The Reverend Robin K. Reeves, Interim Rector [email]
Rev. Robin joined St. James as Interim Rector in September, 2009. She is excited to be serving our Lord alongside the good people of St. James. St. James is a caring community of believers. Rev. Robin came to ordained ministry in 2006 after years of experience in art, business, strategic planning and communications at St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System. In going through the Community of Hope a Lay Chaplain training at St. Luke’s Hospital Robin heard and answered the call to ordained ministry in 2001. She has served in the following Episcopal Churches: St. John’s Austin, Christ Church Tyler, and Trinity Woodlands prior to coming to St. James. Rev. Robin especially enjoys the Episcopal worship, which is rooted in ancient tradition in which mystery and symbolism enable us to encounter the divine anew. She also enjoys the tradition of unity in prayer and the openness to dialogue with one another about our experience of God in our lives.

Isaiah 61 is what Rev. Robin feels called to as a Christian believing that God desires wholeness for all people. "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit."

The Reverend John Worrell, Associated Clergy [email]
John has been in ordained ministry for more than 50 years and came to be associated with St. James after experience in a variety of settings, from Beeville, Texas, to Autry House on the campus of Rice University. He preaches in the regular rotation, teaches often, and is customarily the presider of the Wednesday-morning healing service. He is editor of Nevertheless: A Texas Church Review, and brings to St. James a deep love and respect for both the history and the future of the church.

The Reverend Phyllis Hartman, Deacon [email]
Phyllis was born and raised in Harrisonburg, Virgina at the foot of the Massanutten Peak,, in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. She moved with her husband, Henry Hartman, to Austin, Texas, in 1961, and later to Conroe, Texas, where they raised their three sons, and one foster son. Phyllis was employed as a legal assistant for almost 20 years, after which she returned to college at Sam Houston University to obtain her teaching certificate in bilingual education. She has taught third grade Hispanic students for the last fifteen years; and is teaching 2nd grade at the present time. Phyllis has been an active member of St. James the Apostle Church for over 40 years, where she serves as Deacon to coordinate present outreach ministry and explore new opportunities in mission, as well as assist in the Liturgy at St. James.

Mary Fitzgerald, Lay Ministry Coordinator [email]

Mary was born in Ireland ... on St. Patrick's Day. She grew up thinking that the annual parade outside her parents' big bay window was all for her. After stints in Colorado and California, she ended up at St. James, where her daily duties consist of preparing bulletins, coordinating volunteer service schedules, and acting as a pastoral liaison.

Joseph Painter, Director of Music / Organist [email]

Joseph says that if you sing it, hum it, tap it, or play it, he's in charge of it! A native of Bedford, Virginia, he discerned and began to cultivate an interest in church music early in his life. His mentors include Bill Walsh, his first piano teacher, and Richard McPherson, his undergratudate organ professor. His favorite part of the job is working with people of all ages and helping them develop their musical talents for worship leadership. Joseph desires for everyone at St. James to have excitement and passion for worship, Christian formation, missions outside the church, and care for each other.

Ronald Liston, Director of Youth Ministry [email]
After being raised in St. James and serving the congregation in several voluntary capacities for many years (including a stint as Senior Warden), Ronald officially joined the staff in 2005 to serve in the youth program. His job is to create an environment for the youth to get involved in the church, keeping their focus and commitment on God. Ronald is married and raising two children as well as substitute teaching in the Montgomery School District as he works toward a teaching certificate.

Vestry

In accord with the Canons of the Episcopal Church, members of the St. James Vestry are “agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy.”

The 2009 Vestry members are:

Dick Deming, Senior Warden
, Junior Warden
Peggy Breland
Lew Brown
Kevin Bull
Gary Clark
Chevis Dodd
Greg Grinage
Ron Liston
Phil Lyons
Gene McCaleb
David Price
A.J. Sadberry

Sharon Parker, Clerk of the Vestry
Tom Marrou, Parish Treasurer

How to Become a Member

Welcome to St. James! We’re so glad to have the chance to answer this question for you.

First and most important, you are always welcome to come and participate. If, as you grow in your life in Christ, you would like to join with us in a formal way, we hope that you will contact the church office or a member of the clergy as soon as is convenient.

Membership in St. James the Apostle involves regular attendance at worship, a commitment to continued growth through Christian education, giving for the spread of the Kingdom as one is able, and undertaking a ministry on behalf of others.

There are a number of ways you can become a member of St. James:

Baptism in the name of the Trinity is for anyone, of any age.
Confirmation is a public commitment to the terms of the Baptismal Covenant, in the presence of the Bishop, following a period of instruction.
Reception is for those who have previously made a mature public commitment in another Church, and also takes place in the presence of the Bishop, following a period of instruction.

If you are already a baptized and confirmed member of an Episcopal congregation, simply let us know that you’re ready to transfer your membership and we will gladly begin the process.

Episcopalians

The Episcopal Church occupies a unique position distinct from either the Roman Catholic or reformed Protestant traditions. The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, derived from the Church of England, with the Archbishop of Canterbury as titular head. The Anglican Communion shares in the traditions of the faith and order as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.

Characterized by tolerance, fair-mindedness and generosity, Episcopalians find the fullest expression of Christianity in Holy Scripture and in the creeds, which clearly express our belief in the Holy Trinity, the sacraments, and ministry. The foundations of our faith are:

scripture, the Word of God which comes to us through human authors inspired by God, and which is understandable under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads the Church in the interpretation of scripture;
tradition, which by its continuity and consistency preserves the essential truths through education and liturgy; and
reason, which encourages us to explore and seek to comprehend God’s works, and to make responsible moral decisions under the guidance of scripture and the Holy Spirit.

The Episcopal Church is liturgical, having rites for public worship. Three primary sources are used in each service: the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal. To facilitate your worship experience, we provide service bulletins to guide your participation.

The ministers of the Episcopal Church are bishops, priests, deacons, and lay persons. The bishop is called to represent Christ and his Church as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a geographic area called a diocese. The priest represents Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people within the congregation and leader of a parish or mission, proclaims the Gospel, administers the sacraments, teaches, and blesses and declares pardon in the name of God. The ministry of a deacon is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as a servant of those in need, and to assist bishops and priests in the proclamation of the Gospel and administration of the sacraments. All Christians are called to represent Christ and his Church, to bear witness to him wherever they may be, to come together week by week for corporate worship, and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the Kingdom of God.