignagedesigner,SusanneHoustonandJon Glass (editors of the Spirit), and Terry Askey-Cole (graphicdesigner for special bulletins&projects). These talented individualsallowmetodomy jobmore effectively. St. James’ “looks”goodbecauseoftheirefforts.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE


Asmentionedinthebeginningofthispiece,2019wastheyearof “Change”. The biggest change moment came with theannouncement that Beth Cichostepski, Parish Manager forover28yearswillretireattheendofyear.IdobelievewesentBeth off to retirement showing her the immense love andappreciation we have for all she did for St. James’. Thevolunteersforthatpartyweresogreatmakingitafestivetimefullof fun, loveanda fewtears. While there isphysicallynoway to download Beth’s knowledge effectively, the staffworkedhardtolearnasmuchaswecouldthelastfewmonthsand put in place new procedures. Losing a foundation staff

memberisnevereasyhoweverIdobelieveGod’splantohaveSt.James’restructureandorganizeforthefutureispositive.MelissaThompson,OfficeManagerandNicoleBova,ParishAccountantareextremelytalentedandwillsurelyaddtoawell-functioningstaff. Theirfreshoutlook,ideasandenergyarealreadyappreciated.

Inconclusion,whileyearspassbysometimesinablurtheoneconstantandneverchangingitemistheintenseappreciationIfeelforbeingabletoworkforSt.James’. Iconsideritanhonorandprivilegetobeapartofthisfamilyandhelpinjustsomesmallwayeachday. ThankyouallformakingSt.James’suchaspecialchurch.MayGod’sblessingbewitheachofyoufor2020.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY


Children’sMinistry

LAURA POSECZNICK The innocence and joy of children is one of themost amazing blessings God has given us. St.James’ is so lucky to be able to offer a staffed nursery, Saints in Training Sunday School,ConfirmationtrainingandMiddle/HighSchoolYouthGroupprograms.Thekeyto2019hasbeenflexibility.St.James’sawincreasedparticipationinthenurseryandSaintsinTrainingagegroups.Olderyoutharefindingitchallengingtofitorganizedprogramsintotheiralreadyoverscheduledlife.St.James’ifforevercommittedtoservingyouthandfamilies.Childrenaregiftsanddeservesupport on their journey in faith just as adults. The trick is figuring out what best supportsfamilies.ThiswasandwillcontinuetobeanongoingareaofexplorationforSt.James’.

The St. James’ nursery has grown over 2019. Emily Thomas served as Nursery Coordinatororganizingvolunteers,makingsurethenurserystayssafeandclean,andworkedwithmeonnewitemsthatwouldbewelcomedinthespace.EmilysteppeddowninJanuaryandweallthankherfora tremendous job. Thenursery isgrowingby leapsandboundswithyoung facesmaking itnecessarytokeepstaffedat10:30-11:15.Findingcaregiverswillingtobesafechurchtrainedandgiveoftheirworshiptimeischallenging.Thisisaconstantareaofvolunteeringneed.Ifyoueverwanttosmile,takeatripdowntothenurserytoseethesecutelittlepeopleplayingandgettingcomfortablewithchurch.St.James’welcomesALLandwewantouryoungpeopletofeelwelcomeandcomfortabletooinGod’shouse.

Saints inTraininghavebeenverybusymeeting28 timesover the courseof the year. They allenjoyeachother’scompanyandwecontinuetoworkonrespectingeachother’sideas,space,andtalents.Crafts,books,gamesandmoviesarebighitswiththiscrew.Manywouldbesurprisedatthethoughtfulnessoftheiranswerstosimplequestionslike“WhoisJesus?”.Thisprogramisforchildrenages4-10yearsofage.Thiskeepsmeonmytoestocreatelessonsthatcanflexbasedonwhocomestoclassthatweek.SofarIbelievewehavebeensuccessful.Therearealwaysstationsofcrafts,activitysheets,kineticsand,etc.forkidswhoarehavingahardtimefocusingwiththegroup. Followingtheliturgicalcalendar,theSaintsinTrainingarelearningsimilarBiblelessonswith added focus on how it applies to their own lives. Additionally,we sometimes go off intotangentswhentheircuriousmindsaskgoodquestions.ThekidslovedfillingthebagsforthefoodpantryatThanksgivingandhelping tomakeornaments atChristmas. ThePageantwasahugesuccessandIamalwaysamazedathowitallcomestogethereachyear.WedidthesecondyearofTheBestNewsversion.Nextyearanewpageantwillbeintroduced.Iwaspleasantlysurprisedathowmanykidswantedto“speaklines”thisyear.Ithinkwehavesomerealtalentdeveloping.Aswegointo2020,thecorechildreninthisgroupwillbeusingandlearninghowtoreadtheBiblewhichtheWomenofSt.James’donatedasettotheclass.



