2026
Events
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sunday Worship Services
All are welcome! We gather in the church every Sunday for 8:00 am Holy Eucharist and the 10:15 am Holy Eucharist with Choir (livestreamed to YouTube).
Sunday Offerings for Children
Our Staffed Nursery is open every Sunday and welcomes children ages 5 and under. Our Children’s Chapel takes place during the 10:15 am service.
Adult Forum
Join us between services at 9:00 am in the Parish Library for Adult Forum.
Coffee Hour
Everyone is invited to enjoy a delicious array of treats together at coffee hour after the 10:15 am Sunday Service.
Weekday Services
We also offer weekly Noonday Prayer (12:00 pm Monday–Wednesday via Zoom) and Compline (8:00 pm Monday–Thursday via Zoom). Healing Eucharist is at 9 am in the church the second and the fourth Thursday of every month.
Bible Studies
Bible Study is at 9:00 am in the parish library the first and third Thursday of each month. Women’s Bible Study is at 6 pm in the library on the third Thursday of each month.
Sacred Ground Course Offered
Pastor Joe is offering the Sacred Ground course with time and day to be determined by the group. Contact Pastor Joe to get your name on this list: rector@saintjames.org; 434-249-3868
Inquirers’ Class
Pastor Joe is offering an inquirers’ class to all who are interested in learning more about St. James Church, The Episcopal Church, and Christianity in general. Contact Joe if you are interested: rector@saintjames.org; 434-249-3868
SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
September
WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Our new program year begins. We welcome back Choir, Adult Forum, Coffee Hour, Nursery, and Children’s Chapel.
BACK TO SCHOOL SUNDAY (Blessing of The Backpacks)
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Join us at the 10:15 am service as we gather to celebrate and welcome academy students, along with ALL students, faculty, staff, and families! Together, we will offer up our prayers for a wonderful, safe, and inspiring new academic year. A special highlight of our service will be the “Blessing of the Backpacks.” We invite each student to bring an item that represents their educational journey to be blessed as they start the school year. Whether it is an eraser, binder, computer, pencil, folder, or any other school item, bring it along to the altar so we can pray over it and jump-start the year with encouragement!
October
Car Show
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Calling all car enthusiasts for a day of beautiful cars, food and community.
Blessing of The Animals
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Celebrate the ministry of St. Francis and bring your pets for a blessing after the 8 am service or 10:15 am service. Blessings available until 1pm at the mounting block and Mac Hall picnic area. All animals, including horses, are welcome!
Fall into Winter Festival
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Mac Hall Lawn
Pumpkin carving, family activities, Trunk-or-Treat, food and live bluegrass music. We will be cleaning out the pumpkins October 27 at 6 pm if you want to volunteer.
November
Family Dinner Night & Advent Wreath Workshop
Sunday, November 22, 2026
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Blessing of The Hounds
A Thanksgiving Day tradition at St. James
Thursday, November 26, 2026
10 am at the Pony Ring. Parking in lower field (donations appreciated).
Videos by Tom Iglehart for St. James
December
Service of Remembrance
Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 7 pm
A reflective and quiet approach to Christmas for anyone grieving a loss–this contemplative, prayerful setting promises respite to weary hearts.
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 9 am
Greening of the Church
Sunday, December 20, 2026 at 10 am
Decorate the church for the Christmas season.
Christmas Eve Family Service and Live Nativity
Thursday, December 24, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Immerse yourself in the Christmas Story through a guided nativity experience. Includes carols, communion, costumes and cocoa!
Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist
Thursday, December 24, 2026 at 9 pm
Experience the joy, peace and hope of a traditional Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist Service at Saint James. Music and carols begin at 8:30 pm.
Christmas Day Eucharist
Friday, December 25, 2026 at 10 am
Gather together for a warm, intimate and reflective service that celebrates the birth of Christ.
January
Baptisms of our Lord
Sunday, January 10, 2027
No Children’s Chapel or Adult Forum
Family Dinner Night
Sunday, January 24, 2027
Children of all ages and their grown-ups are invited-including those who are brand new or have never visited Saint James before. It’s going to be a warm, welcoming change to get to know each other and learn what’s coming up for families at Saint James.
