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

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

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
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

More information

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

Gideons 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

Virginia Theological Seminary

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