4WESTistheMiddle&HighSchoolyouthprogram.ThisprogrammeetsonceamonthandyouthfromMarcellus,Camillus,SyracuseandSkaneatelesparticipate.Thisgroupofyouthischallengedby time. They are overscheduled and find church not on the priority list. St. James’ iscommunicatesallDiocesanYoutheventstofamiliesbutparticipationislow.Wearetryingtofindthatmagicprogramor“thing”thatwouldincreaseparticipation.Rightnow,allwecandoismakesurefamiliesknowthatGodlovestheiryouthandhopefullytheywillcometoworshipservices.In2020,wewillbelookingatpossiblemoresupportresourcesthatcanbedonefromhomebutkeepyouthconnectedtoafaith-filledlife.

As the Children’sMinistry Team leader I am allowed to interactwith such fun kids and lovingfamilies. St. James’ continues to be blessed with wonderful families of all shapes and sizes.Currently there areover70 childrenages0-16yearsof age inour congregation. Mygoal is tomakesurefamiliesknowthattheirchildislovedandfamilyissupportedbySt.James’.Nothingismoreimportantthansupportingeveryone’sjourneyinfaith. St. James’willcontinuetostrivetolookforcreativeandpositivewaystobringchildrenandfamiliesclosertoJesus.Thankyoutoallwhoparticipatewithkidsinourchurchandmodelthewayoflove.

PASTORAL CARE


PastoralCare

NANCY GRAHAM Be Kind to one another, tenderhearted …. Ephesians 4:32 WeareallprovidingPastoralCareatSt.James’whenwelendalisteningear,makeaphonecalltocheckon someone, senda card, prepare ameal, provide a ride andwhenwepray for those inneed. Some of our Pastoral Care Ministries include our Prayer teams that are available forconfidential and private prayer. Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by our diocese to carrycommuniontohomesandhospitalsasthevisiblesignofourLord’spresence.ParishNursesofferindividual guidance with health concerns, and Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one Christiancaregiving.OtherexamplesofPastoralCareatSt.James’arealtarflowerdeliveries,prayershawlsandourprayerchain.

Stephen Ministry – Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who receive specialtraining toprovideone-on-onecare topeople inourcongregationandcommunityexperiencingchallenges in life; grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, job loss andmany other difficulties.OurStephenMinistersworkwithBecky,ToppieandChucktoreachmorepeoplewithcarethantheycanreachbythemselves.NancyGrahamandDebraBrillatiaretheStephenLeadersandwillofferanothertraininginthefallof2020.Wehave18activeStephenMinistersreachingoutwithcaretoourparishioners.ContactBecky,Nancy,orDebra.

Prayer Ministry – The Healing service with Holy Eucharistic and individual prayer is eachWednesdayat6:00pm. WealsoofferprivateandconfidentialprayeronSundaysat thePeaceAltarduringcommunion.Youmaybringaprayerconcernforyourselforforanother.

Prayer Chain –Whena need is knownand permission is given, the prayer request goes to theemail prayer chain. Corinne Buterbaugh leads our prayer chainministry, sending out requests,includingaprayer,toateamofpray-ers.

PrayerShawlsarefrequentlybeingmadebypeoplewhoknitandcrochetatSt.James.TheshawlsareplacedonthealtarandblessedattheWednesdaynightserviceandthentakentosomeoneinneed. Allarewelcometotakeaprayershawltosomeonewhowouldfeelthiscomfort,theyarelocatedintheSacristy.Hundredshavebeenblessedandgivenout.

The Martha’s prepare a variety of recipes with great attention to special needs and dietaryrestrictions.Thishelpfulgroupmeetsregularlytopreparemeals.Otherscookathomeandkindlybringmealstoincludeinthefreezer.Ifyouareinterestedinhelping,contactChrisDelmonico.

Altarflowersaredeliveredeachweekandcardsaresenttopeopleontheprayerlist.

All arewelcometo joinoneormoreof ourPastoralMinistries,askBeckyorNancy if youhavequestions.

ST. JAMES’ PRAYER CHAIN


St.James’PrayerChain

CORINNE BUTERBAUGH Prayer requests andupdates are emailed tomembers aswe learnof prayerneeds fromclergy,staff,orparishioners.Weprayforthosefacingillness,difficultdecisions, loss,orotheradversityandgivethankswiththoseexperiencingjoyfulevents.

In2019,morethan150distinctprayerrequestswerereceivedandsenttoprayerchainmembers.Currently,theemailprayerchainhas23members.

HOWITWORKS: To request prayer for an individual, get his or her permission, and then ask me([email protected])toaddthatpersontotheemailprayerchain.Ifthesituationisasensitiveone,askforprayerswithoutmentioningnames(askforprayersforafriend,forexample)orusingonlytheindividual’sfirstname.Godknowsthedetails!

Tell theclergyorcall thechurchoffice(315-685-7600)toaddanameto theprayer lists in theweeklybulletin.

Itisourgreatprivilegetopraydailyforyou,thewidercommunity,andtheworld.

