June 2007
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Table of Contents:
From the Rector
From our Deacon
From the Senior Warden
Newest Member
Calendar update
Vestry Hi-Lites
Keeping up pledge payments this summer
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Singing Choirs - News and Notes
Bell Choir "Notes"
Parish Picnic
Youth Group News
Sunday School News
Fundraising
Italian Night Dinner
Bring Blessings from your garden
Confirmation Collect
Graduates to be honored at St. James' June 17
Getting the word out.
Education for Ministry
EAM needs your help!
Around the Diocese
Read it:
Meet Gina Gifford
Meet Patti Worthington
PlacematsFrom our Rector, The Rev. Dr. Cathy L. Deats
For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. [ I Cor 3:9-11 ]
June is a wondrous month. Spring has fully arrived in garden and warm breezes. Somehow the crocuses and daffodils don't really announce spring to me; they arrive from the frozen earth, still subject to snow cover. Around them the trees and bushes are still brown sticks. But June --- the trees have fully burst forth, dogwoods with tiny white blossoms and pear with its delicate form. We can set our houseplants on porch or deck without fear of a late frost. The earth does not crunch, but gives warmly beneath our feet. Breezes float through screens, and often it is not hot enough to crank on the A/C.
June is a month of transition. We look ahead to summer plans of vacation, cooking on the grill, and evenings of a walk around the neighborhood or doing almost anything that keeps us out of doors. School years wind down and graduates look ahead to new opportunities. The wedding season is in full gear, with more new beginnings. The ministries in our community which operate on a program year are celebrated as we honor those whose time and talent are generously shared.
This year, June is the month we will see the new Parish Hall rise on the site of the demolition of the old hall. The demo and excavation were exciting; we saw this progress as the beginning of a dream fulfilled. But now the construction has begun; instead of tearing down, we are building up. As I watch the workers set the cement block courses for the foundation, I think of how it is we build a relationship or family or community. The foundation must be level; if stone or block is set on ground that is not level, the entire structure is compromised.
It makes me think of the foundation of our community. Listen carefully to the baptismal promises, which we reaffirm every time a newborn, young person or adult is brought to the font. Seek and serve Christ in all persons; respect the dignity of every human being; continue in the apostles' teaching, the fellowship, and the breaking of the bread. These promises are the foundation of our community life. When the storms of life blow through, our firm foundation of service, worship and education will help us stand firm. You know that people with strong devotional lives are able to withstand life's earthquakes and hurricanes with less damage and more ability to rebuild. A community with a strong worship life, cooperative spirit and mission to reach out to marginalized and needy people likewise will withstand all manner of challenges.
I am often asked to officiate at weddings by people who drove by St. James' and thought it was such a pretty church. We receive an equal number of requests via email, again from people who have seen a picture of our beautiful building. As I explain our community and its life, and the sacrament of marriage, I can tell that the information is not sinking in. The focus is on the building rather than the community. When I further explain the time needed to prepare for marriage, including regular attendance at worship that often ends the conversation. The foundation of the sacrament of marriage is the relationship of the parties in community . When the storms of life blow through such a marriage, the strong foundation is able to hold fast and the damage is likely to be minimized.
So enjoy the month of June, with the beauty of God's creation all around and new beginnings in our midst. Check out the building site each Sunday; see "how firm the foundation." And build in yourself and our body of Christ that which keeps us strong: the nourishment of the Eucharist, the fellowship of the body of Christ, and the service of others in God's name.
Faithfully yours,
Cathy L. Deats+
From our Deacon, The Rev. Sheila Shuford, Deacon
Full CircleOn Saturday May 19 the Diocese of Newark held a confirmation and reaffirmation service at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Succasunna. Five churches from District One participated, including St. James' candidates Joey Ayres, Maryanne Timmins and Michael Schwing . The Right Reverend Mark Beckwith was the Celebrant and Preacher. Russ Worthington was the Bishop's Chaplain. The Rev. Dr. Cathy Deats was the interpreter. I was the Deacon. I processed the Gospel, read the Gospel, read prayers for the candidates and set the holy table and offered the dismissal. It was a joyous occasion.
The event had special meaning for me. Twenty-five years ago when we moved from North Carolina to New Jersey, St. Dunstan's was our first church. Bishop Jack Spong and The Rev. Bob Mason confirmed my son Andrew there when he was 15. During the several years we attended St. Dunstan's, Andrew served as my unskilled but loving communication aide by interpreting as his skills allowed. Although there was no budget for a professional interpreter, we did manage to raise deaf awareness.When I first started to consider a call to be a Deacon, Bishop Spong was not willing to have Vocational Deacons in the Diocese. It was a wonderful feeling to stand at the holy table and to be fully included in the service, to participate as a Deacon and offer up many silent prayers of thanksgiving for having come full circle. I want to thank the many people at St. James' who helped me on my journey.
