St. James celebrates Major Feasts and Holy Days with multiple services held at Christmas, Easter, and Ash Wednesday. A service of Lessons and Carols is held the Sunday following Christmas. The Maundy Thursday service incorporates the washing of feet and stripping of the alter. Good Friday services include the Stations of the Cross in the church.
Two worship services are offered on Sunday mornings. Holy Eucharist Rite I, celebrated at the 8 AM service, includes music. Holy Eucharist Rite II, celebrated at the 10 AM service, includes music with a choir and acolytes.
Alter guild, greeters, lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes, ushers, oblation bears, flower arrangers and deliverers, and lay Eucharistic Ministers (L.E.M.) participate in worship, as do children. Children are welcome at all worship services. Appropriate books, drawing paper and crayons are available for children to help them feel welcome and comfortable. Music is a wonderful way to feel the presence of the Lord, and is an integral part of services at St. James’. During worship, we use the Episcopal Hymnal 1982 as well as LEVAS II, Lift Every Voice and Sing songbook.
The Worship Committee and Rector are responsible for training those involved in worship services. The Worship Committee encompasses Acolytes, Ushers, Lectors, Flower Arrangers, Chalice Bearers, Intercessors, Oblation Bearers, Alter Guild and Music. The Worship Committee ensures that worship services flow as smoothly as possible.
Two worship services are offered on Sunday mornings. Holy Eucharist Rite I, celebrated at the 8 AM service, includes music. Holy Eucharist Rite II, celebrated at the 10 AM service, includes music with a choir and acolytes.
Alter guild, greeters, lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes, ushers, oblation bears, flower arrangers and deliverers, and lay Eucharistic Ministers (L.E.M.) participate in worship, as do children. Children are welcome at all worship services. Appropriate books, drawing paper and crayons are available for children to help them feel welcome and comfortable. Music is a wonderful way to feel the presence of the Lord, and is an integral part of services at St. James’. During worship, we use the Episcopal Hymnal 1982 as well as LEVAS II, Lift Every Voice and Sing songbook.
The Worship Committee and Rector are responsible for training those involved in worship services. The Worship Committee encompasses Acolytes, Ushers, Lectors, Flower Arrangers, Chalice Bearers, Intercessors, Oblation Bearers, Alter Guild and Music. The Worship Committee ensures that worship services flow as smoothly as possible.
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
To see our committee meeting schedule & contacts please visit click here
Altar Guild: The altar guild prepares our worship area for services. For additional information check out the Altar Guild brochure or speak to Yvonne Kiddoe 203-794-0925.
Chalice Ministers: Chalice Ministers are licensed by the bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. The clergy trains chalice ministers and submits their names for licensing. Speak to one of the Wardens about this ministry.
Intercessors: Intercessors lead the congregation's prayers of intercession (The Prayers of the People) which include prayers for the 'whole state of Christ church and the world'. Speak to one of the Wardens if you are interested in this ministry.
Oblation Bearers: Oblation bearers bring the bread, wine, and water to the altar for consecration at communion. This is a wonderful ministry for families. Contact one of the Wardens if you want to participate in this ministry.
Choirs: The choirs lead and support worship. St. James' has several choirs of singers and bell ringers of all ages. For additional information check out the Music Ministry page.
Ushers: Ushers hand out weekly service bulletins, answer questions, collect and present the offertory, and straighten up the pews after the services. If you are interested in joining an usher team contact Lew Westfall: 203-790-0229 (10:00 AM) or Joan Tarrant: 203-748-1044 (8:00 AM)
Lectors: Lectors are trained in reading scripture and are appointed by the clergy person to read lessons or lead the prayers of the people. Speak to one of the Wardens if you are interested in this ministry.
Acolytes: Acolytes (6th grade through adult) are trained to assist before, during, and after the services. If you are interested in this ministry, speak to Bob Pearson: 203-792-0808.
Greeters: Are an important part of our service. They are the first people you meet as you come through our welcoming red doors. They will sit with you during the service, answer any questions, and escort you to coffee hours. If you are interested in this ministry, speak with Beth Cox