Rite II Book of Common Prayer Saturday evening (no music) & Sunday morning with organ and choir.

Active congregation with dedicated laity and a strong music program,   Parishioners enjoy fellowship with one another.  The Parish has a long history of local and international outreach, that includes hands-on service and monetary support.  The congregation loves spiritual formation - through book discussions, spirituality groups, and has hosted two Sacred Ground groups. St. James’ is blessed with a generous congregation and a healthy endowment gifted by prior generations. The St. James’ facilities are comprised of the Carpenter Gothic church, large parish hall,
and an attached rectory. Clinton is a picturesque and historic community, and home to Hamilton College. Located in the southern part of Oneida County, this is a mostly rural region that is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland, and just a short trip to cities like Utica and Syracuse. 

We had some difficult experiences with our past two full-time rectors. Both left at the encouragement of the diocese. The conflicts and dynamics leading up to their departures took their toll on the overall dynamics of the parish. Along the way we lost the presence and participation of many of our young families with children and youth, but we remain hopeful they will return.

We recently had a wonderful part-time parish priest who helped us with the healing process and guided us through the worst of the COVID pandemic challenges. In 2021, the Vestry and parishioners joined together in “Holy Conversations,” to reflect on what makes St. James’ special, to identify concerns needing to be addressed, and to consider where God is calling St. James’ to be in the future. These conversations were an honest and open dialogue to strengthen our community. We enjoyed sharing the qualities of St. James’ that bring us joy including fellowship, spiritual understanding and growth, a sense of heritage (history), music as a spiritual meditation, support in adversity, being a caring community, and supporting meaningful outreach.

We recognize there is still work to be done, especially in the areas of better communication, transparency, and spiritual growth. The Vestry continues to discern ways to address these concerns.

St. James’ Episcopal Church, part of the Diocese of Central New York, is a small parish in a vibrant college community. We have an active congregation, dedicated lay leaders, and a long history in the Village of Clinton.

We are searching for a full-time Rector to affirm who we are, to help us discover who we can become, and to work with us to enrich our community and our world.

We seek a person who will care deeply for all in our congregation from the youngest to the oldest, who will work hard to teach us, guide us, and inspire us to a deeper faith, and who will help us discern where and how we might do good in the world --around us now and in the future.

Specifically, we seek a rector who: (this list was compiled by the search committee)

• Offers spiritual leadership: someone who models personal spirituality and fosters spirituality in others and who writes and delivers a thoughtful sermon.
• Sees her/himself as a teacher: someone who is comfortable working with children, who is excited and energetic about reviving children’s and youth ministry, and who organizes adult education that promotes spiritual growth.
• Is a communicator and a good listener: someone who engages all people with respect and who manages conflict in ways that lead to healthy resolution.
• Shares her/his vision and new ideas with the congregation: someone who is a collaborator and who encourages lay leadership and participation.
• Considers ways to grow the parish: someone who will connect and collaborate with the local community.
• Is authentic, transparent and trustworthy in all relationships.
• has administrative skills: someone who is organized and who has the necessary understanding of church financials.

If you're interested in discerning with St. James', Clinton, please send your Resume/CV, OTM profile and letter of interest to:

The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent
Canon for Transitions and Church Development, Episcopal Diocese of Central New York
carriesb@cnyepiscopal.org

(direct phone line: 315/352-5322)

Preference will be given to applications received before November 1, 2022