Outreach
We are called as disciples of Jesus Christ to be servants. St. James' has many ministry opportunities both inside and outside of our walls for you. These ministries allow us to join together as the hands and feet of Christ in service of others. As one, we become the Body of Christ. Below, you will find a brief summary of some ministry opportunities for and with our Outreach. We hope you will join us as disciples and servants of the Jesus movement.
Holiday Christmas Angel Program
The Angel Tree program allows the St. James family to help provide Christmas presents to children in our area whose families face challenges and are in need. The program provides gifts of toys and clothing to children in need on Christmas. Family Services of Barbour County provides names of children and those in our parish take names and provide funds for gifts. Each year we provide more than $1,000 in funds and gifts to those in need.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child uses gift-filled shoeboxes to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Each year St. James collects shoe boxes and supplies, usually in the form of school supplies, toys, crafts and hygiene items for those project. We gather to prepare the boxes and then send them for distribution to children in need around the world. Each year we donate between 30-50 boxes to this project. We join with churches and other organizations throughout Eufaula in this community-wide outreach activity.
Spaghetti Supper
Each year our ECW (Episcopal Church Women) coordinate a Spaghetti Supper (all you can eat) on Shrove Tuesday. The parish sells tickets to the event and we celebrate Mardi Gras and look toward Lent with this celebration dinner. Each year the event raises about $3,000 which we use to support outreach opportunities in our community and beyond. Recent grant recipients include outreach activities of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast including Wilmer Hall, Camp Beckwith and Murray House.
United Thank Offering & Episcopal Relief and Development
The United Thank Offering is a program through the Episcopal Church that provides outreach and evangelism grants to churches throughout the world. Thanksgivings – symbolized by coins or bills - are placed daily in the blue boxes available in the narthex. Boxes are collected on In-gathering Sunday and the monies are then dispensed as grants to address a variety of compelling human needs.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of the Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world. Hearing God's call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring together the generosity of Episcopalians and others with the needs of the world. Episcopal Relief & Development faithfully administers the funds that are received from the Church and raised from other sources. It provides relief in times of disaster and promotes sustainable development by identifying and addressing the root causes of suffering.
Food Pantry
We feed the hungry and those with food challenges and needs through our food pantry. We keep non-perishable food supplies which we give out in the form of grocery supply bags/boxes each Tuesday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the church. We always need assistance sorting and handing boxes out. We also need donations (which can be dropped off at the church office).
MLK, Jr. Day Community Volunteer Program
Each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our parish family join with those throughout Eufaula in a community day of volunteering. On this MLK, Jr., Day Community Volunteer Day, we take on a specific project in the community, which usually involves repairing homes, playground equipment, cleaning designated areas and painting. It is a day we join as one to give to various areas on our community.
Outreach Grants Committee
The outreach Grants Committee meets throughout the year to plan Outreach activities and distribute funds to organizations, families and individuals in need. Each year the committee provides grants totaling around $10,000. This Committee also participated in outreach activities and "random acts of kindness" throughout the community during the year. A key mission of the Committee and Outreach at St. James is feeding the hungry - beginning in our own communit.
Rector's Discretionary Fund
Each month a certain portion of the plate and pledge from St. James goes to a fund known as the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Our priest uses this fund to assist groups and individuals with immediate needs. Recently some money in the fund went to help neighbors impacted by recent hurricanes. Funds are also often used to assist those requesting help with food and utility bills.
Women of the Church-Auction
Each year our ECW (Episcopal Church Women) coordinate a Christmas Auction. St. James parishioners bring a gift to auction during a Christmas party. The party is a wonderful time of fellowship where all gather to celebrate the season. The auction usually features unique gifts or specialty items. The event raises approximately $5,000-6,000 for use in ECW designated outreach.