Sheila Shuford , Deacon
From the Senior Warden, David Olesen
Gumby's Adventure
The Building Project is off and running...finally! I am one of many who saw the Parish Hall come down with some mixture of sadness and anticipation, and was happy to see the demolition completed so quickly. NOW we are involved AND committed. (Hopefully not in the terms of the old breakfast saw, in which the chicken is involved and the pig is committed.) Rocky's crew did not waste a minute, and the job was completed well ahead of schedule. Why can't everything be like that?
Our Groundbreaking was led by the Right Reverend Mark Beckwith, with the assistance of our perspicacious priest. This was an interesting affair with a symbolic placement of the new structure, some joyful singing, pink work boots, a construction miter, along with the sharing of some favorite memories of what took place there over the years. I will miss the great hall - it had a lot of problems, but it certainly had personality.
Most of my project experience has been vicarious, fueled by Linda Murray's daily journal. In the few weeks since the project began, she has dealt with earthquakes, water shortages, noise, dust, dirt, and all manner of adventure. (Fortunately, no pestilence, even though a huge hunk of the Mitcham House foundation is gone.) Her office has become a rampart, overlooking a scene of mass destruction and construction. Through this all, Linda has remained unfazed and forever flexible, hence earning her the sobriquet of "Gumby."
Gumby, thanks for your continued faithful service and patience amidst the chaos. I know you will need all of your good humor once the machines start chewing into the kitchen - I hope I can be there that day. Of course, the worst of the destruction is behind us, and there are already signs of construction progress. If you squint, you can almost see what is on the way.
I have stood at Linda's ramparts in awe of this work. I have read the plans many times, but seeing it take shape from her aerie really gives you a feeling of the scope and scale of all this - it is truly a transformative project. May we transform ourselves with it.
There is a lot going on right now. We just learned that St. James', in all of its 148 years, was never incorporated. There are papers and permits that continue to pour into Gumby's office. And we are working to finalize the financing plans going forward - which is where I get serious for a moment. If you have pledged to the Capital Campaign, please try to keep up-to-date. If you must change your pledge, please inform our Administrator. This really helps our budgeting work. Whether you have pledged or not, I'd like to ask that you take some time to prayerfully consider how you can help St. James' bring this project to fruition. It is never too late to add to the Building Fund. None of us could have done this alone. It is a transforming event and opportunity - for all of us, and our future members and visitors.
Semper Gumby.
Erin Eliza Corry was born on May to Adam and Angie Corry. Her big sister is Briana Elise. Erin will be baptized on June 24th .
Julianna Marie Fox, daughter of Jeanette Nolan and Robert Fox was baptized on the Feast of Pentecost, May 27th . Julianna is the granddaughter of Cynthia Nolan and niece of Brian Nolan.
Calendar Update
June 3rd - Parish Picnic - Independence Field of Dreams
June 4th - 12th - Rector's Vacation
June 9th - Argyle Fish & Chips Dinner - Christ Church, Budd Lake
June 10th - Choir Recognition
June 12th - AA District Mtg - Mitcham House - 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
June 17th - Honoring our Graduates/10:00 AM Service
June 21st - Vestry Meeting/Mitcham House - 7:30 PM
June 24th - Holy Baptism/10:00 AM
June 25 - July 2 - Administrator's Vacation
July 4th - Holiday Office Closed
July 28 - August 12th - Sexton's VacationNote: The Ocean Grove Choir will be practicing at St. James every Monday evening from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM from June 4 to July 2nd.
- Office summer hours were set: The Parish Administrator will be available 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The Rector will cover the office for construction purposes on Monday mornings. Vacations have been planned with minimal overlap, and the Construction Committee will do oversight as necessary.
- Scholarship gifts for graduating high school seniors were approved.
- Mortgage application is pending incorporation, to be resolved after Special Parish Meeting 5/27
Keeping up pledge payments this summer
As a reminder, you may prepay your pledge for the time you'll be away by writing just one check and using one envelope. You will be given credit according to your original pledge. If it is more convenient, you may mail a check to the church office prior to leaving or while you are away.
I want to wish everyone a pleasant summer and to thank you for your commitment to St. James' as well as the attention given to your pledge responsibility.