ALTAR GUILD


AltarGuild

BILL & CORINNE BUTERBAUGH Lastyear,St.James’AltarGuildmemberspreparedthealtarformorethan230services,includingweddings,funerals,baptisms,weeklyservices,andspecialHolyWeekservices.

St. James’couldn’toffer fourdistinctserviceseveryweekwithoutourmore than30AltarGuildmembers. Dedicated Altar Guildmembers work on four teams led by Nancy Graham, DarwinParker,DianeSteckel,andJaniceWoodford.DotPittmanleadsourflowerguild.

TeammembersgenerallyserveonSaturdaymornings(onceamonth–for30to45minutes)andoneSundaymorningamonth–beforeoraftertheservicetheynormallyattend.Newmembers—menandwomen—arewelcome!

Afterdecadesoffaithfulservice,SueSpaldingsteppeddownasAltarGuildteamcaptainlastyear.Thankyou,Sue!

MISSION TEAM


MissionTeam

TOM SCHNEIDER St.James’hasbeenactiveattheAuburnRescueMissionthisyear!

Anewhealthyeatingministrywaspresentedwithmuchsuccess,severalofSt. James’musiciansperformedonmultipleoccasions,thefallharvestparty,PolarExpressparty,studenttutoringandend of summer block party, just to name a few. In December St. James’ sponsored the annualAuburnRescueMissionChristmaspartyforthosewhohavebeenservedbytheRescueMissionintheAuburnarea.Agreatcrowdof115peopleattendedtheparty,not includingourvolunteers!Thekidshadablastwithahostofactivitiestoparticipateinataverylivelyparty!Andallofyouhelped support our pajamapurchase for the residents at Christmas time. This is on top of themuch-neededcontinuedfinancialsupportofourRescueMissionpartnership.

We are continuing our quarterly meetings with the Rescue Mission staff, and there are newvolunteeringpossibilitiesonthehorizon.RecentlySt.James’wasblessedwiththeopportunitytostartschedulingourownmonthlyorperiodicactivitiesatMerrimanCircle.ThisshouldgiveusamoredefiniteschedulebywhichourvolunteerscaninteractwithourbrothersandsistersattheAuburnRescueMission.Lookforascheduleofeventscomingyourwaysoon!

We look forward to our new year with the RescueMission, and how the Holy Spirit might beleadingustoworkandservewiththoseatMerrimanCircleinthefuture.Ifyouwouldliketobeapart of St. James’ partnership with the Rescue Mission please contact Tom Schneider, NancyGrahamorChristinaStavenhagen-Helgren.

Hopeyoucanjoinus!

HUMAN RESOURCES


HumanResources

KAREN HOYT Thehumanresourcecommitteeservesasanadvisorygroupprovidingguidanceforperformancemanagement,recruitmentandhiring,conflictresolutionandbenefitsandcompensation.During2019,thecommitteeassistedtheRectorandSt.James’Vestryintheprocessofhiringtwonewkeypositions.

EARTHWORKS


EarthWorks

KIP COERPER EarthWorks members pray that paying attention to our environmental footprint will becomesecondnaturetoindividualsandinstitutions.Towardsthatend,wefeelaresponsibilitytoteachenvironmental awareness and stewardship of the earth's resources. Earthworks membersreceivedmanycallstoactionviaemailtobeinvolvedinlocalandNationalglobalwarmingissues.WeregularlycollaboratewithSustainableSkaneateles

AndwehelpedputtogethertheannualEarthDayChurchServices,inApril,byincludingreadings,prayers,andmusiconenvironmentalstewardship.

InOctober,wehelpedsponsoralecture/discussiononclimatechangewithalmost100peopleinattendance. During Lent 10 people embarked on a book study on climate change whichencouragedeachofustolookatwaysourlifestylechoicesimpacttheenvironment.

WeregularlyincludeaprayerforcaringfortheenvironmentinourPrayersofthePeople.

Asweintentionallycareforourbuilding,wearemindfulofreplacinglightbulbswithLEDbulbs.Wehaverecyclingbinsaroundthechurchwhereourusedpaperistossed.Werecyclethemanybatteries that are used in our electronic equipment. Our furnaces are on programmablethermostats,sotheheatisturneddownwhenthebuildingisnotinuse.Letusknowifyouwouldlikehelpmakingyourhomemoreenergyefficient.

“Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, youmade us fellow workers in yourcreation: Giveuswisdomandreverenceso touse theresourcesofnature, thatnoonemaysufferfrom our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for yourbounty.Amen.”BCPp.827

BUILDING & GROUNDS


Building&Grounds

DAVE PLOGMAN SomeareasthatneededBuildingandGroundsattentionin2019wereasfollows:

• Wehadanotherparishhallwindowreplacedthispastsummerasthesealhadfailed.TheSouthfacingviewofthelakeisnowrestored.

• Wehadsometreeworkdonelastsummeraswell,afterawindstormcamethrough.Thetreewasontheeastsidepropertylineandlostacoupleoflargelimbs.Buttoneditupquickly.

