Post on 11-Feb-2021
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 3
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport20204
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 5
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport20206
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 7
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport20208
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 9
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
WARDEN & VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202010
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.
WARDEN & VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 11
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202012
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 13
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202014
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 15
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202016
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 17
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.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202018
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.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 19
PASTORAL CARE
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202020
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'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 21
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(corinnebuterbaugh@gmail.com)toaddthatpersontotheemailprayerchain.Ifthesituationisasensitiveone,askforprayerswithoutmentioningnames(askforprayersforafriend,forexample)orusingonlytheindividual’sfirstname.Godknowsthedetails!
Tell theclergyorcall thechurchoffice(315-685-7600)toaddanameto theprayer lists in theweeklybulletin.
Itisourgreatprivilegetopraydailyforyou,thewidercommunity,andtheworld.
ALTAR GUILD
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202022
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 23
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202024
HumanResources
KAREN HOYT Thehumanresourcecommitteeservesasanadvisorygroupprovidingguidanceforperformancemanagement,recruitmentandhiring,conflictresolutionandbenefitsandcompensation.During2019,thecommitteeassistedtheRectorandSt.James’Vestryintheprocessofhiringtwonewkeypositions.
EARTHWORKS
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 25
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202026
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 27
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202028
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
2019 FINANCIAL REPORT
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 29
• 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 FINANCIAL REPORT
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202030
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
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2019AnnualPledgeOfferings
19Budget 19Offerings AppealMade
2019 FINANCIAL REPORT
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 31
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. QuestionsmaybedirectedtoJimIlesjiles33@hotmail.com
2020 BUDGET NARRATIVE
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202032
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 33
St
. Jam
es' 2
020
Budg
et20
19ch
ange
201
9 to
202
020
2020
20 n
otes
INCO
ME
not a
ll so
urce
s of
inco
me
are
show
nFo
unda
tion
Inco
me
$
30,
033.
00
(349
.00)
$
$
29,
684.
00
repr
esen
ts a
5%
dra
w fr
om a
ll sl
eeve
sPl
edge
s &
ser
vice
inco
me
(pla
te)
$
4
20,3
72.0
0 (1
3,57
5.00
)$
$
406
,797
.00
TOTA
L IN
COM
E47
9,66
3.33
$
(12,
882.
33)
$
466,
781.
00$
EX
PEN
SEW
AGES
Subt
otal
- W
age
Expe
nse
285,
697.
82$
(1
6,81
0.31
)$
26
8,88
7.51
$
EXPE
NSE
ADM
INIS
TRAT
IVE
Subt
otal
- A
dmin
istra
tive
39,5
06.0
0$
(1,9
62.0
0)$
37,5
44.0
0$
Subt
otal
- A
dmin
istra
tive
(w/o
one
tim
e ex
pens
es)
37,0
06.0
0$
538.
00$
37
,544
.00
$
EXPE
NSE
CHUR
CH P
ROPE
RTY
EXPE
NSE
Subt
otal
Chu
rch
Prop
erty
49,6
21.0
0$
483.
00$
50
,104
.00
$
Su
btot
al C
hurc
h Pr
oper
ty(w
/o o
ne ti
me
expe
nses
)47
,421
.00
$
2,
683.
00$
50,1
04.0
0$
EXPE
NSE
EDUC
ATIO
N E
XPEN
SESu
btot
al -
Educ
atio
n7,
389.
11$
(3,9
54.1
1)$
3,43
5.00
$
BU
DGET
Min
istry
Su
btot
al -
Min
istry
20,6
68.4
6$
4,83
3.61
$
25
,502
.07
$
BU
DGET
OUT
REAC
HSu
btot
al -
Out
reac
h73
,834
.67
$
(1
67.1
0)$
73
,667
.57
$
BU
DGET
PAST
ORA
L CA
RESu
btot
al -
Past
oral
Car
e3,
800.
00$
(1,4
00.0
0)$
2,40
0.00
$
BU
DGET
VISI
BILI
TYSu
btot
al -
visib
ility
2,00
0.00
$
-
$
2,00
0.00
$
BU
DGET
Wor
ship
Exp
ense
Subt
otal
- w
orsh
ip10
,130
.38
$
(5
50.3
8)$
9,
580.
00$
one
time
purc
hase
s (fu
nded
via
savi
ngs)
4,70
0.00
$
-
$
Tota
l Exp
ense
s (e
xclu
ding
one
-tim
e pu
rcha
ses)
487,
947.
44$
(1
4,82
7.29
)$
47
3,12
0.15
$
Net
ope
ratin
g in
com
e/(d
efec
it)(8
,284
.11)
$
1,
944.
96$
(6,3
39.1
5)$
Mar
k 2:
teac
h, b
aptiz
e &
nur
ture
new
bel
ieve
rs
Mar
k 3:
to re
spon
d to
hum
an n
eed
by lo
ving
serv
ice
Mar
k 3:
to re
spon
d to
hum
an n
eed
by lo
ving
serv
ice
Mar
k 1:
to p
rocl
aim
the
Good
New
s of t
he K
ingd
om
Mar
k 1:
to p
rocl
aim
the
Good
New
s of t
he K
ingd
om
ST. JAMES’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH FOUNDATION
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202034
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 35
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202036
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 37
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'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202038
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
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 39
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
MINUTES FROM ST. JAMES’ 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport202040
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.
MINUTES FROM ST. JAMES’ 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
St.James'EpiscopalChurchAnnualReport2020 41
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