Our 2024 Vestry
Back row: Dan Cox, David Parille, Richard Arthur, Christine DiMeglio, Carolyn Flynn, Linda Spaziani, Janet Brown, Perry Downs, The Rev. Gina Gore
Front Row: Beth Cox, Linda Harrison, Russ Griemsmann, Lyn Meyers, Denise Holl
Back row: Dan Cox, David Parille, Richard Arthur, Christine DiMeglio, Carolyn Flynn, Linda Spaziani, Janet Brown, Perry Downs, The Rev. Gina Gore
Front Row: Beth Cox, Linda Harrison, Russ Griemsmann, Lyn Meyers, Denise Holl
2024 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’.
Lyn Meyers - 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.
Russ Griemsmann- Warden
When I first met my wife, Judy, she introduced me to St James. I was active in my church on Long Island, having served as the Church’s Financial Secretary and member of the Finance Committee. I moved to Danbury from Port Jefferson when Judy and I were married at St James in 2008. Judy and I worked together on the Outreach/Missions committee and the Parish Life committee. We worked on raising funds for the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign in 2020. We also took the worship leader training and conducted one service while Father Dustin was on vacation.
I retired from teaching in 2007 at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) where I taught and chaired the Computer Systems Department. Boy Scouts took a great deal of my time on Long Island. I was a Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Commissioner and District Chairman and supervised High Adventure Training for Adult Scouters in Suffolk County. Here in Danbury, I serve as President of the Friends of Richter Park. Judy and I have four children between us, a son and daughter-in-law in Bayport, LI with two of our grandchildren, a daughter and son-in-law in Setauket, LI, a son and daughter-in-law in Bethel with the other two grandchildren and a son in Danbury. Skiing, golf, kayaking, hiking, and travel are some of our recreational interests. Spending time in my woodworking shop gives me many happy and satisfying hours. In 2022 I was asked to serve on Vestry where I am the liaison with the Capital Projects Committee and on the Finance Committee.
When I first met my wife, Judy, she introduced me to St James. I was active in my church on Long Island, having served as the Church’s Financial Secretary and member of the Finance Committee. I moved to Danbury from Port Jefferson when Judy and I were married at St James in 2008. Judy and I worked together on the Outreach/Missions committee and the Parish Life committee. We worked on raising funds for the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign in 2020. We also took the worship leader training and conducted one service while Father Dustin was on vacation.
I retired from teaching in 2007 at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) where I taught and chaired the Computer Systems Department. Boy Scouts took a great deal of my time on Long Island. I was a Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, Commissioner and District Chairman and supervised High Adventure Training for Adult Scouters in Suffolk County. Here in Danbury, I serve as President of the Friends of Richter Park. Judy and I have four children between us, a son and daughter-in-law in Bayport, LI with two of our grandchildren, a daughter and son-in-law in Setauket, LI, a son and daughter-in-law in Bethel with the other two grandchildren and a son in Danbury. Skiing, golf, kayaking, hiking, and travel are some of our recreational interests. Spending time in my woodworking shop gives me many happy and satisfying hours. In 2022 I was asked to serve on Vestry where I am the liaison with the Capital Projects Committee and on the Finance Committee.
Beth Cox - Treasurer
My family and I have been members of St. James’ for 24 years. I have been married to Dan for 31wonderful years. I am also the proud parent of Scott, who lives with his fiancée, Paige, in Las Vegas and works in the hospitality field, and Madeleine, who lives with her fiancé, James, in New Hampshire, where she is a Kindergarten teacher. My mother also joined the church a few years ago and is a faithful virtual member!
I have been co-chairing the Capital Projects Committee with Dan for the past four years. I was a member of the Vestry for two separate three-year terms: the first time as a chair of the Mission Committee and the second time as chair of the Welcoming Committee. I was also a counter and a member of the Mission Committee for several years. I am currently a member of the Pastoral Care Committee, where I lead the Notecard Ministry.
I graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Communications, and from Pace University with an MBA in Finance. For the past 12 years, I have worked part-time as a bookkeeper and parish administrator at Christ Church in Redding. I have also been building my Mary Kay business for the past eight years. In the community, I served on the board of Habitat for Humanity for nine years, created and led the Caravan of Faith for five years under the auspices of ARC (Association of Religious Communities), and have served at Dorothy Day. In my free time, I enjoy leading a book club, cooking, taking care of our
dog, Pippa, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am very excited for this new role and the opportunity to serve St. James’!
My family and I have been members of St. James’ for 24 years. I have been married to Dan for 31wonderful years. I am also the proud parent of Scott, who lives with his fiancée, Paige, in Las Vegas and works in the hospitality field, and Madeleine, who lives with her fiancé, James, in New Hampshire, where she is a Kindergarten teacher. My mother also joined the church a few years ago and is a faithful virtual member!
