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We are part of something big... But you'll always feel at home.
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 our neighborhood and beyond. 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.
Worship times
This is a family-friendly celebration of Holy Communion, using the contemporary expression of Rite II with preaching that is relevant and engaging. Music is led by our parish choirs of children and adults, and is drawn primarily from the classical tradition, including choral anthems and great hymns. Children and youth take leadership roles throughout as ushers, acolytes and readers. This service usually has the largest attendance of the Sunday services.
Nursery care (ages 0-2) is available beginning at 9:00 a.m. Children ages 2-6 gather simultaneously downstairs for Toddler & Primary Chapel, led by one of the clergy and Miss Vicki. Once per month, usually the first Sunday, our Primary Class joins us in the Church for Children's Eucharist, which includes prayers by one of the Church School classes and a sermon especially appropriate for our youngest parishioners.
This service usually lasts 60 minutes. Followed by coffee and fellowship, Church School, Bible study, and special Forums for parents and for the parish-at-large.
This service of Holy Communion is grounded in ancient traditions of Christian worship, and represents the finest aspects of our Anglican tradition: reverence, beauty, glorious music, and dynamic, relevant preaching. The prayers use the traditional language of Rite I. The music is drawn primarily from the classical tradition, including great congregational hymns and excellent choral music sung by the professional Compostela Choir. As with all our services, children are always welcome and nursery care is available until 1:00 p.m.
This service usually lasts no more than 75 minutes. Preceded by the Adult Forum and Bible study at 10:30 a.m. Followed by coffee and fellowship.
Holy Eucharist
This service usually lasts no more than 60 minutes.
This simple morning service is the perfect way to begin each day centered in prayerful attention to God. A 20-minute service, it includes Psalms, Bible readings and prayers, and is led by specially trained lay members of the parish.
This simple morning service is the perfect way to begin each day centered in prayerful attention to God. A 20-minute service, it includes Psalms, Bible readings and prayers, and is led by specially trained lay members of the parish.
At the center of our week is an intimate celebration of Holy Communion in the Chapel. This 30-minute service includes a short homily by one of the clergy. From September through May, it is also followed by the Wednesday Bible Study, to which all are welcome.
This simple morning service is the perfect way to begin each day centered in prayerful attention to God. A 20-minute service, it includes Psalms, Bible readings and prayers, and is led by specially trained lay members of the parish.
This simple morning service is the perfect way to begin each day centered in prayerful attention to God. A 20-minute service, it includes Psalms, Bible readings and prayers, and is led by specially trained lay members of the parish. (September through May)
Join us for this 20 minute service of Psalms, Bible readings and prayers. This service is immediately followed by Lectio Divina (a meditative way of reading the Bible) at 6:00 p.m. in the Baptistry.
Join us for this 20 minute service of Psalms, Bible readings and prayers. This service is immediately followed by Centering Prayer at 6:00 p.m. in the Baptistry.
Join us for this 20 minute service of Psalms, Bible readings and prayers.
Join us for this 20 minute service of Psalms, Bible readings and prayers.
Volunteer opportunities
Ministries
Meal Programs
On Tuesday mornings and Friday evenings volunteers meet in the kitchen at St. James’ to prepare and serve a meal to more than 90 hungry and homeless guests. Our volunteer chefs design creative menus and prepare delicious and hearty meals – green salads, main dishes, and desserts all prepared from scratch. The food we serve is tangible evidence of our concern for our neighbors in need.
Yet the way we receive our guests is just as important. We lay the tables with cloth, dinnerware, and flatware. We place a vase of beautiful flowers at the center, along with pitchers of hot coffee and ice water. Volunteers stand at the doorway and welcome each guest with a smile and greeting. We begin with grace and serve restaurant-style, clearing the plates for the guests when the meal is through.
These practices are signs of the love and respect Jesus asks us to show one another and Himself, through each other. The hospitality is contagious – and reciprocal. Many guests return week after week, sitting at the same table, greeting our volunteers and one another by name. Together we create a respite from the worries and struggles of daily life, which though they may impact differently, are felt by us all.
Meet some of our Tuesday Lunch and Friday Dinner volunteers, and contact Windsor Jones to learn more about this ministry.
Sacred Ground Race Dialogue Circles
Sacred Ground is dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race, racism, and whiteness while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.
Sacred Ground is a resource coming out of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is especially designed to help white people talk with other white people, while being open to all racial/ethnic groups. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.
865 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10021
United States
