PARISH GROUPS The ACOLYTE GUILD, composed of 16 trained young lay people, assists the clergy by carrying the cross, lighting and extinguishing the candles, handing water and wine to the priest, ringing the bells, and dispensing incense. The ALTAR GUILD is a ministry of volunteers dedicating their time and skill in preparing the altar and church for our weekly services, festivals, and other important events held throughout the year. They maintain the Sunshine Fund and the Flower Chart, and conduct the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive with contributions going to the Salvation Army for the homeless. Altar Guild meets on the first Saturday each month at 2:00 pm. The BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW, an international ministry of men within the Anglican Communion, was incorporated by an Act of Congress signed in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. Every Brotherhood chapter observes three disciplines: Prayer, Study, and Service, particularly outreach programs. A grant of $3,000 sponsored orphans in a Uganda orphanage/school. The Brotherhood hosts the parish Thanksgiving dinner and on St. Andrew's Day a parish breakfast. The St. James chapter, with 26 members, sponsors the Angel Tree program to provide Christmas gifts for children whose parents are in prison. A telephone Call Care Ministry was introduced in 2004. Bible study meetings are held monthly on the second Saturday at 10:00am. Annual membership is $30 and $1 monthly dues. CURSILLO (Spanish for "little course") originated in Majorca, Spain in the 1940's with the Roman Catholics. Eight dioceses and thousands of Episcopalians are involved in Cursillo weekends, three days which involve daily Communion and five daily talks given by clergy and laity, followed by discussion. The St. James chapter meets on Tuesdays. DAUGHTERS OF THE KING - St. James Mary Magdalene Chapter, officially charter in 1982, began in 1980 with 7 members. The membership has doubled. Every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service, and personal evangelism. Twice a year (Lent and Advent) Quiet Days are co-sponsored with the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and shared with sister chapters in the diocese. Daughters participate in the prayer chain for the sick and infirm of the parish. EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN is open to all female members of the parish. They visit the sick, hold Palm Sunday bake sales, pariticipate in the United Thank Offering Ingatherings, and hold a Church Periodical Club book sale to benefit the parish's college students with book scholarships to defray textbook costs. Scholarship applications are available in March. Care packages are delivered to the Center for Women & Children of Domestic Violence. Labels and can tops are collected toward computers for local elementary schools and stamps are sent to Bishop Gray Inn. They cook and serve meals for the homeless at Genesis Center and once a month host a Coffee Minute. A Valentine Tea and Avon Cosmetic Drive helped raised funds for parish Air Conditioning Fund and Vacation Bible School. The FERRIS SCHOLARSHIP originated as a gift, honoring the Rev. Eversley and Mrs. Martha Ferris, for parish students pursuing advanced studies after high school. Interest earned on the principal is used for scholarships. Funds raised through special envelopes in March are added to the principal. Applicaton deadline for scholarships is January. The FINANCE & BUDGET COMMITTEE reviews the Treasurer's report monthly, prepares the parish budget, oversees the income, deposits and expenditures of church monies and ensures that an annual audit is performed. HEALING MINISTRY - A weekly morning service of healing and the Holy Eucharist is held on 10:00am on Wednesdays. A Healing Ministry of Prayer began in mid-2004. The purpose of this ministry to to offer anoiting with oil and prayers for healing to members of the congregation during the Eucharist at both Sunday morning services. Six trained LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS assist the clergy by reading the lesson, leading the psalm reading and prayers of the people. They also administer communion at all Sunday and special services. Several are licensed to take the Sacrament to shut-ins. Three alternate at Wednesday healing services as acolyte, reader and leader of prayer and help administer the Blessed Sacrament. OUTREACH includes the Dominican Republic Team and the Soupnine projects. Kitchen, as well as contributions to Food for the Poor. St. James has been active with the San Andreas, Santo Domingo church project for the past three years. They meet regularly to decide on projects and funds. Contact the church office if you are interested in becoming a part of this project. The USHERS GUILD is made up of dedicated people who greet and seat parishioners, distribute bulletins and pass the alms basin. The Minister of Ushers, deeply rooted in scripture, descends from a long line of people of God who preceded them. New members are always welcome for this ministry. The VESTRY, nine elected lay persons and the Rector, are the governing body of the parish. Members serve terms of from one to three years. The Vestry meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. |
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