St. James is currently a small congregation, but we are active in our community. This post is a continually updated list of ways that you can join St. James in service.
Limited Time Only: Welcome newcomers to Kodiak at the Welcome Aboard Fair on Friday, August 23 on base! Setup begins at 12:30 and the event runs from 2:00 to 5:00. Base security must have picture ID information for all participants plus vehicle information for drivers. If you would like to help staff the St. James table at this year’s fair, email the church office.
At least ten years ago, three women at St. James took on the Knit for Kids project. Over the years, these three plus a few others have provided more than 200 sweaters that have gone all over the world, wherever disaster strikes or there is a need. They are sent to World Vision in Pennsylvania. One simple pattern is followed for all the sweaters. They appear in a variety of sizes and colors. One lady specializes in what she calls “waste not want not” sweaters that are created from small quantities of leftover yarn. Anyone interested can get a pattern and make one or provide yarn for one. We have a supply of available yarn at the church.–Margaret Hall
(Two of St James’ Knit for Kids sweaters are showcased in our photo gallery.–The Site Typist)
The Cornucopia Club prepares dinner for the Brother Francis Shelter, which serves the homeless people of Kodiak. A dinner is planned for later in September. To find out more, email stjames@gci.net with the subject line “Brother Francis–Attn.: Barbara Zimmerman.” You can put items to be donated to the Cornucopia Club’s efforts in the basket in the narthex (the church lobby).
Also note that offerings given on the fourth Sunday of every month, and not designated by the giver for other purposes, will be collected for Brother Francis.
The Kodiak Salvation Army Food Bank needs canned goods! Please leave donations in the basket provided in the narthex. Thank you!
What are you thankful for? The United Thank Offering (UTO), inaugurated by the women of the Episcopal Church in 1889, collects money offered in thanks and uses it for the support of the church worldwide. 100 percent of the UTO goes out in grants. Past grants have built and repaired church buildings, supported seminarians and missionaries, and helped to found ministries filling many needs. If you would like to join in this year’s UTO, simply pick up a UTO Blue Box after the Sunday service. Each day, think about something you’re thankful for and drop a coin in the box in remembrance. For more information, email stjames@gci.net with the subject line “Attn: Christy Kinter, UTO Coordinator,” or see the UTO site at https://unitedthankoffering.com.
The Talitha Coumi Housing Ministry was founded when it became clear that our Rectory is much larger than any priest is likely to need in these days of older clergy. Using a UTO grant, the lower level of the Rectory, with its sunny yard and shade tree, was converted into an apartment. Renovations were completed in January 2015. With the assistance of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, which provides rental vouchers, and additional funding from the Brother Francis Shelter’s homelessness prevention program, St. James was able to provide a home for a young family that had previously been homeless. We are happy to report that our tenants are still with us.
Our Building Use Ministry provides meeting space for small local non-profits at minimal cost. To inquire about reservations, email stjames@gci.net. St. James is also the tsunami evacuation center for the Brother Francis Shelter.
Our Sunday school’s special ministries are the maintenance of a vegetable garden, and the assembly of backpacks loaded with school supplies, for local families in need. If you would like more information about the garden project, please email stjames@gci.net with the subject line “Attn: Barbara Zimmerman.” For information about the backpack program or general Sunday school questions, use the subject line “Attn: Helen Williams or Sandy Solenberger.”
In addition to beautifying the church, the Altar Guild supports two children in school: Wilgen Ivan Choe of Gualna, Guatemala, and Caroline Mumba from Zambia. Check the bulletin boards in the Narthex for their latest letters.