Outreach Ministries

St. James’ Outreach Ministries flow out of our common worship life together. As a parish community, we are committed to the pursuit of justice and peace for the sake of our community and the larger city of Baton Rouge. To that end, St. James is also pleased to partner with local organizations to support individuals experiencing various needs. The Outreach Committee consists of a chair, At-Large, and Ex Officio members, as well as representatives from the Vestry and Associate Vestry.

Community Connections Sunday 
Last Sunday of the Month | 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | Bishops Hall
The St. James Outreach Committee facilitates Community Connections Sunday monthly for our downtown neighbors in need. Guests are invited for a time of fellowship, a warm meal, and pantry staples provided by the Greater BR Food Bank. Other support services, such as EBR Library, basic health screenings, vaccine access, and barbers, are available on as rotating basis. Volunteers can expect to assist in welcoming and serving guests; sign-ups will be distributed in advance. Contact: Larry Mitchum
The following are Community Connections Sunday events for the fall:

  • August 31
  • September 28
  • October 26
  • November 30
  • December 14* (Christmas Feast, details below)

St. James Christmas Feast
Sunday, December 14 | 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Bishops Hall
The Annual St. James Christmas Feast takes place each year in December and serves up a delicious holiday meal to guests. Basic health and cold-weather items are usually distributed, as well. Akin to Community Connections Sunday, the St. James Food Pantry and other support organizations are on hand. The Feast takes place in Bishops Hall, and volunteers assist in greeting and dining with guests, serving food and drinks, and distributing groceries. Contact: Emily Kelly

 

We Care Bags
We Care bags are simple snack bags made available to our neighbors who are hungry. St. James has an established partnership with the EBR Library System to offer bags to younger library patrons in need. Approximately 100 bags are delivered per week to the Main Library (7711 Goodwood Blvd.) and then distributed through the library courier system to branches where basic food would be most helpful. Volunteers assist in filling and delivering bags. Regular opportunities for volunteers to pack and deliver bags are publicized to the parish community. Contact: Cahterine Altazan

St. James Serves 
In addition to the above regular ministries, St. James’ Outreach Committee is pleased to continue regular single-day service opportunities over the course of the 2025-26 program year. The Outreach Committee has flagged November 1, 2025 as a fall day of service. Details for an MLK Day of Service on January 19, 2026 will also be forthcoming. Previous single-day service opportunities have included: area school campus beautification (VIPS); an activities day at a group home (Volunteers of America); lunch pack (St. Vincent De Paul); trash pickup (TULIPA and Keep LA Beautiful); and Front Yard Bikes painting and gardening. 

Seasons of Giving
For the 2025-2026 program year, St. James Outreach is pleased to continue the Seasons of Giving collections in partnership with local organizations. Three collections will occur throughout the year and are easy ways for the larger St. James community to participate in supporting our neighbors. Typically, the collection in July is dedicated to area schools in advance of the school year. The November collection continues St. James’ long-standing Angel Tree drive, providing holiday gifts for individuals and families. A spring Lenten collection supports a local organization to be determined.

Community Partnerships
St. James Outreach is pleased to partner with area organizations working to acknowledge and celebrate the God-given dignity of every human being. Partnerships are realized through semi-regular financial assistance, the publication of community events, and stand-alone workdays. Current partners include Front Yard Bikes, Line4Line, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge, and Baton Rouge Early Childhood Education Collaborative among others.

Ministries Directory