<![CDATA[The Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew - Important Updates]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:29:03 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Pastoral Letter from the Rector]]>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:53:56 GMThttps://www.saintsjamesandandrew.org/importantupdates/pastoral-letter-from-the-rectorDear saints of James and Andrew,

Yesterday Bishop Fisher called the clergy of our diocese together to discuss the ICE surges in Minnesota and Maine. We heard from clergy with experience in both contexts and began to learn how we might prepare for what may unfold here in Western Massachusetts. 

We may be called upon to support our vulnerable neighbors in new ways in the coming months, particularly if ICE determines they are going to occupy any Western Massachusetts communities.  If you know that you would be open to helping in some capacity, please email me rector@saintsjamesandandrew.org and I will add your name to an internal volunteer list. Should it become clear from those most impacted by the injustice that help is needed, we will be better equipped to take action. 

For now, we continue to pray. Starting this Sunday, we will experiment with incorporating some prayers composed each week by the Episcopal Church to address current events following the Prayers of the People. This is meant to help us put to words some of the burdens that most distress us at this hour in our common life, by entrusting them into God’s care and to guide us in embodying God’s Love in our world. 

I commend to you Bishop Fisher’s letter below, and Presiding Bishop Rowe’s letter also listed below. The last two Sunday’s I have quoted Bishop Craig Loya, the Bishop of Minnesota in my sermon as he gives a word to the Church during this tender hour in our common life, as well as how to help above and beyond prayer. You can read those sermons here (Jan 18 - Come and See; Jan 25 - Change your hearts).

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Heather J. Blais,
Rector

From Bishop Douglas Fisher: 
A Word to All the Faithful

January 27, 2026

This morning I met with clergy serving our congregations to discuss the ICE surges in Minnesota and Maine. We were blessed to have clergy with first-hand experience, in both contexts, share their personal witness and the benefit of their training. We prayed together for Renee, and for Alex. And we will continue to pray and seek God's justice for all who are detained unjustly. 

While we all pray and advocate for an end to the ICE operations in both places, we are facing the reality of current events and preparing, to the extent that is possible, to be witnesses and advocates for non-violent action here in Western Massachusetts, rooted in our relationships with the people most impacted by injustice.

I want to commend to you the words of our Presiding Bishop* and the testimony of the Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, Bishop of Minnesota. And I want to thank the clergy of our diocese for their steadfast faith in this challenging moment. One Body, many parts. Together, we are prayerfully discerning how we might stand with and for the most vulnerable among us.

Though I am small, my God, my all, you
Work great things in me
And your mercy will last from the Depths
Of the past to the end of the age to be
Your very name puts the proud to shame
And to those who would for you yearn
You will show your might
Put the strong to flight
For the world is about to turn
My heart shall sing of the day you bring
Let the fires of your justice burn
Wipe away all tears
For the dawn draws near
And the world is about to turn!
Canticle of the Turning, Rory Cooney © 1990, GIA Publications, Inc.

With faith in the risen Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher
Bishop, Western Massachusetts

*See Presiding Bishop Rowe’s Letter below)
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From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:
Death and despair do not have the last word

January 25, 2026

Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church:
 
Like Jesus, we live in frightening times. His earthly ministry began, as we heard in today’s Gospel reading, when John the Baptist was imprisoned by authorities who wanted to silence his preaching and prophesying.
 
Jesus knew what happens when earthly powers persuade human beings to fear one another, regard one another as strangers, and believe that there is not enough to go around. In Jesus’ time, the power of these divisions motivated John’s beheading and Jesus’ own death on the cross at the hands of Roman authorities. 
 
In our time, the deadly power of those divisions is on display on the streets of Minneapolis, in other places across the United States, and in other countries around the world. As has too often been the case throughout history, the most vulnerable among us are bearing the burden, shouldering the greatest share of risk and loss, and enduring the violation of their very humanity.
 
