Congregational Ministries

Buildings & Grounds Committee
Jim Cassel, chairperson

With the older facilities and buildings at St. James', the Buildings and Grounds committee faces many challenges.  We always have ongoing painting, electrical, carpentry, general clean up and fund raising projects.  We are always seeking people who would like to help. Even if you don't consider yourself handy with a paint brush, hammer or screwdriver, you are welcomed and encouraged to participate in this ministry of time and talent.

Fellowship Committee
Jeanne Healey & Donna Carbone, co-chairpersons

The fellowship committee is comprised of the members of St. James' church.  We are all members of this wonderful St. James' family. "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." 1John 1:3.  The fellowship Committee's mission is to bring the members of our parish together outside of Sunday worship. Ultimately, these gatherings of the members of the St. James' family are to strengthen the bonds of our community and that which unites us to Christ. 

Some of the fellowship committee's previous events have been:

·       Fall Harvest Festival

·       Renegades Baseball Game

·       St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

·       Maundy Thursday Agape Dinner and Easter Vigil Agape Reception

·       Parish Picnic at Craigville Park

·       Family Game Night

·       Women’s Appreciation Dinner

Greeters
Jackie Kessler, chairperson

The primary purpose of the Greeters' Ministry is welcoming newcomers to St. James'.  Whether people have just moved to the area and are "church shopping," come with friends, or are returning to church after an absence, the Greeters look for ways to make their visit a good experience. Greeters serve at the 9 a.m. Family Eucharist and at the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist service.

The Greeters' role is to welcome new people coming to worship, and then encourage them to sign our guest book, show them where to find the hymnal and Book of Common Prayer, and answer any questions and concerns.  In addition, the Greeters introduce them to our rector, give them a newsletter and other information about St. James'.  They then accompany guests to coffee hour where they are then introduced to other parish members.

Outreach
John Strobl, chairperson

St. James' Parish participates in many outreach programs, including:,

The Goshen Ecumenical Pantry – a group of volunteers from local area Churches and Temple, as well as concerned individuals in the Goshen community. Food is distributed to the needy of Goshen at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church.  Food bagging is done the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  

Meals on Wheels - the St. James' team delivers Meals-on-Wheels two weeks per month.  This part of the Orange County Senior Dining Program involves delivering meals to approximately 10 residences two days per month.

Community Dinners – dinners that are held the last Saturday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in St. James's parish hall.  Started in July 1999, the meals provide nourishment and companionship to our fellow residents.  Each month a different group from the community hosts the dinner, which serves between 20 - 50 individuals. The gratitude expressed by the guests, as well as the fellowship involved in preparation and serving, make this an outreach project that St. James' parish is truly blessed to be a part of.

Other programs:  Books to Africa, AIDS Walk NY, and the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.

Pastoral Care
Meg Strobl and Lynn Riccardulli, co-chairpersons

Lay Pastoral Care is support to our sisters and brothers in Christ as they continue their journeys in faith.  This support responds to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of others.  Pastoral Care in a congregation happens when all baptized persons share in the pastoral ministries of the parish. The full awareness that we at St. James' love and care about each other is a strengthening force in our faith community.  Our Lord instructs us to love God and one another. We promise to do this at every Eucharist.  We put that promise into action through our giving and receiving of pastoral care.  Your participation is an opportunity to share with others the blessing and talents that God has given you. Your participation also allows you to be an instrument of the Holy Spirit through your active ministry. 

Stewardship Committee
Ed Fritsche, chairperson

St. James' Stewardship Committee focuses on the Christian sense of the word "Steward".  One may define a steward as one who involves himself/herself with managing the affairs of a household.  The Christian sense of the word Steward involves managing the affairs of God on earth.  Each and every parishioner has unique abilities and talents. God has made each of us a Steward and we should use our abilities or talents to serve God.

Have you thought about all that God has given us? How about property, talents, the gospel, relationships, environment, health, and time.  The Stewardship Committee encourages everyone to remember that a Christian steward serves God out of love and gratitude for those gifts knowing that it is not how much we have, but what we do with what we have that is important.

The Stewardship Committee throughout the year hosts numerous coffee hours to show our appreciation for all those who complete a commitment card during Commitment Sundays.  This event is always held for three consecutive weeks in October.  Completing these cards allows St. James to budget for the following year. The committee term is three years.  We welcome anyone who is interested in serving St. James in this manner.

The current Stewardship Committee members are: Ed Fritsche, Tim Duzick, Chip Hamilton, LuAnn Haviland, Robert Rainey, John Strobl and Kaye Thacker.

Women of St. James
Jackie Bloom, President

We are a fun group of women who enjoy working together for the betterment of our church and our community. We offer support and helping hands to our parish to accomplish many goals.

Some of the things we do:

·        Annual Christmas Fair and Luncheon - Saturday before Thanksgiving

·        Great American Weekend -Attic Treasures Sale (4th of July)

·        Pancake Supper on Fat Tuesday (prior to Lent)

·        Funeral receptions for our parish members

·        Angel Giving Tree and Orange County Adult Residential Facility Christmas Gifts

·        Host Halcyon Singers and reception following the performance

·        Funds raised are donated to various humanitarian and charitable organizations and also used to assist projects in our own parish

We also make a pledge to the parish and we donate to the Rector's discretionary fund.