Janice Cipriani
Stewardship Chair
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Musicians...offer your gifts to our liturgy!
Do you play an instrument?
Sing solo or with others?
Please contact Pam Laura (908.850.8086) to set up your musical offering.
We are looking for people to play / sing all Summer Sundays at the 9 AM service,July 1 - August 26
Singing Choirs - News and Notes
Our Children's Choir, while seeming small on any given singing occasion, has actually gained some singers this year!
This year the Children's choir participated in the annual Story of the Nativity through the Arts program held at the Post Morris United Methodist Church where they sang, and signed "Go Tell It on the Mountain" costumed as shepherds and angels. Participating in that were Hayden Smith, Bianca Wargo, TJ Niculcea & Alena Rogers. They also performed this song at our own children's Christmas Eve service. We had, luckily, two new singers join us in the spring, Sophie Elmo & Maddie Edens , and those young ladies sang & signed "Fairest Lord Jesus" at Youth Sunday. They did a great job for having only had 3 rehearsals!
Hopefully next year we'll be able to get them all together at the same time for singing in church and other venues!
On Sunday, June 10, we will be recognizing our Senior Choir members (as well as our Bell Choir members) for all the hard work they've done this year preparing music to enhance our worship on Sundays and special services (Advent Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, 5 services during Holy Week). This year's choir members being recognized are Wendie Germain, Diana Brandt, Joyce Forman, Helen Wise, Jim Brandt & Penn Pixley. While we don't often get to see Jim due to family visits and some unfortunate injuries, and Penn due to work and family obligations, we are always glad to see them when they are able to sing with us!
We are always ready to welcome new members! You don't have to have a great voice to sing so don't be afraid to come try it out! Rehearsals most of the year are on Thursday nights at 7:30. There is a 2 month stretch in January and February when we meet on Wednesday nights at 7:30. Speak to any choir member or to me if you're interested in joining. We are very flexible about rehearsals (just ask Jim, Penn or Joyce Forman!).
Now, some exciting news that you'll be seeing more about in the Fundraising part of the Journal. St James has been invited to sing the National Anthem at a Sussex Skyhawks baseball game on Sunday, August 12 at 2pm. They asked if the choir would be interested and of course we said "Yes"! But, we'd really like to ask any of you who would like to sing to please let me know! I think this should be a representative group from our church and not just "the choir". Once I find an arrangement that we like, we'll have a couple of practices just so everyone's comfortable with it. These can easily be after church if that makes it easy for all. This includes any young people, whether they already sing in the Children's Choir or not. So, young, old, middle-aged or whatever, please let me know if you'd like to sing that day!
Last but certainly not least - I am looking for summer musicians to play or sing during the offering collection time or as a prelude to postlude (before the service starts or after the service ends). Almost any instrument is fine, as is singing, and we can work out appropriate music for the day on which you want to perform. This is meant for anyone - young or adult. Please let me know if you would like to play or sing and we can work out a Sunday date for you!
The Bell Choir is now preparing to participate in the 10:00 worship service on June 10, Choir Recognition Sunday. The piece is not based on a hymn, as are many of the pieces that the Bell Choir rings. Once again, several techniques are used with the bells and we hope the congregation will find it pleasing to listen to. We also hope that it will add to the worship experience.
After June 10, the Bell Choir members will enjoy a much-deserved summer vacation. A very sincere thank you to the very faithful and dedicated members of the Bell Choir. St. James is truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of ringers. They have made my position as director really enjoyable and I hope that each member of the choir is also enjoying his/her time with the Bell Choir. What really makes me happy is that all the members are planning to return next September and I have heard that there may be a few new people coming to join us! Soon we will need more bells!
Thank you to the members of the St. James Multi-Generational Bell Choir - Wendie Germain, Diana Grant, Chika Okoye, Christina Okoye, Sylvia Okoye, Sam Olshan, Helen Wise, Patti Worthington and Russ Worthington. You are a great group!
Are you thinking about joining the Bell Choir? Please call me at 973-584-2061 so I can plan music for fall, Advent and Christmas.
Louise Olshan
Independence Field of Dreams
June 3
Sunday, June 3
8:00 am service at St. James' as usual;
10:00 am service will be held at the park(Music provided by Dave Heistand)
Followed by food and fun
Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks provided
Bring a dish to share
Bring lawn chairs (including an extra if you have one!) or blanket to sit on the grass.8:00 AM service at St. James' as usual; 10:00 AM service will be held at the park. Fully accessible park with paved walking trail, wheelchair accessible restrooms, playground, sheltered pavilion for cooking out and plenty of space for fun and games! Bring your favorite side dish to share; burgers and dogs and drinks provided.
