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Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 1
October 2014
The Net
St . James Episcopal Church
St. James’ Mission Statement
St. James is called to serve God, Christ, and the community of Greater New London.
Adopted by the Vestry May 2001
From the Rector’s Desk
It’s October—and here at St. James we are fully underway with all those “things” that make
a new Program Year wonderful, but also a little anxiety-raising. It was a strange summer
here in New England: it seemed to go by faster than ever before, and, was cool enough
that many talk of still waiting for summer of 2014.
Fall has officially arrived. September offered us surprisingly cool nights (down into the 50s),
and very moderate (if not a bit cool) days (low 70s). So, I don’t feel too guilty in admitting
that my comforter hasn’t left my bed since spring (although it did end up on the floor a few
nights!).
Although the summer went by so quickly, many things have been accomplished at St.
James. We contracted for, and completed the roof work on the northeast corner of the
Church. Incorrectly installed synthetic slates were removed, sheathing checked and
replaced where needed, valleys reopened to improve water flow, the synthetic slates were
reinstalled, the “yankee gutter” over the Hallam Chapel entrance was
totally replaced, a new downspout installed, and the Chapel’s porch
was re-sheathed, re-flashed, with new slates installed. The
workmanship is great, and should “seal” another portion of our building
against water incursion.
Plans are already underway for additional work next calendar year, as
we complete some stained glass work, re-do the balance of the roof,
improve the drainage on the south side of the Church, and remove
some trees that were inappropriate even when first planted.
There are times when it seems all we church-people do is think about
the state of our buildings. A recent breaking news story tells of the
oldest surviving congregation in New London (The First Congregational
Church) selling its building to a new ministry (Engaging Heaven),
although will continue to use the facilities as the base for their worship
Blessing of the Animals
& St. Nicholas Fair
3
Thanks & Birthdays 4-5
Adult Ed 5
Music 8-9
Welcome Back Sunday 11
Outreach 12-
13
Capital Oversight &
Financial Information
14-
15
Inside this issue:
Page 2 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
The Net …
is the newsletter of St.
James Church, New
London, Connecticut.
It is published eleven
times a year
(September through
June and a summer
issue) for the
information and
edification of St. James
members and friends.
Your articles are always
welcome and should
be submitted by the
tenth of the month
before publication.
We would prefer to
receive it by e-mail in
Microsoft Word format
(Word 98 or later).
Please continue to
forward your
submissions to the
Church Office or email
them to: [email protected]
We also welcome your
comments and
suggestions. This is your
newsletter.
76 Federal Street
New London CT 06320-6601
860-443-4989
www.stjamesnl.org
and their ministry. Second Congregational Church, our
nearest neighbors, gave away their aging structure, since
the congregation has dwindled to the point of no longer
being able to continue maintaining their building, and are
now the Waterford Congregational Church, renting space
from Crossroads Presbyterian Church (Waterford). Even St.
Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church (on Montauk Avenue),
purported to be the “richest parish” in the Diocese, had to
remove their bell tower—presumably due to deferred
maintenance—since it was no longer structurally sound.
These stories remind me how blessed we are, and how
grateful we should be, for the many people who support
not only St. James and its facilities, but through their
participation and support, enable us to offer regular
weekly worship throughout the week, provide space for
other organizations to meet in clean and well-cared for
facilities, and constantly seek new ministry opportunities to
revitalize and enliven our neighborhood.
Just as the City of New London seeks to reimagine itself—
no longer a shabby, little run down New England town—St.
James seeks to continue, as it has from its earliest roots
(circa 1725) being a part of its neighborhood, its city, and
its region.
While we continue to repair our facilities—the place from
which our many ministries originate—we seek to discern
what might be missing in our community, and how we
might provide or support those things missing. We seek to
do all this, not because we are historians or antiquarians, or
even just do-gooders, but by obeying Christ’s Great
Commission: Go … and make disciples of all nations …
remember, I am with you always, to the end of the
age” (Mt. 28:19).
