Our Community

We are a living, growing church going forth in the name of Christ. Service to the community is a large part of our fellowship.

Alcoholics Anonymous

St. James' Episcopal Church has sponsored A.A for over thirty years. Men and women of all faiths are invited to attend meetings every Wednesday night at 8:30.

The following is the definition of A.A. appearing in the Fellowship's basic literature and cited frequently at meetings of A.A. groups:

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcohol.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.  There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership - we are self-supporting through our own contributions.  A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, and neither endorses nor opposes any causes.  Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. 

Copyright © by the A.A. Grapevine, Inc.; reprinted with permission.

Alcoholics Anonymous can also be defined as an informal society of more than 2,000,000 recovered alcoholics in the United States, Canada, and other countries. These men and women meet in local groups, which range in size from a handful in some localities to many hundreds in larger communities.

Boy Scouts Troup 63

St. James' has sponsored Troop 63 since its inception in 1952. Under the leadership of Scoutmaster Jeffrey Albanese, twenty-six Assistant Scoutmasters (including Jack and Jim Cassel, Steve Search, John Lent and Martin Bend), ten committee members and numerous merit badge counselors and sixteen boy scout leaders, Troop 63 continues to do well. Presently there are forty scouts, seven of which are members of our parish: Josh Cassel, Matt DellaVecchia, Eion Bend, Jonathan Search and Evan Search.

Scouting seeks to develop the character, citizenship and personal fitness of our youth.  Active participation in religion is encouraged as well as community service.  Scouts earn rank (Tender-Foot through Eagle) by learning skills, demonstrating leadership and scout spirit.  Many activities and accomplishments are scheduled for each year.

Troop 63 is very proud that they have produced eighty-six Eagle Scouts and continues to do so. Adult Leaders meet the first Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and the Scouts meet every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

Camera Club

The Photographer's Prayer

God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each picture,
never let me forget that I am creating treasures for others as well as myself.
Help me, O Lord to be a artist, collecting the beauty of every soul.
Give me the perspective to see my Photographer's art
 as a service to others
making life richer and more memorable.
And, Dear Lord, between the lights and the shadows, the ups and downs, and the rolling years,
keep me from getting out of focus or off-center so that my life's work may be
framed with dignity and colored with contentment.

Amen

Author unknown

Why Join Our Camera Club?

Learn to take good photos!
Sharpen and expand your photography.
Learn more about your camera.
Members enjoy photography and taking photos.
Learn new techniques to take better pictures.
Participate in fun field trips with other members of the club.
Learn more about photographic composition and content.
Group critiques are extremely educational.
Enhance your pictures taken on vacation.

Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month,
7:30pm, St. James' Church Parish Hall
Open to members of St. James', their family and friends.

ECCO (Episcopal Community of Central Orange), is Inter-parish Council for the following parishes in the Mid-Hudson Region:

• St. Andrew’s Church – Walden & Montgomery
• Grace Church – Middletown
• St. James’ Church – Goshen
• St. Paul’s Church – Chester
• Grace Church – Monroe
• St. David’s Church – Highland Mills
• St. Mary’s Church – Tuxedo
• Church of the Good Shepard – Greenwood Lake
• Christ Church - Warwick

Each parish is represented by the Rector and two lay members. ECCO is a liaison between the Mid-Hudson Region Council and the Diocese.

ECCO meets on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, October and December each year at one of the members' parish who is hosting the meeting. A Eucharist Service starts at 7:00 PM followed by the meeting at 7:30 PM. The Executive Committee consists of a Chairman who leads the meetings, a Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

The goals and activities of ECCO include:

     Joint activities for youth, especially those sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Region.

     Advent and Lent Programs

     Support of Outreach Programs, including:

·       Friday Services at the Orange County Residential Health Care Facility

·       The Guild of St. Margaret in Middletown

·       Bosnian Children

     ECCO joint advertisements for Christmas and Easter

     ECCO Prayer list

     ECCO Picnic

     Other mutual activities voted on at regular meetings.

During the meetings and in the minutes are listed events planned by the member parishes which can be supported by each other.

Mom's Club

Ever feel like you're the only mother who stays home?

You are not alone!  Come meet other at-home mothers at the MOMS Club!

The MOMS Club (MOMS Offering Moms Support) is an International nonprofit organization specifically for at-home mothers everywhere! We help you feel good about your decision to stay home with your children and give you the opportunity to share activities with other at-home mothers and their children!

Local MOMS Club chapters have meetings with interesting speakers and discussions, park play days, playgroups for preschool children, baby-sitting co-ops, activity groups like arts and crafts, and a monthly MOMS Night Out (activity groups change according to members' interests). We also perform service projects to help needy children in our community.

Our chapters meet during the day because that's when mothers-at-home need the support and we allow mothers to bring their children with them to our activities!

For more information about our chapter, call: Jennifer Caron at 355-2430.

Musical Munchkins

Age-specific and sibling classes offered.

Featuring live music with guitar, props, puppets, instrument play, song time, games, stories, dramatic play, creative movement, learning and lots of fun!

Classes are currently held at St. James' on Thursday and Friday mornings at 9:30 am.

Come Preview a Class!

Call us today at 845-895-1387 or visit us at www.musicalmunchkins.net