Directions: Approximate Driving time from St. James' - 10 minutes
• Take 46 West
• Continue through town of Vienna
• Pass Independence Elementary School
• Make a left onto Cemetery Road
• Continue past Cemetery
• Make a left into entrance for Field of Dreams
• Continue up road till you see the pavilion.A downloadable set of directions can be found on our website:
Youth group had its end of year party last week. We celebrated with a game of team pictionary played outside on the Mitcham House front porch. Thank you to Ed Modugon Jr. who hosted the game. We had a fun year and look foward to seeing everyone after summer break. Congratulations to our graduating seniors: Lindsay Modugno, Tim Barnes, Mike Malejko and Eric Travostino. We would also like to welcome our new youth group member, Justin Simmons. We wish everyone a happy, healthy summer. Dawn Modugno and Lori Pursel
Kids ask the most amazing things.
As the Sunday School wrapped up its year on May 20, the children (ages 7- 11) came to church with their questions for the Rector:
How do you know when God is talking to you?
Do you think it's possible that people could stop worshipping God and worship someone else or something else?
Do you think there are images of God in nature?
What is the significance of the number 40 in the Bible?
Why wasn't Jesus believed when he said he was the son of God?
On Noah's Ark , why was the specific bird chosen to fly and determine whether land was near?
How did Easter get its name?
Is God a boy or a girl?
Our children are thoughtful and inquisitive, and have obviously been guided and challenged by the studies and stories of our program of Godly Play . The coordinator and teachers are to be commended for their guidance of our children as they give so generously of their time and skill throughout the year. Please be sure to let them know how you appreciate their work this past year:
Kathy Lacouture, Coordinator and teachers Sarah Grub, Eileen Malejko and Elizabeth DiMarzo.
What has the fundraising committee been up to you ask?
Let's see, a candy sale in March, a Rummage sale in April along with the "What in the World" coffee hour and the Italian Night Dinner in May. All very successful events,
Thanks Be to God, who provides us the motivation, inspiration and the gift of many, hands to do this work. As we look at our new Construction Site , I hope that we are all inspired to do more to bring this project to completion, to finally be in our new space and able to continue to do God's work in whatever way he calls us to. I look forward to new Ministries and new Missions that this space will open up to us; for more opportunities to reach out to our community, to improve or expand what we already do, for the growth and fellowship of St. James'.
The fundraising committee is committed to doing all that we can in our small efforts to support the goals of St. James' and we ask that you continue to support us. We will have many opportunities for you to do so in the coming months.
Our immediate plans include the Argyles' Fish and Chips dinner coming up on June 9th , tickets are on sale now, please make plans to attend this dinner and enjoy the fellowship of bringing two parishes together. We need your support to make this a success, and from what I am told, you can't get any better Fish and Chips. The next fundraiser will be the 4 th of July celebration in Blairstown, a holiday that unfortunately falls mid week this year so lots of people will be staying home. Last year we sold ice cream and did pretty well. The details of this years' event will be distributed, as we get closer to July. In addition, we are planning another dinner at Trinity in the fall, a rummage sale, another coffee hour at "What in the World", the Harvest Festival on October 13th and then the Tricky Tray on Saturday, October 20th .
The Vestry set a goal of $13,000 for the FRC this year and we are a little more than a quarter of the way there. All the news of past, current and planned events can be found on our web-page thanks to Russ Worthington who is dedicated to providing all the news of St. James' at the click of a button. Visit our page and let us know what you think, it is awesome, Thanks Russ!
There is another event coming up on Sunday, August 12th , our very own choir will sing the National Anthem at Skylands baseball field. The game that day is between the Sussex Skyhawks and the North Shore Spirit. This day at the ballpark has been designated as "Dog Day" which means you can bring your dog to the park with you. Game time is 2:05 pm. This is not a fundraising event! It is an opportunity for fellowship and to show our support for the Choir. Tickets will be sold at cost; we would like to know if you are interested in going so that we can purchase tickets in a section where we can all sit together. You can indicate your interest by going on our website and onto the fundraising page and email us.
If you do not have access to a computer, you can of course let one of the FRC know and we will add your name. Once again, thanks to all who come out and support us, thanks to all the volunteers that help make these events successful, without your support we could not do this.
