Category: Pastoral Letters

Pastoral Letter from the Rector

1/29/2026

Dear 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 [email protected] 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)

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

Letter from the Rector

9/12/2025

Dear saints of James and Andrew,

This past Sunday you received a letter from our Missioner, Rev. Jimmy Pickett, sharing the bittersweet news that his time shared between our parish and St. John’s in Athol will be coming to an end this November. He has accepted a call to serve Grace, Great Barrington.

We hired Rev. Jimmy to focus on formation and community building:

To help our young families discern a sustainable and meaningful forum for formation and community. Children’s Chapel was born and is now being led by Coordinator Cara Hins and a team of volunteers.

To resurrect the Wednesday Chapel community in a sustainable way and it has come alive, bringing new members into our community. Mary and Becky Burleigh-Howe, along with a team of regulars, now manage the Wednesday service. I look forward to joining and continuing to foster this community in December.

To offer other experimental programming and see what stuck. Two such events that were particularly meaningful were retreats offered to members seeking spiritual nourishment, rest, and renewal.

During the time that remains, Rev. Jimmy will continue with the Wednesday Chapel community. He will also be with us in worship on September 21 to preside and November 23 to preach on his final Sunday with us.

At the request of the Rector and Vestry, he is also preparing a special one time event focused on end of life planning that we anticipate featuring an estate attorney, nurse, funeral home director, and church leaders. The hope is for the event to be live-streamed and recorded as a resource that could be available on our website, and a supplemental booklet with other helpful information. The event is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 in the evening.

During these last nearly two years, we as a parish have also had the honor and privilege of supporting a newly ordained clergy person as they begin their ministry - a gift to the wider Church. As a priest that served in a similar arrangement when I was newly ordained in Maine, I can attest to my continuing gratitude for the lessons the communities of Grace Church, Bath and St. Phillip’s, Wiscasset taught me. They loved me through each learning moment, and helped me to grow as a clergy person. You have done the same with Rev. Jimmy, and what a gift it is. Thank you.

Some folks have inquired whether we’ll be hiring another assisting minister. We have been incredibly blessed by the part time clergy who have served our community since our community was born following the 2017 merger of James and Andrew. We knew back then we would not be able to financially sustain two paid clergy persons for the long term but felt it was essential in those early years following our merger. After the Rev. Dr. Molly Scherm’s departure as our Associate Rector, we knew we needed a dedicated staff person to explore projects that were essential to our community’s efforts to grow in faith, and the Spirit led us into a holy experiment with Rev. Jimmy.

Even as our community breathes new life through the joyful noise of children, the playful banter of our youth, and of marginalized community members taking comfort in our meals and worship services, we are not able to financially support two clergy persons. The Vestry is always holding in tension the places where we need to fan the flames of the Holy Spirit to keep growing the Jesus Movement here in Franklin County, and the challenging demand on our resources of maintaining our campus. We tolerate the ambiguity and trust in God, making the best next steps we can faithfully make, and see what unfolds. What we have seen again and again and again is that God always provides in abundance.

As the calendar year shifts into 2026, we will need to remain nimble and creative with how we use the time, talent, and treasure of our community; continue to discern what responsibilities live with our paid staff, and what is handled by our volunteers; and remain ever faithful in our prayer and praise of God. Because all that truly matters is that God is with us, we have one another, and a wider community that needs the radical love of God we have to offer. Especially at this hour in our common life.

In this and upcoming editions of our Newsletter, I would encourage you to consider some of the exciting programming we will be offering to help us continue to grow in faith, such as: Episcopal 101 & Newcomers Group; Children’s Chapel; Youth Group & Youth Confirmation Class; Wednesday Chapel community; St. Andrew’s Guild Skill-Share; Choir; Bell Choir, Coffee & Conversation, and much more.

Ever yours in the peace, love, joy, and hope of Christ.

