{"id":67641,"date":"2022-01-04T10:40:57","date_gmt":"2022-01-04T15:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/?page_id=67641"},"modified":"2025-10-15T12:55:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T16:55:59","slug":"vestry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stjames.org\/vestry\/","title":{"rendered":"Vestry"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”What is the Vestry?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23d92829″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

In Episcopal churches, the Vestry is the elected governing body of the parish. In addition to the Rector, the Vestry is composed of two Wardens and 12 other members who represent a broad spectrum of the St. James\u2019 community. According to our church canons, the Vestry has responsibility for the \u201ctemporal affairs of the parish,\u201d including the stewardship of church money and property, personnel, and program development and oversight.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Vestry Members” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%23d92829″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”9767″ bio_alt_image_url=”9767″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Missy Condo” job_position=”Warden”]It is an honor to serve as a Warden at St James\u2019. The work the Clergy, Staff, and Vestry undertake is truly a labor of love for the St James\u2019 community. St James\u2019 is a very welcoming church that makes it possible to grow spiritually in many ways as well as to give back to our community and beyond. After being a member of St. James\u2019 for 28 years I am still amazed at all the new opportunities to grow in faith and help our neighbors, those in need, and to make a difference in community organizations.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”10570″ bio_alt_image_url=”10570″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Richard Brown” job_position=”Warden”]Richard considers it a privilege to serve on the Vestry after having done so once before for six years during the transformative \u201cMaster Plan\u201d years in the late 1990s\/early 2000s. Professionally his career has been a mix of twenty years in private banking and more recently in residential real estate. For over three decades, in times of joy and difficulty, St. James\u2019 has played a critical, influential and stabilizing role in Richard\u2019s life. He has two grown children, Charlotte and Preston, who were baptized and confirmed at St. James\u2019 and grew up participating in Sunday School, children choirs, and as acolytes. Upon their graduation, he shifted from the 9:10am service to being one of the Usher Captains for the 11:15am. It is however the Candlelight Communion service at 6:00pm, with its contemplative and centering qualities, that has become his mainstay. Richard is grateful for St. James\u2019 participation in Renewal Works and the opportunities for spiritual growth that are available through these rich and varied offerings. It is his hope these programs, often small groups welcoming a blend of newcomers and parishioners of longstanding, will continue to grow in participation. They are sources of inspiration and connection that provide the means and pathways for each of us to strengthen our relationship to and love for God and to one another.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”322014″ bio_alt_image_url=”322014″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Alexandra Bacon”]St. James\u2019 Church is at the center of my life.\u00a0 <\/span>My journey at St. James\u2019\u00a0<\/span>began on Good Friday 2016, followed by a \u201cCalled To Life\u201d small group\u00a0<\/span>study during the Easter season.\u00a0 <\/span>This journey is a steady encounter of\u00a0<\/span>worship, formation, fellowship, and service.\u00a0 <\/span>When my 34 year career in\u00a0<\/span>classical music artist management ended during COVID, I was called to a\u00a0<\/span>new life chapter, with St. James\u2019 as the cornerstone.\u00a0 <\/span>In the spirit of \u201call St.\u00a0<\/span>James\u2019, all the time,\u201d I serve in a variety of ministries, all of which enhance\u00a0<\/span>my Christian faith.\u00a0 <\/span>These include Co-Mentor of Education for Ministry, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Adult Formation Committee, Music Search\u00a0<\/span>Committee, Officiant for Online Morning Prayer, Altar Guild, Healing Prayer\u00a0<\/span>Ministry, and Friday Dinner Program.\u00a0 <\/span>It is a joy to serve alongside people\u00a0<\/span>who boldly express discipleship.\u00a0 <\/span>I am honored to serve on the Vestry of\u00a0<\/span>St. James\u2019 Church, which faithfully fulfills its mission – \u201ca community that\u00a0<\/span>actively shares the love of Jesus Christ with each other, the city, and the\u00a0<\/span>world.\u201d[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”291371″ bio_alt_image_url=”291372″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Ying Garcia-Bory”]Born and raised in Shanghai, P. R. China, Ying discovered St. James\u2019 in 2012 when she and her husband were searching for the right church for their family. Since then, St. James\u2019 has been the \u201chome away from home\u201d for the Garcia Bory family, providing them with opportunities to deepen their faith. After participating in the Catechumenate program, Ying was baptized at St. James\u2019 in 2014 and confirmed in 2015. During the past ten years, Ying has served as committee members for the Children\u2019s and Family Ministries, Youth Group and Grants Committee. She has been the Co-Chair of the Grants Committee since 2021. Ying\u2019s career as a Commercial Banker within the Real Estate Banking Industry has allowed her to develop financial, analytical and communication skills to work with diverse groups and projects. Ying is honored to serve as a Vestry Member at St. James\u2019 Church and look forward to contributing to the betterment of the parish and community.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”278701″ bio_alt_image_url=”278699″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Tom Goss”]\n

