All that we have is a gift of an extravagantly generous God. In thanksgiving for the blessings that God has bestowed upon us, we are called to return a portion of our time, talent and treasure to the Church for the work of love in a hurting world. In financial terms, all parishioners are encouraged to give a percentage of income in the form of an annual pledge to St. James. There are many opportunities for sharing our time and talent here at St. James!

Continue to read through this booklet to find what Christ is calling you to do.

ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION: The Administration Commission supports the work of the parish by monitoring compliance with parish policies, serving as a personnel committee, and providing practical assistance in the parish office.

ALTAR GUILD: The Altar Guild at St. James has the responsibility and privilege of preparing the Holy Eucharist for all worship services as well as for special services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. In addition, Altar Guild members prepare the worship area for special days and seasons of the church year. All members of St. James are invited to join the Altar Guild.

ALZHEIMER’S CARE GIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for those caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease meets every third Thursday of the month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the parish hall bell room. This support group is available to both members and non-members of St. James.

BAPTISM: Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which the Christian community welcomes new members into the fellowship of God. Infants, children and adults are baptized during services on specific Sundays of the year and at the Easter Vigil.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: 

Women’s Thursday Morning Bible Study meets in the Parish Hall from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, followed by a bag lunch from 12:00 -1:00 p.m. Each week’s program is an opportunity for Bible study of the current lectionary lessons, with fellowship during lunch and handwork afterwards. All women of St. James’ and the community are invited. Contact:  Mary Ellen Moore

Rector’s Bible Study meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. Over the past year we have studied the books of Genesis, James, Galatians and Romans. Contact:  Cindy Baskin; rector@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

BUILDING AND GROUNDS:  see Facilities

CARD MINISTRY: This ministry is a pastoral communication with parishioners. Greeting cards are sent to those who are ill, the caretakers of those who are ill, or those who have experienced a death within the family, assuring them that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Marriages, baptisms, confirmations and other monumental steps in our lives with the Lord, as well as our appreciation for extraordinary service to the parish, are also personally acknowledged.

CASSETTE TAPE MINISTRY: This ministry records our Sunday services, especially sermons. Lay Eucharistic Visitors often take these cassettes to those persons who cannot be with us in church. The cassettes are also available for purchase.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: See under Acolytes, Bible Studies, Christian Formation, Music Ministries, Youth

CHILD TRANSFER CENTER: St. James volunteers provide supervised child access services, and drop off and pick up of children services. These enable children of separated or divorced parents to see each other in a safe, secure way.

Contact: Jack Linehan – 301-467-9958

CHOIR: See Music Ministries

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FORMATION: (see also Bible Study Groups)

Sunday School:  see Sunday School heading

Adult Forum:  The adult Christian education class meets Sundays, 9:15‑10:00 a.m. Topics for this class have been very diverse, ranging from history to theology to life planning.

Lenten Series:  Each year on Wednesday evenings during Lent there is a program of study and preparation for the Easter season. Contact:  Church office; office@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

CONFIRMATION:  Confirmation is the sacrament by which individuals can reaffirm their baptismal promises with the laying-on of hands by the bishop. Confirmation classes to prepare candidates for this commitment are held by the Rector or lay instructors. Contact:  Cindy Baskin; rector@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

EARTH STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY:  Members of this new ministry explore ways to be better stewards of the Earth, “our island home.” They meet once a month for planning and as needed in smaller groups. Contact:  Donna Judkins

EUCHARIST:  (also called the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion) The Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Jesus in which bread and wine are given and received in remembrance of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. With the Eucharist we receive forgiveness of our sins and strengthening of our union with Christ and one another. The Eucharist is celebrated at all St. James’ Sunday services and at other times during the week.

FACILITIES:  The Facilities Commission oversees maintenance and work on the Parish Hall, the church building and grounds, and the Memorial Garden. Occasional work days are held for painting, cleaning, and garden care. Members may adopt a garden for ongoing care and volunteer for other one-time or ongoing property maintenance responsibilities. Contact:  Isabelle Schuessler or Linda Knutsen; linda@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS:

Open Needlework Time:  Meets every Thursday from 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m., after the Bible study. Bring a bag lunch and any type of needlework to do. Contact:  Mary Ellen Moore

Men’s Breakfast:  Men of the parish meet every Wednesday morning, 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. There is breakfast, prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Contact:  Roger East

20’s – 30’s group:  Meets monthly to go out to a restaurant after church. Contact:  Mike & Stefanie Brown or Marshall Finch

Book club:  Meets monthly on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. to share pizza and discussion of the book read that month. The Book Club is an opportunity for those who love literature and those seeking fellowship to grow in Christ with others by exploring a variety of books. Meetings are held in the Parish Hall. Contact:  Cindy Baskin; rector@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

Fellowship Commission:  Helps coordinate parish activities that promote fellowship among our members. Contact:  Church office; office@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

EUCHARIST: (also called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion) The Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Jesus in which bread and wine are given and received in remembrance of Christ's life, death and resurrection. With the Eucharist we receive forgiveness of our sins and strengthening of our union with Christ and one another. The Eucharist is celebrated at all St. James' Sunday services and at other times during the week.

