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 can participate 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 current or past members of our congregation are directly involved.
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. Commitments of time and talent can vary significantly in accordance with your schedule and availability If you are not participating now, or can increase your participation-step up now!
We are also looking for new Commission members. This commitment involves monthly meetings of approximately 2 hours, as well as time related to support of various activities. You can determine exactly what role you want to play in various activities in accordance with your schedule and availability. This can range from oversight of an activity that may take as little as a few hours a month to active involvement in an activity, that may involve a commitment of few hours a week. Please feel free to contact one of the Commission members listed below for additional information, or if you have any questions.
Commission Members
Chair — Jack Linehan – linehanjj@gmail.com; 301-467-9958
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, Lynn Howard, and Jack Linehan.
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
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 - (formerly Community Ministry 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: Ministry representation from St. James - Jerry and 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
Contacts: Grace Huff and Bill Wallace
OTHER VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS
St. Luke's House
— 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
Contact: Jerry Morrison (Treasurer, Washington D.C. N.W. International Camp) ;
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
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
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