Vicar – Reverend David Keen
David joined St James’ as Associate Vicar and became its incumbent in 2017 upon his predecessor’s retirement. In 2023 he also became Area Dean for the Yeovil Deanery.
“St James’ has been a great blessing to us as a family, and it’s so encouraging to be part of a church where people are finding faith in Jesus and growing in their faith.”“
Pioneer Associate Vicar – Reverend Sarah Sanderson
Sarah and her family moved to Yeovil recently as we welcomed her as our new Pioneer Associate Vicar on 17th September 2024. Sarah will be focusing on the new addition to our parish at Lufton/Agusta Park and working closely the three churches in our parish.
Parish Administrator – Joanna Newton
Joanna has worked in our Parish Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays since 2013 and also works as administrator for Christian theatre company Oddments and helps with St Peter’s Community Centre Accounts. She has two children who are members of our church youth group and can often be found singing with our music group, assisting with the tech/livestream, and assisting with children’s and youth work at St James’ and St Peter’s.
“We moved to Yeovil in 2005 and, after trying a few of the local churches for size, found our home in St James’, finding it a warm and welcoming church family. Our children have grown up here from infant baptism to confirmation and beyond.”
Children & Families Worker – Laura Broome
Laura has been leading our children’s work including Sunday morning Junior Church, Messy Church and toddler groups and working with local primary schools.
“We have recently moved to Yeovil and St James’ has been a friendly and supportive church. My children enjoy the different groups, there is something for all ages and everyone is welcome.”
Youth Worker – Ruth Glendinning
Ruth leads our Sunday night youth group, and several other groups based at our sister church St Peter’s, and is a regular in our two local secondary schools.
Readers (Licensed Lay Ministers)
Readers are lay ministers whose ministry is threefold as teachers of the faith, leaders in church and society and enablers of mission. They are given a licence by the Bishop to lead services, preach and attend to pastoral and missional work arising from these ministries. Trained as lay theologians, they help all people think and talk about God and God’s relationship to the world. Reader Ministry provides a bridge between the clergy and the laity; the church and the community.
Chris Harris – Reader
As well as leading services as a licensed reader, Chris can often be found looking after the AV and streaming and looking after the church building (fabric).
“The church community has been at the centre of my life for many years, and has always supported and encouraged me in my journey of faith.”
John Hanson – Reader
As well as being a licensed reader, John is training for ordination.
Christine Davies – Reader
“I joined St James as a licensed reader In October 18. Everyone here are friendly and lively who support each other. There is worship every week to suit everyone’s tastes of all ages and you are made to feel welcomed.”
Caryl Plewes – Reader
Caryl and her family have been involved in St James’ for many years including being invaluable members of our music group. She is now also training for ordination!
Churchwardens
Churchwardens are the senior lay representatives of the parish. The role of the
churchwarden is extremely varied but generally involves management, maintenance and
mission in accordance with the Churchwardens Measure 2001 and the Canons of the
Church of England. They are the foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent, and they have a duty to maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, particularly during the times of divine service. In co- operation with the incumbent, churchwardens are generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the parish.
Melodie Andrews – Churchwarden and Lay Pastoral Assistant
Mel became churchwarden at our AGM in April 2022. She, Ivor and Ian assist the clergy in the day-to-day running of the church.
“St James’ is a Christian Family who seek to love Jesus and care for each other . Always looking upwards to heaven and outwards to the world to do God’s work.“
Ivor Jones –Churchwarden & Church Room Bookings Coordinator
Ivor became churchwarden in 2024 and continues to also manage bookings for all the groups using our Church Room.
Ian Holloway – Assistant Churchwarden
Ian has overseen all matters concerning Health and Safety at St James’ for a number of years and was also Churchwarden for a number of years. He now assists Ivor and Mel with their churchwarden duties and works closely with Graeme, our new Health and Safety Officer.
Graeme Matthews – Health and Safety Officer
Graeme became our Health and Safety Officer in 2024. Assisted by Ian, he makes sure all our staff, volunteers and visitors are safe and we are compliant with all regulations.
Our LWAs play a crucial life at St James’ leading our services.
Graham Hardacre – Lay Worship Assistant & Verger
Graham continues to bless us with his work as verger at baptisms, weddings and funerals, leading services on a Sunday and running the monthly coffee morning amongst other things.
Maureen Harris – Lay Worship Assistant
Maureen leads services on a Sunday, organises our church fairs and fundraisers and, along with her husband Chris, is involved in many aspects of the running of the church.
Mark Felstead – Lay Worship Assistant and Prayer Coordinator
Mark also leads services and works with others in the church to help and encourage our prayer ministry. He also helps to coordinate the Virtual Prayer Room which connects us with friends in other churches in Yeovil and the wider area.
“Being a member of the St James’ church family for many years has meant being part of a warmly welcoming and caring Christian community. I see how God has blessed us in so many ways and continues to help us grow together.”
Reverend Sandra Pickard – Lay Worship Assistant
Sandra is a retired United Reformed Church Minister who blessed us by joining our team of LWAs. She also heads up our new Oasis Bereavement Support Group.
Doug Beard – Lay Worship Assistant
Doug leads services and is a part of our Prayer Ministry Team.
Lay Pastoral Assistants (LPAs)
LPAs are trained and authorised to engage in pastoral ministry on behalf of the local church, working as part of a team of clergy and laity. They may work with children and young people, the sick, the recently bereaved and the elderly and housebound. They may take communion to those unable to come to church
Linda Mason – Lay Pastoral & Lay Worship Assistant
Linda is involved in our ministry in care homes, including home communion.
Sandie Porter – Lay Pastoral Assistant
Sandie is another of our LPAs.
Safeguarding Officer – Jackie Perryman
Jackie has recently taken over from Mike to continue his important work in safeguarding. She and her husband Graham worship at our sister church St Peter’s. Graham is a retired vicar and is seen often at St James’ blessing us with his fantastic piano and organ playing as well as taking services.
“Graham and I retired to Yeovil in 2019 and I joined the online congregation of St James during the first COVID lockdown. It is such a blessing being able to continue to take part from home every Sunday thanks to the tech team.”
Safeguarding Liaison – Liz Wilson-Chalon
Liz has recently taken on this role to support Jackie and Sue who are based at St Peter’s.
Treasurer – Lynne Biles
Together with Frances, our Parish Treasurer and Joanna, our Parish Administrator, Lynne works hard to keep our finances in order!
Tower Captain – Lawrence Bignell
Lawrence heads up the team of ringers who bless St James’ with their skill on a Sunday morning, as well as for weddings and other special occasions. They ensure the church clock is wound and in working order and keep the flag flying and keep the well-loved tradition of the church bells going.
