Church Life
Choir
The St. James choir is a small but vocally mighty group. Some of the members have been in the choir for over 50 years. Everyone is welcome to join.
Psalm 95:1
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.
Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.
Youth Group
The Youth Group provides opportunities for the children ages 12-19 to socialize outside of church. They enjoy trips, activities, volunteering and retreats to further enrich their relationships with each other and the Lord.
Cedar Point Trips
Winter Fest Retreat
Hosted by United Church of Big Rapids
Skiing at Caberfae
Car Wash Fundraiser
Pink Flamingo Fundraiser
Pink Flamingos are placed in someone's yard and the homeowner makes a donation to the Youth Group to have them removed and taken to someone else's yard.
Camp Talahi Retreat & Nature Center
The Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center, Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed by a consortium of Michigan United Church of Christ members and ministers.
Camp Talahi offers overnight summer camp sessions for kids from kindergarten to high school graduation, plus weekend retreats for young adults, adults, and for families. Each camp is filled with fun activities and engaging worship. You’ll walk away with memories that will last a lifetime.
St. James has been blessed to be able to make financial contributions to help send our children to camp.
Confirmation Class
At St. James, students attend confirmation class when they are in 8th grade. Upon completion of the confirmation class they become members of St. James and are able to vote and take communion.
Bible Study
Bible Study is held Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome.
Psalm 119:15-16
I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.
Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from Scriptures.
Women's Guild
The Women’s Guild at St. James began in the early 1900’s – at that time every women in the church belonged and participated. The women came together to care for the church and each other. They cleaned the church, had sewing projects, cooked and baked. When the parsonage needed care and updating the women worked together to do what was needed. The ladies provided assistance to other church families in times of need.
Over the years the Guild has contributed financially for many things for the church – devotional materials, kitchen equipment, tuning expense for the piano and organ. A contribution is also made every year to the Saline Evangelical Home.
The Women’s Guild of today is instrumental in helping with the Ice Cream Social and The Cookie Walk. They have organized and published many cookbooks over the years that are valued and enjoyed throughout the community. Cards and flowers are sent to members when they are in the hospital. Birthday cards are sent to the shut-ins. Prayer blankets are given to members facing difficult health issues. Funeral luncheons are organized by the Women’s Guild. Monthly meetings are held and all women of the church are welcome to participate.
Cookbooks for Sale — $10
Helpful Hints Book — $6
Fellowship Team
The Fellowship Team is a group of members that plan and organize activities to provide the congregation opportunities to socialize with each other outside of worship service. New events and ideas are always welcome.
Saline Christmas Parade
Boo Bash at Saline Rec Center
Family Game Night
Church Picnic at Wampler’s Lake – Hayes State Park
Toledo Mud Hens Game Bus Trip
Christmas Potluck & Robber Bingo Party
