What gifts have you been given to share?
Acolytes
Acolytes serve God through their service in the church. They assist the priest at God's Table and the congregation throughout the service. Leading by our example of dignity and reverence; thereby proclaiming the good News of our Lord Jesus Christ's love. The acolytes are instrumental in helping the services to run smoothly. This ministry is open to those ages eight and up. Contact Deacon Susi Roessler, susiroessler@gmail.com
Altar Guild
The duty of the Altar Guild is to prepare all things necessary for the conduct and celebration of public worship at St. James. Members are responsible for maintaining linens and all accouterments for the Eucharist for both Sunday services as well as funerals and weddings. Volunteers work out their own schedule, setting up on Saturday. Cleanup is done immediately after each service. All brass and silver and all linens are shined/ironed by the Altar Guild volunteers. Volunteers, both men and women, are always needed and welcomed. Contact Bonnie Klinect, bcklinect@gmail.com
Choir
Music is an important part of worship at St. James. The choir sings each Sunday, September through May, at the 10:30m service. We are an all-volunteer group; no auditions required—just a love of singing. We’re a friendly group and are always on the lookout for new voices. Speak to any member or the director. The choir also is integral to special services throughout the year. Contact Mary Lauren Keeny, marylaurenkeeny@gmail.com
Communications
The Communications Committee oversees all activity as it relates to distribution of St. James News. This included emails through Constant Contact; the Messenger - weekly newsletter; Website, Facebook; Instagram; Zoom, Parish Directory, local newspaper and news magazine. Also the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, and the TV screens found in the Narthex and the Parish Hall. Contact Ginny Heckel, gheckel@wt.net
Daughters of the King (DOK)
The Daughters of the King (DOK) is an Order of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We have made a commitment to Jesus as our Savior, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We welcome new members. DOK members are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. Today our membership includes those in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), and Roman Catholic churches. Contact Mary Flanigen, mkinf@windstream.net
Fellowship
Book Club. The Book Club meets once a month for lunch and discussion of the current book the club is reading. A variety of authors and topics, representing good fiction, nonfiction and progressive theology are enjoyed by members. We meet at 10:30am in the Parish Hall on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Coffee Hour. Following the 10:30 service, coffee and light refreshments are served. This is a a good opportunity to visit with members and visitors alike.
Foyers. Foyers provides an opportunity through fellowship to get to know other members of the parish. Small, informal groups come together, usually monthly, over a simple meal. Groups are formed at the beginning of the year and new members are added as needed.
Retirees Luncheon. Retirees meet once a month in a local restaurant to socialize over lunch.
Contact Sam, admin@stjamesclayton.org
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild is responsible for placing flowers on the altar each Sunday, year-round, and for arranging flowers for various parish functions, such as picnics, the Bishop’s visit, and baptisms. The Guild works very hard on holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, to make St. James special for members and visitors. Our annual Flower Festival embraces many in the Church doing all kinds of tasks together. Anyone interested in flower arranging is invited to join us. Our group is comprised of both men and women, and we have a great time together. Contact Betsy Elsas, betsyelsas@gmail.com
Garden Guild
Members of the Garden Guild are responsible for the seventeen gardens on the church grounds. Along with the individual plant areas the gardens include a playground, labyrinth, pet cemetery, picnic area, and a Memorial Garden (professional care). All gardens continue to develop, grow, and change as they mature with the seasons. These sacred places are maintained by members of the Guild. Each garden is monitored and managed by a leader and volunteers. All members help when there are projects, special events, and/or general maintenance to be done. The community frequently shares appreciation for the efforts and work done by our volunteers. If you are interested in sharing your talents with other kindred spirits, learning about plant care, and would like to play in the church gardens setting, there is definitely a spot for you! Contact Kathy Booker, kbooker@truvista.net
Lay Servers
Serving at all services, Ushers welcome and greet everyone entering the church, providing them with service bulletins and assisting them, if needed, to find a seat. They assist during the service by collecting the offering and greeting newcomers at the end of the service. Eucharistic Ministers help the Priest at the altar and help serve communion. Any member of the Episcopal Church in good standing is eligible to be trained; this position is licensed by the Bishop. Lectors are approved by the rector to read the Lessons and Psalms, along with the Prayers of the People. They may also lead other Offices as authorized by the Rector. Serving primarily at the Sunday 10:30 service, acolytes participate in a variety of ways. These include crucifer, torch bearer, offering and Eucharist tasks. Contact Bonnie Klinect, bcklinect@gmail.com
Liturgical Arts
Liturgical arts are an important part of worship at St. James. The clergy vestments, paraments for the altar and lectern and banners were made by members of the congregation. We are always looking for suggestions for new art and gratefully accept any help creating them. Contact Jackie Tatum, jrt214@aol.com
Outreach
Outreach at St. James extends far and wide, supporting both organizations and individuals – locally, regionally, and internationally. St. James provides financial support for Rabun County needs through these Rabun County organizations: CASA, Community Pantry, Community Partnership, Energy Crisis (9th District), F.A.I.T.H., FERST, First impressions, Power House, and Victory Home. St. James also provides financial help to Emmaus House in Atlanta, and Episcopal Relief and Development. In addition, the parish has adopted and supports two godchildren at Our Little Roses Orphanage in Honduras. The Outreach Committee sponsors Brown Bag Sunday each month in support of Sharing and Caring of Rabun Country; each month food and supplies are gathered for the local animal shelter, Paws 4 Life. If you have a passion for outreach, consider joining the Outreach Committee. Contact Karen Carroll, ktcarroll768@icloud.com.
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Team helps support the health needs and safety issues of the Saint James congregation. The focus is on health, disease prevention, and spiritual well-being—integrating physical, emotional and spiritual components, in our parish as well as extending into the larger community where appropriate. The Team does not diagnose, treat, or provide direct hands-on nursing care. However, assistance is provided in getting those things done. The Team is composed of volunteers who have an interest in health issues. They receive special training in working with others, identifying problem areas and helping find available resources. The group works under the direction of the Parish Nurse. Contact Kathy Booker, kbooker@truvista.net
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee designs and oversees the annual stewardship program. It works with the congregation to shape our personal response to God’s generosity in the way we share our resources of time, talent, and money. Contact Linda Sanders, linsnd8@aol.com
Worship
The Worship Planning Committee does exactly what the title suggests. They review the past few month’s Sundays, any special services based on the church calendar and plan for upcoming worships. We discuss protocols, what’s coming, what needs to change or what we should be aware of all to the glory of God. The Priest in Charge, the Music Director and various lay people are involved. We meet approximately 6-8 times a year depending on the season. Contact Susi Roessler, susiroessler@gmail.com or Bonnie Klinect, bcklinect@gmail.com