ST JAMES’ MISSION OBJECTIVES

The custom at St James’ has been to organize all the ministries which support the offering of the liturgy into guilds : Choir, Flower, Hospitality, Narthex, Readers & Intercessors, Sanctuary and Servers. The Women’s Guild is an exception insofar that it is non-liturgical.

A guild in the life of a parish is bound together by a corporate rule of life. This rule, or pattern of commitment, has four elements which are common to every guild : prayer, commitment, fellowship, and service.

We may be helping the parish and the work of the Church, but serving in a guild, most of all, is a privileged way of directly serving Christ. Therefore it is part of a sacred trust.

PRAYER & FORMATION

To deepen our life of prayer and formation in Christ.

MANDATE & MISSION

flowers-stjames-vancouverFlowers have always been an integral part of Christian worship, especially in the Anglican tradition. Mass at St James’ is always honoured with beautiful flowers in the sanctuary and other parts of the church, reminders of creation and God’s love for all. On feast days such as Christmas and Easter, the church is especially filled with their fragrance and beauty.

Members of the Flower Guild work in their ministry of beautifying God’s house. If you wish to donate flowers in memory of someone, write your name in the Narthex flower chart, then please contact the church office.

RELATIONSHIPS & FELLOWSHIP

To develop relationships and fellowship in open, honest and spiritual ways among parishioners, with our neighbours, and those in need.

womensguildIn 1916, the earliest Bargain Sale on record, the Women’s Guild raised funds to pay the tax debt. Since that time, twice yearly, thousands of dollars have been raised to support various missions and projects. In addition, funds have been provided to purchase equipment for the Bishops’ Room kitchen and refurbishment of the Rectory. Fundraising also includes a Christmas Bazaar, for which members make jams, chutneys along with knitted and baked goods.

In 2013, the Guild donated funds to Mission to Seafarers, Vancouver School of Theology, St James’ Outreach, and The Bloom Group (formerly St James’ Community Service Society).

Other activities include the making of palm crosses and with ACW (Anglican Church Women) wrapping hundreds of pairs of socks and toques each year for the Flying Angel/Mission to Seafarers. On request, the Guild will host funeral receptions for the families of members of the congregation.
An open invitation is extended to women of the parish to join members at their monthly meetings held at 11:00 am, the first Friday of each month, except June, July and August.

FINANCIAL EQUILIBRIUM

To maintain financial equilibrium, develop our reserves and optimize the use of our assets to ensure the preservation of our sacred space and ministry from generation to generation, to the everlasting glory of God.

The envelope secretary handles all manner of donations to the Church, including intended donations, envelope offerings, credit card contributions, online donations and is responsible for banking duties. The Envelope Secretary reports to the Treasurer and the Stewardship Committee.

Mutual Responsibilities Between The Board of Trustees and the Heads of Guilds and Ministries

Maintain regular contact in order to celebrate successes, resolve incipient problems, and encourage creativity and new ideas.

Ensure that all communications are respectful in nature.

Focus on engagement, so that those in and beyond the Parish feel welcome to join in our worship and take an active part in our ministries.