But we do not grieve without hope. The Christian story is full of people who lived in frightening and brutal times, and who followed Jesus’ call that we heard in church today. His proclamation turns us away from the fear born of sin and death and toward the kingdom of God, toward Christ’s ministry of justice, reconciliation, and love. “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view,” the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 5:16), exhorting them to reject the divisions of their time in favor of being ambassadors for Christ.
 
This is God’s call to The Episcopal Church now, and it is not an easy one. In the United States, we no longer live in a time when we can expect to practice our faith without risk, and we are confronting what vulnerable communities of faith have experienced for generations. Our right to worship freely as one church, committed to the dignity of every human being, has been curtailed by the fear that too many immigrant Christians face when they leave their homes. Peaceful protests, a right long enshrined in the Constitution, are now made deadly. Carrying out the simple commands of Jesus—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, making peace—now involves risks for the church and grave danger for those we serve. As Christians, we must acknowledge that this chaos and division is not of God, and we must commit ourselves to paying whatever price our witness requires of us. 
 
In the coming years, our church will continue to be tested in every conceivable way as we insist that death and despair do not have the last word, and as we stand with immigrants and the most vulnerable among us who reside at the heart of God. We will be required to hold fast to God’s promise to make all things new, because our call to follow God’s law surpasses any earthly power or principality that might seek to silence our witness.

To those of you who are in the center of the storm, please know that I am praying for you as you embody the love of Christ in your ministries and communities. To those of you who are watching with concern and fear, I ask you to pray for those who have died in protests and detention, for those who witnessed their deaths, and for everyone who bears authority and responsibility in this moment, that they may exercise wisdom, restraint, and courage. Pray too, especially in the days to come, for the witness of our church in these times and for a hedge of protection around all the beloved children of God who live in fear this day.
 
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: 
​Support emergency migration ministry

Feast of John Chrysostom
Jan. 27, 2026
 
Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church: 
 
As the situation in the United States grows more fraught, The Episcopal Church is working to find new ways to care for God’s people in our immigrant communities. Many of you have asked how you can help. 
 
Please join me in making a generous donation that will allow us to provide emergency funding for ministry with migrants. Your gift will allow us to rush financial support to dioceses that are loving and caring for immigrants in these difficult times.

GIVE TODAY
Last week, we sent funds to our siblings in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota to support Casa Maria, a place for vulnerable neighbors to receive food and clothing and network with others. Your gift will help support ministries like this across The Episcopal Church. 
 
As we approach the season of Lent, I will invite us all into a season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we turn toward Christ’s ministry of justice, reconciliation, and love during divisive times. Please watch for these invitations in the coming days. 
 
About 1,500 years ago, John Chrysostom, whose feast we celebrate today, had his own share of trouble with the forces of this world. In a famous homily, he said, “If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider’s web.”  
 
The anger of princes is raging around us, but Christ is with us, and God is calling us into the waves. Please give as you are able and pray for the witness of the church in these times, and for a hedge of protection around the people we serve who live in fear.    
 
Yours in Christ,
 
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church
]]><![CDATA[Sunday Soup & Sandwiches Concludes on Sunday, October 26]]>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.saintsjamesandandrew.org/importantupdates/sunday-soup-sandwiches-concludes-on-sunday-october-26
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Celebrating over 5 years of ministry, and over 37,100 meals

Greenfield, Massachusetts October 19, 2025 - On Sunday, October 26 the Sunday Soup and Sandwiches feeding ministry, located at the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew, will come to an end, after five and a half years of ministry and over 37,100 meals served. This year alone has been just shy of 10,000 meals.

The meal began in March 2020 when another local meal on the town common made the difficult decision to shut down due to the pandemic. Saints James and Andrew felt they could offer a temporary program to fill the void until things re-opened. They imagined this would be for two weeks. Church leaders could hardly have guessed how long the pandemic would last, or how great the need for these meals would truly be. The program grew steadily from a handful of guests in the first couple of weeks, to well over 300 meals many weeks. 

