• It is St. James' mission to feed and tend God's sheep. We welcome neighbors with all kinds of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Being located downtown, our grounds frequently provide brief respite for some of our most destitute neighbors. As a result, cleanup and disposal of discarded clothing, litter, and other paraphernalia is a constant challenge quietly performed by Rick B and Jill R.

• Some of our Doorstep Ministry volunteers (Patty C, Susan A, Pam S, Susan & Boyce D, and Drew J-P) are currently updating phone numbers and website addresses for hundreds of local resources offering food pantries, clothing & nonfood pantries, transportation & emergency housing assistance, rent, mortgage & utility assistance, substance abuse, mental health & medical assistance; disability resources; legal assistance; vocational rehabilitation, and more. 

• John Mark, RJ, and Drew J-P have simplified the production of live stream feeds and video recordings of our Sunday Services by installing and configuring a remote controlled video camera. The A/V (audio/visual) Ministry is also delighted to welcome Linda F as the newest member of their team.

• Ashley B is working very hard to plan and direct a very special musical program to take place during our weeklong celebration of Neighbor Day during the second week of October (Oct 10 - Oct 16).  Hopefully, this will be a live in-person event at St. James that will feature a unique combination of storytelling and inspiring musical performances.

• Arrangements for funerals and memorials must be handled with a special devotion to being attentive to the ceremonial details and comforting ways we provide compassion to every family member. Marilyn C and Stacy H are working closely with DOK members, Patricia H and Victoria H, to establish formal protocols based on the already well-established traditions that have been practiced at St. James for many years.

• Rick B & Butch Y have been very focused on coordinating the work of professional contractors hired to replace our failed water heater, install new ceiling tiles, and replace the damaged cabinets in the kitchen. They have also been busy identifying and removing clutter and physical obstructions wherever they exist around the church.

• REALM is the online platform that helps our members become engaged with one another, our groups, and our ministries through well-planned pathways. The starting place are the profiles in our member database. This month, John Mark, RJ, Marilyn & Hoyt C, Linda G, Rick B, Drew J-P are helping to update our database by reviewing records of apparently "inactive" members.

Thanks to everyone for becoming engaged in our mission at St. James at whatever level they are able, including all effort that is noticed and so much more that may be less noticed.  Rest assured, nothing is unnoticed by God and St. James is stronger because of everyone's combined effort.