FACILITIES: The Facilities Commission oversees maintenance and work on the Parish Hall, the church building and grounds, and the Memorial Garden. Occasional work days are held for painting, cleaning, and garden care. Members may adopt a garden for ongoing care and volunteer for other one-time or ongoing property maintenance responsibilities.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS:

Open Needlework Time: Meets every Thursday from 12:00 noon –1:00 p.m., after the Bible study. Bring a bag lunch and any type of needlework to do.

Men's Breakfast: Men of the parish meet every Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. There is breakfast, prayer, Bible study and fellowship.

Contact: Parish Office

Book club: Meets monthly on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. to share pizza and discussion of the book read that month. The Book Club is an opportunity for those who love literature and those seeking fellowship to grow in Christ with others by exploring a variety of books. Meetings are held in the Parish Hall.

Fellowship Commission: Helps coordinate parish activities that promote fellowship among our members.

FLOWER GUILD: Provides floral arrangements for the altar, chapel, and Children's church every Sunday except in Lent, and for all major feast days. Commitment on scheduled dates is 3 - 4 hours to prepare for Sunday, and 15 - 30 minutes to take down and distribute flowers after church. Christmas and Easter preparation are all day affairs, with members participating as schedules permit. No experience is necessary.

FOOD CERTIFICATE MINISTRY: Parishioners can purchase food cards and/or certificates to Giant and Magruder’s grocery stores. These are used at the respective grocery stores just like cash, but the parish receives a rebate of 4-5% from the store. This is an easy way to help support St. James financially. Food cards and certificates are available for purchase on Sunday mornings following both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.

Contact: Janey McUlsky and Isabelle Schuessler

 FOOD MINISTRY:  This ministry is responsible for taking food to the sick and shut-in or to families in need of help during surgeries, deaths, etc. Contact:  Church office; office@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: St. James' participates in this international humanitarian organization by providing parishioners for build days at a local site, as well as donating annual financial contributions by the parish.

INQUIRERS’ CLASS: The rector periodically offers seminars for newcomers to St. James and/or the Episcopal Church. The seminar provides information about the Episcopal Church in general, its history, worship patterns, and ministry in the world. This course also serves to meet the requirements for those seeking the Rite of Confirmation or Reception.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER: On Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. there is an intercessory prayer meeting in the chapel. All are welcome to join.

Contact: Peggy Sussman;; or Beverly Bartolomeo;

INTERCESSORS: Intercessors are lay members of the congregation who assist our worship service by leading the Prayers of the People.

Contact: Tracy Lively

LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS: The team of visiting Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs for short) serves as a personal bridge to our parishioners who are unable to come to church–generally among those on the church prayer list. By taking communion to these persons, the LEVs provide a personal contact and reminder that they are part of the Body of Christ.

Contact: Doris Wallace

LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS: LEMs (for short) are lay members of the congregation who assist the clergy in distributing bread and wine during the Eucharist. LEMs serve a two-year term and are given training by the parish. To serve as a LEM, a person must be 16 years of age or older and be a confirmed member of the parish.

Contact for 10:30 service

Martha Lawrenz;

Contact for 8:00 service

LECTORS: Lectors are lay members of the congregation who assist in our worship service by reading scripture lessons and leading the Prayers of the People.

Contact for 10:30 service

Martha Lawrenz;

Contact for 8:00 service

MARTHA'S MINISTRY: As in the Bible story of Mary and Martha, the members of Martha's ministry prepare and serve food for the church family. Every Sunday morning they provide coffee, tea and donuts. They also organize, prepare and clean up for other special meals.

MEMORIAL GARDEN AND COLUMBARIUM: The Memorial Garden is a holy and restful garden with a columbarium (resting place for cremated remains) surrounded by trees and flowering shrubs. Members of the Memorial Garden Committee are responsible for care of the Memorial Garden and, when needed, assisting with internment services.

