The St. James’ Episcopal Church held its
206th Annual Meeting on
Sunday, February 6, 2022
The Vestry Slate was voted upon & approved.
The 2022 Budget was presented.
If you have questions on the new vestry or would like more information, click on the Annual Report link below.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2021-CLICK HERE
New Vestry Members
Susanne Rynkiewicz
Warden (2022-2024)
Warden (2022-2024)
Michael Brown – 3yr term (2022-2025)
Margie Amberge – 3yr term (2022-2025)
Dianne Steckel – 3yr term (2022-2025)
Megan Glass – 1yr term (2022-2023)
Susanne Rynkiewicz Warden (2022-2024)I am both honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on the Vestry as Jr. Warden. I have been absolutely amazed at the faithful leadership and incredible generous works that are born of this ministry and all the team members’ efforts over the years. This has been especially wondrous in today’s unpredictable climate.
For those who may not know me yet, I have been a member of St. James’ for over 12 years, and a member of the Chancel Choir and Finance Committee for around 8 years. Being a part of the St. James’ family and having the ability to sing and share any talents when called has been a frequent highlight of my life. Another highlight was the zoom wedding in 2020 to my wonderful husband David. I think we may have been the first of many to come. Thank you, Becky! As for professional qualifications, I have held many work titles which continued to expand over the last 17 years at the Ivystone Group in Exton PA (Remotely). I am now the Manager of Data Content & Systems Integrity. The many roles held have taught me humility, patience, empathy, honesty, tact, organization, logic, creativity and strength. Combined with an open heart and ears turned towards the Lord, these are the skills and experiences I will continue to draw on as Jr. Warden and a member of St. James’ leadership team.
Finally, what do I envision for St. James’ future? Through careful leadership and receptiveness to flexibility and creative handling of everything life and this pandemic present to us, I foresee continued growth and expansive missionary efforts that will witness the Spirit moving among us and well beyond the walls of this church.
For those who may not know me yet, I have been a member of St. James’ for over 12 years, and a member of the Chancel Choir and Finance Committee for around 8 years. Being a part of the St. James’ family and having the ability to sing and share any talents when called has been a frequent highlight of my life. Another highlight was the zoom wedding in 2020 to my wonderful husband David. I think we may have been the first of many to come. Thank you, Becky! As for professional qualifications, I have held many work titles which continued to expand over the last 17 years at the Ivystone Group in Exton PA (Remotely). I am now the Manager of Data Content & Systems Integrity. The many roles held have taught me humility, patience, empathy, honesty, tact, organization, logic, creativity and strength. Combined with an open heart and ears turned towards the Lord, these are the skills and experiences I will continue to draw on as Jr. Warden and a member of St. James’ leadership team.
Finally, what do I envision for St. James’ future? Through careful leadership and receptiveness to flexibility and creative handling of everything life and this pandemic present to us, I foresee continued growth and expansive missionary efforts that will witness the Spirit moving among us and well beyond the walls of this church.
Margie Amberge (2022-2025)When I first moved to Skaneateles 16 years ago, the first thing I asked God when I got the key to my house was…“Where is Your house? He led me to St. James’. I loved the mantra of, “Whoever you are, where ever you are at, you are welcomed here”. I was a part of the worship team for many years, and currently volunteer at the St James’ thrift store, and making soup with the Martha‘s. I currently work at the Vermont Green Mountain coffee shop downtown, and absolutely love being a part of this community. I have one Son who was a Sgt. in the Army, served 2 tours of Afghanistan, and is now a police officer in Washington. We all need each other, and I love being a part of this wonderful St James’ family!
Michael Brown (2022-2025)I am a cradle Episcopalian who took several detours into various other denominations over the years. I am grateful to have learned many things throughout this journey, and most importantly that Christ is the head of the Church. I am a retired school librarian from the Marcellus School District. I have degrees in Music, Librarianship, Educational Leadership, and a 2 year seminary degree in Theology and Social Justice. Like my experience with various denominations, I am grateful for my assorted studies, and what they each contributed to my life. I have been married to Janet Brown for 42 years. Janet teaches voice at Syracuse University Setnor School of Music. We have two grown children who live in the greater Syracuse area. Janet attends Marcellus United Methodist Church where she is involved with music and various committees. We visit each others’ churches from time to time. Janet has sung at St. James, and I have preached at Marcellus United Methodist. I have been a member of St. James for 6 or 7 years, since just before the most recent renovation project began. I have volunteered with refugees for 8 years through a local agency called Hopeprint. At St. James I serve as a Spiritual Director, a Stephen Minister, and as the team leader of our in-person prayer team. This will be the first time I have served on a vestry.
Megan Glass (2022-2023)Megan Glass has been a member of St. James’ Episcopal since 2008, joining the church shortly after her family relocated to Central New York. In addition to being married to Jon and mom to two teenagers, Kate and Ben, Megan works in communications and fundraising for a nonprofit that helps at-risk youth in South Florida. Megan’s love of animals, reading and the beach are three of her defining characteristics. In serving on the vestry, Megan hopes to give back to St. James’ in appreciation for the love, support and community she says she and her family received through the years.
Diane Steckel (2022-2025)What a wonderful way to start the New Year being asked to serve on Vestry! My name is Diane and I am a long-time parishioner of St. James’. In my 30+ years at St James’, I have volunteered for many ministries at church. Each ministry, including Sunday School teaching, Outreach efforts, Altar Guild and Stephen Ministry has enriched my life and allowed me to meet great people. I live in Skaneateles and am married to Chad Steckel. We have 2 grown children Peter and Allison. A retired nurse, I currently work per diem at the VA Clinic in Auburn and volunteer at Matthew House. I love to keep busy so in my free time I am a member of the Junior League of Syracuse and the Skaneateles Garden Club. It would be an honor to serve on the St. James’ Vestry.