Outreach Opportunities
The best opportunity for the church to do God's work is through its community involvement. St. James has always been a big supporter of it's community. We have many opportunities for our members to help their fellow brothers and sisters.
Social Ministry:
The objective of this committee is to seek ways for our congregation to be Christ to and show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are involved in the Church at large, the NC synod, the local community and the congregation of St James Lutheran Church to provide out reach ministry for those in need. Various projects we are routinely involved with include:
Crop Walk - World Wide Hunger Relief
Crop Walk benefits the hungry around the world and a large portion of the funds raised (25% last year) remain in the local community. It is usually a great afternoon to walk for a good cause. Anybody can participate in the walk. We will have a number of our youth participating. In addition to walking, they will be soliciting our members for pledges for CCM's ministry. Late in September and early October our youth will be coming to you with their pledge cards. Please support our walkers.
Staffing the night shelter
CCM in cooperation with the Salvation Army operates a year-round night shelter. Changes in recent years include the expansion of the facility, inclusion of showers for guests., a separate sleeping area for women and children and a washer and dryer. In addition, paid staff are utilized for the 11:00 PM to 6:30 AM shift on Sunday through Thursday. St James has committed volunteers and meal preparation for four weeks in the next year. The schedule is posted on the large bulletin board near the back entrance. We need volunteers during the week to stay from 7:00 - 11:00 PM. At 11:00 PM, the paid staff takes over. On Friday and Saturday night each week our volunteer will spend the full night. Typically we need to provide meals for five of the seven nights. Please see the calendar to see which nights are open. We have also posted the suggested menu next to the calendar. The menu is a suggestion however, the idea is to provide a level of consistency for the guests and to remove some of the guesswork on the part of the those preparing meals. Shelter work can be both rewarding and frustrating. Rewarding in the sense that this is a great chance to be Jesus to someone. The frustrating part is that in our results oriented world the positive results we look for sometimes do not come quickly with shelter work. However, THE NEED IS REAL.
Coordinating Blood drives offered at the church
The Red Cross runs the drive. Please donate if you can for this life giving resource. We will also need volunteers for the day of the drive.
Habitat For Humanity
LYNC, the youth groups of St. James, will be participating in the Youth United Habitat Project. A house which is being funded and built entirely by various youth groups across Cabarrus county.
CCM food collection
Each month in the newsletter various dry goods or other household items are featured. Please bring what you can and leave your donation in the shopping cart next to the rear entrance. We will then take the donations in the cart to CCM. If you have food or clothing you can take directly, CCM is located on Country Club Dr. across from the Sportscenter.
CVAN
In 2001, the LYNC of St. James renovated and donated the use of the "Liddle" house.
Souper Bowl Of Caring
We participate annually in the “Souper Bowl of Caring” This year the youth raised $400.11 to support local hunger ministries.
Salvation Army bell ringing during the holidays
Each year members of St. James volunteer for this program. Information and volunteer opportunities are provided before the holiday season each year.
Meals on Wheels
This community wide ministry is a service that delivers meals to homebound citizens in our community. It is a way to brighten up someone's day. If you would like to get involved, call the church office for more information.
Pastoral Care Ministry
Among the many opportunities this group has is helping the members of our congregation the old fasion way... From raking leaves in the fall to painting, to spring cleaning. We have also added two additional ministry opportunities. We now provide transportation for those without a car and meals to those in need. Please call the church office if you can help in these areas.
Provide financial resources to Cabarrus County Bible Association which allows Bible classes to be taught in the local high schools
Provide financial resources to the Cabarrus County high school Young Life program
Provide financial resources to Hospice
Many other outreach opportunities exist among various groups that exist in the church
such as our Youth, Men and Women's groups.
