Our Mission
The St. James Fellowship serves elderly and disabled persons in eastern Allegheny County and part of Westmoreland County. Most of the individuals we serve reside in long-term care facilities, but a few remain in their homes. Some experience Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, others physical or mental illnesses or injuries, still others, loneliness or depression. Regardless of their infirmities, they are all in need of the love and friendship of Christ.
We minister to these individuals and their caregivers by bringing the worship, fellowship, supportive services and material support of the church to them in their care settings. We are, in essence, a church without walls. Traditional services, Bible studies, fellowship, counseling and friendship are all part of the ministry.
Learn More About the Fellowship
Our Services
Worship services, hymn singing and Holy Communion are provided regularly by Reverend Patterson and ministry associates at all facilities where the SJF has a presence. Additionally, Bible studies, fellowship, counseling and friendship are all part of the ministry.
Our Story
The St. James Fellowship elderly and disabled person and their caregivers by bringing the worship, fellowship, supportive services and material support of the church to them in their care settings. We are, in essence, a church without walls.
Our Leadership
It is both a responsibility and a privilege to proclaim the Good News, serve Holy Communion, counsel the weary, and offer help for the troubles of life that our aged and disabled friends bear. We are guided by the teachings found in the Book of James.
Remembering Anne Whisner
I had the privilege of conducting the funeral service last Saturday for a truly Christian lady. Anne Whisner went to be with her Savior and the Heaven she longed for after complications due to aphasia and many brain bleeds throughout her life. I started visiting Anne in her Turtle Creek home about 11 years ago so she was an early part of this mission. She was the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. I was grateful to God for her. She had a cheerful personality and was a woman who was clearly infused with God’s grace. My visits were always fruitful over the years. We spent much time in the Word, sung hymns, and prayed. We got through Covid. Her husband Bob gave his life to managing her care in her final decade, both with a home aide and himself. During the final two to three years of Anne’s pilgrimage, my wife Carol stepped in and visited Anne regularly. Those two really did well together and the bond was beautiful.
This was a unique and devout Christian lady. Back when she was able to regularly attend church, Anne would ask people regularly and sincerely if there was anything she could pray about for them. There was a simple beauty to her soul. I do not serve too many like her. She suffered a lot in this life, her body became very crippled in her final 6 years or so. Her persona reflected the Spirit of Jesus. But like us all, she was a sinner in need of God’s grace and she knew that. May God be praised as she now rests in the arms of the Merciful Author of Grace, awaiting the resurrection of the righteous on that Great Day.
Rev. John