Parish Organizations
ACOLYTES are those who assist at worship by carrying the processional cross and serving at the altar. All persons ten and older are invited to participate. A manual is provided and training is required.
The ALTAR GUILD prepares the altar and church for worship services and cares for the vestments and altar vessels. Flowers may be given in thanksgiving or as a memorial for the deceased by signing the chart on the narthex wall.
CHALICISTS are persons licensed by the Bishop to administer the cup during the Holy Eucharist. They also serve as lectors and intercessors.
LECTORS proclaim God's Word to the congregation by reading the Scripture lessons and the introduction to them. Training sessions are provided from time to time.
USHERS welcome the congregation into God's house; they are the first and primary contact between the worshippers and the church. Ushers greet and count people as they enter, distribute the bulletins, collect and present the offerings, and respond to needs which arise during the service. They are especially charged to identify and welcome visitors.
The CHURCH SCHOOL uses a Bible-based Curriculum to teach our children about their faith. Team teachers split class coverage to fit their schedules. The Christian education of our children is the responsibility of the whole parish, and so the congregation is encouraged to get to know our young members and to involve them in the life and worship of St. James.
ST. ANDREW’S GUILD cooks delicious parish breakfasts served between the services on the first Sunday of the month when we gather in the parish hall as a family that breaks bread together.
The OUTREACH COMMITTEE contributes to the Farmington community as well as greater Hartford through many programss including community through events like Church by the Pond, which provides picnic lunches for the homeless.
The PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE fosters connections among St. James parishioners through: visits and calls to shut-ins and the sick; meals for parishioners who temporarily need assistance; cards to celebrate special occasions as well as to provide support in times of illness or family loss; and prayer shawls blessed by clergy and delivered to those who would benefit from their comfort.
The STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE encourages and focuses the parish's response to God's abundant blessings. The Every Member Canvass is the means by which financial support is established.
The BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MINISTRY coordinates maintenance and repairs of the buildings, facilities and grounds at both the church and the rectory. It also oversees major capital improvement projects.
The ST. FRANCIS GUILD has responsibility for plantings and other landscaping of St. James Church and Memorial Garden. In the garden behind the church, they also raise produce which is distributed to the hungry at the Farmington Food Pantry.