Italian Night Dinner Over a dozen volunteers invested their time to make Italian Night on Friday May 18 a fundraiser to remember. Trinity United Methodist Church was truly gracious in lending our parish Starr Hall, an excellent venue for a large event.
This dinner raised $1,011 dollars and was well organized by the fundraising committee, headed by Barbara White. On the menu was spaghetti, meat sauce, meatballs, sausage, baked ziti, salad and garlic bread followed by desserts and coffee.
For parishioners with hectic lifestyles, participating in a fund-raising event is a very simple way to give back to St. James'. The many volunteers made quick work of Italian Night and laughter could be heard ringing through the halls.
Jewels Quelly
Bring Blessings from your garden
During the summer months, we move to a more relaxed schedule and liturgy. Our sanctuary continues to be adorned with flowers from our local florist supplier (Greenway). But we know we have wonderful gardeners in the congregation as well as folks who just happen to grow lovely flowers! If you are one of these individuals or families, please consider bringing a bouquet to church for display at the baptismal font. Our focus is drawn to the font in the Season after Pentecost as we learn how to live out our baptismal promises. What better way to remind ourselves than to be drawn to a sign of beauty in this space. Please bring your offering any summer Sunday morning. Glass vases are available in the sacristy, or feel free to bring your own. Since flower blooming cannot be accurately predicted, we will not post a schedule. Let the spirit move you, and a place in the church will be found for all offerings. All flowers will be brought to our folks unable to be at church or given to someone celebrating a special day.
The 2007 Confirmation Class spent one evening learning about Rules of Life and Collects. They learned that a collect has a certain format: first, we address God; then, we ask for something and tell why we are asking, and then we end the prayer. Check it out for yourself, with any collect in the Book of Common Prayer ! Here is the Collect for the 2007 class:
Almighty God, bringer of all life on earth and beauty,
please give us the strength to carry on in Confirmation Class,
so that the Holy Spirit may come upon us
as we are confirmed and received into the Episcopal Church.
Amen.Graduates to be honored at St. James' June 17
We will mark the beginnings of new journeys for our graduates on June 17th at each worship service. We want our young people, and all those who study to develop their skills and talents, to know that we recognize the discipline and hard work which go into any worthwhile accomplishment. We also recognize you, the people of St. James' who have been with these people on these journeys (especially the young people who have grown up in our midst!), and the parents, families, and friends who have supported our graduates.
College Graduates:
David Bernauer, East Stroudsburg University
Brian Brewster, Univ. of CA, Santa Barbara
Vanessa Deats, Caldwell College
Greg Honigsberg, Rutgers University
Ed Modugno, The College of New Jersey
High School:Michael Malejko, Hackettstown High School
Audrey Honigsberg, Morris Catholic High School
Lindsay Modugno, West Morris Central High School
Eric Travostino, Hackettstown High School8th Grade :
Joey Ayres, Hackettstown Middle School
Matt Malejko, Allamuch Elementary School
Charlie Thieringer, Long Valley Middle School
Katie Lacouture, Hackettstown Middle SchoolEducation for Ministry:
Gina Gifford
DJ HoffmanOther Professional Schools and Programs:
Cathy Kahl, New York State Home Health Aide Training
Paula VanClef has come on board as our publicity coordinator. She has taken our media contacts and updated them, and she receives all the news via the news4stjames@comcast.net list. So listen for St. James' on WRNJ, see us on Comcast and in the papers! Thanks, Paula!
Are you looking for an opportunity to learn about the Bible and the Church that is both interactive and in-depth? A regular weekly group in which you not only learn, but wrestle with what difference this knowledge makes in your life? Join a group of committed learners and seekers. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 PM in the Mitcham House. Study and homework assignments are an average of two hours per week. Find a prospectus in the Narthex. Enrollment applications for the year September 2007 - June 2008 are now available in the church office or from the Rector. To learn more, speak to the Rector or a present student: Elmer Danté, Gina Gifford, DJ Hoffman, Ruth Karmazon, Pam Laura, Barbara Olesen, Barbara White (note: catch up with these students as they sponsor coffee hour on June 17 th !) You can also join them at a cookout / informational session on Tuesday, June 26 th at 7:00 pm at the home of the mentor, Cathy Deats. Please RSVP to Cathy at 973.252.2160 or cathydeats@comcast.net
Our mission to Appalachia enters its sixth year as volunteer work campers from St. James' join in the work of repair and renovation of homes in St. Paul , Virginia . Each worker pays for room and board, but your donations to cover the cost of the trip are welcome. Trip expenses are supplies and equipment, gas, meals and a one-night stay at a motel for six people and have averaged $800-$900. You can find envelopes for your contributions in the narthex, or simply make your donation by check, clearly noting "EAM" on the memo line. Many thanks!