• Wehadtheusualplumbingrelatedissues:drainsandvalvesmostly.Severalsmokealarmbatteriesreplaced.Tookcareofthemoneatatime.

• Theoutdoorlightsonthenewwalkwaywerenotworkinglaterintheyear,aftersomeinvestigationitturnedoutthelightsensorwasout.Replacedthesensorandwe’rebackinbusiness.AlsoinstalledanewoutletcovertopreventtheGFIoutletonthewestsidefromtrippingeverytimeitrains.

• TheJohnDeeretractorgotatuneupandacoupleofnewfronttiresafterthecuttingseasonwasdone.

• Wewillbehavingtherectoryfrontporchrebuiltnextsummerandsomepaintingdonetothechurchdormers.Stilllookingatquotesfortheseprojects.

TheBuildingandGroundsCommitteeplanstomeetsoontodiscusspastprojectsandplanfornewonesin2020.

STEWARDSHIP


Stewardship

THE REV. DR. REBECCA B. COERPER “Everything that happens at St. James’ – every aspect of ministry, mission, pastoral care, education, communication, fellowship and worship – everything that happens here happens through the power of the Holy Spirit and because people are generous with the financial resources God gives them.” -The Rev. Becky Coerper

PLEDGINGFOR2020

Pledgesreceived $336,297

Pledgesanticipated $9,500

Regulargivers $61,000

Totalfor2020 $406,797

ThesecommitmentsallowSt.James’toproceedinto2020knowingitcancontinueitsmissioninahealthyfinancialstate.

We are very thankful to all those whomake St. James’ a priority in your annual giving. Thisincludes121householdswhomadeapledgetothe2020operatingbudget,aswellasthosewhogiveregularly.Yourgenerosityisextremelyimportanttotheongoingwitnesswemakeeachandeverydaythroughoutthesurroundingcommunities.

2019 FINANCIAL REPORT


2019FinancialReport

JIM ILES

Category 2019

Actual 2019

Budget Budget

Variance 2018

Actual

Change From Prior Year 2018

Revenue Income from Giving $430,096.63 $429,372.00 $724.63 $440,240.50 ($10,143.87) All Other Income 58,142.76 50,291.33 7,851.43 45,967.57 12,175.19

Total Revenue $488,239.39 $479,663.33 $8,576.06 $486,208.07 $2,031.32

Expenses

Wages $286,092.51 $285,697.83 ($394.68) $278,124.97 $7,967.54 Administration 40,087.28 39,506.00 (581.28) 40,671.98 (584.70) Church Property 48,056.53 49,621.00 1,564.47 46,505.92 1,550.61 Education 6,082.16 7,389.11 1,306.95 5,050.24 1,031.92 Ministry 18,770.32 20,668.46 1,898.14 20,321.79 (1,551.47) Outreach 73,351.28 73,834.67 483.39 67,277.77 6,073.51 Pastoral Care 2,646.28 3,800.00 1,153.72 4,410.41 (1,764.13) Visibility 1,054.98 2,000.00 945.02 802.40 252.58 Worship 10,345.19 10,130.38 (214.81) 8,217.08 2,128.11 Total Expenses $486,486.53 $492,647.45 $6,160.92 $471,382.56 $15,103.97

Net Income $1,235.51 $14,825.51 ($13,590.00)

Note: Amounts in parentheses are negative

2019 HIGHLIGHTS OF FINANCIAL RESULTS Revenue

• IncomefromGivingwasdownfromprioryear$10,000,butveryclosetobudget• OtherIncomewasoverbudget$8,000,largelyduetoBuildingUseandMisc.Income• Overall,Incomewasgreaterthanprioryearabout$2,000orlessthanahalfofonepercent•

Expenses

• Wages,AdministrationandWorshipExpenseswereoverbudget,butveryslightly• Building&GroundsExpenseswereoverbudget$6,000duetounplannedbuilding

expenses• Allotherswereunderbudget,fourgreaterthan$1,000andonealmost$2,000under



• Overall,Expensesweregreaterthan2018byover$15,000Net Income

• NetIncomefortheyearwas$1,236.Thisisadropfromtheprioryear;whichwassimilarinsizetoadropfromtheyearbeforethat.RevenuegrowthcontinuestoneedtobeafocusinthefaceoftheinflationarypressuresonExpenses.

2019 HIGHLIGHTS – FINANCIAL COMMITTEE Financial Accounting

EffortscontinuetointegrateandstandardizeSt.James’financialaccountingpractices.In2019,theCapitalCampaign(StandingTall)financialrecordswasaddedtotheOperatingBalance Sheet, resulting in a consolidated view of almost all the church’s functionsrequiringfinancialoversite.

Revenue Growth

Amajorareaoffocusin2019lookedattheuseofourParishbuildings.PublicuseofSt.James’ spaces was more formalized and rental/use fees standardized. An Agreementbetween the church and individuals/organizations wishing to use facilities within thechurchwasalsoimplemented.Mostnotableoftheresultsofthiseffortmaterializedinaworkspace Lease Agreement between St. James’ and the Skaneateles Lake Association.Othergrowthopportunitiescontinuetobesoughtandimplemented.

