Frequently Asked Questions

I want to join you for worship. What should I wear? What is your worship like? I'm Catholic/Presbyterian/Baptist/etc - what should I know?

We would love to have you join us! Most worshippers dress casually, not suits and dresses. Our worship lasts roughly one hour or so. The first Sunday of each month is when we celebrate Holy Communion, and EVERYONE is welcome to join us for Holy Communion, regardless of your faith.

Each worship service includes three or four hymns, prayers, readings from the Bible, and, those that feel moved to do so, share their joys and concerns during worship. We stand and sit when appropriate, but we don't kneel.

When you enter the church, you will be met by a friendly greeter who will hand you a bulletin, which tells you the order of the worship service. If you feel comfortable doing so, mention to the greeter that you are new to St. James, and they will assist you.

Feel free to sit anywhere you like, except in the first two pews in the middle section, which is reserved for the choir on Sundays when they are singing. You will find hymnals in the pews, and, occasionally, the hymns are printed right in the bulletin.

If you are a past or present member of a church of another Christian denomination, you will find the order of worship fairly typical. We have a "Children's Time" during worship where children aged around 3-12 are invited to come up and sit with the minister at the front of church where they are taught a special lesson.

After nearly every service, a coffee hour is hosted in the basement, where some refreshments and snacks are served.

If you have any more questions about worship, feel free to contact the minister via email or phone.

Your church is beautiful. Can I get married there?

Wedding Policy for Non-Members: Use of the sanctuary for weddings shall cost $125, and for the church basement for receptions $150, respectively. Both the church basement and sanctuary must be left clean and in order, or a cleaning fee of $100 will be charged.
Wedding Policy for Members: Use of the sanctuary and church basement is free. Both the church basement and sanctuary must be left clean and in order or a cleaning fee of $100 will be charged.

I would like to have my child baptized at St. James - what do I need to know?

Arrange to meet with the Pastor and representative from Council, to review the purpose and intent of baptism and the baptismal covenant at least two (2) weeks prior to the time desired for the baptism to take place.
Involved parties will also sign a written baptismal covenant, a copy of which shall become a part of the permanent church record.
The Parish Life Committee shall make provisions for the persons participating in the baptismal ceremony to be introduced to the congregation after the service by hosting a coffee hour, if so desired by the family.
Anyone, member or non-member of St. James, can request a private baptism. A private baptism being defined as one, which is held anytime other than a regular Sunday worship hour. There would be a fee of $50.00 payable to St. James UCC for the use of the sanctuary for a baptism of a non-member private ceremony.

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