Pastoral

For more information regarding these programs, please contact The Rev. Dr. Randal Gardner at  (858) 459-3421 Ext. 106.

Stephen Ministers

The Stephen Ministry is one of the Pastoral Ministries of St. James by-the-Sea. The Stephen Ministry, comprised of about 20 trained Stephen Ministers, continues to serve members of all ages who are experiencing life challenges and crises, such as job loss, illness, or loss of a loved one. A Stephen Minister commits to a weekly visit with a care receiver for a period of one year and two biweekly meetings which provide support, encouragement, wise counsel from other Stephen Ministers and continued training opportunities. The hallmark of the Stephen Ministry is that no matter how much care Stephen Ministers give, they find they receive even more in blessings. Click here to see a brochure

Cursillo

Cursillo is a short course in Christianity presented by lay people, for lay people. Offered twice a year, it takes place during a three-day weekend in the relaxing environment of Camp Stevens in Julian. Cursillo has been offered in the Diocese of San Diego for more than 25 years.

The Order of The Daughters of the King

The Daughters of the King is an Order for women and girls in the Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran (ELCA) Churches dedicated to prayer, service and evangelism. The Order was founded in 1885. Every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism, dedicated to the extension of Christ's kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. Prayer is the foundation upon which Daughters respond to God in service to others. The emblem of our Order is a silver Greek cross, which members wear at all times. Latin words inscribed on the cross broadly translate, "With lofty heart, mind and spirit uphold the cross." Daughters are young and old, rich and poor, beautiful and plain, community leaders and mothers, doctors and teachers, secretaries, executives and housewives, sinful and wavering, generous and strong. All are Welcome! Jesus, whom we follow, is the perfect One.

Friends of St. Luke

A dedicated group of correspondents send notes of encouragement to needy members of the congregation throughout the year. During the past year, this heart-warming ministry was responsible for sending some 600 postcards, to comfort and cheer those experiencing sorrows or difficulties. In addition to the postcard ministry, the Friends of St. Luke remember their correspondents in prayer from month to month. Our members fulfill our mission statement to be "a Caring Community where every member strives to be a caring minister" and would welcome additional helpers to share their ministry.

The Good Grief Group

For all those grieving the loss of a loved one - usually a spouse or a parent. They learn to laugh together, to weep together, to support and encourage each other, to move toward accepting their losses, and to find God's continuing grace and presence in their lives. Please contact The Rev. Dr. Randal Gardner at 858 459-3421 x106.

Health Ministries

The mission of the Health Ministries Program at St. James by-the-Sea is to follow the example of Jesus Christ as a healer, promoting wellness of mind, body and spirit through education, advocacy, empowerment and prayer. The Health Ministries Outreach Committee considers the request of parishioners and community members who request funds for health issues. Please contact the office for a simple form and envelope to be submitted to the committee.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

The visit of a Lay Eucharistic Visitor is the highlight of the week for those church members who are unable to attend church on a weekly basis due to ill health or infirmity. Specially trained and licensed, Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring news of the parish, the Word of God, and Holy Communion to a number of parishioners each week. By this vital ministry, we honor our absent members and we are reminded that we are all integral parts of the Body of Christ at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.

Pastoral Care

Visitations are made on a weekly basis for parishioners in hospitals and those who are going through transition such as illness, loss and grief. Currently, a monthly worship service is conducted at Casa de Mañana, White Sands, Wesley Palms and Evergreen Nursing Facility, where the average attendance in each facility is 15. Our trained parishioners take the consecrated Sacrament from the altar after the Sunday Eucharist to those unable to leave their homes or nursing facilities.