Staffing Changes

TheFinanceCommitteecelebratedwiththerestoftheChurchtheaccomplishmentsandretirement of Beth Chicostepski as she left St. James’ employ in December. We alsowelcomedNicoleBovainanewlyestablishedParishAccountantposition.NicolewillworkcloselywiththeFinanceCommittee,aswellaswiththenewlyappointedOfficeManager,MelissaThompson.



2019 PLEDGE REPORT

Budget Actual Variance

Pledge Offerings $351,597 $341,060 ($10,536)

Percentage Over -Under -2.7%

• TotalPledgeOfferingswereshortofBudgetpredictionsbyabout$10,000whichisn’tbadbygeneralbudgetstandards.ThetrendinRevenuediscussedaboveistheoverallconcern.

• TheCommitteecalledfortwoAppealsmadeduringtheyearnotedinJuneandSeptember.Thesegentleremindersgiveusincreasedresults.ThoseandtypicalChristmasgenerosityhelpedtheyearcomeclosetogoal.

$0

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$40,000

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2019AnnualPledgeOfferings

19Budget 19Offerings AppealMade



2019 STANDING TALL FINANCIAL STATUS TheStandingTallFinancialAccountingwastransitionedtoSt.James’AccountingProcessinOctober2018,integratedwiththeOperatingAccountingprocessonJanuary1,2019andrecentlycompleteditsfirstfullyearofmanagementbytheFinancialCommittee.WhatwasessentiallyaCapitalProjectfundsupportingthesubstantialrenovationsandimprovementstotheChurchinrecentyears,italsohadacommitmenttosupportmissionactivitiesofSt.James,asoverseenbytheVestry.ThefollowingrepresentstheYearEnd2019statusoftheStandingTallfund:

TotalRaisedbytheTwoCapitalCampaignPhases $2,637,993**

TotalAllocatedtoMissionActivities 154,264

TotalSpentToDateonMission 29,268

RemainderDueMission 124,994

StandingTallAccountBalance 130,722

SurplusAvailableforFutureCapitalProjects 5,728

**NotallmoniesraisedduringtheCapitalCampaignswereeligibleforMissionReserve. [email protected]

2020 BUDGET NARRATIVE


2020BudgetNarrative

COLLEEN GANNON In 2019, we continued to refine the budgeting process in an attempt to make it easier tounderstandandtomake itasaccurate aspossible. To ensureproperbudgeting for2020, eachcommittee chair was asked to submit budget requests early in the fall so that the financecommitteehadample time to evaluate expenses vs. income. All areasof incomeandexpenseswerereviewedandcomparedtopastfinancialstoensurethehighestlevelofaccuracypossible.

Unfortunately, decreased pledges and small increases in non-discretionary expenses forced thefinancecommitteeandvestrytoholdthemajorityofthediscretionaryspendingflatfrom2019.Asinpastyears,thevestryhasapprovedabudgetthathasananticipatednegativenetincome,thevalueofthisnegativenumberisapprox.44%ofthenetpositiveincomeaveragedoverthepast3years.

Thepledgesreceivedfor2020are$15,300lessthan2019;the2018pledgeswere$4,300lessthan2018.Thisnegativetrendinpledgeshasbeencontinuingforthepastseveralyearsandforcesthefinancecommitteeandvestrytoputmorefaithinregulargivingfamilieswhodon’treturnpledgecards. This isnotamodeofoperation thatthe financecommittee likestohave,so ifyoudidn’tpledgefor2020,pleaseconsiderpledgingfornextyear.Ifyoudidpledge,THANKYOU!

2020BUDGETHIGHLIGHTS

• Thefoundationapproveda5%drawfromeachofthefoursleevesthatareincludedinthebudget.Wehavedecidedtousethefull5%allottedinthisyear’sbudget

• To care for our staff, a 2.0% raise was given to all staff members and contract workers(exceptournewhires)

• Thetotalwagesforournewofficemanagerandparishaccountantarealmost$15,000lessthanwhatwewerepayingBeth;whilethiswascriticaltohelpingusbalancethebudget,itdoescomewithareductioninstaffedofficehours

• Infacingadifficultfinancialsituationfor2020,wedecidednottoincreaseourpledgetotheDiocesethisyear.AletterexplainingoursituationhasbeensenttotheDiocese.

• Drawfromprevious3yearsaveragednetincomewillbeusedtocoverremainingbudgetgap

• Theanticipatedbudgetgapfor2020is$6,339.15

Thanks to everyone on the finance committee who worked hard all year to get our financialstatements, reporting & processes streamlined, accurate & efficient. Thanks to the financecommittee,staff&vestryforhelpandguidanceduringthebudgetcreationprocess.

