Ministries

There are many opportunities to share in the life and work of St. James. All members, and especially newcomers to the parish, are encouraged to join one or more of our Christian Service groups as listed below:

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for making the church ready for Sunday, weekday and special services such as Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals. Its members maintain the Church's liturgical vestments and hangings, care for the altar silver and brass vessels and arrange for the floral displays that beautify the church.

Acolytes
Beginning at the age of 6, boys and girls are eligible to serve as Banner Bearers and carry the St. James' Banner in the procession at the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist. Beginning at the age of 10, boys and girls are eligible to serve as Crucifers. At the age of 12, they may move up to serve as Acolytes, and when they become Juniors in high school, they may act as Servers, assisting the priest on Sunday and at special services.

Lay Readers / Chalice Bearers
Members who, after a period of training and examination, and at the request of the Rector, are licensed by the Bishop to assist the Clergy by leading parts of the liturgy and helping in the administration of Holy Communion.

Home Communion
Home Communion Bearers are members who, after recommendation by the Rector and approval by the Vestry, are licensed by the Bishop to take the Sacrament of Holy Communion directly from its blessing at the Eucharist to persons who are homebound.

Ushers
Men and women of the Church may serve as Ushers at all Sunday and special liturgies. They are dedicated to the orderly functioning of our services. Their many duties include greeting and seating those who come to worship.

Tape Ministry
This ministry is responsible for recording the sermons and various other special events in the church and for duplicating these tapes for people who would like a copy.

Choir
The Choir gladly welcomes those persons committed to offering praise and worship of God through music of all kinds. Primary Choir (grades 1-3) meets on Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:15; Junior Choir (grades 4-8) meets on Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:15; Adult Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:45.

Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir is for anyone who enjoys music, and wants to use music to the glory of God. Some music reading ability is helpful.

Children's Church
Children may follow the Crucifer to the chapel during the Gradual Hymn at the 9:00 a.m. service. In the chapel, they have a structured time of worship and prayer while the adults listen to the sermon. The children rejoin the main service in time for Communion. A heart to minister to children is all you need to help!

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II. CHRISTIAN FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Adult Christian Formation
For the adults, our offerings include - among others - a Rector's Class and a Lectionary Class, with the Inquirer's Class being offered once or twice a year. Classes are taught on Sunday mornings from 10:30 - 11:30.

Children's Christian Education
Children's Sunday School is taught from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. We welcome dedicated men and women who wish to help others in deepening their spiritual understanding and who encourage people to grow in love and knowledge of the Lord through teaching programs. The children go to their respective classes, based on their ages.

Student Youth Ministry
Youth ministry involves students in grades 5 through 12. The middle school youth group includes grades 5-8 and the senior group includes grades 9-12. Youth ministry focuses on fellowship, fun, food, and friendship with Christ. We will post details about meeting times and places when school starts in mid-August.

Precept Bible Study
Offered at different times, Precept courses are in-depth, inductive Bible studies focusing on specific books of the Bible or specific subjects.

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III. PARISH LIFE - HOSPITALITY - PASTORAL CARE

Vestry
Elected lay persons who meet monthly to oversee the temporal aspects of church life and support the rector in strengthening our spiritual life together.

Newcomers
This ministry includes those who contact newcomers and Sunday morning visitors. They are also responsible for at least one Newcomer's function during the year.

Greeters
This ministry involves those people who will greet visitors on Sundays and will follow through with newcomers to encourage them to stay for coffee and to attend Christian formation. Our greeters will also follow-up for the next several weeks to maintain contact with these newcomers when they return to St. James.

bread Ministry
The bread ministry is part of our Newcomer's Committee. Fresh, homemade bread is made by these members and is delivered to the church where it is then distributed to our newcomers.

Pastoral Care
This group will assist the priests with hospital and shut-in visiting and reach out to families in crises.

Care & Concern
All women are automatically members of this committee. Each lady is asked during her birthday month to be prepared to help with food for families in crises.

Prayer Chain
The purpose of the St. James Prayer Chain is to allow many people to pray at one time for a special need or an emergency. There are two active prayer chains, a daytime chain and an evening / weekend.

Men of St. James
The men meet, usually once a month, for fellowship and spiritual growth.

Episcopal Church Women
The Episcopal Church Women of St. James (ECW) usually meet once a month, and they come together when needed to do worthwhile projects at the church.

brunch & Supper Clubs
These are fellowship groups that meet together once a month to share in a meal. They also provide support for fellow members in times of crisis and change and close friendships for sharing of life's joys, offering a comfortable atmosphere for newcomers.

Anchor Lines
This is our weekly newsletter, which publishes all of the news and events of St. James and features regular columns.

Sunday Morning Coffee
Volunteers each week prepare the coffee for Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings. This involves arriving 30 minutes early to set up and staying 30 minutes after to clean up. There is a sign up poster in the Green Hall in the kitchen.

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IV. OUtrEACH - MISSION - EVANGELISM

Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee helps to make the decisions about where funds will be distributed to best help the community and the world.

Cursillo
The Cursillo Movement is one method of renewal in the Church. Its purpose is to bring all to Christ by helping those in the Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. This is a 3-day retreat held at Beckwith Lodge. It is a time of strengthening our Christian lives.

Kairos Prison Ministry
Kairos is an interdenominational Christian ministry whose programs are designed to be presented in state and federal men's and women's correctional institutions. The Kairos weekend consists of a 3-day short course in Christianity for the selected residents, conducted in the institution by a team of laity and clergy in cooperation with the chaplain of the institution.

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V. THE GIFT OF HELPS

St. James' Gardeners
A group of devoted volunteers who work in this ministry to keep the flower beds beautiful. Volunteers sign up to be responsible for specific areas.

Hospitality
This group is called upon for special occasions to decorate, plan food and serve.

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