E.A.M. Application
Episcopal Appalachian Ministries (EAM)
Trip Applications available from church office and online -
Trip dates: July 28 - August 5, 2007The Hand Maid and the Carpenter:
A Novel By Elizabeth BergIn this fictional account of the meeting, courtship and relationship between Mary and Joseph, the story crests with the birth of the Christ child. However, make no mistake. This book should not be saved for the Advent season, as it is not a Christmas story but a lovely and simple interpretation of a tale told thousands of times over.
Author Elizabeth Berg is a New York Times Bestseller. One of her novels, Open House was an Oprah pick in 2000. She admittedly takes a few liberties, but that's okay. Few of us are anywhere near being Biblical scholars and are willing to overlook a little fact bending for a sweet read on a summer afternoon.
Berg portrays Mary as young and spunky and attractive to Joseph's serious, conventional character. In this story, Mary is not completely without the ethereal qualities usually ascribed to her and that lends a slightly mystic hint to the story.
The best part of the book is the human perspective lent to the nativity story. So often we forget that at one point, Mary was a dreamy and perhaps slightly impetuous young woman and that Joseph was a man whose head could've been turned by a special girl. Is it so hard to believe that beyond the mystery of a virgin birth, a sparkling star and wise men bearing gifts might lay a romance between two special people chosen to be parents together?
Jewels Quelly
• ACTS / VIM workshop: A Commitment to Serve, Volunteers in Mission is a program of funding mission initiatives in the Diocese. St. James' has been the recipient of such funds for several years for Deaf Ministry. There will be a workshop on Wednesday June 13 th at 6 PM at Episcopal House to teach about the program and for you to learn hands-on how to write a grant. Register by June 11 at mfrancaviglia@dioceseofnewark.org . For more information, visit www.dioceseofnewark.org/acts.html .
• Farewell to The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Assistant Bishop, on June 23 rd at 3 PM at the Cathedral of Trinity and St. Phillip's in Newark . The service of Evensong will be followed by a reception. Carol was our guest for dinner at St. James' and many have had the benefit of her ministry in the Diocese.
Gina was born in Albany, NY and grew up in New Scotland, NY (the sticks, according to her!). She attended Clarkston HS and RPI. She was on the track and cross-country team in high school.
After graduation, Gina went to work for Accenture, moving to New York City. She moved to Mount Olive in 1995 and Julian, her pet bird, is the apple of her eye.
Gina currently works for Pfizer in Parsippany. She just completed her PMP certification and is looking forward to graduating from EFM in June.
Gina was raised Roman Catholic but always felt more comfortable attending her father's Episcopal Church and youth group. She wanted to be "a part of" and the Episcopal Church was a good fit for her. Says Gina, "I found St James in the Yellow Pages of all things!" She likes the people in this parish and feels at home here.
Gina highly recommends the EFM program to anyone who is interested. She says, "I received many surprising gifts along the way and you will too!" Feel free to talk to Gina about the EFM program if you are thinking about it!
Patti was born in White Plains, NY and grew up in Elmsford, NY. She graduated from Alexander Hamilton HS and was in the choir and the band and was poster-maker and ticket-taker for football and basketball games. In addition, she taught Sunday school and was in the youth group. Growing up she loved to ice skate, bowl, roller skate, bicycle and sled in winter.
Patti took the summer off after high school graduation (great advice from her parents) and then began her work career. She has a wonderful husband (Russ!) four children, seven grandchildren, 2 cats and 2 grand-dogs. She continues to work since she has not hit the lottery yet! She also likes to work on genealogy in her spare time.
Not too many years ago Patti and Russ attended an Ash Wednesday service at St James and have been here ever since. Patti is very active at St James. You will find her many Sundays on the Altar as well as being a lay visitor. She and Russ attend all of St James events and help out where needed. Last year, Patti completed four years of EFM.
Patti used to dress up in full Easter Bunny costume for her children when they were young. She has also walked a mile in the Grand Canyon. And don't forget to ask her what Elmsford, NY is famous for!
Next time you are at the Stardust Diner (on Route 46), check out your placemat. St. James' has printed a table grace on the latest order of 80,000 placemats placed by the popular diner, formerormerly known as "The Big Blue Box in the Sky."
Office: 908-852-3968 | FAX: 908-212-7535
email: stjames214@comcast.net
Created: 05/31/07
