Values

We care truly about each other. At St. James, love abounds. We proudly display and believe that we are a church “where strangers become family”. Our casual atmosphere centered around people is apparent to anyone visiting for the first time.

We are welcoming and accepting of everyone. Everyone is a cherished child of God, each on a very personal and unique journey of discovery and growth. As such, all who are seeking a closer relationship with God in a loving Christian community of faith are welcome at St. James, without regard to age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.

We serve those in need in the larger community. Jesus taught that we should love our neighbor as ourselves and so we do. St. James is involved in many activities that serve those who are in crisis or deep need in the greater community as a way of sharing the many blessings God has bestowed on us.

We value the diversity of our worship and education practices. These truly help us learn to live a Christ-like life andradiate the love of Jesus. Recognizing that people have different needs, we offer a variety of services and programs. Everyone is encouraged to share his or her talents and grow through service.

Beliefs

As Episcopalians, we believe in a loving, liberating and life-giving God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, who through lessons and by example showed how we should treat others and whose life, death and resurrection saved the world.

We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity and worth of every person. Everyone has hopes, dreams and fears. Everyone desires mercy, grace and forgiveness. God loves everyone!

We believe in Community without Conformity. We can learn from each other, grow and transform the world without agreeing on every controversial topic in society today. We seek to help everyone find answers to their questions, recognizing that our understanding is incomplete and will grow in time.

We believe in scripture taken seriously but not literally.

We believe that one’s beliefs and relationship with God are personal, based on their unique experiences and thoughtful reasoned conclusions regarding God’s action in their life.

We believe in making the world a better place. We share God’slove by living as Christ lived. When we pray “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven,” we recognize that this isn’t just a plea for God to intervene on earth, but a promise that we will do it ourselves.