WORSHIP SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares everything necessary for worship in the chancel/altar area, supporting the worship and sacramental life of the church. This dedicated group of men and women insure that all services, including Sundays, special feast days, wedding, funerals, etc., run smoothly.

Eucharistic Minister
Eucharistic Ministers’ role is primarily to bear the chalice at the distribution of the Eucharist on Sundays and at other liturgies such as weddings and funerals. This a sacred and deeply meaningful role within our sacramental life.

Lectors and Intercessors
A principle way that the laity are involved in worship leadership is by either reading one of the lessons from scripture, or leading the prayers of the people. The texts and instruction are provided before each service.

Acolytes
Another way of serving at worship, especially but not exclusively for younger people, is as an acolyte. These servers light candles, carry the processional cross, torches and Gospel book, and are available for other tasks as needed.

Vergers
In our Episcopal tradition, a key component to our worship life are our Vergers. The Vergers insure the coordination of the entire liturgy (like a Master of Ceremonies). Often those who have already served in other roles like Eucharistic Ministers will choose to take on the additional responsibility and privilege of serving as Vergers.

Ushers
Jesus said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” Our dedicated team of ushers are most often the very first person a visitor or regular member encounters when arriving for worship. Our ushers greet and welcome worshippers, hand out bulletins, answer questions and give guidance to the campus (especially to visitors).

Music/Choir
Quality music has been a signature element of life at Saint James for many years. Talented singers and instrumentalists provide support to our worship life, Sundays especially but at other times as well such as First Friday Compline, funeral services, etc. You do not need to be a professional musician to participate in this joyful part of our life together.

A/V/Tech Assistants
A critical component of worship at Saint James today is technology. A committed and talented crew of individuals does everything from running the lights and sound within the sanctuary, to the live streaming of our liturgies that reaches worshippers around the country and the world. While primarily focused on Sundays, our Tech Team also provides service at weddings and funerals and other special services.

Hospitality Hosts
On many Sundays, worship is followed by a time of casual fellowship over simple refreshments, either in the cloister/narthex area, or weather-permitting, in the fountain courtyard. Those who serve in this capacity prepare and serve the refreshments, and provide a gracious welcome to all who are present. There is also opportunity to help in setting up refreshments in the Parish Hall for those attending the Adult Forum.

Children’s Chapel
Do you have an interest in and gift for working with young children? Each Sunday at the late Mass, our youngest members have their own unique experience in the chapel, under the guidance of caring leaders.

Nursery Care
Nursery service is made available to parents of infants so that they may have a more meaningful worship experience. If you love infants and small children and have an hour to give on a Sunday morning, this opportunity is for you!

Security
While Saint James is blessed with excellent staff, there is occasional need for these individuals who come early on a Sunday or during other services and/or events, open the campus us, monitor the campus during Sunday mornings, and assist in closing/locking the campus when events are over.

OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

Children, Youth & Family Ministries
Do you have a heart for nurturing faith and building community with the next generation? Whether it’s helping with special events, supporting our Youth Group, chaperoning retreats, or lending a hand at summer camps, there are many joyful ways to get involved. Opportunities are available for a variety of schedules and interests!

Eucharistic Visitors
When our service on Sunday is ended, a dedicated group of people will often take communion to those who are homebound and cannot be with us physically. This is a deeply important and meaningful way of serving, helping us to remain connected to these infirm members.

Daily Office or Meditation Leader
Leading daily prayer and meditation includes guiding a group of people through the set prayers of the Daily Offices from the Book of Common Prayer such as Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Noonday Prayer, or Compline, or daily meditation practice which utilizes the teachings of Father John Main.

Wedding Coordinators
Much like our Vergers on a Sunday morning, our Wedding Coordinators play a key role in assisting couples and the priest in making sure that everything goes well – from the wedding party’s arrival ahead of time to the close of the service.

Office Volunteer
While Saint James is blessed with a talented staff, there are always needs within the office during the week to help. Everything from occasionally answering phone calls to helping with mailings is deeply appreciated by the administrative staff!

Buildings and Grounds Committee
This committee is responsible both for the long-term planning of the maintenance of our campus as well as assistance with day to day operations in support of the paid staff. Individuals with a passion for our grounds and/or historic buildings would be a welcome addition to this group.

Vestry
The Vestry is the highest governing authority within the parish, similar to a board of directors in the secular world. Vestry members are elected by the parish at large from among members who have demonstrated deep commitment to the life of the parish in worship, giving and service. Individuals who would like to be considered for nomination are welcome to express that interest.

OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND SAINT JAMES

Outreach Service OpportunitiesSaint James has historically engaged in service beyond our walls, as well we should. These opportunities have fallen under the broad category of “Mission and Justice” and have included such things as volunteer tutoring at Carter & MacRae school, supporting racial justice work through the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity volunteers and service to immigrant families through Church World Services. Individuals with an interest in this area of external service will be contacted for conversation about what we are doing most currently and where you might best plug in to serve!

The Diocese of Central PA of the Episcopal ChurchSaint James is a part of a worldwide communion of Anglican Christians that has its primary association with the local diocese of the Episcopal Church USA. There are often many opportunities for service in our diocese, including committees and diocesan work in social justice. Interested in serving the diocese? Let us know, and we will connect you with the right person!

OtherIs there something you’d like to do or contribute that doesn’t seem to fit any of the things listed? If so, we’d like to hear what you have in mind! Check this box and you’ll be contacted to discuss your offer or idea.