"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."

-- Hebrews 13:2

Visitors are always welcome at St. James, where we are steeped in tradition, but not mired in it.

Upon arrival at St. James, you will find some curbside parking, including spots reserved for those with handicapped tags or plates. Across Fourth Street from the front of the church is free parking in the lot accessible from Fourth Street. As well, the All-Right lot accessible from Convention Street has free parking on Sunday for those attending our services. A map is located here.

Should you need or desire it, our professionally staffed nursery is located right off the foyer in the Parish Hall, the white stucco and brick building, directly north of the church in the middle of the block. Nursery care is for children four years old and younger. Your children are welcome in church, too.

We celebrate the Holy Eucharist,  also known as the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, at five services on Sundays:

• 7:30 a.m. - a quiet, spoken service in the church following Rite I in the Book of Common Prayer.
• 9:00 a.m. - in the church, using Rite II, this service has music provided by our award-winning organist, Herndon Spillman, with cantors led by choir master Jason Hubbard. During the school year, the Children's Choirs also sing
• 9:00 a.m. - a music-filled service in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles (located in the Parish Hall building, above) following Rite II. Praise-type music is provided by the Contemporary Worship Musicians led by Randy East. The prelude begins at 8:55 a.m
• 11:00 a.m. - a Rite II service in the church with the Adult Choir led by choir master Jason Hubbard and accompanied by organist Herndon Spillman
• 5:00 p.m. - a friendly Rite II spoken service held in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles

On the Fifths Sunday of any month, we have a special mid-morning celebration at 10:30 a.m. with a focus on outreach. Depending on the time of year, we may follow this with a parish-wide lunch in Bishops Hall, to which our downtown street residents are invited. In the summer, we'll have a brunch before the service, so those walking to join us may avoid the heat of the day.

A service of Holy Eucharist, with special prayers for healing and anointing with oil (Unction) for those desiring it, is offered at noon on Wednesdays in the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles.

Communion

At St. James, we come to the altar for communion, one pew at a time as directed by our ushers, and many receive bread first, then a sip from the chalice. Intinction is another method of receiving communion, whereby the bread is dipped into the chalice, so that one receives the bread and wine together. It is also perfectly acceptable to receive communion in one kind only (bread). The practice of receiving communion varies from parishioner to parishioner, and all are valid. If the chancel steps are an impediment to you, please advise an usher and the priest will bring the elements to you in your pew.

All baptized Christians, no matter age or denomination, are welcome to receive communion.

Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously. Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the communion to receive a blessing.

You are invited to come experience ancient traditions, modern thought and service to our community at St. James.