2021 Vestry
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:36
The vestry consists of nine members, elected at the annual meeting for staggered 3-year terms. Also elected at the annual meeting are the senior warden, junior warden, clerk and treasurer for one-year terms, as prescribed by the parish by-laws. The vestry meets monthly from August through June, and during July if conditions warrant. At St. James’, the vestry meeting is chaired by the rector. Each vestry member serves as chairperson or vestry liaison to the various ministries operating at St. James’.
Janet Brown- Senior Warden
I have been a member of the Anglican Church since I was a small child in England and a member here at Saint James’ since 1984. I am an altar guild member, ECW member, Stephen Ministry leader, and worked in the church office for 20 years before retiring in 2009. I am married to Allan Brown and we have two wonderful adult children- Emma who lives in England with her husband and stepson and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved 8 year old grandson, Elias. I am proud to be a member of this amazing parish community of Saint James’.
I have been a member of the Anglican Church since I was a small child in England and a member here at Saint James’ since 1984. I am an altar guild member, ECW member, Stephen Ministry leader, and worked in the church office for 20 years before retiring in 2009. I am married to Allan Brown and we have two wonderful adult children- Emma who lives in England with her husband and stepson and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved 8 year old grandson, Elias. I am proud to be a member of this amazing parish community of Saint James’.
Lyn Meyers - Junior Warden
I’ve been a member of St. James' for more than 30 years and I am currently Chairman of the Stewardship and Finance Committee in the Vestry class of 2021. I’m a Choir member, Lector, Intercessor, Chalice Bearer, and flower deliverer. In past years I’ve served on the St James’ Vestry, as Treasurer, and as a Stephen Minister. Service on the Danbury Deanery led to two five year terms on the Standing Committee of the Connecticut Diocese and as a delegate at two Episcopal General Conventions.I’m currently Treasurer of the Danbury Lions Club and a Connecticut Lion past District Governor. Other community service Boards has included the Salvation Army, Danbury Music Centre, Aids Interfaith and Aids Project Danbury.Professionally I’ve been an Accountant for 46 years, ten years with an international accounting firm and opening Meyers & Co, CPAs in 1984. Other vocations have included real estate, retailing , life insurance, and the US Air Force.
I’ve been a member of St. James' for more than 30 years and I am currently Chairman of the Stewardship and Finance Committee in the Vestry class of 2021. I’m a Choir member, Lector, Intercessor, Chalice Bearer, and flower deliverer. In past years I’ve served on the St James’ Vestry, as Treasurer, and as a Stephen Minister. Service on the Danbury Deanery led to two five year terms on the Standing Committee of the Connecticut Diocese and as a delegate at two Episcopal General Conventions.I’m currently Treasurer of the Danbury Lions Club and a Connecticut Lion past District Governor. Other community service Boards has included the Salvation Army, Danbury Music Centre, Aids Interfaith and Aids Project Danbury.Professionally I’ve been an Accountant for 46 years, ten years with an international accounting firm and opening Meyers & Co, CPAs in 1984. Other vocations have included real estate, retailing , life insurance, and the US Air Force.
Ryan Beaudry - Treasurer
Ryan is a long-time member of St. James’ Danbury. He and his wife, Katie, worship at the 8am service with their children, Aubree and Nolan. Ryan serves as Chalice Minister and Lector. Over the past several years, Ryan has contributed to the mission of St. James serving as former Vestry Member (2010 – 2013), Chair of St. James’ Global Outreach Committee (2011 – 2013) and Co-Chair, Rector Search Committee (2007 – 2010).
Professionally, Ryan is Vice President, Digital Payments in North America, at Mastercard where he leads the market strategy and product enablement to enhance the security and convenience of digital commerce. Prior to his current role, Ryan held roles of increasing responsibility within Finance, product management, strategy and development across person-to-person payments and healthcare initiatives. Most recently, he completed a two-year rotation with Investor Relations.
Ryan is actively engaged in career development and advancement of young professionals, currently serving on the President’s Advisory Council at Manhattanville College. He founded Mastercard’s Young Professionals’ Business Resource Group and Young Alumni Society at Manhattanville College, serving as former Chair and now advisor.
Ryan graduated with Honors from Manhattanville College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and International Management.