2020 BUDGET NARRATIVE


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ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH FOUNDATION


St.James’EpiscopalChurchFoundation

MEG O’CONNELL The St. James’ Episcopal Church Foundation holds endowed and restricted funds gifted to St.James’ Church. There are five separate accountsmanagedwithin the portfolio from charitablegiftsgiventotheChurch.

VeraHowardFund,establishedin1992,supportsChristianeducationprojects

HazelSmithFund,establishedin1992,supportscapitalexpenditures

BishopKelloggFund,establishedin2000,supportsgeneraloperations

OutreachFund,establishedin1998,supportoutreachactivities

St. James’ Fund, a general fundthatholds restrictedgifts givenbydonors tobeused forgeneralsupportoftheChurch

Asof thethirdquarterreport(9/30/2019), the five fundscomprising theSt. James’Foundationtotaled$1,484,608.

In2019,theSt. James’EpiscopalChurchFoundationprovided$4,890forOutreachactivitiesand$25,143forgeneraloperatingsupportoftheChurch.

The assets of the St. James’ Foundation aremanaged by AlescoAdvisors as part of the UnifiedInvestmentFundoftheEpiscopalDioceseofCentralNewYork. AlescoAdvisorsareindexbasedmanagersandassuchareactivelymanagingpassiveinvestments.

RespectfullysubmittedbytheSt.James’EpiscopalChurchFoundationBoardofDirectors,

MegO’Connell(President),BillMahood(VicePresident),ChristineBurgher(Secretary), JohnWatt(Treasurer),JeffDavis(Warden),ColleenGannon(Warden),MarkKulik,ChrisSmith,Rev.Dr.BeckyCoerper,BethCichostepski

THE WOMEN OF ST. JAMES’ REPORT


TheWomenofSt.James’Report

BETTY KNICKERBOCKER TheWomenofSt.James’counselmeetmonthlytodiscussdisbursementsasgeneratedbytheSt.James’ThriftShop.Thefundsaregiventoavarietyofgroupsaslistedinthe2020budget.Othertopicsdiscussedarethewomen’sresponsibilitiesinthefollowingareas:

President,Kitchen,Hospitality: BettyKnickerbocker

Secretary: ConnieTuttle

Treasurer: SusanGibides

ThriftShopRepresentative: JeanBailer

Sunshine(cards): LoisLaxton

Program&Publicity

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We collected 75 scarves. Thank you for yourgenerousdonations.ThescarvesweregiventotheAmericanCancerSocietyinSyracuse.Thankyou!

WewereverybusyonDecember10th in thekitchenputting togetherbaskets (cookies) for our“FriendsatHome.”Thebasketswereoverflowingwithcookies,candy,andaspecialtopperfromthe“SaintsinTraining.”Thankstoallwhobaked,putthebasketstogether,anddeliveredthem.AspecialthankyoutoLoisLaxtonformakingthebasketsfromdonatedChristmascardseachyear.Yourcontinuedsupportenablesustoreachouttosomanypeopleinsomanyways. Wedeliverapproximately65basketseachyear.

THE WOMEN OF ST. JAMES’ 2020 BUDGET


TheWomenofSt.James’2020Budget

SUSAN GIBIDES

2019 2020 ANTICIPATED INCOME Thrift Shop 26,000.00 28,250.00 Transfer from Savings 650.00 0.00 TOTAL 26,650.00 28,250.00

EXPENDITURES (INSIDE PARISH) Diocesan Gift 3,000.00 3,000.00 Gifts, Sunshine, & Postage 200.00 200.00 Staff Christmas Gifts 850.00 850.00 Memorial Fund 200.00 250.00 Support Fund Church School 300.00 300.00 Choir 300.00 300.00 Special Musicians 400.00 400.00 Marthas 750.00 750.00 Rec./Assoc. Disc. Fund 3,000.00 3,000.00 St. James' Rescue Project 200.00 250.00 9,200.00 9,300.00

Christian Education Scholarship/Staff Development 1,000.00 1,000.00 Youth Scholarship/S.I.T. 1,000.00 1,000.00 El Salvador Scholarship 1,200.00 1,200.00 Deacon Allow. 1,200.00 1,200.00 SUBTOTAL 4,400.00 4,400.00

Outreach Seamen’s Institute 200.00 250.00 National Cathedral 200.00 250.00

THE WOMEN OF ST. JAMES’ 2020 BUDGET


2019 2020 Special Donations El Salvador Medical Mission 0.00 300.00 Episcopal Relief & Development 1,100.00 1,500.00 Samaritan Center 2,400.00 2,400.00 Ephphatha 200.00 250.00 Rescue Mission 300.00 300.00 St. Peter & St. John's 750.00 750.00 Prayer Shawl Ministry 400.00 400.00 Skaneateles Clergy Assoc. 600.00 600.00 SUBTOTAL 6,150.00 7,000.00

