St. James Episcopal Church seeks to provide a Christian community that offers spiritual support and challenge to all ages, demonstrates faith in Christ in community service, and invites and encourages others to join with us in worship and learning. We have a commitment to being a beloved community, open to all, in service to others. As an Episcopal Church, we are part of the Diocese of Olympia in Western Washington. We are also part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide community of Anglican churches that support and help each other.
St. James is a “Total Common Ministry” congregation, where everyone is invited to share his or her talents and participate in worship. We recognize that each of us has gifts and talents given by God for use in service to others. Congregation members read the scripture lessons, lead us in reciting a psalm each Sunday, and lead our prayers, as well as arrange the flowers and set up the altar. Children serve as acolytes and take the offering each Sunday, as well as ringing the bell that calls us to worship. We have a choir and are always looking for new participants.
Our approach to worship might be summed up as worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Through music, a beautiful church setting, and other means, we try to create an experience that moves us towards God, the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who created the beautiful world around us. Our worship is based on what is sometimes called the “three-legged stool,” i.e. Scripture, Tradition and Reason. We strive to find the “via media,” the middle way, focusing not on extremes but by what we have in common. Our guide to worship is the Book of Common Prayer.
Office hours are Mondays, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, or by appointment. Bible Study is seasonal, with the schedule depending upon the liturgical calendar. Our Prayer Group meets every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the church. We welcome all to the prayer group, where we pray each week for each other in our faith journeys, for our church, the community and the world.
We conduct a variety of community ministries through the St. James Family Center. Church volunteers are active in this ministry, particularly on the Board. We also participate in ecumenical events in the community.