February
Shrove Tuesday “Mardi Gras on Monkton”
Tuesday, February 9, 2027 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Pancakes, Jazz and Jambalaya. All are welcome
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Service at noon and 7:00 pm
Deer Creek Chorale at Saint James
Sunday, February 28, 2027 at 3:00 pm
March
Holy Week and Easter Services
Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Beginning of Holy Week
Labyrinth Walk
Wednesday, March 24, 2027
Rectory Property at 7pm
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, March 25, 2027
Service at 7pm
Good Friday
Friday, March 26, 2027
Service at 7pm
Stations of the Cross at Noon (begins at the church); Solemn Collects at 7 pm
Easter Vigil and Baptism Service
Saturday, March 27, 2027
7:30pm
Easter Sunday Services at 9am and 11am
Egg Hunt at 10:15am
Sunday, March 28, 2027
(No Children’s Chapel, Nursery, Adult Forum)
April
The My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase
April 10, 2027
Blessing at Manor Races
Kids Clothing & Gear Swap Drop-off and Setup
April 15, 2027
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
May
Blessing of the Bikes
Sunday, May 2, 2027 at noon
Saint James Church is pleased to invite the community to a special Blessing of the Bikes event, celebrating both faith and fellowship among all who enjoy traveling on two wheels.
Spring into Summer
Thursday, May 27, 2027 at 5:30pm
Mark your calendars for our annual Spring into Summer dinner event on Thursday, May 27, from 5:30–8:00 pm at the pavilion. Enjoy an evening designed to delight all ages, featuring dinner, creative arts and crafts, live music, and a bounce house. It’s a joyful way to welcome the season and gather together as a community—we look forward to celebrating with you!
July
July 4th Morning Prayer Service
10am
We offer morning prayer service at the church at 10 am on Independence Day.
Following the service for those who want to participate and listen, the Declaration of Independence is read aloud.
St. James Feast Day
July 25
August
Shorts and Sandals
2026
Healing Eucharist
Our healing Eucharist services, with laying on of hands and anointing with oil, are held at 9:00 am in the church, on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
All are welcome.
2026
New to Saint James Church?
Welcome to Saint James Church
We’re glad you’re here!
Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church, returning to church after some time away, or simply looking for a church home, we welcome you to Saint James.
You don’t have to know the prayers, understand the service, or have everything figured out before you walk through our doors. Come as you are. We are a community of people at all different places in their faith journeys, and there is a place for you here.
New to Saint James?
Here are a few things that may help you feel more comfortable on your first visit.
Children Are Welcome
Wiggles are welcome!
Children are an important part of our church family, and we love having them in worship. If your child makes a little noise, needs to move around, or gets the giggles during the service, that’s okay.
We want children to learn that church is a place where they belong. Parents and caregivers are welcome to sit wherever they feel most comfortable, and there is no expectation that children will sit perfectly still or be completely quiet. Towards the front is easier for you to see and hear.
Come worship with us just as you are—with all the wiggles, questions, and joyful and challenging moments that come with family life.
What Is an Episcopal Church?
Saint James is part of The Episcopal Church, a Christian denomination rooted in the traditions of the early Church and the Anglican tradition.
Our worship centers around Scripture, prayer, Holy Communion, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We value tradition while also seeking to live out our faith in the world around us.
If you are new to The Episcopal Church you may hear some words or see some traditions that are unfamiliar at first. That’s okay! You don’t need to understand everything right away. Our worship is something we learn by experiencing it together. Feel free to seek out our clergy with questions. The clergy are here to assist in worship and the life of faith.
What Should I Expect on Sunday?
Our Sunday worship follows the ancient Church patterns:
- We gather
- We give praises to God
- We hear scripture
- We respond to the scripture with sermon, and ancient Church creed, prayer, and offering ourselves and our treasure.
- We celebrate the Eucharist
- We are sent out to carry the love of God into the world
You will find a Book of Common Prayer and a hymnal available for worship. Directions are also provided throughout the service, so you can simply follow along.