So whether it is blessing animals on The Feast of St. Francis,
providing meeting space for 12-step groups, offering space
for the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra to
audition new musicians, hosting a monthly Community
Meal, introducing our new Music on Whale Oil Row, or the
many other opportunities we provide or support, we do it
because we are in this unique place in New London, and
while we love and care for our buildings, mostly we do it
Rector’s Desk cont’d
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 3
Blessing of the Animals
Every year, for the last nine years, on the Sunday closest to the Feast
Day of St. Francis (October 4), St. James’ Parish family celebrates the
incredible gift of the animal members of our family — the cats, dogs,
hamsters, rabbits, snakes, etc. The way we do that is with a short
service called “the Blessing of the Animals.”
We will celebrate this special event on Sunday, October 5, at 1 p.m.
in the courtyard next to the Church.
Bring your four-footed, finned, winged, or slithering friends for this fun
and special event.
because we realize we have been given many gifts and have many to share with
others—gifts that come from God!
Rector’s Desk cont’d
The St. James Quilters are having their bi-annual fair Sunday,
December 7 after both morning services. If any committees, groups,
or individuals are interested in having a table during the fair, please
contact Mary Chartier 860.443.0590 or Marcia Pierce 860.443.5579.
All proceeds for this event will benefit the Church or an outreach
program.
St. Nicholas Fair
Farewell dear friend …
John “Jim” Kelly
Page 4 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
To the Adult Choir, Organist/Choirmaster Andrew Howell, and Associate Organist Travis
LaCombe for the great music (and worship leadership) as we gathered on Welcome Back
Sunday.
To Walter and Sue Chojnacki, who made arrangements for our Parish Picnic; Dan Ivey for
shopping, organizing, setting up, and cleaning up; to Dan, Fred and Paul, our cooks; and to
all who attended making for a great afternoon of food and fellowship.
To All those who took the time to make awesome exhibits for Welcome Back Sunday—
honoring their various ministries.
To the Capital Improvements and Campaign Committees for their dedication and on-
going efforts as work continues on our facilities.
To Fred Smith for coordinating, shopping, cooking, setting up, and clean up of our monthly
parish brunches and to all who help serve and clean up.
To Jerry Miller for installing a higher cofferdam around the Hallam Lounge window.
To Tim Breitenstein for his many hours retouching the memorial signs and touching up
distressed wood throughout the Church.
Vestry Notes
Your Vestry held its regular meeting September 2.
Correspondence was received from the Dean of the Seabury Deanery, the Rev’d Alfred
Tisdale, Jr., thanking Fr. Michel and the Parish for our support and participation of the
August mission trip to Ecuador as well as other Deanery programs throughout the year.
The Parish anticipates hosting two nonprofit groups this fall: Environmental Justice
Symposium October 17-19 and Toys for Tots during December as a storage and distribution
center for toys.
Plans are to replace the south roof and drainage in 2015. To this end, grants will be sought
from the Palmer Fund and the Connecticut Trust for Preservation.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Dargel,
Parish Clerk
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 5
1 Edwin Nieves
2 Gerald Miller
3 Patricia Lee
5 Gretchen Dusza
5 Lauren Goebel
6 Joan DeAngelis
7 Emma Joseph
9 Charles Kepner
9 William Ezell
10 Joan Robinson
11 Frederic Smith
13 Ethel Harrington
13 Audrey Joseph
15 Claudia Nielsen
The names on this list reflect the information as recorded in
the Church database. Is your name (or a family member’s
name) missing? If so, please contact the Church Office and
provide us with the accurate information!