I have been co-chairing the Capital Projects Committee with Dan for the past four years. I was a member of the Vestry for two separate three-year terms: the first time as a chair of the Mission Committee and the second time as chair of the Welcoming Committee. I was also a counter and a member of the Mission Committee for several years. I am currently a member of the Pastoral Care Committee, where I lead the Notecard Ministry.
I graduated from Muhlenberg College with a BA in Communications, and from Pace University with an MBA in Finance. For the past 12 years, I have worked part-time as a bookkeeper and parish administrator at Christ Church in Redding. I have also been building my Mary Kay business for the past eight years. In the community, I served on the board of Habitat for Humanity for nine years, created and led the Caravan of Faith for five years under the auspices of ARC (Association of Religious Communities), and have served at Dorothy Day. In my free time, I enjoy leading a book club, cooking, taking care of our
dog, Pippa, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I am very excited for this new role and the opportunity to serve St. James’!
Denise Holl – Clerk
I’ve been a member of St. James’ for 30 years. During that time I’ve served on many committees. My favorite ministries have been Mission, Pastoral Care and Faith Formation as these have been the source of my faith and spiritual growth, along with the development of deep friendships at St. James’. I plan to continue in these ministries, while supporting all other ministries at S. James’ and am very excited to fill the role of Clerk in the coming year. Retired these past few years, I spend my personal time, reading, gardening, painting and being Mom to Shiloh, my Welsh terrier.
I’ve been a member of St. James’ for 30 years. During that time I’ve served on many committees. My favorite ministries have been Mission, Pastoral Care and Faith Formation as these have been the source of my faith and spiritual growth, along with the development of deep friendships at St. James’. I plan to continue in these ministries, while supporting all other ministries at S. James’ and am very excited to fill the role of Clerk in the coming year. Retired these past few years, I spend my personal time, reading, gardening, painting and being Mom to Shiloh, my Welsh terrier.
Dan Cox – Class of 2025
I have been a member of St. James' for about 20 years when I first moved to Danbury with my family. During this time I have served on many committees including being on the Vestry as Stewardship Chair for 3 years followed by serving as a Warden for six years. Throughout the years I have also served in numerous capacities for Sunday Services and related events. Most recently, I have served as an ECCT Convention Delegate, Chair of the Recruitment Committee for Father Dustin and continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign with my wife, Beth.
I have been a member of St. James' for about 20 years when I first moved to Danbury with my family. During this time I have served on many committees including being on the Vestry as Stewardship Chair for 3 years followed by serving as a Warden for six years. Throughout the years I have also served in numerous capacities for Sunday Services and related events. Most recently, I have served as an ECCT Convention Delegate, Chair of the Recruitment Committee for Father Dustin and continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Joining Jesus Capital Campaign with my wife, Beth.
Christine DiMeglio – Class of 2025 -
I have been attending Saint James’ since 1996, when my kids, Nick and Grace Kuell, were quite young. St. James’ was, and is, a source of loving support for my family and I value contributing to this faith community that has given so much to my family, friends, and community. Over the years, I have been involved with Christian Education as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader, graduated from EFM, and trained as a Stephen Minister. I have been a friendly visitor, a Glen Hill minister, and one year I worked with Stewardship. I also raised awareness and funding for a student at El Hogar as part of our Mission Ministry from 2016-2020. I moved on from that just COVID changed our lives. I for the last two years I have been serving as the chair and vestry liaison for Lay Pastoral Care.
I have been attending Saint James’ since 1996, when my kids, Nick and Grace Kuell, were quite young. St. James’ was, and is, a source of loving support for my family and I value contributing to this faith community that has given so much to my family, friends, and community. Over the years, I have been involved with Christian Education as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader, graduated from EFM, and trained as a Stephen Minister. I have been a friendly visitor, a Glen Hill minister, and one year I worked with Stewardship. I also raised awareness and funding for a student at El Hogar as part of our Mission Ministry from 2016-2020. I moved on from that just COVID changed our lives. I for the last two years I have been serving as the chair and vestry liaison for Lay Pastoral Care.
Linda Harrison – Class of 2025 -
I was born, raised and educated in Danbury. I was baptized at St James' and worshiped here until my marriage. I returned to regular worship in 1999. I regularly attend our 8 o'clock service where I serve as a lector and chalice bearer (beginning in 2000) as scheduled. I previously served on the Faith Formation Committee. I am now a member and chair of the Mission Committee. I have been a Convention delegate 4 previous times.
My parents, George and Doris Morgan, set a wonderful example for me.