Ryan is a long-time member of St. James’ Danbury. He and his wife, Katie, worship at the 8am service with their children, Aubree and Nolan. Ryan serves as Chalice Minister and Lector. Over the past several years, Ryan has contributed to the mission of St. James serving as former Vestry Member (2010 – 2013), Chair of St. James’ Global Outreach Committee (2011 – 2013) and Co-Chair, Rector Search Committee (2007 – 2010).
Professionally, Ryan is Vice President, Digital Payments in North America, at Mastercard where he leads the market strategy and product enablement to enhance the security and convenience of digital commerce. Prior to his current role, Ryan held roles of increasing responsibility within Finance, product management, strategy and development across person-to-person payments and healthcare initiatives. Most recently, he completed a two-year rotation with Investor Relations.
Ryan is actively engaged in career development and advancement of young professionals, currently serving on the President’s Advisory Council at Manhattanville College. He founded Mastercard’s Young Professionals’ Business Resource Group and Young Alumni Society at Manhattanville College, serving as former Chair and now advisor.
Ryan graduated with Honors from Manhattanville College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and International Management.
Linda Spaziani - Assistant Treasurer
I have been a lifelong member of St. James’ and was the 1st girl acolyte in 1977. I was the Bookkeeper for 20+ years and have served as the Treasurer for 12 years. With the elimination of the Administrative Assistant, Janet Brown & myself are making sure the checks are getting deposited and bills are getting paid. I was a chalice bearer when church was in person, and am currently on the Parish Life, Capital Projects, Finance & Stewardship committees, coordinate Friday with Friends, assist with Social Media on the various platforms, as well as the Thanksgiving Dinner with help from many others. I am the Controller for Amphenol RF in Danbury. I count among the many blessings in my life, our St. James’ Family and the witness we proclaim in the world.
I have been a lifelong member of St. James’ and was the 1st girl acolyte in 1977. I was the Bookkeeper for 20+ years and have served as the Treasurer for 12 years. With the elimination of the Administrative Assistant, Janet Brown & myself are making sure the checks are getting deposited and bills are getting paid. I was a chalice bearer when church was in person, and am currently on the Parish Life, Capital Projects, Finance & Stewardship committees, coordinate Friday with Friends, assist with Social Media on the various platforms, as well as the Thanksgiving Dinner with help from many others. I am the Controller for Amphenol RF in Danbury. I count among the many blessings in my life, our St. James’ Family and the witness we proclaim in the world.
Susie Sarkisian - Clerk
Born and raised Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC, it seems I’ve found my home in the Episcopal church. And even though my husband Mark and I are consistently late to the 10:00 service, we keep coming back, and haven’t been turned away yet. We are the parents to twins, Logan and Leah, who are finishing up their senior year in college this May. Through a few moves and relocations in their lives, St. James’ has now been the church they’ve been connected to the longest in their 21 years, starting as young acolytes.
As for me, I’ve been involved in mission work, youth activities, the racial justice group, altar serving, and B&G cleanup projects at Saint James’. This next year will be my third swipe at clerking for the Vestry, and I’m grateful to be able to serve the church I love in this way.
Born and raised Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC, it seems I’ve found my home in the Episcopal church. And even though my husband Mark and I are consistently late to the 10:00 service, we keep coming back, and haven’t been turned away yet. We are the parents to twins, Logan and Leah, who are finishing up their senior year in college this May. Through a few moves and relocations in their lives, St. James’ has now been the church they’ve been connected to the longest in their 21 years, starting as young acolytes.
As for me, I’ve been involved in mission work, youth activities, the racial justice group, altar serving, and B&G cleanup projects at Saint James’. This next year will be my third swipe at clerking for the Vestry, and I’m grateful to be able to serve the church I love in this way.
Deborah Kaufmann - Vestry Class 2022 - Parish Life
Hi, I'm Deborah and I have been a member forever, Baptized and Confirmed. I am a member of the choir, Dorothy Day, Lay reader, Chalice bearer, Parish Life, and Vestry.
Hi, I'm Deborah and I have been a member forever, Baptized and Confirmed. I am a member of the choir, Dorothy Day, Lay reader, Chalice bearer, Parish Life, and Vestry.
Gary Rogers - Vestry Class of 2022 - Buildings & Grounds
I moved from White Plains, N. Y. to Bethel, Ct. with my wife Sara in October of 2014 and joined Saint James’ shortly thereafter. Sara had retired from her job as a pediatric occupational therapist but I could continue my work from our new home since I am a self employed architect. I continue to work as an architect, concentrating on residential additions and alterations, mostly in Westchester County N. Y. I was elected to the Vestry in January 2019 and serve as the Buildings and Grounds Committee liaison.