This decision was made after much prayer and consideration, and was announced in late February. Since the meal was always meant as a temporary measure, program leaders would faithfully check-in to evaluate if they could continue the ministry for another six months. During this conversation in the fall of 2024, it was clear core leaders would need to step back in the coming year. This change, combined with the increasing demand for meals, the parish’s limited capacity, concern for volunteer burnout, and the ongoing challenge of funding led volunteers to begin an intentional process of discerning whether it was time to conclude the meal. Program leaders explored alternative options before recommending the meal wrap up in 2025 to the larger group of volunteers and donors. The program leaders’ decision was affirmed by volunteers, donors, church leadership, and the entire parish at their January Annual Meeting. 

It is a bittersweet decision. The parish remains acutely aware of the increasing need for meals like Sunday Soup & Sandwiches. Yet volunteers also know they’ve made a fundamental difference in the quality of life for their neighbors here in Franklin County - particularly amongst those living rough.  

The final meal will be on Sunday, October 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The parish is determined to get the word out so folks understand this meal is concluding, and asks the community to help spread the word. It is the parish’s sincere hope that just as they once filled a gap, the larger community may find a way to come together and address what will be a new gap in the meal programs offered in Greenfield. For an up to date list of community meals and food pantries, visit the City of Greenfield’s website. 

On Sunday, November 2 during their 10 a.m. worship service, Saints James and Andrew will offer a prayer of thanksgiving for Sunday Soup and Sandwiches; its site leaders, volunteers, and donors; and the many lives that were touched through this ministry. Anyone who has ever supported this meal - whether that be in prayer, donations, or volunteering - is invited to attend. Saints James and Andrew  seek to offer their heartfelt thanks to folks from all across Franklin County who have supported and participated in this meal, and say - well done, good and faithful servants. 

If you would like more information on this topic, please call Rev. Heather J. Blais at 413-773-3925 or heather.blais@gmail.com; or Erica Burns, Coordinator at 413-230-4458 or ericarburns@gmail.com.  Please note, Saints James and Andrew will continue to offer Second Helpings, a free community meal offered each Monday at 4:30 p.m. in partnership with Deerfield Academy. 


]]><![CDATA[Construction Updates: Church Roof & Ceiling]]>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:37:57 GMThttps://www.saintsjamesandandrew.org/importantupdates/construction-updates-church-roof-ceilingThe following updates have been communicated to the parish in writing in the Newsletter and/or Leaflet, with the most recent updates towards the top. Status updates are also frequently given verbally at announcements in Sunday worship. 
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October 19  - Roof Update in Worship Leaflet and Announced
​Interior Ceiling Repair Work Update:
The exterior roof work has been completed and paid for by insurance. The interior ceiling repair work is being planned currently, and we are in negotiations with our insurance company. In anticipation of this work, our contractor will be taking down the flags to get a better scope of the interior damage.  We anticipate the Vestry having a further update in the November Newsletter. View all church roof and ceiling related communication updates here. 


October 17, 2025 - Roof Update in October Events Update
​Interior Ceiling Repair Work Update:
The exterior roof work has been completed and paid for by insurance. The interior ceiling repair work is being planned currently, and we are in negotiations with our insurance company. In anticipation of this work, our contractor will be taking down the flags to get a better scope of the interior damage.  We anticipate the Vestry having a further update in the November Newsletter. View all church roof and ceiling related communication updates here.


October 3, 2025 - Roof Update in October Newsletter
There is good news. The exterior roof work will be completed in a matter of days and we have been informed of a revised settlement. While there are still some i’s to dot and t’s to cross, the roof’s exterior work will be near fully funded by our insurance. The conversation about our interior work will begin upon the completion of the exterior.   When there is more to update about insurance or interior construction, we will update the parish. 
Rev. Heather Blais, Rector
Ben Cluff, Co-Warden
Reynolds Whalen, Co-Warden


September 21- Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & October Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s September 16, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the October 3 Newsletter:

Roof work is underway and is ongoing. We continue to be in discussions with the contractor and insurance and it is clearly a work in progress. Bach's Lunch is postponed this fall due to the roof work.
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


September 12, 2025 - Roof Update in September Newsletter
Our roof work is underway, and is anticipated to continue into October. The exterior work has led to interior damage to the church’s ceiling. What appeared to be wooden beams is actually horsehair plaster painted to look like wood. This decorative effect, known as faux bois (French for "false wood"), was popular in historic interiors, particularly from the Victorian era onward, to create the illusion of expensive woodwork at a lower cost.

