Mission Statement
The Missions and Outreach (M&O) Commission coordinates parish volunteer activities in our community and beyond. We strive to spread God’s love through serving our neighbors in need and supporting organizations that are dedicated to providing assistance where needed. M&O also oversees the distribution of St. James’ funds to such benevolences outside the parish.
Who We Are
M&O is composed of members of St. James’ parish, clergy, and vestry. Our chair is St. James’ Assistant Rector, The Rev. James Isaacs (james@stjamespotomac.org). We meet by Zoom on the second Wednesday of every month to plan upcoming activities. If you would like to join us or learn more about what we do, please contact office@stjamespotomac.org.
Action in the Community
M&O has built relationships with local organizations serving people in need across the greater Washington, D.C. area. We also have an enduring partnership with a rural parish in Haiti.
Parish volunteers live into 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another,” and seek to strengthen our community together.
Beyond the activities and relationships listed below, M&O hosts an annual winter clothing drive and supports ongoing non-perishable food drives.
Interfaith Works Essential Needs Center Volunteer Days, Rockville
M&O organizes two annual volunteer days (spring and fall) to support the clothing center at Interfaith Works, and also makes a financial contribution from the generosity of parishioners. The organization provides many services for Montgomery County residents in...
Comfort Cases Volunteer Days, Gaithersburg
M&O organizes two annual volunteer days at Comfort Cases (spring and fall), and also makes a financial contribution from the generosity of parishioners. This local organization has its national headquarters in Gaithersburg and supports transitioning foster...
Bon Samaritain L’Acul, Haiti – Partner church and school
Since 2010, St. James’ has provided financial support to our partner parish and school in Haiti, Bon Samaritain L’Acul. These funds have provided exploratory drilling and development of a community well; free lunches for school children; teachers’ salaries; support...
Little Free Library
Take a book! Share a book! St. James’ dedicated its Little Free Library on St. James’ Day, July 2025. This little library reflects St. James’ membership in the broader Seven Locks and Potomac community. Books are available to all who pass by, and we welcome books from...
Bishop Walker School Christmas Gift Drive, Washington, D.C.
In advance of every Christmas season, M&O organizes a gift-giving drive for young students at the Bishop Walker School in Washington, D.C. Parishioners personalize a Christmas card message to each student, and we host a gift drive to support them and their...
Donations
If you feel moved to support our work with a financial contribution, please visit St. James’ Donation Page, select “contribute” to reach the giving portal, and use the “designation” field to earmark the contribution for Missions and Outreach. You may also designate the contribution for a specific activity or program within M&O. Thank you!