And if you aren’t sure what to do, don’t worry—just watch what others are doing. There is no test!
Do I Have to Be Episcopalian to Worship at Saint James?
Absolutely not.
You are welcome at Saint James whether you are Episcopalian, belong to another Christian tradition, are exploring your faith, or aren’t sure what you believe. All are welcome!
If you would like to receive Holy Communion, you are welcome to come forward. If for any personal or religious reason you prefer not to receive, you may come forward for a blessing or remain seated. Either choice is perfectly fine. If you want information about baptism, please contact the church office.
What Should I Wear?
Whatever makes you comfortable.
Some people dress up for church, while others come in more casual clothing. You will see a variety of styles on Sunday. There is no dress code for worship.
How Do I Get Involved?
There are many ways to become part of the Saint James community.
You can participate in:
- Sunday Worship
- Bible studies
- Outreach and volunteer opportunities
- Children and youth activities
- Music and worship ministries
- Small groups and parish activities
- Special events throughout the year
You don’t have to jump into everything at once. Start by coming to worship, meeting people, and finding what feels meaningful to you.
Stay Connected
Learn what is happening at Saint James Church by receiving our parish communications. “Bell Tower News” is our e-news letter that keeps you informed on everything happening at Saint James Church. The “Weekly Worship” email provides links to our online Sunday Services and Bulletin information. To sign into our Flocknote church system to receive Bell Tower News and Weekly Worship each week click here.
Questions? Just Ask.
If you have questions about worship, becoming a member, baptisms, weddings, children and youth programs, volunteering, or anything else, please reach out. We are happy to help. If you have a pastoral need, please reach out to one of our priests – contact information is below.
You don’t have to know where you fit before you arrive. Come worship, plug in, and discover Saint James for yourself.
Rev. Joseph M. Cochran
Rector
rector@saintjames.org
434-249-3868
Rev. Joanne Fisher
Associate Priest
joanne@saintjames.org
410-310-6054
Church offices:
church@saintjames.org
410-771-4466
2026
Worship
All are welcome to Sunday Worship Services. We gather in the church every Sunday for 8:00 am Holy Eucharist and the 10:15 am Holy Eucharist with Choir (livestreamed to YouTube).
Sunday Offerings for Children
Our Staffed Nursery opens at 8:45 am every Sunday, prior to adult forum, and welcomes children of all ages. Our Children’s Chapel takes place during the first half of the 10:15 am service. Children are invited to follow our teachers immediately following the opening hymn and prayer and they return at the peace.
Adult Forum
Join us between services at 9:00 am in the Parish Library for Adult Forum.
Coffee Hour
Everyone is invited to enjoy a delicious array of treats together at coffee hour after the 10:15 am Sunday Service.
Weekday Services
We also offer weekly Noonday Prayer (12:00 pm Monday–Wednesday via Zoom) and Compline (8:00 pm Monday–Thursday via Zoom). Healing Eucharist is at 9 am in the church the second and the fourth Thursday of every month.
Bible Studies
Bible Study is at 9:00 am in the parish library the first and third Thursday of each month. Women’s Bible Study is at 6 pm in the library on the third Thursday of each month.
Summer Break Reminder
As we move into our summer rhythm, the Nursery, Children’s Chapel, Adult Forum and Coffee Hour will be taking a summer break. We look forward to welcoming them back after Labor Day on September 13th! In their place, we’re delighted to introduce three new ways to connect, worship, and enjoy the season together:
The Busy Bench — New this summer, look for a special bench at the back of the sanctuary stocked with quiet toys and activities for little ones. Families are invited to pick something up before the service and return it on the way out — a simple way to help children feel at home in worship while Nursery and Children’s Chapel are on break. Please feel free to add to the busy bench with any gently-used donations from home (click here for info).
Walk & Worship — Concluded
Lemonade on the Lawn — Beginning Sunday, June 7th, join us outside Mac Hall after the service for lemonade and treats. Come linger, catch up, and soak in the summer sunshine together. If your family is interested in hosting Lemonade on the Lawn for a Sunday in the summer click here.
We hope you’ll join us for all that this season has to offer!