Deaconess Ministry

Mission and Purpose 

The mission of the Deaconess Ministry is to meet the needs of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, under the spiritual guidance of its Pastor and the deacons by promoting the spiritual growth in the Church. We plan to dedicate our time, talents, and gifts to humbly serve where needed in edifying the body of Christ and in Kingdom building. The purpose of the Deaconess Ministry is to care for and assist the needs of the overall congregation. Wherever there are sick and shut-in members as well as members in need of prayer, the Deaconess Ministry will be there to help. 

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well” (Rom. 16:1, 2, RSV). 1 Timothy 8:11 - "Even so must their wives be grave, not slanders, sober, faithful in all things." 

 Community Outreach 

­­Planned and coordinated Financial Literacy Seminar, Youth Extravaganza, and Scholarship Award for College Students. Organized the Youth and Graduate Awards Reception. Donated bibles for reference during worship service. Arranged the Harvesting Your Health Symposium. (Part I). Incorporated lessons from “Walking in the Newness of Life: Guides for Christian Workers” and discuss scriptures, to include Proverbs 31:10-31 “Who can find a virtuous woman?” in our scheduled meetings. Collaborate with Deacon Ministry and visited the sick and shut in members; provided services and care for members in need, mailed “Get Well” cards to sick and shut-in members. Assist with facilitating New Members Orientation sessions; assisted candidates for baptism into discipleship and purchased additional towels and caps for baptism candidates; purchased and distributed gifts of love for baptism candidates. Continue to mail “Thank You for Worshipping with Us” cards to visitors who completed their visitor’s cards. 

Officers and Members

Deaconess T. R. Sanders-McBryde - President

Deaconess Cheryl Porter - Vice President

Deaconess Tonda Relf - Secretary

Deaconess F.L.K. Ray - Treasurer

Deaconess Wanda Stewart - Chaplain

Deaconess Tammy Harrington - Sergeant-at-Arms

Deaconess Mable Betts

Deaconess Gloria Cotton

Deaconess Mary Miliner

Deaconess Jacqueline Stinson