“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
– Proverbs 22:6
Education Opportunities
One purpose of children’s ministry is to build a “library” of hymns, songs, scripture, and prayers—the “classics” as well as those created specifically for children, even those whose words are rich and mysterious, and which kids (or their parents!) may not entirely understand. By inspiring our youth with songs and tales they will be exploring more in depth in the future, we hope to fill them with an inspiration to continue learning!
Service
For Children & Families
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Reaching out to our Neighbors: At the start of each Family Friday we make sandwiches for the NY Common Pantry, make cards for home-bound parishioners, and assemble toiletry kits.
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Donate travel-sized toiletries: We need donations and help assembling toiletry kits for our Samaritan’s Closet, our free clothing resource.
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Bake for the Shelter: Bake cookies, cupcakes, brownies, etc. for St. James’ Community Kitchen. Contact Vicki Hall to get involved.
For Youth
Youth Host the Friday Night Dinner Program (September through May)
2nd Friday of the Month, 5:30-9:00 p.m. in the Kitchen
- 6th -12th graders are in charge of St. James’ Friday Night Dinner Program on the 2nd Friday of the month from September through May. We cook dinner, serve guests, and wash dishes at this seated, three course meal for our hungry neighbors. Friends and first timers welcome!
- In addition to our dedicated time working the Meal Programs, during specific seasons, we accept donations of food, toiletries, and clothing for Midnight Run, an organization that brings resources to those in need. Our high schoolers then participate in a “Midnight Run” to deliver these essentials to underserved communities in NYC.
- In the fall and spring, all students are invited to join a day of Creation Care at St. Francis Community Garden in North Bellmore, NY.
Contact Calvin Bushman if your child is interested in joining these mission opportunities, or if you are willing to be a chaperone for off-campus trips.
Children & Youth Ministries Staff
Meet the people with St. James’ who make our children’s ministry work!
Vicki has been shepherding children and families into the St. James’ community since 1997. A Band Director in her previous life, Vicki received her MA in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Virginia. At St. James’, she oversees all of our family and children’s programming – helping little ones become engaged in worship, understand what it means to be Christian, and love their neighbors. Our kids are integral to all aspects of our life in the church, from music to mission and everywhere in between. When she isn’t at St. James’, Vicki loves her morning exercise time and her great big family.
Originally from North Jersey, Calvin completed his undergraduate degree in Biblical and Theological Studies at Nyack College before completing his Master of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology. Calvin has previously been involved with several youth ministries, and recently completed a one-year residency as a hospital chaplain at Mount Sinai Hospital prior to coming to St. James’. Calvin is beyond excited to be a part of the St. James’ community, and looks forward to the fun of exploring faith and formation with youth and young adults.
Outside of church, Calvin loves going to the movies and considers it a spiritual practice to go once a week. Currently, Calvin lives in East Harlem with his partner, Sophie and their dog, Moses.
