It's easy to get involved, and we're always looking for more volunteer help! Click the links, add your name, and you'll automatically be added to the email distribution group for that ministry. You can also sign up through our phone app any time. We really do run on volunteer labor. Thank you!
Groups
Men of St. James The Men of St. James has been meeting for over a century. We meet approx every other month for fellowship, outreach, helping around the church, and to get to know each other better.
Bible Enthusiasts is a fellowship and study group of people who like reading (and reading about) the Bible. We meet in each others' homes about 4 times a year.
Parents of St. James is our parent-wide mailing list with updates on events specific to kids and their parents, such as parent gatherings, Church school, family nights, etc.
Children's Choristers The Choristers meet Thursdays or Sundays for weekly rehearsals and perform once a month in church. Ages 2nd grade up.
Cherub Choir The Cherubs, ages preK-1st grade meet every Tuesday at 4 pm for musical instruction in a fun, kid-friendly setting.
The Choir of St. James Our volunteer adult choir sings weekly during the program year (Sept - May) with rehearsals on Thursday evenings, 7-9 pm. Four professional singers assist the group, as well.
Volunteer
Fordham Food Pantry (all ages) Help pack food for 150+ families every other Saturday at the St. James Episcopal Church in Fordham. A team of 10-20 members of our church regularly assists in this ministry, which starts at 8:15 am twice a month. Fill out the form to be added to the separate email list with updates and reminders.
Midnight Run (all ages) Help feed a hot meal to the homeless in NYC every other month on Sunday morning. A team of about 15 parishioners from St. James travels down to the city starting at 7 am, back by 10 am.
Hearts and Homes for Refugees St. James the Less partners with Hearts and Homes for Refugees to help families new to this country get settled. This important work is seeking help NOW with two new families (summer and fall of 2024). Please consider lending your support. Various levels of commitment are avaiable.
Sunday Readers (4th grade to adults) Our worship services are led jointly by clergy and lay people. Become a reader at the 9 or 10 am service. A coordinator will reach out to you with dates and other information.
Sunday Greeters (teens and adults) This is a great initial way to get involved at St. James, and to get to know other people. Greeters hand out bulletins, help orient new people (to the children's corner, bathrooms, etc.), and serve as a kind, welcoming face on walking through our doors.
Church School Teachers (adults) Parents of church school kids are especially invited to serve as occasional teachers, alongside our high school interns. Teachers are scheduled approx every 4-5 weeks, and receive the lesson plans ahead of time. All teachers undergo a background check and are asked to do an online "Safe Church" training workshop on their own time.
Youth Acolytes (4th Grade through high school) Kids are an indispensible part of our worship services, helping the clergy by carrying the torches and cross and leading the procession on Sunday mornings. This is a great way for your kids to get involved in worship and learn about the rituals of the church with other kids their age.