October Birthdays
16 Mildred Goebel
16 Joanna Norris
18 Hope Norris
20 Dorothy Sieburg
21 John Brewster
21 Donald Dunning
22 Alma Peterson
23 Edwin
Rottinghaus
27 Stephen
Anderson
28 Cara Butler
27 Matthew White
31 Lauren Miller
31 Sarah Jarrett
Parish Brunches Resume! Sunday, October 12 after the 10 a.m. service
Join us for a new season of incredible meals brought to
you by the St. James Men’s Group—when members of
our three “congregations”: (8, 10, and 5) gather
for good food and fellowship.
Adult Education
Wednesday, October 1, our regular Adult Education program will kick-off its new Program
Year. Our program is a 12-session course titled Saving Jesus Redux. It is a DVD-based
program with group discussion focusing on the relevance of Jesus for our contemporary
times.
Each Wednesday evening begins with Evening Prayer in Hallam Chapel at 5:30 PM. The
group then moves to the Seabury Parlor (main floor of the Parish House) for a potluck, and
we begin our study at 6:30 p.m. and ending by 8 p.m. These sessions are a great way to
get to know other parishioners and to explore a little more (than usual) about our Christian
faith. Please sign up using the sheet in the Parish Hall any Sunday or contact Ellen in the
Parish Office (860.443.4989). We hope you’ll plan on joining us!
Adult Education
Page 6 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
Baptisms The next “official” date for Parish baptisms will be All Saints’
Sunday, November 2, as part of our regular 10 a.m. service. If
you know of someone—child or adult—who is ready to become
an “official” member of Christ’s Church, now would be an
appropriate time. Anyone considering infant baptism would
need to have both parents and godparents attend a pre-
baptismal counseling session, while adults being baptized are
asked to have their sponsors attend with them. The pre-
baptismal counseling session will be Saturday, November 1, at 10
a.m. Please contact Fr. Michel for more information or to
schedule a place in the class.
As we start a new Program Year, and we consider our commitment to the liturgical life of St.
James, it’s time for training, (or re-training as the case may be).
Again this year, we’ll schedule review/training sessions for our lectors, chalice bearers, and
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs). Lectors are those people who read scripture during our
services.
Lector training will be scheduled between services on Sunday, October 12, and Sunday,
October 19 between services and after the 10 a.m. service. Everyone who is currently a
lector, or would like more information, must attend one session. If you can not attend any
of these sessions, you must make arrangements with Fr. Michel for make-up training.
Chalice Bearers, those who offer the chalice during communion, and LEMs are also
needed. This training is conducted on an individual basis with Fr. Michel. So, if you’re
interested in assisting with any of these ministries, contact Fr. Michel for training.
Training Time is upon us …
United Thank Offering
During 2013 the United Thank Offering (UTO) awarded 48 grants for a total of just over $1.5
million toward the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican
Communion. UTO grants are given to parishes and dioceses to fund large and small
projects.
The UTO program helps us give thanks daily for all the blessings we receive by dropping a
coin in a UTO Blue Box. The Ingathering will be held All Saints’ Sunday, November 2. UTO
boxes and additional envelopes are at entrances to the Church and Parish Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Dean Hantzopoulos,
UTO Chair
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 7
Would you like prayers said for the
health of a loved one? Would you
or someone you know like prayer
support during a particularly
challenging time of life? Do you
want to offer special thanks for a
new grandchild or other joyous
event?
St. James Prayer Chain would be
happy to pray with you. The group
prays for the people included in the
Prayers of the People each Sunday.
We also pray for those who are listed
in our Morning Prayer Journal found in
the front vestibule on Sundays.
Please call Grace Barnum at
860.236.5447 to add name(s). It is up
to you how specific you make the
prayer request. You can simply give
us a name or more information about
what they need prayers for, as you
see fit. The people in the Prayer Chain
keep the information confidential.
You can also assist with this ministry by
speaking to Grace Barnum. We ask
you to remember the people you
pray for daily, but how or when you
pray is up to you.
Prayer Chain Ministry
Greeters
If you can say “welcome” or “hello” then you can be a greeter!
