Finding the ministry that is right for you can be exciting and sometimes challenging. An opportunity may call to you immediately, or you may need help exploring the options. This is not obligation-driven ministry, but rather gifts-based ministry. We are all gifted and we ALL have something unique to offer our parish, our community, and our Lord.

The Prayer List

In the Garden Corridor outside the main entrance to the sanctuary at St. James there is a notebook and pen. Parishioners entering worship are invited to write down prayer requests they may have in this book on the page for the service they are attending. The names are read aloud during Prayers of the People and the clergy pray for them as well. If you have a request that you would like to remain on the prayer list for longer than one week, complete one of the prayer request forms in the front of the notebook and give it to an usher or a member of the clergy.

Acolytes

The ministry of Acolyte is one of service to God at the Altar on Sunday mornings, holidays, and special occasions. Acolytes grow spiritually as they learn the hows and whys of liturgy and our traditions. They learn dedication and discipline along with leadership skills and being a part of a team as they work with others. Acolytes perform a variety of duties including carrying one of the crosses in procession (Crucifer), carrying the torches, or actively assisting the clergy at the altar by being 1st or 2nd server. Acolytes are trained by the Acolyte Coordinator and progress through learning the different positions at their own pace. The Acolyte Corps at St. James is made up of both youth and adults. To be an acolyte you must be going into 4th grade or older. Acolytes serve at either the 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. service on Sunday mornings, and serve one or two times a month. Practice or trainings are held every six weeks. Contact Teresa Rogers for more information.

Altar Guild

Altar Guild ministry is open to all parishioners. Each member is assigned to a team, which has responsibility for a particular service. Guild members prepare the altar, vestments, and communion vessels for all worship services that take place at St. James. These services include weddings, funerals, baptisms, and the Holy Eucharist.

Chalice Ministers

The ministry of the Chalice Ministry is to administer communion at the altar rail or communion stations as a vested minister of the liturgy. Training is required. Upon completion, they are licensed for the ministry by the Bishop upon the recommendation of the Rector and the Dean for Liturgy. Schedules are developed monthly. Contact Deedee Evans.

Daughters of the King

Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) members commit themselves to a discipline of prayer and service. This is a National Organization very popular throughout the Episcopal Church and is open to all women of the parish.

Lay Readers (Lectors)

The Ministry of the Lector at public worship is to transmit God's Word as written in Scripture to those who are hearing, to lead the Psalm or to read the Prayers of the People. Lectors rise out of the congregation to move to the lectern or are vested as acolyte or choir member. Lectors need to be comfortable reading in front of a group of people and be willing to practice readings in advance. Training is required. Schedules are developed monthly. Contact Deedee Evans for more information.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

The Ministry of the Lay Eucharistic Minister is to take communion from the altar on Sundays to members who cannot join the congregation for worship. Training is required. They are licensed for this ministry by the Bishop upon recommendation of the Rector and the Deacon for Liturgy. Lay Eucharistic Ministers visit one or two members each month and make a simple report. The sacrament is transported in home communion kits provided by the parish. Contact Deedee Evans for more information.

St. James Choir

The choir provides the music for our Sunday, 11:15 a.m. Worship Service. Contact Robert Glasmann for choir and audition information.

St. James Children's Choir

The children's choir provides the music for our Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship Service.

Ushers

The Ushers welcome and host visitors, newcomers, and members of St. James at each Sunday and special services. They greet people as they enter and distribute the service bulletins. There are assorted other duties during the service and they tidy up the pews following worship to prepare for the next service. Training is provided. Additional ushers are welcome at all three Sunday services, but the greatest need is for 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. Contact Deedee Evans for more information.

If you would like more information about any ministry or community outreach possibilities, contact the church at (316) 683-5686 or office@stjameswichita.org.