Our Ministries
Altar Guild: Members of the Altar Guild are ministers of the liturgy. This ministry involves preparing the worship space with the furnishings, vessels, elements, linens, and altar and pulpit hangings used in the liturgy.
Buildings and Grounds: This ministry is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of buildings and grounds. Under Construction Mark P. & John Cole
Christian Formation, Evangelism & Media:
Church School provides opportunities for learning and growth through classroom-based curriculum for preschool through 8th grade. Youth Sundays are participatory; a multigenerational Eucharist is celebrated once every eight weeks during the church school year.
Adult Formation includes book studies, Bible studies, retreats and other similar programs We are always exploring who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do. Our baptismal covenant (click here) forms the foundation for how we relate to each other and how we are ministers to the world. We actively live out our responsibility to our local and international neighbors and to each other through our missions and programs. Click here for our calendar.
Evangelism & Media helps us to share our St. James experiences with the world. The Media team helps with community listings, signage, Constant Contact, church and special events information.
Eucharistic Visitors Ministry: The Eucharistic Visitors take communion to people unable to attend church because of special circumstances. These people may be unable to attend on a permanent basis or may be absent for a shorter period, due to illness, hospitalization, etc. We usually make individual visits, but sometimes go as a team. The EVs are trained by a diocesan representative. This is a most rewarding ministry for the person visited and the visitor and we are always in need of more people. Click here for instructions for lay liturgical ministers.
Finance: The Finance Committee oversees the financial matters of the congregation. It prepares the annual budget, supports the treasurer, reviews expenses vs. income during the year, facilitates an annual audit, promotes planned giving, and supervises the congregation's investments. In the coming year, the Finance Committee plans to develop an organized planned giving program. Many resources are available at the Episcopal national level to help with this. A special event will be held to present planned giving possibilities to the congregation. This will be an ongoing emphasis of great importance to St. James' future.
Healing Touch Ministry: The purpose of the healing touch ministry is to facilitate the integration of healing in the spirit, mind and body, with the primary focus being the spirit. Healing Touch sessions are offered following The Pilgrimage Mind-Body-Spirit Healing Process, developed by Episcopal priest, Rev. Tanya Beck and Marilyn Gatlin. For more information and to learn how to schedule an appointment, click here.
Eucharistic Visitors: Assist the clergy in the distribution of Holy Communion. Eucharistic Visitors carry Holy Communion to those of our community who are shut-in and unable to come to church on a regular basis.
Historian: By honoring the past, the historian strives to promote in today’s congregation a sense of pride in their spiritual heritage. J. Cole
Hospitality Under construction
Liturgical Lay Ministry: Liturgical Lay Ministry are made up of members of the congregation that help with Sunday services. They are Greeters who welcome parishioners as they enter church on Sundays, Readers of the lessons, Ushers who bring forward the gifts for Communion, and take up the Offering and Chalice bearers that administer the cup during the Eucharist. We also have Eucharistic Ministers who are trained to bring Communion to those who are unable to come to Church. Our goal for next year is to bring more people into this Ministry. Click here for Lay Liturgical Instructions.
Liturgical Planning Team:. We welcome all people (ordained and lay, adults and youth) into the work of organizing worship in the context of liturgical seasons and feast days, by choosing prayers and music, and bringing the whole congregation into active participation. We meet quarterly in Mid Pentecost (September) Late Pentecost (November) Lent (February) and Easter (April) to plan worship for our life together. Come join us!!!
Choir: "Lift every voice and sing!" Our choir practices each Wednesday at 6:30 pm and all levels of voice talent and experience (and range) are welcome. Please contact Andrea DeGiovanni.
Special Musical Sundays:
Outreach & Missions: We are always exploring who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do. Our baptismal covenant (click here) forms the foundation for how we relate to each other and how we are ministers to the world. We actively live out our responsibility to our local and international neighbors and to each other through our missions and programs (click here). We are committed to each other.
Parish Nurses: A group of five nurses from the congregation rotate monthly to provide a Blood Pressure clinic and to meet with parishioners that have medical questions and/or issues. In the coming year we will continue or monthly clinics and hope to also provide informational and educational sessions regarding medical issues of interest. Link to Healing Touch.
Stewardship: Stewardship folks plan and implement year-round stewardship activities such as the Stewardship Fair and the annual Pledge Campaign. Our Pledge Campaign is the way we identify how the congregation will commit their time, talent, and money.
Vestry: The Vestrt is the authoritative lay body of the parish, responsible for the financial well-being and the property of the congregation. Members are elected by the parish. Our Annual Auction, quarterly Bean Suppers, and the magnificent Holiday Fair are some of the vestry’s fundraisers. Click here to meet our vestry