We need greeters at the 8 and 10 a.m. services. If you can help,
please contact Sue Chojnacki at 860.440.3427. Thank you to all
who are presently greeters each Sunday morning.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Chojnacki
Chair
we clean up our Church facilities,
both inside and out. We need
everyone’s help to make our Church
and our grounds more attractive
and welcoming places!
Respectfully submitted,
Walter Chojnacki,
Chair,
Buildings and Grounds
Fall Parish Clean-Up
Our Annual Fall Parish Clean-
Up Day will be Saturday,
October 25 this year. We’ll
begin at 9 a.m.—yes, there will
be coffee brewed and some
goodies to eat. We anticipate
finishing around noon—so
we’ll provide some lunch, too!
A sign-up sheet will be in the
Parish Hall. Please join us as
Page 8 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
Music On Whale Oil Row 2014-15 Music on Whale Oil Row, named for St. James’ historic setting on Huntington Street, is a new
program that shares our joy in music with the whole community. All concerts are free. Come
and enjoy this varied and wonderful music in our historic church!
Fall Fridays at Noon: Lunchtime Music in a Glorious Setting!
For an autumn treat, take a break in the middle of your day and enjoy these intimate
concerts performed by regional musicians. Concerts begin at noon and last for about an hour. Come for as
long as you can. Feel free to bring food or drink with you — and then to take it away afterwards!
October 3 — Simon Jacobs, organist
October 10 — Lisa Williamson, soprano
October 17 — To be announced
October 24 — Peter Stoltzfus Berton, organist
Olivier Messiaen’s monumental organ work La Nativité du Seigneur!
(The Nativity of the Lord)
Friday, December 5, 2014, at 7:00 PM
Raymond Nagem, organist
Described as one of the most important organ works of the twentieth century, this is deeply
devotional and spiritual music. Student of Dukas, Widor, and Dupre and teacher of Boulez and Stockhausen,
Messiaen explored the organ’s sonorities and tonalities in a stunningly original way. The work will be per-
formed by Raymond Nagem, associate organist of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York.
One of the leading organists of his generation, Nagem has been praised by The New Y ork Music Daily for his
“gorgeous . . . often hypnotic playing.”
Silent Movie Night with Robert Humphreville
Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 5:00 PM
A St. James and New London tradition: See and hear a classic silent movie with live organ accompaniment.
Get an Early Start with Early Music
Music for Three Sopranos and Continuo
Friday, April 17, 2015 at 7:00 PM
For many years, New London has been a center of early music performance during the summer months. Get an
early start enjoying this distinctive repertory with TENET, the New York-based early music ensemble hailed
by critics including the New Y ork Times and The Boston Musical Intellgencer for their extraordinary technical
skill and palpable love of the music.
Support Music on Whale Oil Row by making a donation to St. James Episcopal Church
marked for this purpose. It is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 9
Our first service of Compline for the season will be on Thursday, October
2, at 9:00 p.m. Compline is held the first Thursday of each month.
Compline
Other Musical Notes:
Evensong at St. James
October 19, 2014, 5 PM
Our 2014-2015 season continues with Choral Evensong at St. James on Sunday, October 19
at 5 p.m.; this service will feature works by Howells, Rose and Tye. In addition, we’ll be
singing Edgar Bainton’s And I saw a new heaven, which is such a favorite of ours that most
of us cheered when we first saw it on this year’s repertoire list; it’s a breathtaking piece.
We hope to see you on October 19 , and have a chance to speak with you over wine and
snacks afterward in the Parish Hall!
Please note: The April Evensong has been rescheduled for April 19, 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Katherine Brighty,
for the Anglican Singers
Anglican Singers
Just a Reminder
Please keep the Parish
Office informed of any
address, phone number, or
email address changes so
we can keep the Parish
Directory up-to-date with your current
information.
Please call Ellen at (860.443.4989).or send
an email to [email protected].
