We invite you to participate fully as you worship with us, and hope that you will be nourished and enriched. If you are unfamiliar with worship in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, we hope that these brief explanations will open a door to the richness of this aspect of our parish's life. The notes below are just a taste of the heritage which guides our practices of worship.
Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
Our worship is liturgical, that means we follow a prescribed order of worship, and our order follows the Book of Common Prayer. "Common" in this case means "used by and belonging to the community." The BCP consists of quotations or paraphrases from the Bible, which is the foundation of our spirituality, prayer, and devotion. Common worship binds Episcopalians together more than agreement about doctrine.
Holy Communion is Central
We believe in the presence of Christ in the bread and wine of Holy Communion and invite all Christians to receive communion with us. If you do not wish to receive, feel free to come to the altar for a blessing (indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest).
Our Worship Practices
The Episcopal Church proclaims an incarnational faith: we worship with all our senses and serve with our whole lives. People "genuflect" (literally "bending the knee") or slightly bow their head to acknowledge Christ's presence in the Holy Sacrament. Making the sign of the cross over one's body is a symbol of belief in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. "Signing" the forehead, lips and heart as the Holy Gospel lesson is announced is a physical prayer that we might understand the Gospel news with our minds, proclaim it with our lips, and believe it in our hearts. Bowing as the cross passes in procession is a gesture of respect for a central symbol of our faith. As people become familiar with the use of such physical gestures, we believe they will find their worship enriched.
Vestments
The clergy and those who serve at the altar and in the choir wear distinctive clothing. The colors and symbols used in the priest's and deacon's garments and in the altar and pulpit hangings represent the different days and season of the Christian liturgical year. These vestments are a reminder that we have a historical tradition that is connected to Christians through the centuries.
Stations of the Cross
The wall plaques around the outside aisles of the church depict the last hours of Our Lord's passion. By surrounding ourselves with these images of our Christ, we are reminded of His witness that our faith is fulfilled in concrete acts of service to our neighbors, near and far.
You are always welcome at St. James
Let us help you explore the life of faith and service which we share. To learn more, feel free to complete a "visitor" card, located on the back of every pew. Simply place it in the collection plate, or you may give it directly to the Rector.
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Our Service