If you’re new here, welcome!
St. James’ Episcopal Church, close to the Washington State University campus, delights in having visitors for worship, education, and fellowship. Come experience God’s love with us firsthand! Some of us are life-long Episcopalians, but many of us made our way to St. James from other Christian denominations or religious traditions. All of us still have questions.
When We Meet
Our regular worship services are held on Sundays.
Most of the year we have two services:
8 a.m. Shorter, spoken service (Rite II Eucharist)
10:30 a.m. Service with music and choir (Rite II Choral Eucharist)—childcare available
During the summer (June 15-August 31), we have one service:
9 a.m. Service with music (Rite II Eucharist)—childcare available
What To Expect
As you enter our church for a Sunday service, one of our ushers will provide you with a printed worship program (bulletin). Please find a seat in the pews and listen to the organ music as you wait for the service to start. Our worship service generally includes three short readings from the Bible, a sermon based on the day’s scriptures, an affirmation of faith using one of the Creeds, congregational prayers, several hymns and choral offerings, and a celebration of communion (Holy Eucharist).
Guests are welcome to participate in communion, but if you would prefer not to take communion, you may remain seated, or may come forward with your arms crossed to receive a blessing.
You will be invited to stand (and sometimes even kneel) at various points—please do so to the extent you are able and feel comfortable. The service will last about one hour.
We hope you will also join us after the 10:30 service (9 a.m. in summers) for coffee, tea, and treats in the parish hall.
Children and Youth
Sunday School: Each Sunday, during the 10:30 service (or 9:00 service in the summer) we offer Sunday School for ages 3 to 12, taught by our Christian Education Coordinator, Cheryl Starkey. During the summer, children should be taken to the Canterbury room off the narthex/gathering space (ask the usher to show you where the Canterbury Room is). Starting in the Fall, children will go into church with their parents and process out during the Gloria early in the service, then be brought back in time to say the Lord's Prayer and take communion with their parent(s) or adult(s) with whom they have come to church.
If the parent or adult prefers, the child may remain in church with the parent; age-appropriate activity bags are provided. Very young children are welcome in church, but they be brought to the "cry room" off the main hall if the parent would like some time alone with their child where they can still watch/hear the service. If the number of helpers in Sunday School on a given Sunday permits, children under 3 may also attend.
Youth Group: Middle and High School Youth are invited to attend a monthly gathering, usually the 3rd Sunday night of the month from 6:00-7:30pm (see the calendar on the website, review the newsletter/bulletin, and/or check with Youth Leader, Charlie Hammerich). The group time is lots of fun and includes prayer, a meal together, group activities, and spiritual/Biblical studies.
We invite you to use the Contact Form to find out more about St. James, to let us know about you, or to inquire about any of the ways we connect with each other.