I moved from White Plains, N. Y. to Bethel, Ct. with my wife Sara in October of 2014 and joined Saint James’ shortly thereafter. Sara had retired from her job as a pediatric occupational therapist but I could continue my work from our new home since I am a self employed architect. I continue to work as an architect, concentrating on residential additions and alterations, mostly in Westchester County N. Y. I was elected to the Vestry in January 2019 and serve as the Buildings and Grounds Committee liaison.
Jehad Sabbagh– Class of 2022 – Stewardship & Finance
I started attending St. James’ when I was seven years old. My wife Kathy and I were married in St. James’ on August 16, 1969. After getting married I entered the US Air Force. Kathy and I returned to Danbury in 1973. Kathy and I have two boys and two grandchildren. I have been selling real estate in the Danbury are since 1978 and I am still active in the industry. Presently I am serving on Vestry and chairing the Finance Committee. I previously served on Vestry and chaired the Mission Committee. Volunteering in the community has been a part of my life. I have been on several school committees when our children attending Danbury schools. I was president of the Danbury Cemetery Association (Wooster Cemetery) for three years
I started attending St. James’ when I was seven years old. My wife Kathy and I were married in St. James’ on August 16, 1969. After getting married I entered the US Air Force. Kathy and I returned to Danbury in 1973. Kathy and I have two boys and two grandchildren. I have been selling real estate in the Danbury are since 1978 and I am still active in the industry. Presently I am serving on Vestry and chairing the Finance Committee. I previously served on Vestry and chaired the Mission Committee. Volunteering in the community has been a part of my life. I have been on several school committees when our children attending Danbury schools. I was president of the Danbury Cemetery Association (Wooster Cemetery) for three years
Cathy Blasco – Class of 2023 Pastoral Care
I have been a member of St. James’ for about 25 years. My three children Matt, Lisa, and Alli all went to St. James’ prior to growing up going to college, moving out, and getting married. I am the very proud grandma of 4 grandsons Jax, Camden, Carter, and Alexander. I spend as much time with my family as possible, traveling to Charleston, SC, Austin, TX, and Norwalk, CT. I have been on vestry in the past, serving on a Parish Life and Pastoral Care. Presently and in the past I have been a Stephen Minister, Eucharistic Minister, Healing Minister, Chalice Minister, lector, intercessor, led Glen Hill Morning Prayer, and coordinated events for Senior Ministry. My passion is Pastoral Care. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful ministry again as a leader, especially with a new rector and seeing what new visions we can all explore together as a parish.
I have been a member of St. James’ for about 25 years. My three children Matt, Lisa, and Alli all went to St. James’ prior to growing up going to college, moving out, and getting married. I am the very proud grandma of 4 grandsons Jax, Camden, Carter, and Alexander. I spend as much time with my family as possible, traveling to Charleston, SC, Austin, TX, and Norwalk, CT. I have been on vestry in the past, serving on a Parish Life and Pastoral Care. Presently and in the past I have been a Stephen Minister, Eucharistic Minister, Healing Minister, Chalice Minister, lector, intercessor, led Glen Hill Morning Prayer, and coordinated events for Senior Ministry. My passion is Pastoral Care. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful ministry again as a leader, especially with a new rector and seeing what new visions we can all explore together as a parish.
Helena Hawkshawe – Class of 2023 - Hospitality
I have been a member of St James Church for the past four years. I am a Speech language Pathologist Supervisor in the Bronx. Prior to being a Speech Pathologist, I was a lyric soprano and had the experience of singing in many churches and theaters in New York City and around the country. I have worked consistently with Habitat for Humanity, New York City department of Housing Outreach. I am Wife, Mother and daughter. My family participates actively in the church. I am honored to serve as a member of the Vestry and contribute to the St. James' church community.
I have been a member of St James Church for the past four years. I am a Speech language Pathologist Supervisor in the Bronx. Prior to being a Speech Pathologist, I was a lyric soprano and had the experience of singing in many churches and theaters in New York City and around the country. I have worked consistently with Habitat for Humanity, New York City department of Housing Outreach. I am Wife, Mother and daughter. My family participates actively in the church. I am honored to serve as a member of the Vestry and contribute to the St. James' church community.
