How we worship

WELCOME TO ST. JAMES PARISH!

As a vibrant and healthy parish, St. James has a number of committees and groups that help to keep the parish running, and to extend goodwill and God’s peace throughout the community at large. All parishioners are welcomed and encouraged to share their talents and to become involved in our parish – whether it’s by helping the Altar Guild with weekly set-ups or flower arrangements, assisting with our annual Harvest Festival, working on the various outreach programs, or simply, quietly lending a hand where needed.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF PARISH MINISTRIES:

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for obtaining the supplies and making any advance preparations that are necessary for liturgical services, including setting up for services each Sunday, arranging flowers, and helping with special occasions such as weddings, funerals, baptisms and other liturgical holidays.

Archives & Cemetery Historical Committee
This group oversees the storage and preservation of parish historical documents, oversees the historical Cemetery and performs genealogical research upon request.

Christian Education Committee
This group oversees all aspects of Christian Education at St. James, including the hiring and supervision of the children's Christian Education (Sunday school) director, and other such education for the youth and adults, as well as coordinating groups for confirmation.

Finance Committee
The finance committee is responsible for the preparation of the budget and the monitoring of the finances and investments of the parish.

Fundraising Committee
This committee is responsible for overseeing and implementing some of the larger parish-wide fundraising events such as the annual Fall Harvest Festival, St. James’ participation in the Arlington Area Norman’s Attic Antique & Collectibles event, the Elvis Open Golf Tournament, the annual Fall Harvest Dinner, and many other events. Although the committee is responsible for overseeing these programs, all parishioners are encouraged to get involved with these festivities!

Men of St. James (MOSJ)
This group is open to all men of the parish, encouraging fellowship. MOSJ volunteer to assist with an array of activities that help the parish. Their work includes holding several parish breakfasts in the fall and spring, along with assisting the parish Clean & Green events and in maintaining the buildings and grounds as requested.

Music / St. James Choir
The Choir, pianist and organist provide music at regularly scheduled worship services and may participate in special services and musical performances. There is an endowment to cover Music Ministry expenses. The choir welcomes new members.

Outreach & Missions
This committee is charged with the decision making, fundraising and disbursement of funds to needy individuals and groups. The Outreach subcommittee is responsible for the Miller scholarship and for addressing the needs of local groups including the Arlington Food Shelf. The Missions subcommittee is responsible for grants to national and global organizations such as Save the Children, the Heifer Project, and others.

Parish Life Committee
This committee helps to coordinate the various activities and fundraising programs held by other committees throughout the parish. It is also responsible for developing new programs which will foster goodwill and parish community involvement.

Pastoral Care
This group works with the members of the parish who are infirm, shut-in or otherwise afflicted with an illness. They maintain the parish awareness of the situation of these individuals, update the Intercessory Prayer List and accompany the Rector for home communions. The group also assists the Rector and families with special services such as baptism, confirmation, marriage and funerals. If you or your family, or someone you know is in need of pastoral care of any nature, please feel free to call the parish office.

Welcoming Committee
This committee suggests and implements ways to facilitate the inclusion of newcomers into our parish life, and to maintain the inclusion and participation of those already among us. Key responsibilities include greeting parishioners each Sunday morning, handing out bulletins, and introducing new members and/or visitors.

Women of St. James (WOSJ)
This group is open to all women of the parish and is responsible for much of the "behind the scenes" week-to-week workings of the parish, including assisting with Sunday morning coffee hours, making certain that the kitchen is well-stocked, hosting pot-luck suppers, getting servers for the local Senior Meals program, organizing receptions after funerals if desired, preparing Christmas boxes for shut-ins, and much more.

Worship Committee
This committee plans and evaluates the liturgical life of the parish and is responsible for making improvements in worship services at St. James including liturgy, music and related areas. The Worship Committee also coordinates the Lay Liturgical participation, including Acolytes, Ushers, Lay readers, Chalice bearers, Lectors and Intercessors.

We hope that you’ll find a committee with which you will feel comfortable sharing your talents and time. For specific information regarding current Committee chairs or contacts, please feel free to contact the church office at
802 375-9952. We look forward to hearing from you!