Programs for Education and Nurture
The key to any organization's success is its ability to establish and maintain a caring community. As members of the Body of Christ, we seek to promote spiritual growth, fellowship, outreach, and education in which all feel included and are warmly welcomed.
As part of our ministry we offer classes for baptism, first communion, confirmation, and marriage. We also have adult education groups studying the Bible and other contemporary theological issues.

 
Organizations and Opportunities at St. James' for Parish Involvement

Servers 

Being a server for worship services is an important role that can be fulfilled by congregation members – both young, and not so young. Our servers are trained by in all the many tasks that make up a traditional Anglican service. From the entry procession to the closing dismissal, our servers make a very significant contribution to our worship. Duties include lighting, putting out and carrying candles, processing through the church while carrying crosses and banners, helping the priest with the preparation of communion, and anything else that is needed at a particular service. If you are interested in serving please contact the Church Office.

Altar Guild

Altar Guild responsibilities include: preparing for Sunday and Wednesday Eucharist services; purchasing and laundering linens; replenishing the supply of bread and wine; ordering flowers and candles; polishing the brass and silver for church observances; participating in special ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms and special services; stripping the altar on Maundy Thursday, and preparing for Advent and Easter. Flowers are regularly delivered to the sick or to shut-ins, and, to the hospital and local nursing homes.

Sunday School  and Youth Ministry

Every Sunday, children of all ages are welcome to participate in our church school program. Usually, the children go straight to the Parish Hall at 10:30 am .
The children meet with their teachers for a lesson and craft time and are encouraged to return to the church to participate in the receiving of the Eucharist .There is a well equipped nursery room for infants and toddlers located inside the church in the south east corner.

Our youth leader and Sunday School coordinator is Paul Robinson.

Church Choir

Do you love to sing? Is music an important part of your life and worship? New members are always welcome. Talk to Jim Gonder or Kristy VanKooten-Bossence.

The Soulmates    

The goal of the Soulmates is to introduce contemporay music to the morning services. On the third Sunday of each month this talented group of musicians leads the Parish into new musical directions. If you would like to join this group please call Adam Rayfield or leave a message at the church office. This group is always looking for songs that have a timely message about the state of the world or ones that give God praise for all that we have been given.


The Ministry Team  

The Ministry Team is composed of a talented and dedicated group of individuals who offer their skills and talents  to assist our priest with weekly worship services and other special services on the church calendar. Our lay readers have taken numerous courses to make them effective leaders and speakers. The team works closely with the church wardens and priest to ensure a continuity of effective worship practices. 


Healing Study/Prayer Group   

 The Prayer Group meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:30 pm. Together the members offer prayers as requested, as well as share time of reflection and support for group and individual  needs. The group  welcomes anyone who would like to join them.

Anglican Church Women

Each woman who worships in our church is automatically a member of ACW, and is encouraged to participate in ACW activities or meetings as she is able. Meetings have a balance of spiritual, business, fun and practical. Much of the ACW's fund raising activities and efforts go to support a wide number of Outreach programs such as Camp Hope and Big Brothers and Sisters.
The ACW meets on monthly. Check the church calendar for specific dates.

Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen 

St. James' parishioners are encouraged to join the BAC. The BAC meets on the second Sunday of each month at 8am for a service of Holy Communion followed by a breakfast meeting.  The monthly meetings feature a guest speaker from the church or the local community. This organization is part of a larger group representing many parishes in the Diocese of Huron. The aims and objectives of the diocesan BAC are as follows –

To build a growing Christian Community in which the men of the Diocese may receive spiritual refreshment, share Christian fellowship and concerns with one another, and be encouraged to:

WITNESS: show by a living example our belief in our faith

UNITE : unite Anglican Churchmen in a common effort by encouraging an appreciation of, and a loyalty toward, the whole Church

GROW : pledge ourselves to regular Church attendance and to active participation, in the life and work of our Church

LEAD : aid and encourage all the youth of our church to play their full part in the Church's life

EXTEND: render all possible assisstance to Church extension, by bringingthe Cross of Christ to unchurched hearts and places


Additional groups meet for catering needs, quilting, sewing and outreach programs.