I am the divorced mother of two grown children (Jessica and Mark). I have a daughter-in-law Kate and 2 grandchildren (Ben 6 and Nolan 2). I feel so very blessed. I live in Woodbury, CT and currently commute by Zoom or Facebook to St James'. I look forward to serving as a Convention delegate for our parish.
I was born, raised and educated in Danbury. I was baptized at St James' and worshiped here until my marriage. I returned to regular worship in 1999. I regularly attend our 8 o'clock service where I serve as a lector and chalice bearer (beginning in 2000) as scheduled. I previously served on the Faith Formation Committee. I am now a member and chair of the Mission Committee. I have been a Convention delegate 4 previous times.
My parents, George and Doris Morgan, set a wonderful example for me.
I am the divorced mother of two grown children (Jessica and Mark). I have a daughter-in-law Kate and 2 grandchildren (Ben 6 and Nolan 2). I feel so very blessed. I live in Woodbury, CT and currently commute by Zoom or Facebook to St James'. I look forward to serving as a Convention delegate for our parish.
Richard Arthur – Class of 2026
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ my name is Richard J Arthur. I was born and raised from a small country on the West coast of Africa called Ghana. The population is about 33.4 million. Dominating religions are Christianity and Islam with the Anglican Communion holding about 5 percent of the population. I grew up in a very active Christian household with a father (The late Rt. Rev. J.B Arthur)who happened to be the first bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi (the second largest city in Ghana). My upbringing was unique to an extent, because of the numerous church activities I participated in. First it was me as the altar server from an early age of three, then encouraged to get more involved in church activities like the Youth group, ushering and the all important faith based prayer group. During my teenage years, l had the privilege to accompany my parents to the Lambeth conference (A ten year event for Bishops of both the Anglican and Episcopal churches). The Anglican church of Ghana has a very conservative approach to theological dogma not allowing women to be ordained priests. With significant progress the church has evolved, with women participating in the offering of communion. After a period of studying in the States. I achieved degrees in accounting and an MBA in Global Management. l ended up living in Danbury, whilst working in the corporate world in Stamford. I have been a member of St. James' church for about twenty plus years. Unfortunately my work schedule full of travels has hindered me from being as active as wished. However, my recent retirement has allowed me to free up some time and the opportunity to participate more in the church and community activities..
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ my name is Richard J Arthur. I was born and raised from a small country on the West coast of Africa called Ghana. The population is about 33.4 million. Dominating religions are Christianity and Islam with the Anglican Communion holding about 5 percent of the population. I grew up in a very active Christian household with a father (The late Rt. Rev. J.B Arthur)who happened to be the first bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi (the second largest city in Ghana). My upbringing was unique to an extent, because of the numerous church activities I participated in. First it was me as the altar server from an early age of three, then encouraged to get more involved in church activities like the Youth group, ushering and the all important faith based prayer group. During my teenage years, l had the privilege to accompany my parents to the Lambeth conference (A ten year event for Bishops of both the Anglican and Episcopal churches). The Anglican church of Ghana has a very conservative approach to theological dogma not allowing women to be ordained priests. With significant progress the church has evolved, with women participating in the offering of communion. After a period of studying in the States. I achieved degrees in accounting and an MBA in Global Management. l ended up living in Danbury, whilst working in the corporate world in Stamford. I have been a member of St. James' church for about twenty plus years. Unfortunately my work schedule full of travels has hindered me from being as active as wished. However, my recent retirement has allowed me to free up some time and the opportunity to participate more in the church and community activities..
Perry Downs – Class of 2026 -
Perry Downs married Suzanne Carley in 2020 and moved to New Fairfield and joined St. James'. He lived in Illinois for forty five years and taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He retired as Dean of Doctoral Education. Perry was raised in Fairfield, so moving back to Connecticut feels like coming home. His undergraduate degree is in Bible and theology and his graduate degrees are in Religious Education from New York University. He has three adult daughters and he and his first wife Sandra were foster parents to thirty children. Sandra passed away in 2019 from a form of dementia. He and Suzanne share common history from their high school days at Black Rock Congregational Church, where he was ordained to Christian Ministry in 1969. He is eager to contribute to St. James' through service on the vestry.
Perry Downs married Suzanne Carley in 2020 and moved to New Fairfield and joined St. James'. He lived in Illinois for forty five years and taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He retired as Dean of Doctoral Education. Perry was raised in Fairfield, so moving back to Connecticut feels like coming home. His undergraduate degree is in Bible and theology and his graduate degrees are in Religious Education from New York University. He has three adult daughters and he and his first wife Sandra were foster parents to thirty children. Sandra passed away in 2019 from a form of dementia. He and Suzanne share common history from their high school days at Black Rock Congregational Church, where he was ordained to Christian Ministry in 1969. He is eager to contribute to St. James' through service on the vestry.
