Priest-in-Residence Rev. Judy Ferguson joins St. James Episcopal Church in North Salem

St. James Episcopal Church in North Salem announced that Reverend Judy Ferguson joined the congregation as Priest-in-Residence. Rev. Ferguson comes to St. James after retiring from 26 years of active, full-time ministry. She was previously the Rector at the Church of the Holy Innocents in Highland Falls and she continues to serve as the Episcopal Civilian Chaplain to the United States Military Academy at West Point. There, she has led the campus/alumni ministry for the past 21 years.

Rev. Ferguson described St. James as “a place where you are safe and you are loved, despite your religious or spiritual background,” and described it as “a dynamic community with good energy.” As Priest-in-Residence, Rev. Ferguson said she hopes to enrich the parish with regular communion and understanding of the church seasons. She will also work to help guide the parish in finding a permanent priest.

Rev. Ferguson invites all community members, especially parents of young children, to take time out for “Sunday joy” at St. James. Beginning on February 5, the church will offer babysitting during its 10:00 a.m. service to accommodate young families.

“It doesn’t matter what your worldview is, the only thing that God requires of us is to love one another,” Rev. Ferguson said.

Rev. Ferguson invites any community member to drop by the Parish Hall office on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for pastoral care or to talk about theological or social issues.

For more information, call the St. James office at 914-669-5563 or visit stjamesns.com

The Episcopal Church

St. James is part of the Episcopal Church USA and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglican Communion totals more than 70 million members in 164 countries, all of whom trace their roots to the Church of England.

Diocese of New York

The basic unit of ministry in the Episcopal Church is the diocese. St. James is one of 200 congregations in the Diocese of New York. Each diocese is presided over by a diocesan bishop. The Right Rev. Andrew Dietsche is the Diocesan Bishop of New York. Each parish in the diocese sends representatives to the Annual Diocesan Convention where budget, mission and ministry priorities for the upcoming year are agreed upon.

The Vestry and Rector

The Vestry is the governing board of all Episcopal parishes. In the Diocese of New York, it is made up of the rector, two wardens and a number of vestry members who, together are elected at the parish’s annual meeting by the congregation. The vestry manages the property, budget and operations of the parish.

The rector oversees the day-to-day operation of the church and is the presiding officer of the vestry. A clerk and treasurer also serve the vestry.

Vestry

Janet Keyes, Sr. Steward

Michelle Stratman, Jr. Steward

Bob Herxberg

Josh Leicht

Mike Mulder

Susan Romanski

Tom Stratman

Carolynn Young

Debra Haggerty, Corresponding Secretary

Gilbert Good III, Treasurer

The Reverend Deacon Ken Citarella, Deacon

Michael Mulder, Music Director

Altar Guild:  Susan Romanski

Intercessory Prayer:  Karen Midkiff

Newsletter Editors:  Roe Intrieri

N.S. Nursery School:  Karen Midkiff

Outreach:  Joan Guthrie, Josh Leicht

Parish Administrator:  Barbara Howard

Pledge Recorder:  Josh Leicht and Kristin Delli Carpini

Communications:  Roe Intrieri

Quilt Guild:  Carolynn Young

Sexton:  Richard Rogers

Hospitality:  Andrea Good

Stewardship:  Roe Intrieri and Mike Mulder

Youth Group:   Michelle Stratman, Dawn Irizarry