Growth in Faith
Growth in Faith
Our highest priority at St. James is to help each person become a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are a number of ways for people of all ages to grow in their faith. Here you will find a list of some opportunities to help you and your family grow in faith.
Sermons from St. James
We invite you to listen to some sermons that have recently been given at St. James. It is our prayer that they bless, inspire and bring you closer to Jesus.
Kids Connect
Kids Connect is a biblically based interactive ministry to help kids connect with Jesus. All Kids are welcome on Saturday evenings at 5:15 (September through May; check worship schedule) and Sunday mornings (all year) at 9:15 and 10:45 am (10:45 am offered September through May; check worship schedule). During Saturday evening and Sunday, 10:45am Kids Connect programs the kids learn in a one room Sunday school format with all kids in grades pre-k- 6th. During our Sunday, 9:15 am Kid’s Connect kids in grades Kindergarten-4th grade learn in a rotation model focusing on one Bible story per month either in Drama, Cooking, Bible Games, or Cinema. Our younger kids in preschool and pre-kindergarten meet in regular classrooms. Our 5th and 6th graders meet for Bible study and faith discussions and fellowship. It is our goal that the all the kids will be able to tell the Bible story in their own words after the one month session. The message is always the same; loving and following Jesus as we learn to be His disciples!
As the children are promoted to 3rd grade they are presented with a student Bible. Vacation Bible School (see below) is a favorite annual event, along with other events that include; the annual church picnic, Advent Family Night, and the Birthday Party for Jesus. We care about our children's safety. Registration forms provide us with needed information to safeguard your children. Please fill one out for each child and you can feel better that our teachers all have background checks and there are windows in every classroom door. Consider volunteering in a classroom or the nursery and be inspired by the children in your care!
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is offered every summer. Interactive Bible lessons, worship, skits, games, snacks and crafts make the learning fun and inspiring. VBS welcomes all children ages 3 through 6th grade, with opportunities for youth in grades 7-12 to serve in many ways. Check back in the spring for more information.
Affirmation Class
Students, usually in 7th and 8th grade, begin preparation for confirmation, a time when they make promises of faithfulness to God and Jesus, affirming their baptism. The classes are weekly from September through May. More information and a yearly schedule will be posted soon.
YaP
YaP (Youth with a Purpose) is our youth ministry. YaP focuses on Youth in 9th grade through 12 grade. Along with the YaP Monthly Gathering, they meet weekly faith talks and fun from 10:15am-12:00pm in our youth room. Each month they enjoy activities such as volleyball, fellowship events, devotions, service projects, retreats, Bible studies, game nights and trips. The youth are involved in planning, preaching and leading several services during the year, including the 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service, after each mission trip and other times through out the year. We strive to make our youth area a very welcome place.
Please contact Gary for information regarding Children, Youth and Family Ministry
His Kids Christian Preschool
His Kids Christian Preschool is an exciting children's ministry of St. James Lutheran Church. Recognizing a real need in our community, the opening of a quality Christian preschool program became a part of our church's vision in 1999 for the future. In September 2002 we hired a director to lead a team of church members in establishing a well-rounded early childhood program that would prepare young children for school while nurturing them in Christian values. We have followed the licensing guidelines from the PA Department of Education and curriculum recommendations from area preschool and kindergarten teachers throughout our planning. Each year our preschool grows and there are even more smiling young children to receive the love of Jesus!
Following our church mission statement "Following Jesus, We Love God and Neighbor", it is our purpose to provide a quality service to families in our church and the community.
Much more information and registration forms can be found at His Kids! Please contact His Kids Director or the church office for more information!
Small Groups
We are highly committed to small group ministry at St. James. These groups gather in fellowship to share and study the Bible or life issues from a faith perspective. Sometimes these groups are oriented toward particular needs such as mothers of young children or those needing support in a particular time in their life. During sermon series new groups are often formed to help deepen the understanding of the particular topic or book. Many topics are covered, including practical topics and Bible studies. There are groups available for our youth, too! We believe that discussion groups help growth in faith and deepen the bonds of friendship and help to build a strong Christian community. Please contact the Director of Discipling to help you get connected with a group that fits your needs.
Growth in Faith and New Member Classes
Classes are taught twice a year to help us grow in our faith and are especially helpful for those who would like to become a member of St. James. Good for everyone, these classes are designed to encourage, strengthen and deepen faith. More information about these classes can be obtained through the church office.
Serving Others
In addition to educational opportunities, we know that many grow in faith by participating in a serving or caring ministry. To learn more about that, please contact Ruth, the Outreach Coordinator.
Please contact any staff member for more information or to help answer any questions.