Worship
Our common worship of Almighty God is what knits us together into a community. Through our worship we are shaped as the people of God, nurtured to serve God in the world, and called to spread the Good News of God in Jesus Christ.
Worship in the Episcopal Church is communal, liturgical, and sacramental: communal because the community comes together to worship God as one Body; liturgical because our rituals are not entirely spontaneous and draw to and from early Christian practice; sacramental because we believe God acts in history and touches our lives through the things of creation.
The primary worship books of the Church are the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and The Hymnal 1982. Our Scripture readings are appointed in the revised Common Lectionary, used by most Christians in the USA, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The Prayer Book, although it contains prayers for individual use, is called “common” because it is used for the worship of the gathered community. In praising God we employ all our senses by using bread and wine, our physical selves, flowers, music, the liturgical colors of vestments and hangings, and incense on festival days.
At St. James, liturgical practice includes a variety of customs. Worshipers are free to do what feels comfortable and appropriate for them. Some people make the sign of the cross and kneel at various times in the services and others do not. The congregation is encouraged to be silent during the musical prelude in order to prepare for worship.
Those who would like to have special prayers and thanksgivings read aloud during the intercessions may call the parish office with their requests; all are encouraged to add their voice during the Prayers of the People.
HOLY EUCHARIST
The Holy Eucharist is the focus of our worship. It is "the Sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of His life, death, and resurrection.
The benefits we receive in the Lord's Supper are the forgiveness of our sins, the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet" (BCP).
All baptized Christians are welcome to come to the Lord's Table, in preparation for which "it is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people." The Episcopal Church does not define how Christ's body and blood are present in the Holy Communion, but approaches this great mystery with reverence, awe, and thanksgiving.
Although children are eligible to receive the Holy Communion from the time of their Baptism, classes to prepare children to receive the sacrament are held periodically. Speak to the clergy if you would like your child to receive such instruction.
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ADVENTLessons and Carols are offered at St. James Parish during the 10:15 a.m. service on the second Sunday of Advent. A Service of Lessons and Carols taps into the story of salvation through the history of scripture, culminating with the Annunciation to Mary by the angel that she will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and usher in a new age through her Child, Jesus. Lessons and Carols, above all else, reminds us that God’s coming among us has long been expected and, in our story, long delayed. “Come, thou long expected Jesus” the hymn sings. We have waited for so long. Lessons and Carols allows us to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s coming among us, all over again. Come join us for this exciting time of worship and anticipation as we continue to wait for the long-expected Jesus.
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CANDELMASOn the feast of Candelmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. The feast has been celebrated since at least the beginning of the 4th Century, where it is referenced by bishops in sermons of the day that have survived. In 1887, the diary of a nun named Egeria, who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 381 AD, refers to the liturgy of the Presentation in Jerusalem. The feast is often called Candlemas, because light is an important part of the readings, and candles are often blessed and used at the service. The feast was once referred to as the Feast of the Purification of Mary. In Luke 2: 22-40, Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple, 40 days after His birth, so that Mary may be ritually purified. Jewish custom at the time was that women were ritually unclean after giving birth and would be purified 40 days after the birth. While coming to the Temple, Mary encounters the old seer Simeon, who takes the baby Jesus into his arms and celebrates that he has at long last seen the Messiah. His beautiful Song of Simeon (BCP, 135) gives us a glimpse into who Jesus will be. Mary is warned that her heart will be pierced to, foreshadowing Jesus’ death. Candlemas is a celebration of Simeon’s recognition of Jesus, and of Anna’s, and Jesus’ entrance into the community of people who would ultimately become his followers and disciples. God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who bear see these candles may walk in the path of goodness, and come to the Light that shines forever, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The service begins with us all processing with candles into the church together. People are encouraged to bring candles that they might use in the coming year; they will be blessed later on. As we move through the season after Epiphany and await the beginning of Lent, recognizing and celebrating our Lord, who is the light of the world, seems most fitting.
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PENTECOSTComing soon
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LENT SERVICESComing soon
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HOLY WEEKHOLY THURSDAY Traditionally, the parish keeps vigil, with volunteers who will spend an hour “with Jesus,” through the night, as He goes through His arrest and trial. GOOD FRIDAY Noon service includes short readings, Taizé music, and much time for reflection. At the evening service we observe the Veneration of the Cross, and taking of Holy Eucharist from the Reserved Sacrament, honoring Jesus as He lays dark in the tomb. For a fleeting moment, we feel outside the reach of Jesus, who is taken from us and placed into the ground, away from us. The low point of Holy Week, as Jesus dies on the Cross. SATURDAY, THE GREAT EASTER VIGIL At sundown we process into the Church from the front lawn, after the lighting of the Easter fire outside, and begin with the glorious strains of the Exsultet. After readings and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, we bring up the lights and find the joy of Alleluia again, for the first time since before Ash Wednesday. Childcare will be available during the service. EASTER SUNDAY Jesus is risen indeed! Joy abounds as we celebrate with uplifting music, a renewed altar, and a dedication of our Chapel. An Easter egg hunt will follow the 2nd service, after we have gathered in the parish hall for fellowship and refreshments.
