STEPHEN MINISTERS
WHO WE ARE:
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry that equips lay persons with the ability to provide one-on-one "distinctively Christian" care to those in our parish who are experiencing special circumstances.
WHAT WE DO:
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend. These times may include, but are not limited to, such things as hospitalization, retirement, long-term illness, grief, the loss of a job, divorce or separation, or a spiritual crisis.
BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW
WHO WE ARE:
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international ministry of men in the Anglican Communion. The sole object of the Brotherhood is the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men. Membership is open to all men aged 18 and older.
WHAT WE DO:
The Brotherhood is founded on three principles: Prayer, Study, and Service. We meet regularly for fellowship, study, prayer, and support of each other. We also have undertaken various services projects such as sponsoring Habitat for Humanity, church repairs and maintenance, and the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.
WHEN AND WHERE DO WE MEET:
We meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Parlor off the main sanctuary.
CHALICE BEARERS
WHO WE ARE:
Parishioners who have been confirmed and are at least 16 years of age.
WHAT WE DO:
We assist the Priests in giving communion to the congregation.
Chalice Bearers also participate in the Liturgy by ringing the Sanctus Bells and assisting the Priests and Deacon in the preparation of the sacramental elements.
WHEN AND WHERE WE MEET:
Training is offered each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary.
WHO WE ARE:
The Evangelism team is comprised of people who warmly greet newcomers, deliver a gift of fresh bread and provide information about St. James.
WHAT WE DO:
There are several ways you can be a part of the Evangelism Committee. You can be a Shepherd, make bread, participate in Bread Visits or Collect and Provide Information.
WHEN AND WHERE WE MEET:
Semi-annual meeting at the parish hall to discuss schedules, goals, successes and failures.
AUSTIN STREET SHELTER
WHO WE ARE:
Since 1984 St. James has conducted an outreach ministry at Austin Street Centre in downtown Dallas. The Centre, which opened in 1983, each day provides emergency shelter, food and medical care to more than 350 men, women and children.
WHAT WE DO:
On the first Sunday evening of each month, St. James parishioners prepare and serve dinner to ASC residents. Opportunities exist for parish volunteers both in food preparation and in food service. Four teams consisting of 20 or so individuals serve dinner three times a year.
WHEN AND WHERE WE MEET:
Members of St. James service teams gather at the Parish Hall at 5:15 p.m. Team members load food (and donations of clothing), drive downtown to ASC, set up two serving lines and feed the shelter residents. Team members then return to the Parish Hall to clean and store utensils. The whole process takes 90 minutes or so -- some of the most meaningful 1.5 hours you'll ever experience.
Lay Eucharist Ministry
WHO WE ARE:
Members of the St. James Lay Eucharist Ministry share the Body of Christ with members of our parish family who, because of illness or infirmity, are unable to participate in Sunday worship.
WHAT WE DO:
Lay Eucharist Ministers act as an extension of the altar rail after the conclusion of Sunday Eucharist, sharing the Bread of Heaven with communicants and reminding them they are part of a family of God that loves them and cares for them deeply.
LEMs take communion to parishioners either at their residence or, as is often the case, at a hospital, rehabilitation center or assisted-living facility.
WHO WE ARE:
The St. James mission statement states we are to "go and make disciples." That is exactly for what the Cursillo movement is intended. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders.
WHAT WE DO:
Cursillo uses the tools of piety, study and action to help us become the committed Christians and leaders that Christ calls us to be. In small groups we meet to discuss our work for Christ as we enrich our lives with piety, grow our understanding of faith in study, and take action to bring others to Christ. The small groups help us remain faithful to our commitments to Christ in a loving supportive environment.
WHEN & WHERE WE MEET:
The small group of friends (usually 3-5) meets weekly, and holds each other accountable for their spiritual journey. They report on their piety, their study, and their apostolic action. A bonding develops that institutes a strong support group for life. Small groups can be held in homes, at church, or at a public place like a café.
TOWER BELLS
WHO WE ARE
We are a group of parishioners who celebrate our love for God and His church through the English tradition of church bell ringing. We are affiliated with the North American Guild of Change Ringers.
WHAT WE DO
We call the faithful to worship and we toll the passing of loved ones. We also ring in celebration of weddings and other special occasions and sometimes we just ring for fun.
WHEN AND WHERE WE MEET
The ringing chamber is located above the sacristy in the church tower. We ring the call to worship on Sunday mornings at 9:50 and in celebration of God’s Glory following Sunday service at 11:15 when enough ringers are available. We practice on Sundays after church from 11:30 until 12:30 and at other times on request. We host an annual Tower Festival the last weekend in June.