St. James' Church

About Us

Sharing the love of Christ with each other, our city, and the world.

Walking through our neighborhood today, it's hard to believe that St. James' was founded as a quiet summer parish in 1810, when the Upper East Side was countryside. Our city has grown up around us, and we're proud of the role we've always played in supporting our neighbors. What sets us apart now is what defined us in the beginning: We know each other. Whether you find your way in because you are moved to worship with us and explore your faith, or to serve your community, or to make sure your family knows and grows in the love of Christ, one thing is true for us all: When you're at St. James', you're home. - See more at: http://www.stjames.org/about/#sthash.IvjQmEY6.dpuf



Our Services

Sunday
08:00am
Holy Eucharist (intimate and meditative)
09:00am
Holy Eucharist (lively and intergenerational)
11:15am
Choral Eucharist (reverent and transcendent)
06:00pm
Candlelight Communion (contemplative and centering)

What to Expect

What are services like?
Here at St. James', we are a “liturgical” church; we follow service forms and pray from texts that do not change much from week to week--though they do shift as we move through the seasons of the Church's liturgical year. This gives worship a rhythm, and many Episcopalians find that rhythm comforting as it allows us to pray without wondering "what's coming next?!" For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating…or confusing. Our services involve standing, sitting, kneeling, singing, spoken responses and other participatory elements that may provide a challenge for the first-time visitor. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes. See more at: www.stjames.org/worship/sunday/about

What is the community like?
St. James' is a vibrant community that honors our historical presence in the city by welcoming, witnessing, and serving. Parishioners and friends hail from all walks of life, with young families and older folks who have been around for generations, gay and straight, married and single, "cradle Episcopalians" and those who come from other traditions -- or no tradition! Stop by and learn more. We'd love to meet you.

What if I'm not a Christian?
All are welcome! During the academic year, Essential Christianity (Sundays, 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.) is a recurring series of clergy-led conversations intended to equip the faithful, the curious, and the skeptical with information, vocabulary, and concepts for exploring Christian faith. Parishioners, newcomers, and inquirers are all welcome. Those interested in considering baptism, confirmation, or reception will find this especially helpful.


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