What should I wear?
Don’t fret about clothing. People wear anything from jeans and shorts to dresses and business casual. You may even see some people dressed in costume the last Sunday in October! Or if we get tired of snowstorms, we might schedule a spring-break themed fellowship time in mid-winter and invite people to wear their flip-flops to church!
How early do I need to arrive?
During regular Sunday service, people usually arrive 5-20 minutes before service. Some like to arrive a bit earlier so they can socialize, read the bulletin, or catch up on what’s happening. Don’t worry if you show up a few minutes late. We keep the bulletins by the sanctuary door and we have a greeter who can assist you, if needed.
For Tuesday service, people usually arrive 5 minutes before service.
What if there is a snowstorm on Sunday?
During the winter, should weather result in services being cancelled, we will update the church voicemail notifying you services have been cancelled. Simply call the church number (450-4031) and wait for the recorded message. We will also post this news via our website, Facebook page, and Twitter.
How kid-friendly is St. James?
If you have infants, that’s great! We offer a nursery service but you are most welcome to keep your child with you during service too. Don’t worry if your children cry or speak out! For youth between the ages of 3 and grade 9, we offer a Sunday school program following a time with the children in service.
More info on our ministry for children and youth can be found here.
What’s the atmosphere like?
We sure hope you don’t find worship and congregational life boring here at St. James. Building a relationship with God and being part of a church family is pretty fulfilling and rewarding.
Every service is carefully and prayerfully planned with hopes you will encounter God’s grace through Jesus. We believe that Scripture, preaching, teaching, praying, music, and experiential elements of worship can help us connect to God in a meaningful way. During fellowship time and other activities, we hope you will meet people who care, are full of laughter, and who offer words of encouragement.
We offer pretty comfortable seating (no hard pews!), and while there are many opportunities to stand during service, we know this might not be practical or easy for everyone. If you need to sit even when others are standing (or vice-versa for that matter), that’s perfectly ok.
What is the music like?
Worship music includes a mix of classic and contemporary hymns accompanied by the organ or piano. On occasion, the organist will play the guitar. Each week the choir shares their gift of singing and sometimes the children will share special music too.
Will I be asked to give money?
During Sunday worship, an opportunity is given for people to offer up to God a monetary gift to support St. James’ ongoing ministry.
The offering serves different purposes. It is a way to acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God. It is an expression of gratitude for – and response to – God’s goodness, as well as a symbol of our desire to devote ourselves to God’s service. It is also a way to support the ongoing work of the church. Every offering – be it large or small, monetary or offerings of our lives, time, skills, and other items – is valued and makes a difference in ministry.
You are not required to give money. Should you wish to do so, thank you. If you choose to do so, you will find offering envelopes in the pew racks in front of your seat.
What happens after worship?
Following service, please join us in the hall for light refreshments. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends! Once a month we have Birthday Sunday to celebrate the birthdays of those born during that particular month (and yes, there is cake!)