The St James Men’s Group fosters friendship and spiritual growth among the men of St. James by providing a few hours each month to discuss issues of faith and community, for friendship, and to keep up with parish life. We meet over breakfast on the third Saturday morning of each month from September to May. The cooks and set-up crew arrive at 7am. The rest of the Group arrives over the next hour to join conversations over coffee. Grace is said at 8am, and we begin a hearty breakfast. In June, July, and August, three members volunteer to host a BYO-BBQ on a week night.

As the meal  wraps up, we take time to discuss topics of interest from a short agenda of coming events, followed by any issues raised by members. We often invite a guest speaker (or a member) to share their life and spirituality experiences. We close each meeting with the Doxology prayer used at the close of Sunday services.

For members, there are always opportunities to volunteer in areas of personal interest. The Men’s Group accepted responsibility for seasonal maintenance projects on church property, knowing more than enough members will come out. Our review of coming events almost always includes requests for volunteers to help with church and community projects. A recent project raised funds for outreach through a Time and Talent Auction.

Members do not have to volunteer, though. Members join for friendship or to connect more closely to parish life. It just happens that the St. James Men’s Group has developed a pool of community minded people with loads of experience in a wide variety of fields. Anyone wanting to announce details of a coming event, program or project on the Men’s Group agenda should contact the church office.