The Vestry Committee is the decision-making body for our parish. They typically meet on one Tuesday evening per month. Current roster: Debbie Hansen & Sandy Solenberger, Senior Wardens; Craig Dagen, Junior Warden; Ellen Lester, Secretary/Clerk; Christy Kinter, Mike Hjortstorp, Mike Williams, members at large. The Senior Wardens serves as supports to our priest and keep things rolling when he is not in town. The Junior Warden’s special ministry at St. James is traditionally our infrastructure. Vestry elections are held during our annual meeting. If you are interested in this service or would like to know more about the Vestry, please email stjames@gci.net with the subject line “Vestry Committee.” (Historical note: In a larger church building, the vestry is a room set aside for the priest to change into their vestments, that is, the garments worn during services. This was typically where the committee met–possibly because it was designed to be snug and warm even in the days before central heating! We don’t have a vestry, but we do keep the traditional name for our committee.)
The Altar Guild: Ellen Lester, Directress; Randy Busch, Christy Kinter, Elsa DeHart, Debbie Hansen, Rebecca Ligtenberg, members at large. The Altar Guild works as an independent committee to prepare the altar and flowers for regular Sunday services, baptisms, and holy days. They also support two children, Caroline from Zambia and Wilgen from Guatemala, through World Vision. Meetings are held before the service on the first Sunday of the month (usually).
Worship Leader: Heidi Dagen.
Bishop of Alaska: The Rt. Rev. Mark A. Lattime, who visits as often as he can, given the scale of his vast diocese.
Priest in Charge: The Rev. Wallace W. Mills. Father Chip divides his time between the mainland and Kodiak, arriving by ferry in all weathers. Bless his thoughtful sermons–and his cast-iron stomach!
Deacons: We are fortunate to have two deacons at St. James, both Kodiak residents. The Rev. Elsa DeHart works with the Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center, the Kodiak Child Advocacy Center, and the Sexual Assault Response Team. The Rev. Barbara Zimmerman works with children in local schools and 4-H and offers horse therapy as well. In addition, she works with our Sunday school students to plant and harvest vegetables on parish land for local people in need.