W Growing in God’s Grace W

If you’re reading through this, you’re most likely a member of St. James Parish or thinking about becoming one. But being a member of a parish and feeling like you really BELONG in the parish sometimes are two different things.

Do you feel like you belong at St. James?

We certainly hope so, but if not, we want the Ministry and Talent Directory to be a way for you to take a step toward feeling welcome, of feeling that you belong here. And belonging is often an outgrowth of involvement. You become involved (or more involved!), you meet some fellow parishioners, they introduce you to others and soon you look around and see not only friends, but you see Christ in those friends.

But back to that first step--how to become involved. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

¾  Look through this directory! It’s filled with many, many opportunities of all kinds, and each one includes a contact person. Simple as that.

¾  Turn in your Growing in God’s Grace annual renewal forms in May. GIGG is how we say stewardship at St. James, and stewardship is how we give back to God in gratitude for all we’ve been given. Through the GIGG initiative, each spring parishioners are encouraged to give back, to open the doors to God’s grace: the doors of Service, Worship, Spiritual Growth and Treasure. The forms you fill out are a visible sign of your commitment to stewardship, and for each activity in which you express an interest you will be contacted by a fellow parishioner.

¾  Ask a friend or neighbor if you can tag along to a meeting or activity, just to try out something.

¾  Call the parish offices (402-572-0499) and ask where help is needed. Also, if you need help of any kind, this is the place to call. Beyond the priests, we have many ministries designed to offer support and assistance.

¾  Check the “Good News,” our weekly parish newsletter, for what’s going on and what help is being sought. Each edition includes details about fun activities and opportunities for service, as well as contact information.

¾  Let the parish know if you have a talent or skill you’d like to share. The parish benefits greatly from parishioners’ generous donations of time and talents.

¾  See a need in the parish? Suggest a way you can help fill that need.

The bottom line, though, is that no matter how you get involved, do get involved! Or become more involved. It’s your surest way of feeling that you belong—and you do belong here!

The Growing in God’s Grace Core Team

Dave Becker, Fred Galata, Deacon Randy Grosse, Joe Hall and Julie Soltys