Page 10 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
Welcome Verger Carol McCoy
The first Sunday in October (10/5), St. James will install its (first?) Verger. So … I hear you
asking, “Who or what is a Verger?”
It is an appointed position that typically checks on details prior to a service, freeing the
clergy to be available to greet parishioners, welcome visitors, and respond to pastoral
concerns. A Verger serves at the pleasure of the Rector—his or her duties are about 90
percent behind the scenes and 10 percent in the service.
A Verger typically interfaces with the Altar Guild and Ushers to make sure everything is in
place. The Verger makes sure readers are prepared and chalice bearers are present. They
organize the procession and may also be the Acolyte Master. If someone does not show
up the Verger finds a replacement or is prepared to fill in at the last minute.
They must be flexible, double check everything, and have an “eagle eye,” while remaining
"invisible." The Verger is always thinking a few minutes ahead as the service progresses and
watching to see that all that was planned is indeed set to occur.
Although the history of verging and Vergers goes back over 700 years, ago the ministry of
service and welcome from the Vergers of the Episcopal Church is thriving in the twenty-first
century! Generally speaking, Vergers were responsible for the order and upkeep of the
house of worship, including preparations for the liturgy, the conduct of the laity, and even
grave-digging among many other duties in the church.
In medieval times, the Verger (spelled "Virger" in older texts) was the Protector of the
Procession. The Verger led the way for the procession as it moved around the church and
into the front doors. The procession often moved through crowds of people and animals,
and the Verger was there to clear a pathway with his Virge (mace or “Staff of Office”), for
the thurifer, crucifer, acolytes, choir, and sacred ministers by swinging the Virge in front of
them.
Today’s Vergers are laypersons who serve the church in a ministry of service and welcome.
Often the visitor will see the Verger in a simple cassock moving about the church preparing
for worship. The Verger is able to respond to any inquiry concerning the upcoming service,
current program offerings, where restrooms are located, or about the history of the church
building itself.
And having a trained Verger in our Parish, a long-term member of the Verger’s Guild of the
Episcopal Church, and struggling to make our Parish more welcoming for visitors, and those
serving during the service more comfortable in their responsibilities, it seemed appropriate
at this time to capitalize on Carol McCoy’s training and talent.
Don’t miss the 10 a.m. service, October 5, when we will “give” Carol the symbols of her
Office at St. James. And, if you’d like to know even more about Vergers—or consider
training to be one yourself—speak with her during Coffee Hour.
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 11
Welcome Back Sunday
Page 12 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
10TH ANNUAL BENEFIT DANCE GALA
Dance the night away to the hot sounds of Rock ‘n’ Soul Review
_____________________
Saturday, October 11th
, 2014 7 PM -11 PM
Ocean Beach Park ♦ New London, CT
Phenomenal Raffle & Silent Auction
Light hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar
General Admission: $20 Seniors, Students & Military: $10
Proceeds to benefit
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 13
Each Sunday we adorn the Altar with flowers (except during Lent),
light a sanctuary candle, and consume bread and wine. The Altar
Guild pays for these from gifts given by members, family and friends of
St. James. If you would like to assist one week, an Altar flower
donation is $45; sanctuary candle $5; and, communion wine or
communion wafer, $10 donation. Your donation can be made as a memorial honoring
someone deceased or as a thank-offering to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other
special event in your life. Contact the Parish Office or an Altar Guild member for more
information.
As always, more than one person can make their offering in any given week. If you’d like
more information, speak to any member of the Altar Guild or contact the Parish Office.
Some Giving Opportunities
Hats, Mittens, Gloves, and Scarves
We have already started working on our Hats, Mittens, Gloves, and Scarves ministry, thanks
to our knitters who have handed us wonderfully knitted hats, scarves, and mittens!