I am honored to be on the Vestry at St. James\u2019 and look forward to broadening my commitment to our parish community. My wife, Lib, and I have lived in New York City for over 25 years, and our children, <\/span>DeWitt<\/span> and Ridgely, were baptized at St. James\u2019 in the late \u201890s. We have always considered St. James\u2019 to be our spiritual home. Over the years, I have enjoyed <\/span>participating<\/span> in the Catechumenate, serving in the Friday Night Dinner Program, being a member of the Investment Committee and serving as a Head Usher at the 11:15 a.m. service. I am extremely grateful to our clergy for providing so many wonderful learning experiences that have opened my eyes to a life of faith and service. Professionally, I have been blessed with <\/span>a long career<\/span> in the financial services industry, and I currently work as a Financial Advisor in Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. It is a great privilege to work closely with our other Vestry members and new church leadership to make a meaningful contribution to our shared life in Christ.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/team_member][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”326773″ bio_alt_image_url=”326773″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Romi Gottfrid”]St. James\u2019 has been a cornerstone of our family\u2019s life since 2001, and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Vestry. My husband Derek and I have raised our three daughters, Annika, Emma Rei and KK here, where all three were baptized, confirmed, and actively involved as young members in the parish. Over the years, I have found deep meaning and spiritual enrichment through worship, fellowship, and the many opportunities to serve. My faith has been nourished and shaped by the wisdom of remarkable clergy, teachers, and mentors here. Their guidance has deepened my understanding and strengthened my spiritual life in lasting ways. I\u2019ve also built lifelong friendships within this community\u2014relationships rooted in shared faith, support, and a sense of belonging that continues to sustain and inspire me. I\u2019ve been actively engaged, serving on many different committees through the years. Currently, I co-lead the Moms\u2019 Bible Study, serve on the Altar Guild, and am a member of the Adult Formation Committee. One of the most meaningful experiences of my time at St. James\u2019 was serving on the Rector Search Committee\u2014a humbling and hope-filled process that reaffirmed my love for this church.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m continually inspired by St. James\u2019 steadfast commitment to community, worship, and spiritual growth, and I look forward to contributing in this new role as we continue to thrive as a place of welcome, love and faith.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”235285″ bio_alt_image_url=”235285″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Cabot Henderson”]I am extremely grateful to be on the vestry. Since my wife and I joined the church in 2012 to find a place to baptize our oldest child, drawn initially if truth be told mostly by the beautiful service and music, we have found St. James\u2019 to be an ever-growing presence in our family\u2019s lives. From the opportunity to nourish my faith as we celebrate communion at the 9:10 service, to the development of my children\u2019s spiritual journeys, to being a member of a parish that actively helps those in need in the city and world we live in, I am proud to call myself a member of St. James\u2019 and look to help maintain its mission in the community. Outside of St. James\u2019, I work as a financial analyst and am proud father to two children in the choir.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”235282″ bio_alt_image_url=”235282″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Zach Hora-Moir”]St. James<\/span>\u2019 <\/span>has been my church home for the past 8 years. \u00a0It is where my husband and I were married, and it is where we have had our faith nurtured and strengthened. \u00a0I am excited to serve on the Vestry as a way to give back to a community of faith that has given so much to me. \u00a0St. James<\/span>\u2019 <\/span>is committed to being a place where people in all stages of life and at all levels of faith are welcomed and loved, and I am looking forward to serving our community as we continue this important work<\/span>.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”10576″ bio_alt_image_url=”10576″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Nina Huffman” job_position=”Treasurer”]I am excited and honored to serve on the Vestry of our vibrant church, which happily has been my family\u2019s spiritual home for more than 20 years. I am a strong advocate for our outreach ministries, which provide opportunities for participants to deepen our relationships with God, the St. James\u2019 clergy and staff and fellow parishioners. This energizing work demonstrates the extraordinary gifts of St. James\u2019 – the collective spiritual gifts of the institution – drawn from generations of devoted and impactful parishioners and leaders. I believe our Christian duty calls us to engage with the broader community and share these gifts to promote the common good, now more than ever.