A brief DESCRIPTION of each of our church ministry teams is featured below, as well as their members and church counsel liasons. If you are new to our church, feel free to e-mail any of our staff members to introduce yourself, or just to ask a question. Also, click 'Council Members' above for photos and names of our church officers and Church Council representatives.


The Care Ministry Team

This team provides care through the Stephen Ministry, the Parish Health Team, and remembrances with cards.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Susan Chandler
  • Parish Health - Betty Caulkins
  • Stephen Ministers - Cheryl Schmeling
  • Greeting Cards - Joyce Litteer
  • Tape Ministry - Stan Salter
  • Homebound Visits - WELCA/Pastors



The Education Ministry Team

This ministry team shall oversee the conduct and promotion of the school(s) and other educational activities of the congregation.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Marilyn Jenkins
  • Bible Studies - Pastors
  • Catechism Studies - Pastors and Bill Daniels
  • Sunday School Superintendent - Bill Daniels
  • Nursery - Cathy Epps
  • Library - Rebecca Marshall
  • Archives - Lu Davenport and Helen Bultman
  • Vacation Bible School -
  • Graduation/Confirmation - Chris Monroe


The Fellowship Ministry Team

The mission of this team shall be to assist the pastors and Congregational Council in nurturing a Christian atmosphere of care, love, and fellowship within the congregation.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Julie Hackett
  • Young Adults - Kathy Lyons
  • J.O.Y. Group - Carol Ziecker
  • Women of the ELCA - Karen Hesselbart
  • Lula June Circle - Carol Ziecker
  • Suber-Bultman Circle - Judy Lessard
  • Rebekah Circle - Susan Keefe
  • Lutheran Men in Mission - Mike Stewart
  • Softball Teams - Eric Hutchison


The Mutual Ministry Team

This team supports the ministry of the pastors and members by providing a forum for discussion and mutual accountability.

Members:

  • Counsel Liaison - Brenda Jamison
  • Committee Chair - Reba Mahaffey


The Property Ministry Team

This ministry team shall maintain and plan improvements to the church facility.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Gary Harbath
  • Maintenance -
  • Sexton - Rebecca Sylvester
  • Administrative/Office Work - Trish Brotbeck


The Spiritual Growth Team

This ministry team enhances spiritual growth through retreats, Via de Cristo, and an Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Hugh China
  • Prayer Fellowship -
  • Via de Cristo:
    • Men's Group - Paul Culotta
    • Women's Group -
  • Retreats/Workshops - Pastors
  • Wonderful Wednesday -
  • Small Group Leadership -


The Stewardship Ministry Team

This ministry team shall provide support to the congregation on all financial matters and stewardship. The Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Ray Davenport, II
  • Finance/Budget - Sep Harvin, Jr.
  • Audit -


The Witness Ministry Team

The mission of this team is to assist the pastors and the Congregational Council in informing the congregation, community, and church-at-large of the mission and ministries of St. James Lutheran Church. This team shall also extend Christian compassion and helpfulness to the ill, the aged, the orphaned, the underprivileged, the imprisoned, and, in general, to persons of all ages in need of aid in body and soul. It shall strive to enlist in these efforts as many as possible of the individual members and organizations of the congregation. This team shall further have the duty to study social conditions, primarily in the local community, in order to bring the cleansing and healing light of Christian truth to bear upon critical problems through thoughtful Christian discussion of facts and issues. This committee shall provide information about, and encourage support of this congregation's local, national, and worldwide ministries.

Members:

  • Council Liaisons - Jimmy Lee
  • Communications - Paul Culotta
  • Evangelism - Donna Workman
  • Missions -
  • Kairos (prison ministry) - Harold Chandler
  • Food/Clothing Distribution - Judy Lessard
  • Habitat for Humanity - Susan Chandler
  • Sumter Community Groups:
    • United Ministries - Judy Lessard
    • Shepard Center -
    • Light of Hope -
    • Community Care & Counseling -


The Worship Ministry Team

The mission of this team shall be to assist the pastors an Congregational Council in providing for the highest quality in the congregation's worship, and to involve as many members as possible as participants and leaders, according to their spiritual gifts.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Karen Hesselbart
  • Sunday Mornings:
    • Liturgist - Gary Fowler
    • Communion Assistants - Gary Fowler
    • Readers - Dot Weishuhn
    • Greeters - Theresa Diven
    • Ushers - Steve Hamm
    • Acolytes/Crucifers - Donna Workman and Rebecca Marshall
    • Children's Sermons -
    • Altar Guild - Judy Pollock
  • Music:
    • Choir - Bill Scobee
    • Handbells - Cheryl Schmeling
  • Baptisms -
  • Weddings -
  • Funerals - Lu Davenport and Helen Bultman

The Youth Ministry Team

The mission of this team shall be to assist the pastors and Congregational Council in nurturing a Christian atmosphere of care, love, and fellowship within the youth of the congregation.

Members:

  • Council Liaison - Elton Hallman
  • Youth Ministry:
    • Children's Ministry -
    • Kids of the Kingdom - Kathy Lyons
    • Junior & Senior Youth - Elton Hallman, Brenda Jamison

It takes a lot of great people to make a great church.
We are fortunate to have some very dedicated folks providing leadership at St. James.
Meet Our Church Officers & Church Council