Parish Life

There are many ways to get involved in Service, Learning and Fellowship


Service ~ The Gospel sends us out into the world to be the hands and feet of Christ. At St. James we engage many kinds of service to the local community and to the world. We participate in Episcopal Relief and Development programs, the United Thank Offering.  We are involved in programs that are both local and international. There are many different ways to become involved in our outreach programs.


Learning ~ Throughout the year we have different opportunities to come together to discuss the scriptures, our faith and our Christian path. After the Sunday service we have an Adult Discussion Group. We also have Bible Discussion on Wednesday after the 11 a.m. service. At different times of the year we have evening Potluck Suppers followed by a discussion group. All are welcome! 


Fellowship ~ Being a part of a Church is belonging to a family, a group of friends that enjoys being together. Every Sunday after church we enjoy Coffee Hour. Please join us! It is a time to talk, share news and enjoy being together. We have other events throughout the year that give us time and opportunity for getting to know each other, to make new friends and stay connected with old friends.

Episcopal Church Women  (ECW)

The Episcopal Church Women is an organization which consists of every woman who is a member of St. James. 


The ECW Board is a group of 6-12 members whose purpose, according to the ECW constitution, is


“In coordination with the Vestry and entire parish of St. James to carry out Christ’s work by serving the parish, community and beyond. Goals of such work include embracing the covenants of the Episcopal Church, celebrating all people through fellowship and improving the quality of life of all we serve.” 


The ECW runs fundraising activities, the profits from which are used to support various local and international organizations, as well as parish life activities.


Among the many activities supported by the ECW are our

Annual Lenten Fish Fries, 

United Thank Offering In-gathering, 

Thanksgiving in May, 

Christmas Cookie Ministry, 

Thanksgiving Pie Ministry 

just to name a few.  It has hosted women's retreats, funeral receptions, as well as various other social and educational gatherings.  


The St. James Thrift Shop -- open every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM -- is staffed by volunteers and is supported by the ECW.  Donations are gladly accepted on Thursdays or by leaving goods inside the building at the interior Thrift Store door. We do not accept large furniture or electronics.


While it is the responsibility of the Board to coordinate these activities, it is only with the help of the rest of our parish community that such activities can be carried out.  As we have expanded our efforts, we have relied more and more on the help of the “Men of St. James”.   


Can you help?  Come and join in the fun.  Remember we are doing these activities in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

DIOCESAN COMMISSION TO DISMANTLE RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION

The St. James vestry and wardens recently voted to affirm the "The Pledge of Faith and Action against Racial Injustice" The Pledge itself, is intended as a personal commitment and as a way to inspire our congregation to pray and discern what more can be done. 


Q: What is the mission of the Church?
A: The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

Q: How does the Church pursue its mission?
A: The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.

Q: Through whom does the Church carry out its mission? 

A: The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. – An Outline of the Faith (Book of Common Prayer, p. 855)


I acknowledge and promise to reject injustice stemming from racism within my thoughts or actions. I will commit to accomplishing one or more acts of reconciliation as I reflect upon practices aligned with Jesus and beloved community. I will “turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice and freedom.”


For more information on the Commission's work go to: https://episcopalpartnership.org/commission-to-dismantle-racism-and-discrimination-issues-statement-on-derek-chauvin-conviction/