Contact: for internment,

Contact for the Memorial Garden Committee,

MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDG's): St. James' is committed to supporting the eight Millennium Development Goals through prayer and mission, education and funding. In addition to our regular support of Missions and Outreach, our parish has dedicated 0.7% of its normal operating income toward the MDGs, and encourages our members to do the same. We agree with the national Episcopal Church's endorsement of the Millennium Development Goals and strive, in our own parish, to cultivate awareness of the MDGs and their alignment with Christian values. Visit our parish website and click on "Millennium Development Goals" for more on our response to the world's neediest.

MISSION AND OUTREACH:The Mission and Outreach commission is comprised of leaders of various outreach activities and others to help coordinate parish programs. This commission organizes various outreach activities throughout the year, encourages congregants to participate, and oversees the distribution of St. James’ funds to benevolences outside the parish. For a list of missions, see www.stjamespotomac.org. Contact:  Jack Linehan.

Adult Choir: The Chancel Choir provides choral music and leads the responses in the liturgy for the Rite II 10:30 a.m. service. Great music from the Anglican tradition is sung, including anthems, psalms, canticles, and other service music. Music from other traditions is also sung, including gospel, jazz, and some contemporary. The choir director leads the choir in mastering the music for the following Sunday and for a few Sundays in advance. Vocal techniques are taught to properly communicate the words of the music to the congregation. Reading music, while helpful, is not required. Practices are held each Thursday evening from 7:45 –9:30 p.m.

St. James' Ringers: This is the adult hand bell choir, which provides special hand bell music on occasion for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Practices are held after the 10:30 service in the sanctuary.

Jubilation Ringers: This is the children's hand bell choir for grades 4-8, which provides special hand bell music for the 10:30 a.m. worship service. No previous experience with hand bells is required, but some ability to read music is helpful. Practices are held at 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings, in the sanctuary.

Contact for all above:

Prayer and Praise Band: This group provides music for the “come as you are” 6:00 p.m. worship service. Meet for group practice at 5:00 p.m. Sunday evenings.

Contact: Bill Wallace;  or

NAME TAGS: All parishioners are provided with name tags for use during coffee hours and other fellowship times. We encourage everyone to wear a name tag so we can better get to know one another. Name tags are kept in boxes in the parish hall closets. If you can’t locate yours, please sign the request list on Sunday morning or call the parish office and a name tag will be made for you.

NEWCOMERS: Newcomers are always welcomed at St. James. Information about St. James is available at the Welcome Table in the narthex (entrance lobby) of the church. Each Sunday there is a brief fellowship time following the 8:00 a.m. service and before the Adult Forum. An extended Fellowship Hour follows the 10:30 a.m. service, with refreshments and friendly conversation in the Parish Hall. Three or four times a year we hold a Newcomers' Reception at the Rector's house for an informal time of welcome and sharing with other new parishioners.

NEWSLETTER: St. James publishes a monthly newsletter entitled The Pilgrim. Each edition includes information about upcoming events at the parish as well as information about various ministries at St. James. To be placed on the mailing list, contact the parish office.

NURSING HOME MINISTRY: Members of this ministry devote their Wednesday mornings to visiting residents of four area nursing homes, on a weekly rotating schedule. They present a worship service that includes Holy Communion, scripture, music, and support to those unable to attend services at church.

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS: Office volunteers serve at the church office front desk to answer incoming phone calls, greet visitors, and assist with various office tasks as needed. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or part thereof, Monday through Friday.

PRAYER AND HEALING MINISTRY: The Prayer and Healing Ministry is one of our most visible means of assisting spiritual growth and tending to spiritual needs. Members of the Prayer and Healing Ministry are present in the St. James Chapel, to the right of the altar at every Sunday morning worship service with Holy Eucharist. People come to the prayer desks for more than healing; many want prayers for private difficulties, family concerns, and other issues.

PRAYER CHAIN: St. James has several members who respond to immediate prayer requests for members of the congregation and their family or friends. To request prayer, simply call the church office and your request will be sent to the prayer chain members.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Compassion and the love of knitting or crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every shawl, which are then given away to those in need. Members of the ministry also knit or crochet blankets to be presented to infants and young children when they are baptized.

PRISON MINISTRIES:

Prison Ministry with Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Clarksburg and at the Montgomery County Detention Center (MCDC) in Rockville. Working with teams of volunteers from St. James' and other churches, we visit inmates on weekdays. Because we work in a group, new volunteers learn on-the-job with experienced people.

