Acolytes
St. James has many exciting and meaningful ways to serve the community. One opportunity is the Acolyte Ministry Team. The acolytes at St. James enthusiastically serve at the altar at all Sunday services and holy days, such as Christmas Eve and Easter. Acolytes lead the opening procession, present the Gospel Book for reading, receive the offerings from the congregation, and assist in the administration of the Holy Eucharist as needed. Acolytes receive training and are assigned to serve on a regular rotation. The acolyte ministry is open to any person age ten or older. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please contact Morgan Gilbert.
Adult Education
Discovering that everyone is called to ministry, no matter what age, opens the door to endless possibilities. Through worship, study, and community we encounter the divine and grow in a spiritual life. St. James offers small-group study and fellowship programs tailored to suit your lifestyle and spiritual needs. For more info, contact admin@stjamesnewport.org
Care Team
For those in need of help—whether you’ve experienced health issues, personal crisis, abuse, addiction, loss, or pain—or you are simply searching for hope, prayer or the next right step towards healing, we welcome you. Our Care Team is a ministry of grace designed to bring hope and healing to the hurting. For more information please contact info@stjamesnewport.org.
Grief Recovery Method’s Grief Support Group
An action program that moves you beyond loss, death, divorce, health, and other losses. People say you have to let go and move on in your life, but they don’t tell you what you need to do to accomplish that. The Grief Recovery Method’s® outreach program not only makes that possible but provides partnerships and guidance to ensure that it happens.
Contact Dana Rubin at info@LivingBeyondLoss.co
Liturgical Environment and the Busy Bees
If you love flowers and enjoy decorating, then this is the ministry for you! St. James offers a wide variety of seasonal opportunities to embellish our entire campus with love and beauty. Our Liturgical Environment Team sets the direction for the seasons, designing easy-to-follow directions for the Busy Bees helpers. From decorating Christmas trees or arranging spring flowers for Easter morning, our team of Busy Bees make sure our house of worship is inspiring and ready for every occasion. For more information, please contact MaryAnna Jeppe.
Mass for the Masses
The mission of “Mass for the Masses” is to use innovation, technology, and doing good as our means for achieving the goal of growing St. James among young adults (18–30), young families with children, LGBTQ+ persons, and the unchurched seeking a dynamic, evolving, and inclusive faith community. For more info, contact Tamara Copeland at tamara@stjamesnewport.org
Ministry Partnership
St. James has partnered with St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Anaheim, CA, in a sister-parish relationship. St. Michael’s is a predominantly Latinx congregation, while St. James is predominantly Caucasian. Working together, we are bolstering our understanding of our Christian values and faith through mutual worship, education, inclusivity, and doing good for and with each other. www.StMichaelsAnaheim.org
St. James Kids’ Church
All children are invited to join together every Sunday at 10 a.m. for St. James Kids’ Church. St. James Kids’ Church draws from Godly Play and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to create a contemplative and hands-on faith experience. At St. James, our children’s ministry nurtures young spiritual lives through the exploration and celebration of God’s presence in play, song, contemplation, nature, and community interaction. If you have any questions, contact Tamara Copeland, Director of Faith Formation, at tamara@stjamesnewport.org
Sacred Suppers
Early Christians practiced a simple rhythm of life by gathering in their homes to break bread together to encourage one another in faith, hope, and love. Our Sacred Suppers are a way to experience community and develop friendships in an informal in-home setting. Details of each supper group—who cooks, how often you meet, and what you discuss—all come down to your group’s preferences. For more information, contact the church office.
St. James Faith Lab
St. James Faith Lab supports creative, innovative, and experimental educational projects that incorporate technology to remedy key social issues.
Music & the Arts
The St. James Music & the Arts ministry is comprised of musicians and vocalists who perform a wide range of musical styles from classical to modern. We’re always looking to welcome more people to the team so if you’re interested, contact Mark at mark@stjamesnewport.org
St. James’ Nursing Team
We are pleased to announce that St. James has joined the Hoag Health Ministries’ Faith Community Nursing Program. We plan to continue Red Cross blood drives and add flu-vaccine clinics, quarterly health check-ins, educational opportunities, and support groups. For more information, contact admin@stjamesnewport.org
Weddings
Ideally situated overlooking beautiful Newport Harbor, St. James Episcopal Church offers a unique and gorgeous sacred space for couples ready to join their lives together in the blessed sacrament of holy matrimony. We are a dynamic and inclusive congregation that joyfully welcomes all couples as they pledge to join their lives together. For more info, contact weddings@stjamesnewport.org.