Rev. Heather J. Blais,
Rector

Staffing Changes - Fall 2024

10/24/2024

Dear Friends of Saints James and Andrew,

This past spring, we hired Deb Parker as our Facilities staff to address our cleaning, event, security, on call, and other facility needs. She has done great work for us, including making several efficiencies. This fall Deb’s schedule changed, and we came to the mutual decision that her time with us would conclude on November 23, following the Mistletoe Mart & Craft Faire. Please join me in thanking Deb for a job well done.

We’ve spent the last two years experimenting, analyzing and learning about our staffing needs. As the Vestry looked to the future, we decided to go in a new direction. We have hired our current Office Administrator, Aaron McMurray, as our new Parish Administrator, effective November 1. Aaron has a background in supporting churches administratively, as well as, in a facilities management role. Aaron will continue to be responsible for all of their current tasks around parish administration and communication, property use, plus event set up/take down, property on call, security, minor repairs, liaising with the Property Committee around meeting contractors and keeping up certifications. Moving forward, Aaron will have the overall responsibility, being the point person, for the day to day operation of our spaces.

We believe this change:

Reflects our current reality, and will lead to improved efficiencies.
Expands the time and capacity of the position to match the current needs of our property use program.
Fills many of the gaps that have been in limbo since our Sexton retired this past spring, and that they have the skill set and experience to do so.

We are also entertaining the notion and weighing the pros and cons of hiring a staff person v. hiring a cleaning service. We have learned from other churches with large, active facilities how helpful it was to make such a shift. We are currently collecting the information from cleaning services, but we believe it is worth the Vestry’s serious consideration. We hope to make a decision within the next couple of weeks.

Another staffing change relates to our Missioner, the Rev. Jimmy Pickett. We hired Rev. Jimmy to serve as our Missioner for Formation, Community, and Mission as part of a two year holy experiment with our diocese and St. John’s, Athol. The position was ⅔ time, with ⅓ time in each parish, and Rev. Jimmy supplemented this work with agricultural work. He has done excellent work building a community on Wednesday mornings with those who gather for Holy Eucharist, as well as his work with our young families ministry. As we looked back on the first year together, we realized his work was heavily under the umbrella of formation. We’ve changed his title to Missioner for Formation and his work for the second year will be focused primarily on continuing the great work he has already begun. This is a time specific job, and Rev. Jimmy will conclude his time with us in late 2025. Meanwhile, St. John’s, Athol, have increased his time to ½ time, allowing him to focus more fully on parish ministry and take a step back from agricultural work.

As the young families ministry has experimented and grown this last year, we made the decision to shift to some Sunday morning programming a couple of times a month starting in Advent. This ministry will be run by parents, caregivers, and other parishioners excited with engaging our young parishioners. Rev. Jimmy is currently overseeing the hiring process so we might pay for a second adult to help manage childcare (kids who need to be brought to the restrooms or require a bit of support in listening or engaging with the programming). If you know anyone who would be a good fit for this role who is over 18, please contact Rev. Jimmy at [email protected]. Likewise, if you are excited to potentially work with our young kids on a rota of other volunteers, please speak to Rev. Jimmy or myself.

Thank you for your ongoing love, care, and support for the James and Andrew community, and your faithfulness to the mission and ministry God has called our parish into during this chapter. May God continue to bless the work happening here, and may all we do be to the glory of God.

Peace,
Rev. Heather J. Blais,
on behalf of Clergy & Vestry

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Pastoral Letter from the Rector

From Bishop Douglas Fisher:
A Word to All the Faithful

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:
Death and despair do not have the last word

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:
Support emergency migration ministry

Letter from the Rector

Staffing Changes - Fall 2024

Categories

Archives

Mission

Office Hours

Contact Information

Worship Times

Pastoral Letter from the Rector

From Bishop Douglas Fisher: A Word to All the Faithful

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:Death and despair do not have the last word

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: ​Support emergency migration ministry

Letter from the Rector

Staffing Changes - Fall 2024

Categories

Archives

Mission

Office Hours

Contact Information

Worship Times

From Bishop Douglas Fisher:
A Word to All the Faithful

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:
Death and despair do not have the last word

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe:
Support emergency migration ministry