COMMUNITY NEEDS Food Baskets 200.00 250.00 Skaneateles Ecumenical Food Pantry 1,000.00 1,000.00 Hospice of the Finger Lakes 300.00 300.00 Francis House 300.00 300.00 Matthew House 300.00 300.00 S.A.V.E.S. 200.00 250.00 Matthew 325 Farm 0.00 300.00 Skaneateles Library 200.00 250.00 Skaneateles Firemen 200.00 250.00 Helping Hands 300.00 300.00 Laker Limo 200.00 250.00 Emergency Fund 2,000.00 2,000.00 Habitat for Humanity/Onondaga 200.00 250.00 Habitat for Humanity/Cayuga 200.00 250.00 SUBTOTAL 5,600.00 6,250.00

OPERATING EXPENSES Coffee Hour & Supplies 1,200.00 1,200.00 Annual Audit 100.00 100.00 SUBTOTAL 1,300.00 1,300.00

TOTAL 26,650.00 28,250.00

ST. JAMES’ THRIFT SHOP


St.James’ThriftShop

SUSAN GIBIDES TheSt.James’ThriftShop,begunin1950by5enterprisingwomen,hasjustfinishedits69thandmost successful year of operation. Around 40 volunteers from various churches and localcommunities staff our shop by alternating three-hour shifts six days aweek eachmonth. OurThriftShopBoardandafewdesignatedhelperspriceandputoutthelargeamountsofdonationandconsignmentitemsthatover80peoplebringtotheshopannually.

This year several of our interior displays were changed due to a generous donation from theMichael Tanchak family. Wewere able to purchase some new shelving units that brighten thestoreandshowoffmore itemsinourvery limitedspace in thebasementoftheMasonicLodge.Wecontinuetoreceivecomplimentsonthemandhowtheyhelpthevisualatmosphere.

Weseektoofferawarmandfriendlyshoptoallthosewhoenterourdoors,beitsimplyasmileorclothingorhomegoodsyouareinsearchof.Weseetownspeople,tourists,andmulti-generationsreturningtoourshopeachyear.Itisamazingtoseethebreadthofdistancepeoplewhoenterourshophavecomefrom.

Becauseofourgenerouscustomers,wehavebeenblessedtocontributeourfullamountneededinthe budget of the Women of St. James’. This budget covers a variety of Diocesan, Parish, andspecific community andoutreachneeds.Beside thebudget listwedividedanadditional $4,000amongTHRIVE(DomesticViolenceSupportGroup),North&WestAthleticandEducationCenter,TinyHomes for Veterans andHomeless, CNYDiaper Bank, UrbanDelights City Garden Project,LakesidePerformingArtsSeriesatSt.James,andtheSpaffordandSkaneatelesFoodPantries.Attheendofthreemonthswedisperseourgoodstoavarietyofothermissiongroupstohelpthemcontinuetheirministries.

We are always looking to welcome new volunteers, especially fellow Episcopalians, men orwomen,toassistusinourmission.Youcanbringafriendwithyoutokeepyoucompany!It’sagreatwaytointeractwiththecommunity.Pleasecomejoinus!!

MINUTES FROM ST. JAMES’ 2019 ANNUAL MEETING


MinutesfromSt.James’2019AnnualMeeting

MARIE HUGHES February 3, 2019

TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerpercalledthemeetingtoorderat12:00PMandopeneditwithaprayer.SheexplainedtotheparishionershowthemeetingwassubjecttoSt.James’by-laws,theCanonsoftheDioceseofCNY, theNYS lawsgoverning religious corporations, theCanonsof theEpiscopalChurch,thewisdomofHolyScripture,Robert’sRulesorOrder,andcommonsense.

MarieHugheswasnominated toserveassecretary for themeetingbyEllenKulik;secondedbyBrianHidy;approvedbyall.

ElectionofVestryMembers:JamesBrownwasnamedHeadTeller,assistedbyVestrymembers,NancyCorlandAmyTuttle.MollySpaldingwasappointedmember-at large.TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerperexplainedtheprocedurefortheelectionofVestrymembers.Votingwouldbeopenforonehour, and each voter needed to sign in in order to vote. Candidates had been chosen by anominatingcommittee,andnamescouldbesubmittedbypetitionaswell.Nonameswerebroughtforth by petition; therefore, the Rector called upon Junior Warden, Jeff Davis, to present thenominating committee’s slate. Those chosen were: Colleen Gannon for Junior Warden; CathyBuck,EricaOlsen-Bang,andCathyValentineforathree-yeartermeach.Beforeopeningthepolls,The Rev. Dr. Becky Coerper thanked the diligentwork of the nominating committee under theleadershipofoutgoingVestrymember,CarolynLegg.Thepollswereofficiallyopenedat12:06PMandscheduledtocloseat1:06PM.

2018AnnualMeetingMinutes:TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerperstatedtheminuteshadbeenreadbyMarthaStilesandDanSpencer foraccuracyandcouldbe foundonpage35and36of the2019meetingdocuments.SusanSpencermadeamotiontoapprovetheminutes;secondedbySharonArliss;approvedbyall.