In order to prevent damage to our organ, smaller pipes have been taken down and stored in wooden boxes under the choir loft (thank you to those who took on this labor of love). Plastic has been laid down over the remaining organ pipes and console, all the pews on the north side of the church, the piano, and aisles.

We anticipate interior work beginning soon. This will involve a wooden platform being built over the pews on the north side, so that scaffolding can be put up. Then a plaster expert will identify vulnerable sections for repair. Due to interior construction work, the flags will be taken down.

We have been assured it is safe to continue worshiping in the sanctuary, and will continue to do so, utilizing the pews on the south side of the church. Please consider moving to the inside of the pew where you are sitting to let folks know there is space to sit. The choir will be singing from the downstairs until construction is complete. We will continue to get creative in our worship for the coming few weeks.

We remain in conversation with our insurance company, and when there is more to update in that regard, we will update the parish.  
Rev. Heather Blais, Rector
Ben Cluff, Co-Warden
Reynolds Whalen, Co-Warden

August 24 - Roof Update in Worship Leaflet and Announced
Construction Begins on Roof
A friendly reminder construction on our roof will begin this coming week, and soon it will be a bit louder on campus. The sidewalk and some parking along the building on Church St. will be closed. We anticipate construction lasting 4-6 weeks. 


August 17 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & September Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s August 12, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the September Newsletter:

Roof repair starts soon. More soon
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


August 10 - Roof Update in Worship Leaflet and Announced
Construction Begins on Roof
A friendly reminder construction on our roof will begin this coming week, and soon it will be a bit louder on campus. The sidewalk and some parking along the building on Church St. will be closed. We anticipate construction lasting 4-6 weeks. 

August 1, 2025 - Roof News in August Newsletter
We anticipate construction beginning around August 18. Regular use of our buildings will continue as normal, if not a bit louder while construction takes place during the day.  The sidewalk will be closed during construction, and some parking spots will be unavailable along Church St.


June 15, 2025 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & July Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s June 10, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the July Newsletter:

We have heard back from Church Insurance, and they have agreed to pay for a portion of reconstruction.  The exact amount will become clear when the work begins in the fall. The materials have been ordered.
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


June 6, 2025 - Roof Update in June Newsletter
Our insurance company has determined only the damaged, north side of the roof needs to be repaired, and that there is no risk of the weight of  the new materials causing potential structural integrity issues. They are still finalizing their estimate, but due to the fluctuations in the market and shipping delays, they have given us the go ahead to instruct our contractor (Renaissance Builders) to order the necessary materials. We anticipate the materials arriving sometime in September, and then it will take the contractor 6-8 weeks to complete the work. When we have any further information, we will update the parish.
Saints James and Andrew Rector and Vestry


May 25, 2025 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & June Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s May 20, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the June Newsletter:

No update yet. We’re at the mercy of the insurance company. The plans we submitted to the insurance company were found to be quite favorable by the Greenfield Historical Commission.
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


April 13, 2025 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & May Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s April 8, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the May Newsletter:

We still have a roof (i.e. we still don't have an update; when we do we’ll be in touch).
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


March 30, 2025 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & April Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s March 29, 2025 Retreat with Bishop Beckwith, and was reiterated in the April Newsletter:

We identified challenges facing us in the present and near future, namely the roof and Strong House. We’re awaiting information, and we are currently in a space of waiting and prayer, and invite you to join us in that, awaiting the discernment that is to come.
Saints James and Andrew Vestry


March 23, 2025 - Vestry Points Communicated in Worship & April Newsletter
The following update was provided at announcements during worship, following the Vestry’s March 18, 2025 meeting, and was reiterated in the April Newsletter:

