Acolytes Those who serve at the altar including torchbearers, lighters, crucifers, thurifers, and banner bearers.   Saint Vincent Acolyte Guild is a thriving organization of the Saint James Episcopal Church. Its members consist of young adults and children over the age of five years old. The guild serves as an integral part of the Holy Eucharist in assisting church officials in conducting the church services. Presently, the guild has thirteen active members. Increasing the size of the membership is a prime objective. Hopefully, if you fall between the ages as previously stated, you are welcome to become a member of this group.   Training Sessions take place once every month except for the months of July and August. Every year the guild attends an Acolyte Festival that takes place at various churches in Southeast Florida. This is an event that acolytes throughout the Diocese of Florida attend to participate in a variety of games and church activities. Every three years, the guild attends the National Acolytes Festival in Washington, D.C. This occasion takes place in Trinity Church, the National Cathedral. Acolytes throughout the United States and different countries take part in numerous activities including the great history of this historic building.

Altar Guild - St. Anne's Guild Those who care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens. St. Anne's hosts fundraisers to support altar needs.

Bible Study Weekly meeting and reflection on the Word of God. Contact the office for our Zoom Meeting information to join.

Christian Formation Those who assist with explaining different aspects of faith and the Church including Baptism and Confirmation preparation.

Communications This new ministry includes publications, Phone Tree, card ministry, technology and outreach through social media.

Cursillo Cursillo focuses on showing laypeople how to become effective Christian leaders through spiritual development.

Daughters of the King DOK is a lay religious order for women.

Dynamic Prayer This is a means of deepening one's spirituality and focusing one's prayers and energy.

Episcopal Church Women ECW is a women's group dedicated to the betterment of all women and girls throughout the world.

Fellowship Those who coordinate activities for the parish to come together as a community outside of church services.

Garden Ministry Those who help maintain the Columbarium and beautify the outside of the church.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry Those authorized to administer the consecrated elements of the Holy Eucharist.    LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS St. James in-the-Hills recently reactivated its Lay Eucharistic Visitor ministry to bring communion to the sick and shut-in. The purpose of this ministry is to bring the Holy Sacrament, comfort, connection, and love to those who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend church due to illness, injury, surgery, or other disabilities or conditions. In instances when a priest is needed or requested, that is of course available as well.   Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV’s) are licensed by the Diocesan Bishop to bring communion to St. James parishioners. Persons wishing to receive communion for themselves or for loved ones can call the Church Office to request communion visits to homes, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, or hospices. You may also directly contact LEV Co-coordinators Diane Kinishi, 954-966-5757 or Joy James Williams, 248-425-0412 for more information or to schedule a visit.   We hope to grow this ministry to include a schedule of regular visitation to shut ins, in addition to those with short-term needs. Anyone with a strong desire and commitment to serve in this area are encouraged to contact any of the LEV’s for more information about this ministry.

Lay Readers Also called Intercessors or Lectors - those trained in reading scripture who are authorized to read lessons or lead the Prayers of the People (Intercessions), and where needed, assist with leading the Ministry of the Word.

Music Those who deliver the songs of praise and worship for the Sunday services through their musical talents.

Sunday School Those who lead scriptural lessons nurturing our youth about God and our faith.

Ushers & Greeters Those who make parishioners and guests feel welcome and hospitable as they gather for worship.    USHER/GREETER/HOST MINISTRY Whether you enter the doors of St. James in-the-Hills for the first time or the five hundredth time, you should be greeted and welcomed by at least one member of our Usher/Greeter/Host Ministry. The members of this team are there to make you feel comfortable, welcomed, and glad you came.   Ushers generally help with the order of service, from handing you a service leaflet so you know which hymns, readings, and prayers to expect; collecting the offering; to ensuring an orderly flow to the communion rail. Greeters welcome people and assist with questions and directions. Hosts are especially committed to assisting newcomers and visitors with the order of service, introducing them to the parish priest and parishioners, and inviting them to Coffee Hour. If you might be interested in joining this ministry, please contact Diane Kinishi, 954-966-5757.   Future plans include strengthening our welcome of newcomers and visitors, and also improving our care of existing parishioners, by sharpening our awareness and contact with regular parishioners who are not present.