Contacts: MCCF –Bill or Doris Wallace;

Prison Parenting Program: Women from various churches go in on Saturdays to offer workshops for women inmates.

Contact: Grace Huff;

RUMMAGE SALE:

ST. JAMES' CHILDREN'S SCHOOL: The school enrolls almost 100 children from six weeks to six years old. Thirty staff provide an outstanding infant and preschool program, plus a state-accredited full day kindergarten. In addition to a Bible curriculum and enriching school activities, there is a weekly chapel service in the church, music classes (which has included a musical, “Mary Poppins”), and the opportunity for Spanish, dance, gymnastics, karate, piano, and soccer classes.

SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE:  Each Christmas, members of St. James’ provide gifts for needy families in Montgomery County by participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Information is announced in late November each year for those who would like to participate. Contact:  Sharon McCoy.

SAMARITAN MINISTRY: This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping people who are homeless or in need to help themselves. St. James participates by donating food and other services.

Contact: Jerry and Alice Morrison;

Contact: (for weekly food contributions and special food drives)

SHEPHERD'S TABLE: St. James' helps feed the needy and homeless at Shepherd's Table in Silver Spring on fifth Wednesdays (four or five times a year). There are two shifts: one at 4:00 p.m. to set tables and help put out desserts, breads and salads. The second shift arrives at 5:45 p.m., serves the meal to about 120-140 people, helps clean up, and is out by 8:00 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome.

Contact:  Church office; office@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040.

SPECIAL LITURGIES COMMITTEE: Our purpose is to assist the rector in enhancing the liturgy on special occasions such as the Feast of All Saints, Pentecost, Epiphany, and St. James’ Day. We suggest and implement creative approaches to the liturgy through music, poetry, and drama. We aim to introduce into corporate worship new ideas while remaining grounded in Episcopal tradition. Time commitment can vary according to each person’s availability, and projects can be worked on individually as one’s schedule permits. Planning meetings with our rector are scheduled approximately two months in advance of special services, and all committee members are encouraged to attend. Contact:  Church office; office@stjamespotomac.org; 301-762-8040

TELLER MINISTRY: The tellers are responsible for working in teams of two to count all monies coming into St. James. We usually count immediately after the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday. The teams are not responsible for making the deposit at the bank. Each team works about one Sunday a month (with no additional meetings).

TRACT RACK: Various tracts with information about the Christian faith, St. James parish, and other community items are available free-of-charge on the display racks in the parish hall or the table in the foyer of the church.

USHERS: The main duty of the usher team is to welcome and serve churchgoers so they experience a comfortable, worshipful atmosphere. The team has responsibilities before, during and after the service. One usher serves the 8:00 a.m. service. Ushers at the 10:30 a.m. service serve on a team of five, with duties once per month plus once at Christmas and Easter services and occasionally at large funerals.

Contact for 10:30 a.m. service

Gib Kirkham;

Contact for 8:00 a.m. service

VESTRY: The Vestry serves as the governing body of St. James. It is composed of members elected by the congregation at its Annual Meeting, and is led by the Rector, the Senior Warden, and the Junior Warden. The Vestry's responsibilities include parish policy decisions, oversight of parish finances, care of the parish buildings, and choosing of individuals to fill various positions of leadership and representation.

WARDENS: As authorized by the by-laws of St. James, the Senior and Junior Wardens are elected by the parishioners. Wardens serve one-year terms and work in close collaboration with the Rector and Assistant Clergy.

WEDDINGS: The solemnization of Holy Matrimony, as the wedding service is known in the Church, is a sacramental event for which the most appropriate setting is the church. Those seeking marriage should contact one of the St. James’ clergy to make arrangements and to schedule pre-marital instruction. A separate booklet with information about weddings at St. James and fee schedules is available upon request.

WELCOME TABLE: Located in the narthex (lobby of the church), the Welcome Table has information about St. James' and activities. Please help yourself.

Contact: Bess Gonglewski;

YOUTH ACTIVITIES:

Kingdom Kids Puppet Ministry is a monthly special puppet show with a Biblical message staged by the older children with the supervision of the Sunday school directors.

Youth group for middle and high school aged children meets every Sunday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We share pizza, play games and have Bible study. Contact:      Don Mullins or Marshall Finch, or go to www.stjamespotomac.org/youth.

Youth Website is www.stjamespotomac.org/youth. Bill Josey is the Webmaster.

Ski trip: each year on President's Day weekend the youth go to ski or snowboard in Hidden Valley in Pennsylvania.