Groups at St James’
Life at St James’ is richer when you’re part of it. Come along, bring a friend, or simply drop in and see what feels right. You’ll be warmly welcomed.
Here's a list of our Church groups. Click on a group to view its short description.
The Chosen - Viewing Group
On the first and third Monday of every month at 2.30 pm, this group meets to watch an episode of The Chosen, an acclaimed TV dramatisation of Jesus’ life.
Joan Ridgway, our Licensed Lay Minister, leads the group. After watching an episode, everyone joins in a discussion. Each instalment tells Jesus’ story through the eyes of someone who encountered him — sometimes a disciple or a religious leader, and sometimes an ordinary person whose life changed after meeting him.
The group meets in the committee room in St James’ church hall. Come along for good company, good television, and a chance to see the life of Jesus in a new light.
Home Group
Fr Brian Tubbs leads this small gathering, which meets in a home, for relaxed conversation, prayer, and a chance to explore the Bible more deeply.
The group meets on the first Thursday evening of most months. At each meeting the group explores a passage from the Bible and discusses its meaning and relevance for our life today.
Curious? Email the parish office and we’ll connect you.
St James’ Choir
St James’ has a dedicated group of singers who enrich our worship at the Parish Eucharist each week. They rehearse on Monday evenings, preparing hymns, the musical Mass setting for the coming Sunday, and occasional anthems.
Although the singers sit together in the choir stalls, they remain very much part of the congregation. Their aim isn’t to perform but to add colour to our worship through harmony.
New members (especially tenors!) are always welcome. Reading music helps, but it isn’t essential; practice tracks are shared in advance, making it easy for you to learn your part. Interested? Catch Tim Bayton after a service or send the parish office an email.
Gardening Team
Our gardening team keeps the lovely grounds of St James' Church looking welcoming, cared‑for and full of life. The group meets regularly on Tuesday mornings to tend to flowerbeds, prune shrubs, plant seasonal colour, and make sure paths and green spaces stay tidy and safe for everyone who visits.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy being outdoors, you’re very welcome to join in.
Gardening tools are provided, and there’s plenty of time for conversation and a cup of tea along the way. Speak to Pat Snell if you're interested in joining the team, or contact the parish office.
(Note: sunshine not guaranteed!)
Serving Team
Our serving team plays a quiet but important role in our worship. Before a service, members of the serving team prepare all of the elements for Holy Communion. Their care before and during the service helps the whole of St James' congregation to share in the sacrament smoothly and prayerfully.
If you’d like to get involved, speak to Judith Wedgwood, and she'll be glad to help you take the next step, or email the parish office. You don’t need previous experience of serving to take part. Training and guidance are provided, and you’ll be mentored by an experienced server until you feel confident.
Communications Group
Our communications group maintains St James' outward-facing presence, online and in physical media. That includes our social media accounts, our noticeboards, our magazine and the website that you're reading right now.
If you've got a passion for communications or media, in any format, speak to Tim Bayton or contact the parish office. The group is always keen to welcome new members.
Through all of our media, we aim to connect with more people in our parish and beyond.