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”322015″ bio_alt_image_url=”322015″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Larry Hunter”]Laurence Hunter (Larry) is delighted to serve as a member of the St. James\u2019 Vestry. Larry has been a lay reader, greeter, usher, choir member, and has served previously on the Rector Search Committee. He currently serves as a board member and Director of Membership for the University Glee Club of New York City, and sits on the Ricklefs Awards Committee for The Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, CA. Larry works at Wells Fargo as a Senior Executive Specialist.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”388429″ bio_alt_image_url=”388429″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Madeleine Rice”]It is a great honor to serve on the Vestry, representing my fellow congregants and supporting our clergy and staff. Since 2008 St James\u2019 has been my church home, along with my husband who was received at St James\u2019 and our daughters who sang in the children\u2019s choir, served as acolytes, and were confirmed at St James\u2019. My spiritual life has grown and deepened over the years through the many meaningful programs and services that St James\u2019 offers. I volunteer in mission driven work feeding the hungry at the Tuesday lunch and Friday dinner programs, serve as a Lay Reader, and attend forum discussions.\u00a0 I am inspired by the incredible members of the St James\u2019 community to grow in faith and to serve others.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”10787″ bio_alt_image_url=”10787″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Aaron Simpson”]Aaron P. Simpson is an attorney, husband and father, and an active member of the St. James\u2019 community. In fact, all the members of the Simpson family are active in the life of the parish, serving in liturgical roles during worship and in Children\u2019s and Family Ministries. “Like the city itself, what we love about St. James is that it is a Church for everyone. All are graciously welcomed through those doors on Madison Avenue by our wonderful clergy and invited to grow in their Christian faith, participate in a diverse array of programs and ministries, and develop authentic relationships with their fellow parishioners.”
\nPrior to coming to St. James\u2019, Aaron served on the Vestry of St. John\u2019s Church in Larchmont. He is on the Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts at his alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin.[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”278703″ bio_alt_image_url=”278703″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Ellie Smith”]Ellie is honored to be on the Vestry at St. James\u2019 Church, which she considers her home in New York City more than any neighborhood or apartment. She began attending in 2019 and has since served as a co-chair of the St. <\/span>Jamesians<\/span>, an usher, a Sunday school leader, and a member of the Rector Search Committee in 2022-2023. Outside of St. James\u2019, Ellie works in communications and mentors high school students through an education nonprofit — both experiences that she believes will inform her work on the Vestry. Ellie appreciates St. James\u2019 consistent emphasis on God’s unending love\u202ffor us and as an example to us, and she hopes her work will help St. James\u2019 continue welcoming, <\/span>embracing<\/span> and loving God\u2019s children.<\/span><\/span>[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][team_member image_url=”278704″ bio_alt_image_url=”278704″ team_memeber_style=”bio_fullscreen_alt” image_loading=”default” team_member_bio_full_html=”html” name=”Catherine Workman”]\n

Catherine Workman resides with her husband Chris and their children, Ellie and Pippa. While she once served as a pediatrician at NYU Langone Health, Catherine is currently focused on nurturing her family as a stay-at-home parent. Within the St. James\u2019 community, she has been actively involved in various roles, including co-chair of the Children and Families Ministry, as well as past involvement in the Rector Search Committee, Pastoring the Community Task Force, and the Grants Committee. Outside of St. James\u2019, Catherine continues her commitment to service as a facilitator at NYC Parents in Action and through active participation in her daughters\u2019 school\u2019s Parents Association. With her extensive background in healthcare and community engagement, Catherine brings a wealth of experience to the Vestry.<\/p>\n[\/team_member][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/5″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”none” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-6-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#1d3354″ background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” font_color=”#ffffff” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A VESTRY MEMBER” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n

Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

– 1 Corinthians 12:4-7\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”50px” equal_height=”yes” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”small_depth” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Congregational Participation” font_container=”tag:h6|font_size:24|text_align:left|line_height:28px” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]\n