SACRAMENTS
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ADVENTLessons and Carols are offered at St. James Parish during the 10:15 a.m. service on the second Sunday of Advent. A Service of Lessons and Carols taps into the story of salvation through the history of scripture, culminating with the Annunciation to Mary by the angel that she will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit, and usher in a new age through her Child, Jesus. Lessons and Carols, above all else, reminds us that God’s coming among us has long been expected and, in our story, long delayed. “Come, thou long expected Jesus” the hymn sings. We have waited for so long. Lessons and Carols allows us to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s coming among us, all over again. Come join us for this exciting time of worship and anticipation as we continue to wait for the long-expected Jesus.
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CANDELMASOn the feast of Candelmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. The feast has been celebrated since at least the beginning of the 4th Century, where it is referenced by bishops in sermons of the day that have survived. In 1887, the diary of a nun named Egeria, who made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 381 AD, refers to the liturgy of the Presentation in Jerusalem. The feast is often called Candlemas, because light is an important part of the readings, and candles are often blessed and used at the service. The feast was once referred to as the Feast of the Purification of Mary. In Luke 2: 22-40, Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple, 40 days after His birth, so that Mary may be ritually purified. Jewish custom at the time was that women were ritually unclean after giving birth and would be purified 40 days after the birth. While coming to the Temple, Mary encounters the old seer Simeon, who takes the baby Jesus into his arms and celebrates that he has at long last seen the Messiah. His beautiful Song of Simeon (BCP, 135) gives us a glimpse into who Jesus will be. Mary is warned that her heart will be pierced to, foreshadowing Jesus’ death. Candlemas is a celebration of Simeon’s recognition of Jesus, and of Anna’s, and Jesus’ entrance into the community of people who would ultimately become his followers and disciples. God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to the aged Simeon your light which enlightens the nations. Fill our hearts with the light of faith, that we who bear see these candles may walk in the path of goodness, and come to the Light that shines forever, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The service begins with us all processing with candles into the church together. People are encouraged to bring candles that they might use in the coming year; they will be blessed later on. As we move through the season after Epiphany and await the beginning of Lent, recognizing and celebrating our Lord, who is the light of the world, seems most fitting.
-
PENTECOSTComing soon
-
LENT SERVICESComing soon
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HOLY WEEKHOLY THURSDAY Traditionally, the parish keeps vigil, with volunteers who will spend an hour “with Jesus,” through the night, as He goes through His arrest and trial. GOOD FRIDAY Noon service includes short readings, Taizé music, and much time for reflection. At the evening service we observe the Veneration of the Cross, and taking of Holy Eucharist from the Reserved Sacrament, honoring Jesus as He lays dark in the tomb. For a fleeting moment, we feel outside the reach of Jesus, who is taken from us and placed into the ground, away from us. The low point of Holy Week, as Jesus dies on the Cross. SATURDAY, THE GREAT EASTER VIGIL At sundown we process into the Church from the front lawn, after the lighting of the Easter fire outside, and begin with the glorious strains of the Exsultet. After readings and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, we bring up the lights and find the joy of Alleluia again, for the first time since before Ash Wednesday. Childcare will be available during the service. EASTER SUNDAY Jesus is risen indeed! Joy abounds as we celebrate with uplifting music, a renewed altar, and a dedication of our Chapel. An Easter egg hunt will follow the 2nd service, after we have gathered in the parish hall for fellowship and refreshments.
LITURGICAL SEASON
HOLY MATRIMONY
Praise God! Alleluia! Blessings be to you who are reading this because you are considering a wedding at St. James! You are already set upon a holy adventure because where there is love, there is God. There are many places to have your wedding – in a beautiful garden, your family home, or on a mountain top. Choosing to be married in the church is not just choosing a lovely setting or choosing to carry on a family tradition. Planning a Christian marriage brings with it the beliefs that God is a part of your relationship and that you need God’s grace to strengthen your life together. A couple should not choose to be married in the Church if they cannot accept the commitments of Christian marriage.
FUNERALS
When a member of the parish is near death or dies, the family should notify the church as quickly as possible. Our clergy and staff are ready to be of help at any hour and are willing to go with the family while burial arrangements are made. The Church is the appropriate place for the funeral of a Christian.
Provision of flowers for the altar for a funeral service is to be coordinated with the Parish office. The parish hall may be used for a reception after the funeral service.
The Memorial Garden is available for the direct interment of ashes. Plots may be reserved in advance or selected at the time of death. More details are available from the church office.
The honorarium for the organist is $175; the sexton’s fee is $50. There is no fee for the use of the church or for the clergy's services; gifts of appreciation may be made to St. James.
Parishioners are encouraged to leave any special instructions for their funerals on permanent record kept by family or friends.