Worship and Nurture Committee: This group works to assist each member of St. James in their growth in faith and understanding of God. They work to let each one knows that they are valued and cared for by welcoming them, letting them know we miss them when they are away from us, and encouraging all to feel a valued part of the church. They work to foster all that occurs before, during and after Sunday services to make worship meaningful. Hospitality: Within the walls of St. James there are members who love to cook, serve and eat! We especially love to eat with friends and neighbors. At least twice a month we gather for wonderful meals.
Community Outreach Ministries: There are so many ways to serve! St James is well known as the church that cares. We reach out to our neighbors, near and far. Some of our ongoing outreach works include:
- St. James Happy to Help Food Pantry, serving 600 families a month. Volunteers helping our neighbors, under the spirit and guidance of Jesus. They gather, sort and prepare groceries, as well as giving to other locations who prepare meals for folks. The pantry is open Sundays, 10:30-2:00, with some exceptions.
- Volunteers in Mission, go near and far to help neighbors who have been victims of natural disasters, from Fleishmanns, NY to Biloxi, MS or Hurricane Sandy victims in NY.
- Donating to the Washbourne House, a local domestic violence shelter, the Rural Migrant Ministries Program, the Pregnancy Support Program, and more
- Visiting or sending cards to shut-ins, service people, and college students
- Open doors to many community groups holding meetings here, including self-help groups, scouts, musical and community service groups
- Messy Church, welcoming all children and adults to come have fun while learning about God’s love for them, doing crafts, singing, and enjoying a free meal together. We meet the first Saturday of each month.
- Working with “Midtown Rising” , a cooperative venture to support mid-town Kingston
- Crop Walk: Participating in the annual walk to help end hunger at home and afar.
Witness Ministry: This group is charged with assisting church members to recall how God has been active in their lives and to be ready to share the Good News with others. Witnesses in our church are those who are prepared and ready to help others really find and know the love, joy, care and compassion of Jesus.
United Methodist Women: The organized unit of United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. All women of St. James are welcome and considered a member of UMW. We meet once a month for fellowship, prayer and service. Our greatest accomplishment over the past few years has been the funding of a medical building in Zimbabwe, Africa, which is an on-going project.
Church Council: The Church Council exists to create and supervise the strategic plan for the church so that the congregation fulfills its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. The Council provides for planning and implementing programs such as worship/nurture, outreach, witness and other resources for the church. It also provides for the administration of the present life of the church. The main function of the council is to envision, plan, implement and annually evaluate the mission, vision and ministry of the church.
The council shall be open and responsive to suggestion and function as the administrative agency of the charge conference.
Members of the Church Council include the Pastor, Council Chairperson, various Committee Chairpersons, and Lay Leaders as well as interested members of the congregation who may be elected by the Charge Conference as “At Large” members of the Council. All members, friends and constituents of the church are welcome and invited to attend the meetings.
The council meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month.