We reviewed information on the laborious process of repairing and rehabilitating our roof. We don’t have anything firm to report at this time, but it’s worth noting we’ve encountered no stone walls, hope to have an update by the April newsletter. Right now it’s in the professionals hands.
Saints James and Andrew Vestry

March 7, 2025 - Property Update from the Rector in March Newsletter

Dear friends of Saints James and Andrew,

I’d like to offer two important updates about our property. Further down in the Newsletter, you’ll also find some introductory information about our newly elected Vestry. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these matters, please do not hesitate to be in touch.

Leadership Transition
Ginny Crowl has been chairing the Property Committee for the last several years. During her tenure she helped the Property Committee to grow from a whittled down team of three volunteers to a team of eight volunteers. Ginny helped Property to develop a list of deferred maintenance that was  then presented to Vestry as part of the Property Use Task Force's work in 2022-2023. The last few years several of these projects have been addressed with the help of the Esleeck funds within our endowment.  There have also been a few too many surprises Property has needed to address - from floods to sinkholes to navigating facility staffing changes. She has done all of it all with a wonderful sense of humor, faithfulness, and determination. As of March 5, Ginny has officially retired from Property. Please join all of Property in thanking Ginny - well done, good and faithful servant.

During my time with this parish I’ve observed the weight of responsibility that Property chairs carry. While these leaders never complained, our campus is very large for our size community. When you add up the time and energy a Property Chair spends in responding to facility emergencies, overseeing routine and deferred maintenance, meeting contractors, holding committee meetings, and helping the Vestry to think through big picture projects - it is truly daunting for any volunteer.

For this reason Property will be holding a special zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. to think creatively about how we share in the responsibility of caring for our campus. This may or may not result in a new leadership model for carrying out our work. We ask that you pray for us, and that you consider whether you might be able to support Property’s efforts. These days, you don’t need to know how to fix things, but rather be willing to call and meet contractors, attend meetings when able, and communicate through our google group. Eight volunteers may seem like a lot, but in light of the many planned and unplanned deferred maintenance projects, as well as routine maintenance, we would welcome new volunteers who might have a few hours to give each month. If you would be willing to explore getting involved, please reach out to me and consider joining us on March 12.

Church Roof
On Saturday evening we learned from the Greenfield Fire Department that the wind had lifted up the church roof along Church St, and we were at risk of losing the copper covered lead roof if it was not re-secured. It caused Church St. to be shut down. They were able to get a hold of Building Inspector Mark Snow to inspect the exterior and to ensure the interior was safe for use.  Mark helped us get in touch with our contractor, Renaissance Builders, and temporarily re-secured most of the roof that same night. We were at risk of not being able to hold services in our buildings the next day, but thanks to the Spirit, and the incredible helpfulness of the fire department, the building inspector and our contractor, they were able to provide a temporary fix so we could use our space for worship the next morning and ensure no one would be hurt by pieces of the roof coming off.  

Yesterday Renaissance brought their equipment and to get a closer look. They were then able to finish securing the side on either edge that still needed to be tended to. While the wind was the culprit in the initial event, our contractor has since discovered why the wind was able to shift things so easily - the series of materials that were used when the roof was installed apparently trapped moisture between the ceiling we see and the lead covered copper on the exterior. This led to deterioration, and as result, fasteners were blown off and that's when things started to come apart. Renaissance is preparing a quote for repair, and we anticipate it will be a significant capital expense.  We have made a claim with our insurance, and time will tell whether they will cover any element of the work.  Below are some photos Logan Blais captured Saturday night of the roof.

We invite your prayers for Property, Finance, and Vestry as we seek to continue tending to our campus. Not because we idolize these buildings as a golden calf, but because we seek to use them as a resource that our neighbors have come to count on for community groups, music lessons, singing groups, special events, and of course, our own worship, mission, and outreach ministries.

Peace
Rev. Heather J. Blais,
Rector
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