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

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: Bill Wallace

Clergy-Special Advisor: The Reverend James Isaacs

Vestry: Doris Wallace; Parke Brown, Treasurer

Members: Alice Morrison, Karl Bennett, Grace Huff, Jerry Morrison, Bill Wallace, Doris Wallace, Lynn Howard and Jack Linehan

The Missions and Outreach Commission supports programs in the community, the nation and the world, including:

Child Transfer Center: providing a safe meeting place for separated or divorced parents to transfer their children at St. James', Potomac, enabling children to be exchanged by parents in a safe, secure way. This Center is unique because it involves participation by county courts, churches (St. James', Potomac), and a non-profit organization, the Children's Rights Council, which works to help children and families.
Contacts: Pete or Chris, CTC Co-Directors (240)599-6410.
Listing and information for all child transfer centers:  www.crckids.org

Salvation Army Angel Tree, Montgomery Co.: providing clothing and other Christmas gifts for children in need
Contact: Bill Wallace

Shepherd's Table: food for the hungry, clothes for the needy. 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 finished by 8:00 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome.

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, The Reverend James Isaacs and Jack Linehan

Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington: feed the hungry, help the needy, provide housing. St. James' is one of 36 partner parishes in the Greater Washington area that helps this outreach program to help the temporarily homeless and disadvantaged persons in our community.  The food placed in the baskets in the narthex entryway and brought to the altar during the offertory supports and sustains outreach efforts to the hungry and homeless of the City. Particularly needed are items suitable for lunches (individual servings), toilet articles, powdered milk, canned meats, fruits and vegetables, and baby food. Volunteers are always needed to teach and counsel.  To volunteer call 202-722-2280.
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

St. James' Prison Aftercare Ministry: spiritual support and encouraging inmates as they transfer back into the community. our volunteers work one-on-one with prisoners slated for release within three months. They strive to remain in contact for at least six months afterward, offering prayer and encouragement to former inmates who are rebuilding their lives.
Contact: Mike Bohman

Good News Jail and Prison Ministry: supports chaplains at Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) and Montgomery County Detention Center (MCDC), and distributes Bibles. The Tutoring Ministry, provides volunteers to help inmates get their GED certificates, improve occupational skills, or speak better English, thus increasing their future employment opportunities.
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

St. Luke's House: support for those recovering from mental health conditions
Contact: Jack Linehan

Youth Work Camp: arrange and oversee summer camps for missions and outreach for the youth of the congregation
Contacts: Bill Josey, Susan Townsend-Gray

Gideons International: distribution of Bibles throughout the US and the world. The Gideons were organized for the purpose of providing a service for business and professional men in placing the Bible or portions thereof in hotels, hospitals, schools, institutions, and also in the distribution of Bibles for personal use.
Contact: Jerry Morrison (Treasurer, Washington D.C. N.W. International Camp)

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.

Episcopal Relief and Development
Contact: Bill Wallace

Virginia Theological Seminary

Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Office of Disaster Response: helping to rebuild lives and communities in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Contact: Jack Linehan

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

Costa Rica Mission Trip - August 2006

Habitat for Humanity Project - December 2006