Outreach Programs
Indeed, God did not send the
Son into the world
to condemn the world,
but in order that the world
might be saved through him. — John 3:17
| Millennium Development Goals |
Where in the world is St. James'? See a photo map |
St. James’ Missions and Outreach Commission coordinates a variety of programs in which members of the congregation fulfill their baptismal promises:
To proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ
To seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves
To strive for justice and peace among all people
To respect the dignity of every human being
(Book of Common Prayer, pp. 293-294)
The Commission is funded through the general parish budget and also accepts individual contributions for designated activities. Everyone in the congregation participates in Missions and Outreach by donating time, talent and treasure toward its goals. Many participate directly in its programs. We strive especially to support those activities in which members of our congregation participate.
Commission Members
Chair — Jack Linehan
Clergy-Special Advisor — The Reverend Elton Smith
Vestry — Bill Wallace, Senior Warden; Parke Brown, Treasurer
Members — Alice Morrison, Ann Finch, James Finch, Grace Huff, Jerry Morrison, Peggy Sussman, Bill Wallace, Doris Wallace, Al Ellis, and Jack Linehan
The Commission seeks new members and volunteers for all of the following activities.
The Missions and Outreach Commission supports programs in the community, the nation and the world, including:
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Child Transfer Center — providing a safe meeting place for separated or divorced parents to transfer their children at St. James, Potomac
Contacts: Jack Linehan – 301-467-9958
Mary and Bob Quackenbush (center at St. James, Potomac)
Listing and information for all child transfer centers – www.crckids.org
Bethany Christian Services
— adoption into Christian homes
Contact: Connie Barry
Salvation Army Angel Tree, Montgomery Co. — providing clothing and other Christmas gifts for children in need
Contact: Bill Wallace
THE UNDERPRIVILEGED
Shepherd’s Table
— food for the hungry, clothes for the needy
Contacts: Peggy Sussman ; Jo Ann Thompson
INTERFAITH WORKS - Community Ministries of Montgomery County
— feed the hungry, vocational counseling and job training, housing assistance,
advocacy for the needy
Contacts: The Reverend Cindy Baskin and The Reverend Elton Smith
Samaritan Ministry
— feed the hungry, help
the needy, provide housing
Contacts: Ministries representation from St. James - Jerry Morrison ; Alice
Morrison;
weekly food contributions & special food drives- Joyce Graf
Habitat for Humanity — supports and builds new homes for the needy
Contact: Bill Wallace
Rockville Fish
— feed the hungry
Contact: Joyce Graf
Manna Food Center
— feed the hungry in Rockville
Contact: Don Schuessler
The Bishop’s Appeal — missionary work within the Diocese
Church Army USA – Support for the Lamb Center in Fairfax, Va., which supports the homeless
PRISONERS
St. James’
Prison Aftercare Ministry
— spiritual support and encouraging inmates as they transfer back into the
community.
Contact: James Finch
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry —supports chaplains at
Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) and Montgomery County Detention
Center (MCDC), and distributes Bibles.
Contacts: Bill and Doris Wallace ; Grace Huff
Prison Visitation Ministry
— prayer, encouragement and Bible study for inmates, provides Bibles and
Christian books
Contact: Grace Huff
OTHER VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS
St. Luke's House Bethesda
— support for those
recovering from mental health conditions
Contact: John Miers
Life Skills Workshop—
assistance and preparation for women re-entering the workforce
Youth Work Camp
— arrange and oversee summer camps for missions and outreach for the youth of
the congregation
Contact: Don Mullins
WORLDWIDE
Gideon’s International
— distribution of Bibles throughout the US and the world
Contacts: Jerry Morrison (Treasurer, Washington D.C. N.W. International Camp) ;
Bill Wallace ; Al Ellis
Foundation for Christian Discipleship & Campus Ventures - a non-profit organization furthering the cause of Christian discipleship. St. James’ donation is for the ministry of Eric Randall, a former member of St James, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Center for Student Missions – Provides an urban ministry experience that transforms lives, influences churches and communities, and honors Christ. St. James’ donation is for the ministry of Paul Randall, a former member of St. James, in the poorest areas of Houston, Texas.
Mark 9:37 Foundation - To respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Namibia by establishing homes for orphans and help them reach their full potential as Godly leaders. See news article about this program
Episcopal Relief and Development
Contact: Bill Wallace
Food for the Poor — Food and other assistance in the Caribbean and Central America
Where in the world is St. James'? See a photo map
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Evangelical Education Society of the Episcopal Church - awards grants to Episcopalians in the eleven Episcopal seminary communities, and in seminaries accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Office of Disaster Response - helping to rebuild lives and communities in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Contact: John Miers
NEW SUPPORT
The Commission and its various activities are well supported by the congregation, the clergy and the vestry, but we can always do more and use more volunteers! If you are not participating now or can increase your participation-step up now! Contact one of the persons listed above!
As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. --- John 17:17
A Month in Hurricane Relief - September, 2007 by John and Mary Miers
Habitat for Humanity Project - December, 2006
Costa Rica Mission Trip - Web site