The Rev. Alan James in his new headquarters in Lake Forest.
The Right Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, on Nov. 5 will preside at a service of Renewal of Ministry for the Rev. Alan C. James, new rector at The Church of the Holy Spirit, officially installing James as the parish’s 11th rector. The event takes place at 7 p.m. at the church, which is located 400 N. Westminster Avenue, Lake Forest.
“This is a time of joyful celebration for The Church of the Holy Spirit,” said Marty Preiss, The Church of the Holy Spirit’s Senior Warden. “Alan brings tremendous energy, vision and experience as a parish priest as well as a leader in the wider church.”
The service will both formally welcome James, who assumed the role of Rector in August, and celebrate The Church of the Holy Spirit’s 112-year history of service and ministry. The Right Reverend Matthew A. Gunter, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, will be the service’s preacher. Bishop Gunter is a seminary classmate of James and the former rector of St. Barnabas, Glen Ellyn. The church’s Senior Choir, St. Gregory’s Choir (comprised of children ages 8 to 13), and Handbell Choir will also participate in the service.
“I am humbled and excited by the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received both at The Church of the Holy Spirit and in the greater Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community in my first few months as Rector,” said James.
“This Wednesday’s service will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together as we look forward to the next chapter in The Church of the Holy Spirit’s rich tradition of ministry and service. I hope the entire Lake Forest/Lake Bluff community will feel welcome to attend and experience some of the best music, worship, and fellowship The Episcopal Church has to offer.”
James previously served as the Canon to the Ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio for nine years. He also serves as President of Province V of The Episcopal Church, which includes 14 dioceses and 844 congregations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, eastern Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin.
He and his wife, the Reverend Lisa Hackney-James, moved to Lake Forest from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where she worked as Priest-in-Charge at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and Associate Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Members of the community are welcome to attend both the service and the reception.
About CHS
Founded in 1902, The Church of the Holy Spirit is a vibrant and inviting Episcopal parish in Lake Forest, Ill., with services at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:30, 9, and 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Submitted by The Church of the Holy Spirit
