Letter from the Rector

Dear saints of James and Andrew,

This month has been a whirlwind. As there are so many moving pieces, please take the time to read through these important threads of our parish life together.

17th Bach’s Lunch
On June 3, our Parish Musician organized the 17th Bach’s Lunch. Joe DiMarino turned an idea into a beautiful point of connection with our wider community - highlighting local musicians, often connected to the parish in one form or another - while also bringing people into our beautiful sanctuary. When you see Joe, please be sure to thank him for the incredible program he has built.


Bishop Visitation
On June 7, we had our first visitation from Bishop Miguelina Howell. We worshipped together, witnessed the baptism of Christopher and Vanessa Momaney’s three daughters - Hadleigh, Hannah, and Hazel - and the confirmation of Hendrick Carew, Desmond Drake, Sofia Ruggeri, and Rena McDonough. Worship was followed with our last Coffee & Conversation for the program year (and a big shout out to Allyson Michal and team for organizing such beautiful gatherings this year!). If you missed the Bishop visitation, view the service and listen to her sermon here to get a glimpse of her joy, sense of humor, and most importantly, her love of Christ.

Organ Console Fundraiser
That same Sunday was our last time listening to our beloved Moeller Church Organ (circa 1958) as it is taken down for construction, and Joe pulled out all the stops. There is something almost mystical about how those pipes and wind can be used to fill our sanctuary with beautiful sound, our bodies with a fullness from that sound, and our souls with a reminder that the Spirit moves through that wind, those pipes, and each of us.  It is an instrument that brings us together, and helps complete our worship experience.

The Vestry has organized a fundraising campaign to raise approximately $40,000 to rebuild the organ console. This project, led by Walker Pipe Organs, is decades overdue, and the Vestry is passionate about seeing it through. If you did not read the letter written by alyssa kai, Jeanne Canteen, and Karen Greene on behalf of the Vestry, please take the time to do so  here.

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Sanctuary Construction
This summer our sanctuary will be shut down for ceiling renovations. This work is part of a chain of events from the March 2025 windstorm that blew off a section of the north side of the church’s roof. Last summer while that side of the roof was replaced, the vibrations of the work  caused  the ceiling on the north side to begin to fail. We had long thought the ceiling was built of wood, but was actually horsehair plaster painted to look like wood.  This summer our sanctuary will be closed while the north side ceiling is completely rebuilt from wood. Both projects have been completely funded by our insurance - thanks be to God!

Construction is anticipated to last through August. While we are hopeful all will go smoothly, we are also prepared for the possibility of the vibrations of the north side ceiling rebuild, causing the south side ceiling to begin to fail. Should that be the case, we will continue conversations with our insurance company, and extend time in our summer worship space as needed.

Summer Worship Space
During construction, we will gather for worship in the Whiteman Room. We have an initial set up shown in the photo below, and the space will also include a modified Children’s Corner, Musicians Corner, and we anticipate being able to livestream our services as normal thanks to our amazing digital ministers. The photos do not reflect the full set up, with plenty more chairs for any and all able to join us in worship this summer. We will adapt the space and set up as needed as we live into our time together in that space.

Leadership Transition
Last month I announced that my last Sunday as your Rector would be July 26, and the service will include a leavetaking liturgy (read the letters from Rector and Wardens here). The Wardens have begun working closely with the Rev. Cn. Steven Wilco, and together they met with the Vestry this past week. In the months ahead, the Wardens and Vestry will offer regular updates. During the transition, if you have a question or concern and are unsure where to direct it, please contact our Parish Administrator, Aaron McMurray, and they will direct your question to the Wardens or appropriate persons: [email protected].

This is a season that asks our collective patience, understanding, and flexibility; our trust in God and one another; and to pray for our neighbors working in the summer heat to repair our sacred space, the Vestry as they take on additional leadership responsibilities in the transition, and for our parish to keep growing in faith, worship, mission, and ministry.  May all that we be and do as we live into this in-between-time be to God’s glory, and help us grow together as the body of Christ here at James and Andrew.


Love in Christ,

Rev. Heather J. Blais,
Rector

For the full June 2026 Newsletter, follow the link below.

Newsletter