Volunteer at St. James’
There are many opportunities to be involved in the life of St. James’. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, Christians and non-Christians alike. Many of our guilds and ministries organize special community events and often need extra help when they come around. Whether you’re looking to build up your resume or are looking for a way to connect to your community, we are always happy to discuss how your skills and interests could come to life at St. James’. If you’re interested in getting involved, email [email protected].
Current opportunities
Sanctuary Hosts
One of our mission objectives is to be a beacon for all as a neighbourhood and destination church where we invite and welcome friends, family, and strangers in our midst. Many members of the Downtown Eastside community do consider Saint James to be their church despite rarely or never coming through the doors. This may be, in part, because Saint James presently opens its doors only for our regular liturgical services: morning and evening prayer, noon mass, and low and high mass on Sundays. Our hope is simple. We would like to be able to open our doors to the community outside of our liturgical services. For security reasons, we can only do so if someone is present in the space.
Saint James is looking for innovative and hospitable volunteers to be present in the main church so that we can open the doors and welcome visitors. The volunteer is encouraged to bring their own passions and interests to shape the time and space.
See this document for a detailed role description.
Morning & Evening Prayer Leaders
Saint James Anglican Church is seeking committed leaders for daily Morning and Evening Prayer, our offering of public prayer for the life of the community. A simple service of prayers, psalms, and bible readings, Morning and Evening Prayer are the foundation of the life and prayer of the Church. Morning and Evening prayer, known also as the daily offices, bookend the day in prayer and provide you with an opportunity to become more intentional in your walk with God through daily life.
See this document for a detailed role description.
Coffee Hour & Hospitality
Our mandate is to provide refreshments after 8:30 Low Mass and 10:30 am High Mass in order to foster conversation and fellowship among parishioners. For many, this ministry offers a gentle introduction to serving in the church and getting to know others.
Our team is currently looking for new volunteers to join the hosting rotation. Hosting a coffee hour involves a two hour time commitment once every 5 or 6 weeks. You would make the coffee and set out the supplies, act as host during the coffee hour and clean-up after. You are always welcome to sign up to host a coffee hour on our sign up sheet in the Rectory at coffee hour.
Flower
Flowers 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.
There are presently six members in the Flower Guild and they follow a roster, which means each person arranges the flowers one week out of six. We are presently welcoming new members.
Counters
Counters support the liturgical guilds by accurately processing the weekly collection, ensuring that donations are recorded on a report for the Envelope Secretary and are directed to the appropriate ministries. The process involves opening the envelopes, recording and sorting the contents as indicated on the envelope into the various ministries (e.g. Church, PWRDF, Street Outreach Initiative). These amounts are then recorded and balanced to the bank deposit.
Four teams of counters rotate so that each team counts 12 or 13 times in a year. Anyone may join, but experience in handling cash and preparing bank deposits is useful.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Guild is committed to the worship and the glory of God by upholding the heritage and traditions of St. James’ Anglican Church in caring for the vestments, linens, sacred vessels and furnishings. The Guild is in particular need of somebody with hand sewing skills. The Guild meets on Saturday mornings as a general rule, but members are, of course, free to adjust their weekly attendance as it suits their individual schedules.