Archives

The Archive Team protects and organizes the church records in all forms. Archives are important because they provide evidence of activities and tell us more about individuals and missions of our church. They tell stories. They also increase our sense of identity and understanding of faith traditions.

Building Maintenance

Like any other building out there that is subject to high footfall, churches are prone to wear and tear. St. James is an older structure that has stood in parts since 1842 and remodeled again and again over time. Church maintenance, led by our Building Superintendent and Jr. Warden, refers to the upkeep of all property and equipment that belongs to our church. It encompasses every maintenance task required to keep our church and its entire premises functional, safe, and presentable. Volunteers are occasionally needed to assist with certain projects.

Finance and Budget Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee is a "standing" committee of the Vestry with functions delegated by the Vestry to that committee. As a standing committee of the Vestry, the Vestry has the authority and responsibility to appoint all members of the Finance Committee. The  Vestry bylaws establish what members of the Finance Committee serve on the finance committee by virtue of their position in the parish (i.e., Treasurer, Rector, etc.) and how many additional members the Vestry appoints from those interested in serving on this committee. The work of the Finance Committee is on behalf of the Vestry and this committee reviews all financial reports, evaluates the budget and expenditures, and makes recommendations to the full Vestry for the Vestry's action. This committee meets monthly prior to the regular Vestry meeting to make any recommendations to the Vestry at its monthly meeting. 

Front Office Volunteers

These volunteers serve one day a week Mon. – Thur. from 9am till 1pm in the church office by greeting at our two doors, taking questions, and answering the church main phone line. What a great way to learn about the church and know its members!

Gardening and Landscaping

Did you know that all the gardening on the church property is volunteer based? Other than mowing, parishioners are the ones who volunteer to pull weeds, water flowers, and keep things looking beautiful. Our volunteers help the parish save thousands of dollars a year. This is a great activity for families, teens looking for service hours and, especially, for retirees.

Library Committee

This group manages the church library and its resources. They sort through donated books, recommend what actions need to be taken, and regularly inspect the shelved holdings. With the parish’s help determine what the library needs and how best to serve our church.

Newsletter / Photo Contributor

The Bell’s of St. James is our weekly newsletter created and edited by our Communications Director Scott Smoot. It can include note from the rector, a calendar of upcoming events, calls to volunteer or donate, congregation news, scripture and other reading suggestions, and a few good, interesting photographs. Needed are folks willing to recommend stories, church activities, ministry successes and photos to help tell our story.

Safety Committee

The purpose of the Safety and Risk Assessment Committee is to (1) help prevent accidents; (2) evaluate safety, security, health, and environmental conditions in the church and grounds; (3) recommend and implement changes to improve safety, security, health, and environmental conditions, and teach and train volunteers/staff about these conditions and changes; (4) identify and track the performance indicators that will be used to improve overall church well-being,

St. James Cemetery Board

The St. James Cemetery is owned and managed by the St. James Episcopal Cemetery Trust, Inc. a corporation associated with St. James Episcopal Church. The Board of Trustees is made up of seven members of St. James Episcopal Church. The Senior Warden, The Junior Warden and the Rector are ex officio members, the other four are elected by the general membership for a term of four years.

Vestry

The Vestry is the governing board of the parish and consists of the Rector, the Wardens, and lay members. The Vestry handles the parish’s business and temporal matters. It serves as a council of advice for the Rector. Vestry members are elected at the Parish’s annual meeting (through a nominating process), meet one a month, serve three-year terms, and perform many of the functions served by boards of directors or trustees of other organizations. The Vestry oversees the parish’s financial health. In partnership with the rector, it develops and approves the annual parish budget. The Senior Warden and Junior Warden are elected by Vestry members at the beginning of each new year.

Website Watchers

Monitors St. James’ social media presence for working links, accurate information, timely postings, and opportunities for improvements from observing what other churches are doing.