Now is the time to start collecting. We will accept donations anytime. Items can be either
handmade or store bought. If you are unable to do either, we will gladly do your shopping
for you with your cash donation. Please make checks payable to St. James with “Hats,
Mittens, Gloves, and Scarves” in the memo line.
If you have questions, please contact Sue Chojnacki 860.440.3427 or Theresa Bokoff
860.444.7874. Thank you for your continued support.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Chojnacki and Theresa Bokoff
Co-Chairs
Page 14 THE NET Volume 11 Issue 9
You may have heard that there was flooding in the Hallam Lounge recently that occurred
when rainwater accumulated in a window well broke the window. The root of the problem
is inadequate drainage in the courtyard between the church and the rectory. We plan to
seal the window well by replacing the broken window with either masonry or glass blocks.
Jerry Miller made a temporary fix by raising the window well, but we need to resolve the
underlying cause as we continue with roof and gutter replacements.
In 2013, when we replaced the roof on the Federal Street (north) side, we also replaced the
existing gutters and downspouts and connected the church drainage system to the city’s
storm drain. Recent roof renovations on the parking lot side over the Hallam Chapel were
the next phase in fixing the extensive, complex water incursion problems that have plagued
St. James for years.
In 2015, we plan to replace the roof and install new gutters and downspouts on the
courtyard (south) side. In conjunction with the roof job, we will fix the courtyard drainage
by regrading; thinning, removing, or replacing overgrown plantings; and removing two
large birch trees that are dangerously close to our wonderful stained glass windows. We
intend to remove the trees this fall and landscape in conjunction with improving the
drainage in the spring of 2015.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Skinner,
Chair,
Capital Oversight Committee
Capital Oversight Committee Report
Vestry’s Stewardship Statement The Episcopal Church teaches the biblical tithe as the standard of stewardship. The Vestry
of St. James believes that they and all parishioners strive to understand and meet that goal
as they personally are able. Adopted by the Vestry
November 15, 2004
Volume 11 Issue 9 THE NET Page 15
Parish Financials This report covers January 1, 2014 through July 31, 2014.
Total Income:
Budgeted Amount: $160,708
Actual Amount: $155,046
Amount Actual is Under Budget: $4,967
The primary contributors to this Income underrun are Pledge Income, which is $2,815 less
than the budgeted amount, and Beneficiary Income, which is $1,086 less than the
budgeted amount.
Total Expenses:
Budgeted Amount: $232,544
Actual Amount: $237,348
Amount Actual is Over Budget: $4,803
Primary contributors to the expenditure overrun are Clergy Benefits, which is $4,114 over
budget, and Church Utilities, which is $3,430 over budget. The Clergy Benefits overrun is
due to the timing of payments to the Clergy Pension Fund and should return to the
budgeted amount in the coming months.
Net Ordinary Income:
Total Income: $155,046
Total Expenses: $237,348
Net Ordinary Income: -$82,302
Endowment Income Applied: $71,345
Net Income -$10,957
Summary: Through July 31, 2014 we are $10,957 behind where we expected to be based
on our 2014 budget.
Investment Summary:
Balance 12/31/2013 $2,847,215
Balance 07/31/2014: $3,075,805
Total Value Change: $228,590
Withdrawal 5%: $71,345
Change Pre-Withdrawal $299,935
Summary: Our pre-withdrawal investment value increased by $299,935, about 10.5%,
through July 31,2014. After factoring in the 5% withdrawal, our investments are up
$228.590, about 8.0% through July 31. Most of this increase is from new deposits: $196,401
from the Ernest Wilkins Bequest and $50,000 from a Palmer Fund Grant. These funds will be
used later in 2014 for Capital Projects.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerald F. Miller, Treasurer
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
New London, CT 06320
Permit No. 236
St. James Episcopal Church
76 Federal Street
New London, CT 06320-6601
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material, please deliver immediately.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED.
Daylight Savings Time Ends:
Sunday, November 2nd at 2 AM
Advance Notice—Don’t Forget!!!!