Most Sundays, 10:15 to 11:00 a.m. Valentine Hall

Throughout the program year (September through May) we gather in Valentine Hall for a wide variety of programs on topics of Christian concern in today’s world. This is a chance for us to host speakers and exchange questions and ideas.

We offer a variety of Wednesday Night Adult Formation, from classes for newcomers and get-togethers with authors to classes covering a wide range of topics.

Second and Fourth Tuesdays, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., in Room 302 of Michaux House 

This Bible study meets twice a month to read together through a biblical book or theme one at a time. We explore when and under what conditions the passages were written, and prayerfully ask how God is speaking through them now to us as Christ’s followers. This year we will focus on the book of Isaiah. 

Second and Fourth Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. at the homes of members

This Bible study follows the lectionary and readings, using them as a basis to discuss the upcoming week’s Gospel.

Tuesdays, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m, beginning September 12 on Zoom

Are you seeking to deepen and grow your faith? Education for Ministry (EfM) is designed to help us understand our lives and shape our actions. Through EfM, we learn how we might respond to our baptismal call to represent Christ and his Church; “to bear witness to him … to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take [our] place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” (Book of Common Prayer). EfM is a program designed and directed by the University of the South (Sewanee) and is more than 40 years old. Its curriculum of study, worship, theological reflection and small group interaction is one of the most comprehensive theological education experiences available, out- side of seminary. One EfM graduate said, “EfM has helped me be more aware of the God-full moments in my daily walk – at work, at home, at play – and to discover how I can minister right where I am, right now, and to explore possible new ministry.” There is a tuition fee; scholarships are available. Visit the Sewanee EfM website at efm.sewanee.edu.

The Young Adult Small Group meets regularly for things like Bible and Book Studies as well as fellowship events like bowling, movies, brunch, and happy hours. The term young adult is difficult to define, but if you are over the age of 18 and identify as a young adult or you know a young adult that would be interested in participating, contact the Rev. Blake Singer ([email protected]).

A curriculum designed by the Episcopal Church’s ministry for Becoming Beloved Community, Sacred Ground is a powerful ten-part film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. This series is especially designed to help white people talk about racism with other white people.  Each small group walks together through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.  Registration is open.

Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Michaux House, Valentine Hall

A weekly hour of fellowship, discussion, and good food. Areas of study for this group have included the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Book of Acts, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Genesis, and Exodus.

Every other Thursday at 7:30 a.m. Michaux House, Valentine Hall

We are led by Christ’s example of service to others, and members take turns in leading the morning worship and explaining the following Sunday’s readings, or in the cooking and cleaning up of the breakfast meal.

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

This opportunity for spiritual refreshment and enlightenment begins with fellowship, a prayer followed by study, and discussions that help to make our Christian faith a “living faith” and apply the witness of the Scripture to our everyday lives.  We will discuss the lessons appointed for the upcoming Sunday service. (The Collect, the 1st lesson, the Psalm, the New Testament reading and the Gospel.)

First Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Zoom

The Brown Bag Book Club Group reads and discusses both fiction and non-fiction selections, recommended and selected by members. The book list is determined in late summer for the next year, and is available on the church website and calendar publications. All interested readers are invited to join our lively and thoughtful lunch-time discussions. 

Following the commandment of Jesus Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves, and living into our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, Becoming Beloved Community works to promote racial reconciliation, justice, healing, understanding, and forgiveness within our parish and the communities where we live and serve. This initiative was formerly known as St. James’s “Racial Justice and Reconciliation”.

Three-year-olds through First grade

This is a Sunday morning curriculum (from 10:15 am to 11:00 am) for young children (age 3–1st grade) that engages them in Bible stories and liturgical actions. Volunteer Godly Play storytellers present stories and parables and encourage children to wonder and respond to their stories.

This is offered each Sunday at the 9:00 service (during the sermon and prayers). It includes the Gospel reading, a brief children’s sermon from our clergy, and favorite songs lead by Dr. Whitmire. Children’s Chapel is best suited for children age 3–3rd grade.

Throughout the program year, our nursery is open on Sunday mornings from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm for infants through 4-year olds.

A Sunday morning program (from 10:15 am to 11:00 am) for children in 2nd through 5th grades that uses a rotation model and a variety of modalities to engage children in Bible stories. Each lesson is presented for two or three weeks where the same story is looked at through the lenses of art, cooking, games, music, science and storytelling. This approach offers children multiple ways to connect to the Bible lesson.

Children are welcome at all services. During the sermon at the 9 am service, we offer a special Children’s Chapel designed for children pre-K through 3rd grade that features music, activities and a homily from a member of the clergy. All children may observe the celebration of the Eucharist on the chancel rug or at the altar rail, and baptized children may receive communion. Children are also invited to sit on the chancel rug during baptisms to view the sacrament closely. All baptized children are invited to receive communion.

“JYF” or Junior Youth Fellowship

Middle School Youth Group for 6th-8th graders

Sunday mornings from 10:15-11:00 a.m. Michaux House, Room 304

Youth in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades meet together with a team of adult youth leaders. Youth group builds a welcoming community that has fun exploring our faith through games, projects, and service to others. All youth are welcome to attend regardless of prior involvement 

Confirmation, Blessing of the Keys, Senior Blessing

• Party with the Saints
• Advent Fair 
• Epiphany Party
• MLK Service Project
• Lenten Fair
• Palm Cross Workshop
• Stations of the Cross
• Family Service Project

“SYF” or Senior Youth Fellowship

High School Youth Group for 10th-12th graders

Sunday mornings from 10:15-11:00 a.m. Michaux House, Youth Lounge

Youth in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades and adult youth leaders meet in a relaxed environment with a focus on building relationships and exploring ways to live out our faith through mission and service. Much of what we do is driven by the interest and energy of the group and we have a ton of fun offerings this year including a Martin Luther King Weekend Lock-In January 19-20, 2020. All youth are welcome to attend regardless of prior involvement or membership. Additional adult volunteers are welcome too!

9th graders

Meets monthly on designated Sundays from 10:15 to 12:15 in Michaux House

This year-long program empowers 9th graders to grow in relationship with each other and with

God. We look carefully at what it means to be an Episcopalian and identify how each of us is called to live out our faith using the unique gifts God gives us. Students are empowered to make their own faith choices and as a church community we support them unconditionally. The confirmation group will have an overnight Confirmation Camp in the fall to spend time getting to know each other building relationships with our confirmation leaders. Older youth who desire to be confirmed, but did not participate in the 9th grade program, are encouraged to contact Katie Ricard or a member of our clergy about a customized confirmation process tailored to your individual situation.

Going on a mission trip is always a highlight of the summer for our teenagers and a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith and service to others. We offer three mission trips specifically for youth each summer: the 3-day “Mini-Mission” is for middle school students finishing 5th -8th grades, and the week-long “Youth Mission” is for high school students finishing 9th -12th grades. Youth are welcome to participate in any of the other St. James’s mission trips with an accompanying parent. Please join us on January 2024 for our Summer 2024 Preview Event to learn more about these mission opportunities.