LAYWEEDERS
| Julie Worth | |
LayWeeders is a group of dedicated gardeners who maintain the beautiful Memorial Garden next to the church. They do spring and fall plantings, grass cutting and feeding, and garden care and maintenance. This year they are taking orders for pavers in the Memorial Patio Garden. Blocks with inscriptions can be ordered at the church office.
Jane Ellen Wiles and Julie Worth
FRIENDSHIP DINNER COMMITTEE
The Friendship Dinner is a parish-wide ministry involving virtually everyone in the congregation helping out in one way or another. The committee meets in the undercroft at 10am the second Saturday of each month. It is open to all.
We are reaching out to people in our community who simply exist day to day. Some are unemployed, some are "working poor" who have families to support. It can be hard to make ends meet, especially at the end of the month. A good, nutritious meal, served with warmth and understanding is appreciated. It is a gift that is easy to give.
Support for the dinner comes from members of the congregation with help from a grant by the Episcopal Community Services Foundation. Dinners are offered, free of charge, on the last Saturday of every month in the Undercroft. Sign-up sheets for helpers are posted in the undercroft. Donations may be made by sending a check to the church marked "Friendship Dinner".
Beth Burton – Chair
PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE
The Pastoral Care Committee helps to bridge the gap between our active membership and those who are home bound, hospitalized or who reside in assisted living or rest homes.
On Sundays when thate are altar flowers, Shirley Caw transforms these in to smaller personal arrangements and they are hand delivered to members of our church family and friends who can’t be in church. Mary St. John sends cards to members of the parish when the are hospitalized or if they have special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. ECW pays for the cards and postage.
Each year around Christmas and Easter time, committee members contact those who are on a special pastoral care list either by phone, personal visits, or cards to let them know that someone cares about them and that they have not been forgotten and are in our prayers. Throughout the year, the rector and deacon support this ministry by making hospital calls, calling on those in the care facilities, visiting shut-ins, and by providing home communion. St. James also has licensed Eucharistic Ministers who may be commissioned at any Eucharist to carry communion to those unable to be here. The committee hosts several special coffee hours during the year when there are baptisms or on Graduation Sunday in June.
The Pastoral Care committee also provides "Comfort Meals" following funerals if the family desires it.
Leigh Mantell – Chair
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Stewardship Committee is responsible for organizing and carrying out the annual campaign for continued support of the parish through gifts of time, talent, and funds. October is the "kickoff" for the drive which begins with a mailing, followed by a parish meeting to describe the needs of the parish. There have been presentations on Planned Giving through wills and estates, and a five year Capital Project and maintenance and repairs needed for the facility. The full budget is explained to the congregation so they can understand the needs and the costs involved in offering the ministries of this parish.
Leigh Mantell- Chair
MUSIC
St. James has an adult choir that is active from September through June providing music for the late service every Sunday and for special events and religious holidays. Regular rehearsal for the choir is 8:30 am on Sunday mornings. Instrumental music is also provided on occasion by guest musicians. The parish has a fine Schantz pipe organ and has recently added an electronic keyboard which adds to variety and opportunity for others to participate.
Everyone in the parish is invited to become more involved in the ministry of music, whether through playing the keyboard, singing in the choir, playing the beautiful pipe organ, or making any joyful noise unto the Lord.
Tom Tompkins – Organist, David Bennett - Choirmaster
ALTAR GUILD
The ministry of the Altar Guild is an opportunity for our members to faithfully serve the parish to the Glory of God through the loving care of the altar and its appointments, the vessels, vestments, linens, candles, and special decorations which adorn and enhance the beauty of our worship here. In addition to setting up for the Sunday liturgies, the Guild also lovingly cares for the linens, cleans and stores the vessels, and does special set-ups for weddings, funerals, and holy days as needed.
The regard that we have for our church and its worship tradition is often expressed by the care given to its furnishings. It is truly a labor of love.
Susan Benson – Altar Guild Director
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
Episcopal Church Women has supported the Shrove Tuesday Dinners, traditionally one of the biggest events of the year. We support outreach programs such as the Christ’s Table, Washington Cathedral, Sisters of the Transfiguration and Benedictine Brothers. Funds have also been raised and donated to the Discretionary fund, Cards and postage, Book of Remembrance and Baptism books. A major pledge was given for restoration of the windows.
Sherry Gillespie – Chair
ST. HILDA’S GUILD
St. Hilda’s Guild originated around 1916 and continues as a social and service group. The guild has donated to Eastside Ministry’s emergency prescription project since its inception. The sale of Sechler’s Fine pickles, a favorite at the annual Shrove Tuesday Dinner, along with income from a bequest and "Pennies for Pills" jar in the undercroft help us to do this.
The group meets on the second Monday of each month, September through June, usually enjoying a potluck lunch in the Undercroft or an occasional lunch at a local restaurant.
All women of the church are welcome to join us at any of our meetings, for fun and for fellowship.
Jane Ellen Wiles – Chair
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
For Episcopalians and all Anglicans, "the way we worship forms the way we believe."
Although worship is the responsibility of the rector, a committee has been formed to advise the rector on worship matters including the schedule, customary of the parish, music, special events, and all the details that are involved in providing a beautiful and meaningful worship experience in the tradition of this parish. In addition to the rector, it consists of all of those most involved in our worship here at St. James- the director of music, the director of the altar guild, the deacon, the parish administrator (leaflets), and a member of the congregation.
This helps to ensure good communications and smooth and seamless liturgy. Worship is why we have a church and a congregation. It forms community and gives all of us an opportunity to praise God together. It is often the first exposure of newcomers and visitors to the beauty of the Anglican Tradition. We want it to be the best it can possibly be.
Kathryn Clausen – Interim Rector
