The Ministries of St. James Church
Outreach (our community involvement)
Monthly Dinner for Those in Need
On the last Wednesday of each month, St. James volunteers come together to cook and serve a hot meal to local neighbors in need of one. Families, homeless people, people out of work and many others who up for the 6:00 pm meal. The congregation’s members supports this effort from their pockets, separately from giving to the church. This ministry, begun in January 2010, has grown from attracting 20-30 guests to almost 60. An average of 13 volunteers help to cook and serve each month.
Food Collection
Every Sunday and Wednesday congregants bring non-perishable cans and packages of food. Once a month we deliver it all to a local food pantry. This ministry started in June 2009. Between then and June 2011, the people of St. James donated 2,315 pounds of food – more than a ton- to neighbors in need.
United Way Learning Center
During the school year young people in sixth through ninth grade who live in Bristol Borough participate in a after-school United Way program in the parish house. Kids receive homework help, work in the computer lab, and are exposed to sports, arts, Scouting, science experiments, and much more. The lower floor of the parish house is a study and recreation area, featuring Wii games and foosball.
Habitat for Humanity
St. James is one of 14 Episcopal churches in Bucks country that came together to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Our churches supported financially and through sweat equity, the building of a townhouse in Bristol Township for a family in need of an affordable home. Our family, originally from Kenya, moved into their new 3-bedroom home in June, 2011.
Seamen’s Church Institute
St. James collects gently used men’s clothing and new work gloves, socks, t-shirts and underwear for merchant seamen who arrive at the Philadelphia Port unprepared for the weather. The clothing is donated to the Seamen’s Church Institute, an Episcopal ministry that supports the physical and spiritual needs of seafarers.
Redemption Church
Our space is also used by the people of Redemption Church, an “ermergent” church composed primarily of 20- and 30-somethings, for worship one evening a week.
Hall Rentals
Our parish hall is used for family parties, receptions, baby showers and other events. It accommodates about 100 people and is equipped with a full kitchen. For rental information, call us at 215-788-2228.
Holiday Baskets
We provide Easter and Christmas baskets to any individual or family in need who requests one.
Christmas Angel Tree
Each Christmas members of St. James choose a child by gender and age from tags on our Angel Tree, and shop for toys and clothing. Each Christmas we provide for about 50 local children.
Inreach (our internal ministries)
Vestry
Members of the congregation serve on the Vestry, our governing council, which is responsible for strategic planning and the management of the church and its finances.
Property Committee
This small group of people devote themselves to the maintenance of our large property and historic buildings (the church was built in 1857 and the Parish House in 1877). Something always needs to be done!
Eucharistic Ministers
Carry the cross in procession, act as acolytes to prepare the altar for Communion and help to clear it, and serve the chalice.
Lectors and Readers
Read the lessons from the Old and New Testaments and read the Prayers of the People at services.
Altar Guild
Prepare the linens, altar hangings and Eucharistic vessels (for the bread and wine) for our worship services, weddings and funerals.
Ushers
Greet those who come to church, distribute bulletins, record attendance and receive the people’s offerings of money and food. Ushers also function at funerals.
300th Anniversary Committee/Women and Men of St. James
This dedicated group of parishioners plan social events, seasonal celebrations, concerts, fund raisers and fellowship events focused on the 300th anniversary of St. James’ founding 2012. From 2007 until June, 2010 this group also sponsored the St. James Thrift Shop in the basement of the Parish House.
Sunday School
What’s a school without teachers? Using the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum and a lot of patience and flexibility, our Director of Youth Education helps our children understand and grow into Christianity and a loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Gardening
Whether it’s the flower garden in front of the church or the vegetable garden in front of the Parish House, our small but sturdy band of gardeners keeps up our appearance!
Food Delivery
Several members of St. James split the chore of delivering donated food to a local food pantry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A small but dedicated band of craftswomen crochet shawls for sick and hospitalized members of St. James to wear while in prayer or merely while reading, watching TV, sleeping and so on. Each shawl contains the healing prayers and love of its creator, which are passed on to the wearer.
