MINISTRIES

St. James offers weekly/monthly opportunities for people just like you to offer their time and talents to help make our community and ministries stronger. Whether it is on our technology team, feeding program, teaching children about the love of Jesus, greeting visitors, singing in the choir or beautifying the property there is a place for you. Every member of our volunteer team helps to make an impactful difference in the lives of others. No matter your gifts, experiences, or your availability, there are many opportunities to serve here at St. James AME Zion Church.

Click the ministry categories below to expand for more details.

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Community In-reach/Outreach Ministries

Missionary Department – the outreach arm of the church to the community at large and to sick and shut in members of the church. Community service is performed individually, as a group and in collaboration with other organizations.

Monthly Lunch Ministry – serves nutritious hot meals to the homeless, hungry and those who need to stretch their budget on the second Saturday of every month from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Opportunities to greet, serve, set-up and clean-up.

Health & Wellness Ministry – concerned with physical, mental and emotional well-being. Continuing our partnership with AACHAC as well as partnering with San Mateo County Mental Health Services, we offer health related workshops such as end of life planning, writing wills, estate planning, and personal and crisis.

Supportive Care Ministry – support groups that meet the emotional needs of the church membership and the community. These include co-parenting, stress relief, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, avoiding toxic relationships, and are scheduled based on need.

Extended Grace Ministry – short term, long term and recurring projects designed to bless those who cannot repay us. Material items that serve to meet their felt needs and allow them to see the love of Christ in action is what we provide.

College Ministry support of college students by offering book stipends that cover the cost of all materials for the first year of college. We also offer one thousand-dollar, renewable scholarship.

Transportation Ministry – provides transportation for membership to district 

and conference meetings and special events.

Communications Ministry – production of a monthly church newsletter. Develops church marketing materials and coordinates appropriate distribution. Creates and maintains social media and church website.

Beautification Committee – determines appropriate interior design improvements to various aspects of the church facility, make selections to recommend to the Board of Trustees. 

Evangelism Ministry – the drawing arm of the church, planning and executing ministry events and activities that draw the community to the church while blessing the community. 

Prayer Meeting Team – Prayer in the church sanctuary every Sunday morning at 9:30 am to prepare the sanctuary for worship.

Academic Support Ministrytutoring to elementary students from the community to increase their academic skills and confidence. We will partner with the Newton Learning Center in this tutoring effort. Coming Fall 2021.

Social Justice/Political Action Ministries

Lay Council – understanding of and loyalty to God and His church as well as providing information and advocacy on relevant social issues such as voter registration, immigration, gun control and the Affordable Care Act. 

Civic Engagement Ministry – keeps the church membership and community informed regarding pertinent legislation and voting records of candidates for office. Non-partisan in nature, this ministry provides legislative information for four Bay Area counties.

Christian Education/Worship Ministries

Christian Education Department – the process of spiritual maturity through Sunday school, Bible study, and practical, life application workshops. Small groups, called classes, allow for deeper connection and spiritual accountability.

Media/Technology Ministry – operation of technology, live-stream, conference call and power point presentation during the worship experience is the focus of this ministry.

The Usher Ministry – greet those who attend Sunday worship, assist with seating and our worship through giving. A pleasant demeanor and timeliness are musts for this area of ministry.

Music Ministry – the choir ministry requires commitment to rehearsals and a genuine desire to praise the Lord in song. Being able to carry a tune is also quite helpful. If you play an instrument, there may be room for you as well, so let us know! 

Children’s Church age specific classes for children 2-12 to teach the foundational teachings of Christianity. Those with an anointing for children’s ministry are needed to serve in rotation.  Background check and fingerprints required to serve in this ministry.

Altar Guild – provide and maintain flowers and plants for the altar, sanctuary, narthex and fellowship hall. Also, responsible for seasonal decorations.

Ministries that Requires Membership Status and Nomination by the Pastor

Deaconess Board – provides altar ministry for communion services. Accompanying the pastor for communion rounds to the sick and shut-in. Provide spiritual guidance to the congregation.

Trustee Board – responsible for maintenance, upgrade of all church properties.

Steward Boardresponsible for the accounting of the financial health of the church.

Class Leaders – serve as under-pastors for the small groups (i.e. classes) within the church membership. Keep in contact with the members of their class, pray with and for them and provide spiritual counsel as needed to ensure growth and maturity.

Ready to Get Involved with a Ministry?

If you want to become involved with one of St. James AME Zion Church’s ministries, please complete the form below and we will contact you to discuss further. Thank you for serving.

Areas of Interest