Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, which serves Franklin and Hampshire Counties, will welcome St. James Episcopal Church as a Covenant Congregation in a special ceremony on April 25. St. James is the first Covenant Congregation in Franklin County.

Habitat for Humanity is a housing ministry, building houses in partnership with persons in need. Since 1976, Habitat International has build over 150,000 simple, decent houses in 92 countries. Pioneer Valley Habitat has built homes for 14 families since it was organized in 1989. A Covenant Congregation is one that has promised to support the Habitat program, offering prayer, work crews, funds, meeting space, promotional assistance, and persons to serve on committees.

St. James first became involved with Pioneer Valley Habitat when the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts sponsored a Habitat house in Northampton in 2002 as part of their centennial celebration. A work crew from St. James went to Northampton at that time. This year they have participated in three work days at the Habitat house under construction in Greenfield.

Frank Moss, rector, said that he felt it was a "win-win" situation in that helping to build a house also builds community and strength within the congregation.

St. James has a strong history of acting on behalf of those in need. In conjunction with Deerfield Academy, they sponsor the Second Helpings meal program on Monday evenings, a night when there is no Franklin County Community Meal offered in Greenfield. But they also have a regular date to supply a Community Meal on Tuesdays. They are also long-time supporters of the Survival Center and present food baskets weekly as part of their offering. As an active member of Interfaith Council, St James raised considerable money for the fund to support the local emergency shelter for the homeless.

In addition to sponsoring specific programs, St. James Parish Hall is also used extensively on behalf of the community. It is the only venue for the Red Cross Bloodmobile that they do not have to pay to use. The Restorative Probation program meets there, as do several 12-step groups, the Adopt-a-Family Christmas program and the Girl Scout Ski and Skate sale. The church sponsors Cub Pack 367, but opens its facilities to a Boy Scout troop as well.