Sandra Nichols – Class of 2023 - Mission
I currently live in Danbury with my husband, Mark and I have two children, Marisa who is married and now lives in California with her two children (Sophia & Matthew), and Daniel who is currently attending college in California. I am the Program Manager for web services at LifeCare, inc. in Shelton, CT for the last 25 years. I am very blessed to be part of a wonderful church family that cares and supports not only our members but all of God's children.
I currently live in Danbury with my husband, Mark and I have two children, Marisa who is married and now lives in California with her two children (Sophia & Matthew), and Daniel who is currently attending college in California. I am the Program Manager for web services at LifeCare, inc. in Shelton, CT for the last 25 years. I am very blessed to be part of a wonderful church family that cares and supports not only our members but all of God's children.
Jim Beschle – Class of 2024 -
I am a lifelong member at St James Church was born and raised in Danbury. I have been married to Deidra Woodend for 26 years. I retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection after 41 years of service. During my service as Park Supervisor I managed 4 full time employees and 50 part time employees. I previously served on Vestry as Chair of Building and Groups and was a board member for many years. I have helped out with numerous church events.
I am a lifelong member at St James Church was born and raised in Danbury. I have been married to Deidra Woodend for 26 years. I retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection after 41 years of service. During my service as Park Supervisor I managed 4 full time employees and 50 part time employees. I previously served on Vestry as Chair of Building and Groups and was a board member for many years. I have helped out with numerous church events.
Jean Hassen – Class of 2024 - Worship
I am a lifelong resident of the Danbury area. I grew up in Bethel, graduated from Westconn, did graduate studies at Fairfield U and now live in Brookfield with my furry companion Enzo. I have been a member of Saint James for 30+ years. I sing in the choir, play the handbells, serve as a lector and chalice bearer, and fill in as substitute organist when necessary. I am a member of the Altar Guild, the ECW, and am coordinator for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. In my free time I am a member of the Danbury Music Centre Concert Chorus. Most recently I have been participating in a Virtual Concert of Messiah with members of the music centre and our conductor in Bismark, North Dakota.
I am a lifelong resident of the Danbury area. I grew up in Bethel, graduated from Westconn, did graduate studies at Fairfield U and now live in Brookfield with my furry companion Enzo. I have been a member of Saint James for 30+ years. I sing in the choir, play the handbells, serve as a lector and chalice bearer, and fill in as substitute organist when necessary. I am a member of the Altar Guild, the ECW, and am coordinator for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. In my free time I am a member of the Danbury Music Centre Concert Chorus. Most recently I have been participating in a Virtual Concert of Messiah with members of the music centre and our conductor in Bismark, North Dakota.
Denise Holl – Class of 2024 - Faith Formation
I became a member of St. James' in 1991. Over the years I've been a member of Altar Guild, served on the Mission committee, been a lector, intercessor, healing minister, eucharistic visitor, led morning prayer at Glenn Hill. I've served on vestry. I joined St. James' to learn more about myself, who I am and why. I felt I could best accomplish this by studying history and the bible through Kerygma and EFM. Through the years I've participated in many book studies and completed EFM (Education for Ministry) and served as EFM facilitator for 3 years. Not only have I grown in my faith, but have seen others do the same; others who encourage and inspire me. My current ministries include Laundry Love of Greater Danbury, the Dorothy Day meal program, Mission committee, Growing in Faith, Stewardship and Finance, and I also lead Zoom compline and evening prayer services on Thursday and Friday each week. I am encouraged by what I've seen happening at St. James' this past year and am looking forward to becoming a part of our vestry.
I became a member of St. James' in 1991. Over the years I've been a member of Altar Guild, served on the Mission committee, been a lector, intercessor, healing minister, eucharistic visitor, led morning prayer at Glenn Hill. I've served on vestry. I joined St. James' to learn more about myself, who I am and why. I felt I could best accomplish this by studying history and the bible through Kerygma and EFM. Through the years I've participated in many book studies and completed EFM (Education for Ministry) and served as EFM facilitator for 3 years. Not only have I grown in my faith, but have seen others do the same; others who encourage and inspire me. My current ministries include Laundry Love of Greater Danbury, the Dorothy Day meal program, Mission committee, Growing in Faith, Stewardship and Finance, and I also lead Zoom compline and evening prayer services on Thursday and Friday each week. I am encouraged by what I've seen happening at St. James' this past year and am looking forward to becoming a part of our vestry.