Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Ministries at St. James seek to create and maintain meaningful connections by extending the expression of Christian love and fellowship to all parishioners and visitors. The various Pastoral Care Ministries at St. James help us to accomplish this by offering support through visitations, phone calls, cards, meals, and more.
Flowers From the Altar Ministry
As an outward and visible expression of our love, this group of volunteers delivers the Sunday altar flowers to parishioners who may be homebound or sick. Flowers may also be given as an expression of appreciation. Contact: Helen Campbell
Eucharistic Visitor Ministry
Eucharistic Visitors are a ministry of licensed parishioners who bring the Holy Eucharist to members of the St. James community unable to attend service. If you or another member would like to receive communion, please contact the church office to make arrangements. Contact: Mother Lynn Hooks
Guild of the Christ Child
On Sundays, the congregation offers prayers for those who are pregnant and/or expecting a child including those who are adopting. To celebrate the joyous occasion, the clergy make visits to these families, offering prayers of thanksgiving and presenting a gift on behalf of the entire congregation, symbolizing the community’s shared joy and support. Contact: Mother Lynn Hooks.
Hospital Visits
The clergy of St. James are committed to pastoral care and make hospital visits on a rotating schedule. Because of patient privacy policies with doctors and hospitals, it is important that you notify the church if you, a loved one, or another member of the congregation is hospitalized and would like a pastoral call. Contact: Mother Lynn Hooks.
Friends Feeding Friends
Friends Feeding Friends was “cooked up” out of a heartfelt desire to support members of our church family during challenging times. Whether they are recovering from an illness, welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, or facing other special circumstances, our ministry aims to provide comfort and care through the gift of food. Volunteers impact the lives of those in need by preparing or picking up a prepared meal and delivering it to them. This act of kindness not only helps to ease their burden but also lets them know they are loved and supported by their church community. Contact: Mother Lynn Hooks
Prayer Ministry
St. James is a community of prayer. Every Sunday, a portion of the prayer list is spoken and included in the service bulletin. Every week, the entire intercessory prayer list is provided to those serving on the Prayer Ministry team to offer prayers on behalf of those individuals. This ensure the support of many for those in need of prayer. Contact: Laurie Gaston
Saint Martha’s Guild
St. Martha’s Guild hosts visitations in the church parlor before or after funerals. Members support the bereaved family by preparing to receive guests, assisting with floral gifts, and cards, and providing refreshments. Contact: Bunny Hines
Grief Support Ministry
Weekly from Wednesday, September 1 to Wednesday, November 12
6 – 8 p.m. | Conference Room in Ministries Center
Grief can be surprising, even bewildering – appearing in moments when joy and celebration seem to leave no room for sorrow. It can surface in unexpected places and at unexpected times. As you carry the weight of unimaginable loss, or as you walk through other significant life changes, I invited you to consider joining our Grief Support Ministry at St. James Episcopal Church. Our next group will begin on Wednesday, September 24, meeting for eight sessions from 6 – 8 p.m. We are again blessed to partner with Esther Sachse, LCSW-BACS, CT, LSW-C, a compassionate guide with whom we have worked in the past to great effect.
For the sake of group dynamics, space is limited to 12 participants. To register or to ask questions, please reach out to Laurie Gaston. Even if you are simply curious, I encourage you to sign up. You are also welcome to speak with any member of the clergy about whether this might be a next step for you. If this time does not work, let Laurie know so we can keep you in mind for the future. Please remember you are not alone. Your St. James family is here for you. We walk this road together, trusting in the God who gathers up every tear.