If perhaps you do not have a lot of time in the week but want to participate in a service to St James the following are ministries that are essential on Sunday mornings, many of which are seeking new members. If you are interested in joining one of these ministries please contact the relevant person detailed below.
Acolytes/Servers
Acolytes can be adults or children and assist the clergy at the altar and help facilitate the movements of the liturgy. The duties are varied but include: carrying the cross for the processional and recessional and the Gospel gradual, receiving the offering from the Priest, serving as a chalice bearer for the Eucharist, and reading one or more of the daily lessons. They are responsible for the lighting and extinguishing of candles in the sanctuary before and after each service. Training is required for this ministry. If you or your child would be interested in serving as an acolyte speak to Rev Cindy Stansbury or Deacon Carole Anderson.
Counters
The counters count the offering received at both services on Sunday after the 10:30 am service. This is a confidential ministry since all offerings are given with the intent that no one should know who the givers are or what is given. Once the offering is counted it is placed into a sealed bag for deposit into the bank. There are two counters per Sunday to insure accuracy. If you are interested in joining this ministry, contact Deacon Carole Anderson.
Hospitality
The hospitality team provides coffee and snacks after each service for the fellowship time after each service. Each week a team makes the coffee and provides snacks for the congregation after the services. They also provide special snacks for church gatherings, like baptisms, ordinations or confirmations. They decorate Duncan Hall, set up the snacks and clean up afterwards. The hospitality teams help create the atmosphere needed to promote fellowships within the congregation. The hospitality team is always looking for more members as many hands make for light work! If you would like to help with this contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lay Readers
Lay readers read the lessons from the lectern microphone. They are assigned the readings earlier in the week so they can practice before the service. Three lay readers and an intercessor are needed for each service so the liturgy is clearly a “work of the people.” The readers help set the tone of the service because the Word of God is read and heard by the congregation. The intercessor reads and prays the Prayers of the People for the congregation. Contact Deacon Carole Anderson if you are interested in becoming a Lay Reader.
Ushers / Greeters
The ushers welcome congregants, hand out bulletins, take up the offering, count the number of attendees, and keep the flow of people moving during the Eucharist. Their job is to provide a safe comfortable environment for worship. Ushers/Greeters are the first people that a visitor meets, so they should have a heart for welcoming people. They hand out bulletins, take up the offering, and keep the flow of people moving during the Eucharist. They answer questions, help people find a seat, locate the restrooms, nursery, and the Sunday school room. They introduce new people to members of the congregation and invite them to join us for coffee hour. Once the service has begun, the ushers help people find seats when needed. Please contact Deacon Carole Anderson if you are interested in this ministry.