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Formation and Ministries

 

Church School

A group of lively and loving children regularly attend children’s education classes at St. James’.  There are nursery, primary and upper primary classes led by a group of devoted teachers.  The curriculum used is Living the Good News.  The young ones of St. James’ take part in the liturgy during special seasons of the year and join Joyful Noise, our parish music group, from time to time.  They often host coffee hours.  They amaze us with their joy, wisdom, faith, and care for one another.

 

Adult Education

Adult education is led by the Rector and by the laity.  Each Sunday there is an eager and engaged group of adults who meet in the parish house lounge to receive exegetical commentary on that Sunday’s Gospel and then to share around the question, “How would you preach this passage?”  During Lent soup and bread is shared on Wednesday evenings followed by a special Lenten program.  Always, along with learning and sharing, come fellowship and fun.

 

The Daughters of the King: Elizabeth Chapter

In 2005, a group of women began formal studies to form the Elizabeth Chapter of The Daughters of the King, a lay Order for women who commit themselves to prayer, service and evangelism.  There are now twelve women of St. James’ who meet monthly to strengthen one another in their vows, to study, to share, and to support each other prayerfully.  A Prayer Box stands ready to receive the prayers of our parishioners and the Daughters invite all who need prayer to request it.  The Elizabeth Chapter sponsors Quiet Days and maintains memorial plaques listing all those individuals who have been laid to rest through the parish’s Indigent Burial outreach.  Most importantly, the Daughters of the King constantly recommit themselves to prayer and service. 

 

Ministers of Hospitality

Several years ago we broadened the idea of “Greeter” or “Usher” by changing the title of this ministry to include the word “hospitality.”  We felt that this spoke more directly to our value of radical hospitality.  Those who serve in this ministry know that they are the first contact with newcomers and the first to make them feel welcome and comfortable within the church and the liturgy.  After the service the Ministers of Hospitality introduce newcomers to other parishioners.  Many of our newer members cite the care provided by these Ministers as a reason for returning to St. James’.  Since we are a central city church, we may on any given Sunday be a refuge for those who lack shelter and may want to get out of the cold, who are physically hungry and wanting to share our fellowship goodies, or who are seeking a place to feed their spirit.  All are welcome and attended to in a respectful and loving way. And we pray that all will find their way back to our doors the following Sunday.

 

Liturgical Ministries

Many people share many gifts within the liturgy at St James’.  Our group of vested chalice bearers (subdeacons) has been licensed to serve the Rector and Deacons and to help distribute Holy Communion during Sunday worship.  A group of about ten parishioners act as acolytes and crucifers, assisting in the liturgy while keeping the focus towards Christ.  St. Ann’s Guild is a service guild that sets up and prepares the altars and flowers for worship.  These tasks are performed quietly and humbly.  A group of faithful lectors read the word of God and lead the Prayers of the People reverently and meaningfully, connecting the congregation to the Word.

 

Licensed Eucharistic Ministers

This holy ministry is provided to our homebound and elderly members.  Through this faithful service they receive communion at least once a month and stay connected with our St. James’ community.

 

 

Diversity of Music/Joyful Noise

Over the past few years we have been exploring ways to bring different types of music into our liturgy.  This process began before it was determined that our budget could no longer support a half time music director.  The impetus for exploration came from a desire to broaden our musical offerings and to bring in a varied mix of music to match the ethnic and cultural diversity that is St. James’.  While we maintain a retainer relationship with a talented classical organist, we rotate through three hymnals over three weeks and have also worshipped to the accompaniment of piano, guitar, and folk music styles.  Our search for what is “just right” continues, but as we search we have surely opened ourselves up to providing different musical genres to appeal to our varied musical tastes.  It has been an adventure filled with growth.

 

Nine talented musicians from within the parish have formed the group Joyful Noise.  Once an impromptu group gathering for fun and the love of making music, it has grown into an ensemble that continues to grow in spirit, diversity and number.  Rehearsals are bi-weekly and the group leads worship music about every six weeks.  Vocals, violins and pennywhistle, guitars, cello and flute make up the elements of Joyful Noise.  It is safe to say that St. James’ has taken this dedicated group, who give so freely of their talents, gifts, and desire to praise, to our collective heart.