Linda Spaziani – Class of 2026
I have been a lifelong member of St. James'. As my mother often said, St. James’ is my second home. I was the 1st girl acolyte, the 1st girl to carry the small cross that my grandfather was the 1st to ever carry. I was on the calling committee that called the Coburns to be rector in 1981. I was then Bookkeeper for 20+ years and was Treasurer for 10 years. I was involved with the youth group as a youth and then as a leader when my son was of that age, and initiated the relationship with St. James’ and the Appalachia Service Project with the Methodist Church. I have sung in the choir, been a chalice bearer, altar server, and a member of many committees as well as co-ordinate the Thanksgiving Dinner for 20+ years with help from many others. I am the Controller at Amphenol RF in Danbury. I am excited to be coming on vestry again and doing communications work, as I love to create digital content. 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'. As my mother often said, St. James’ is my second home. I was the 1st girl acolyte, the 1st girl to carry the small cross that my grandfather was the 1st to ever carry. I was on the calling committee that called the Coburns to be rector in 1981. I was then Bookkeeper for 20+ years and was Treasurer for 10 years. I was involved with the youth group as a youth and then as a leader when my son was of that age, and initiated the relationship with St. James’ and the Appalachia Service Project with the Methodist Church. I have sung in the choir, been a chalice bearer, altar server, and a member of many committees as well as co-ordinate the Thanksgiving Dinner for 20+ years with help from many others. I am the Controller at Amphenol RF in Danbury. I am excited to be coming on vestry again and doing communications work, as I love to create digital content. I count among the many blessings in my life, our St. James' Family and the witness we proclaim in the world.
Janet Brown – Class of 2027 - Worship
I have been a member of St. James’ for almost 40 years. I worked in the church office for 20 of those years, retiring in 2009. At the present time I am a Stephen Ministry leader, a Lay Eucharist Visitor, a member of the Altar Guild, and on the Dorothy Day Ministry team. I served as Warden for six years up until 2022. I am married to Allan Brown and have two adult children, Emma who lives in England with her husband and step-son, and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved grandson Eli. I am happy to be asked to serve on Vestry as Worship Committee liaison for this wonderful parish of St. James’.
I have been a member of St. James’ for almost 40 years. I worked in the church office for 20 of those years, retiring in 2009. At the present time I am a Stephen Ministry leader, a Lay Eucharist Visitor, a member of the Altar Guild, and on the Dorothy Day Ministry team. I served as Warden for six years up until 2022. I am married to Allan Brown and have two adult children, Emma who lives in England with her husband and step-son, and Matthew who lives in Sandy Hook with our beloved grandson Eli. I am happy to be asked to serve on Vestry as Worship Committee liaison for this wonderful parish of St. James’.
Carolyn Flynn – Class of 2027 - Buildings & Grounds
I have been a member of St. James’ all of my life. I am married to Bob Flynn and we have two sons and four wonderful grandchildren. I am retired from Danbury Hospital after 44 years. Where I worked as an x-ray technologist and the information systems manager for the Radiology Department.
I have served on Vestry as warden and vestry person for many years. I am currently on the Altar Guild, Buildings and Grounds, Parish Life, and the worship committee. I also work on the Dorothy Day Team.
David Parille – Class of 2027 - Stewardship
When I was born my family was living in Bethel and was attending St. Thomas Church. Shortly after that we moved to Danbury and joined St James. This is where I was confirmed and have remained. St James is the only church I have been a part of and I look forward to an opportunity to give back by joining the vestry.
Except for my college years I have lived in Danbury. My dad started a small manufacturing business that I have been a part of for 50 years. We are entering our 77thyear and have evolved into a supplier for several of the leading aerospace and aircraft companies in the country. The people at St James have shown me that their determination and hard work will ensure a successful future for our church and provide help to the people in need in our community. I am very proud of what they have done and continue to do every week. The challenges ahead will not be easy and I hope to do my small part to continue the great work they do.
When I was born my family was living in Bethel and was attending St. Thomas Church. Shortly after that we moved to Danbury and joined St James. This is where I was confirmed and have remained. St James is the only church I have been a part of and I look forward to an opportunity to give back by joining the vestry.
Except for my college years I have lived in Danbury. My dad started a small manufacturing business that I have been a part of for 50 years. We are entering our 77thyear and have evolved into a supplier for several of the leading aerospace and aircraft companies in the country. The people at St James have shown me that their determination and hard work will ensure a successful future for our church and provide help to the people in need in our community. I am very proud of what they have done and continue to do every week. The challenges ahead will not be easy and I hope to do my small part to continue the great work they do.