A new ministry is now in full bloom at St. James, giving our gorgeous Sunday flowers new life throughout the week.
The seed of the Sunshine Guild was planted by Sallie Carr about a year ago. Today, members now hand-deliver these beautiful flowers each week to parishioners who are homebound, convalescing, in need of a pick-me-up, or celebrating a special life moment.
“We want people to know they aren’t forgotten,” Sallie said. “People light up when they know they’re being remembered by their St. James family.”
The Sunshine Guild made their first visit on July 7, 2025. Since then, they have made close to 175 visits to over 100 different folks. Names remain confidential, but those who have had the pleasure of receiving a bouquet routinely say these visits are a ray of sunshine!
Sometimes recipients call the church to express their gratitude before guild members even return from their delivery.
It is remarkable how something so simple—sharing our flowers with heart—can make such a profound and lasting impact on those who need a bit of light and cheer from their church family.
Currently, the 12 guild members meet on Mondays to dismantle, freshen and create 4-6 bouquets for delivery. It’s generally a quick visit to the recipient.
The guild is a first-line ministry and provides a bridge to our other Pastoral Care ministries, such as our Food Angels, Lay Eucharistic Visitors, and, of course, clergy visits.
“It’s heartwarming to see the life of the flowers extended and provide some sunshine and joy to folks,” Sallie said.
The guild always welcomes new members to help deliver flowers, and Sallie says the ministry is particularly great for families who want to get their children of any age involved with caring for others in the parish.
Working in teams of 2-4, most members work once a month to arrange, some deliver and some do both. Also, there is a continual need for bud vases, glass jars – mason, pickle, olive, etc. Labels can be easily removed, so don’t let that be a deterrent. There is a box at the reception desk and your contributions will be greatly appreciated.
Your gifts, donations, and pledges make it possible for ministries like this thrive and enable the parish to create new and needed ministries like the Sunshine Guild.
As we prepare for our annual stewardship campaign, our Stewardship Team will be inviting folks to make a financial commitment, but our team realizes that’s only one part of stewardship.
We also want to highlight and recognize how this parish stewards those gifts through mission and ministry and how our members practice stewardship by devoting themselves to ministries of the parish.
Ministries such as the Sunshine Guild clearly demonstrate St. James has Heart to Share.
If you would like to know more about the Sunshine Guild, please call or text Sallie Carr at 828.606.0010. Information about our many other ministries at St. James can be found at stjamesepiscopal.com/belong/parish-ministries.