Rector’sStateoftheParishAddress:TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerperstatedthattoday’smeetingwashertenthAnnualMeetingatSt.James’partlybecausethecountisayearaheadofwhereitwouldbesince thechange tohold themeeting inFebruaryrather thanDecember. Incontinuation, theRectorstateditisasignificantturningpointforSt.James’sinceshehasbeenRectorforthepast81/2years.Shetoldthecongregationitisatimeforhertopause,toberefreshed,toberenewed,and to be restored for the ministry upon which she was called (the activities and fruit ofsabbatical). Whileshewillbeparticipating inhersabbatical, thecongregationwillalsobeonaparallel journey seeking renewal. The sabbaticalwill be covered by a $50,000 Lilly FoundationGrantshewasawarded.InhertimeatSt.James’muchofthetimewasspentintaskorientedhard-workaslistedonpages4and5intheAnnualReport.However,nowisthetimetobenourishedin



God’sgracewhichwillhelpflourishthemissionandpeopleoftheparishaseveryoneundertakesthis journey together. It will be a time to establish health, balance, restoration, and renewalthrough rest, exercise, reading, reflection, travel, pilgrimage, and retreat. The Rector has beenworkingwithateamtosupportherandthegoalscreatedfortheparish.Sheinvitedeveryonetobecome a part of the process during her 14 weeks of sabbatical which will begin onMay 19throughAugust27.ThistimewillalloweveryonetohaveagreatercommitmenttotheneedsofotherswhiledeepeningourconnectionwithGodandtheworldaroundus.

TheFinancialReport:JimIlespresentedthefirstpartofthefinancialreportinwhichhegaveanoverviewofthepastyearbyreferringtothechartsheconstructedanddisplayedonpages25and26. Iles said the accounting firmthat is dealingwith the financeshasbeen invaluable andhashelpedthechurchexceedinglyinmanagingourfinancialprocessesandreporting.Hestatedafullandformalaudittookplacelastyear,andisrequiredbythedioceseeverysevenyears;however,thisyearStephanieDevinsperformeda less formalaudit forSt. James’.TheRector thankedMs.DevinsforhergenerosityandcommendedMr.IlesforhisdiligenceinhisreportsandgraphsthathavebroughtasenseofcomfortandclaritytotheVestry.

The2019Budget:WardenColleenGannonpresentedtheBudgetasapprovedbytheVestryattheJanuarymeeting.Shestatedthatthefinaltotalsexcludedanyone-timeexpensesandthatanythinghighlightedingreenshowedhowthebudgetnumbersweretiedtoSt.James’missionstatements.Pledgesmakeupthevastmajorityoftheincome.Thisbudgetshowed$48,000lessinpledgesandthedifferenceismadeupbythosewhogive,butforwhateverreasonhavenotpledgedin2019.Gannonthankedallwhopledgedandencouragedthosewhohavenot,todosoifpossible.Therewasa$19,000increaseinexpensesfrom2018.Thereisashortfallinthebudgetthatislessthan4% of the total, so the Vestry has deemed it a fiscally responsible budget. The Rev. Dr. BeckyCoerper commendedWarden Gannon and the Finance Committee for their diligence and hardworkinmakingwhatusedtobe“anarduousslog”mucheasier,muchbetter,andmuchclearer.

BodyBuilders’Award:TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerperpresentedfivepeoplewiththisawardwhichsignifies their value inmaking the Body of St. James’much stronger for their dedication. Thisyear’sawardswenttoSusanGibides,JeanandDickBailer,LauraBigness,andDianeMuellerwhovolunteer generously at the St. James’ThriftShop. The articleabout themwill be found in theMarchSPIRIT.

RetiringVestryMembers:TheRev.Dr.BeckyCoerperrecognizedNancyCorl,GailCowley,andCarolynLeggasretiringmemberswhohaveworkedtirelesslyandcreativelyduringtheiryearsonVestry,alsorecognizedwasColleenGannonwhowillbereturningasJuniorWarden.

PollsClosing:GailCowleymadeamotiontoclosethepolls10minutesearlysinceallvoteswerecast;secondedbyJimBrown;approvedbyall.



Votingresults:JimBrowngaveWardenJeffDavisahand-writtenreportthat56ballotswerecastand counted. The four new Vestry members were voted in unanimously. The Rev. Dr. BeckyCoerperthankedallwhoassistedwiththemeetingandaskedforamotiontoadjourn.ThemotionwasmadebyNancyCorltoadjournthemeetingat1:00;secondedbyDanSpencer;approvedbyall.ThenextannualmeetingwilltakeplaceonFebruary2,2020at12:00atSt.James’EpiscopalChurch.

Respectfullysubmitted,MarieP.Hughes,Secretary

February6,2019

St.James’EpiscopalChurch•96EastGeneseeStreet•Skaneateles•NewYork•13152

st. james’ episcopal church 204th annual meeting...204th annual meeting february 2, 2020 12:00pm...

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