Ministry
“I … beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:1-3
Parish Ministries
One of the best ways to learn about St. James' is to participate in a parish ministry. These ministries span service activities from setting up and maintaining the altar to pruning our gardens, from teaching Sunday School to being a greeter or usher during services. The following lists describe many different groups that would welcome your participation. To learn more about a particular ministry, follow up with the contact person listed.
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Worship
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The Altar Guild prepares, maintains and sets up the of the altar and sanctuary for Sunday services and other liturgies throughout the year. They are responsible for purchasing linens, replenishing the supply of bread, wine and candles, advising about memorial gifts for use in the sanctuary and participating in special liturgies such as Christmas and Easter. The Guild is currently divided into three teams, each which serves four months per year.
Contact: Jill Croucher or Sharon Lunden
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Acolytes are primarily young people, 6th grade or older, who are trained to assist at the altar during worship at 10:30 am on Sundays and on Holy Days. New acolytes participate in a training session and then shadow veteran acolytes before they assume full responsibilities. Service protocol refreshers are provided each year and new and veteran acolytes help one another.
Contact: The Rector
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors serve under the direction of the Rector and are authorized to administer the Sacrament during Celebrations of Holy Eucharist. After training by the parish clergy, a confirmed communicant will be licensed by the Bishop at the request of the Rector. Lectors are invited to read lessons at the Services as scheduled.
Contact: The Rector
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Eucharistic Visitors are trained to take Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend worship. This ministry is also licensed by the Bishop. This ministry has been on hold due to the pandemic but will resume once it it safe to do so again.
Contact: The Rector
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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The Choir sings at the 10:30 am Eucharist and on various Holy Days. The Choir is lead by Mr. Jacob Friedman, Organist and Choir Director. Rehearsals are held on Thursday nights at 7:30 pm in the Church.
Contact: Jacob Friedman
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Greeters volunteer to greet people as they enter the church to attend services. They welcome newcomers and visitors, encouraging them to sign the Guest Book and join parishioners at coffee hour. A Greeters Schedule is periodically prepared.
Contact: Meg Strobl
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Ushers provide service bulletins to those entering the church and assist with seating as needed. They receive the offering, assist the congregation to the altar rail for Eucharist, and straighten up the pews after the services.
Contact: The Rector or Bryan Giudice
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Parish Support
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Hosting Coffee Hour Volunteers are periodically scheduled to be in charge of a coffee hour after either the 9:00 am or 10:30 am services on Sundays. The coffee and supplies are at the church and instructions are posted on the Parish Bulletin Board. The Host supplies milk for coffee and goodies to share.
Contact: The Rector
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Pastoral Care Ministry Pastoral Care volunteers minister to our parishioners who are in need of support and prayer during illness, family crises, or stressful times in their lives. Their gifts of care are extended through personal visits, cards of support, cheer and sympathy, preparation and delivery of meals. Some committee members elect to be trained as Eucharistic Lay Visitors who take Holy Communion to our parishioners who are unable to attend Sunday morning services.
Contact: Jessica Sutton email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Buildings and Grounds If you love to work with your hands, here is the group for you! The committee has the responsibility for planning and implementing the maintenance and repairs of St. James' church, parish hall and grounds. The committee meets periodically, contributing their time and talent to take care of the smaller projects…extra hands are always welcome. Of course, professionals are hired to handle major items but the Committee is always looking for parishioners with technical skills or professional licenses who would like to help.
Contact: James Cassel, Chair
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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Helping the Community
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The Goshen Ecumenical Food Pantry, Inc. a non-profit organization incorporated in 1993 is comprised of volunteers from local area Goshen Churches and Temple as well as concerned individuals from the Goshen community. The purpose of the Pantry is to promote a spirit of benevolence and to advance and preserve the welfare and physical well being of the homeless, needy and poverty stricken by means of administering the collection, transportation and distribution of donated food and food products. Members of Saint James' participate in stocking the Pantry shelves, food pick-ups at the Food Bank, and the twice monthly distribution at the Goshen Presbyterian Church.
Contact: John Strobl
Email: stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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EPISCO-BUILD (Now FAITH-BUILD)
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh is a local chapter of the international organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Founded in 1999, Habitat Newburgh is one of the largest and most successful affiliates in New York State and has completed more than 100 homes. Habitat Newburgh continues to be an important ministry of St. James to provide affordable housing to partner families through the Episco-Build group. Episco-Build represents a group of Episcopal Churches in and around Orange County that work together to support Habitat Newburgh. Despite the challenges raised by Covid-19 over the past two years, Habitat Newburgh and Episco-Build have stayed true to the mission, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Volunteer efforts have been modified including changes in on-site volunteer labor and fund raising events.
Contact: Father Carl Lunden
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FEARLESS! Hudson Valley, Inc. (FORMERLY SAFE HOMES)
A Not-for-Prophet provider of services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, and other types of crime victimization. Saint James' collects Back-To-School supplies in August, along the ANGEL TREE for Christmas Gifts, as well as other activates throughout the year.
Contact: Jill Croucher stjamesgoshen.ny@gmail.com
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