Sunday Services & Wednesday Eucharist - Your Guide to Saint James Episcopal Church
If you're considering visiting Saint James Episcopal Church on James Island, you might wonder what our Sunday church services are like. Maybe you're curious about our Sunday school program, or you've heard about our Wednesday mid-week service. Below, we'll walk you through what makes worship at Saint James special and welcoming for everyone.
Two Different Sunday Services, Two Different Vibes
We offer church services every Sunday at 8am and 10am, but here's the thing - they're quite different, so you can pick what works best for you.
Our 8am service is what we call a "spoken service" - no music, just the beautiful words of our Episcopal liturgy. It's perfect if you prefer a quieter, more contemplative start to your Sunday morning. The whole service wraps up in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more intimate worship experience.
The 10am service brings in the whole musical experience, complete with traditional hymns and beautiful choral music. This is our full service with our amazing choir and that gorgeous new organ we're so excited about. Music plays a huge role in our 10am service. We sing psalms that have this incredible ancient feel to them. During the offering, our choir performs an anthem that's always beautiful.
Getting the Hang of Episcopal Traditions
If you've never been to an Episcopal church service before, don't worry - we've got you covered. You'll notice right away that we do a lot of standing, sitting, and kneeling throughout the service. It might seem like a lot at first, but there's a rhythm to it that you'll pick up quickly. And here's a guide to what you can expect on your first visit.
Here's something that makes it super easy for newcomers: we don't actually use the Book of Common Prayer during church services because everything you need is printed in the bulletin. You'll need the hymnal for singing, and if you can't find the right page, don't hesitate to ask someone nearby!
During Lent, we embrace a more contemplative approach to worship. The choir and clergy process silently, creating a beautiful sense of reverence and reflection that's perfect for this sacred season. Most of the year, we start with music that sets a joyful tone for the whole service.
Come As You Are - All Are Welcome
One of the best things about Saint James? There's no dress code. Some people wear their Sunday best, others wear jeans and a t-shirt. The important thing is that you're here, not what you're wearing. Anyone would fit right in and ALL ARE WELCOME!
Holy Communion At Our Sunday Church Services
When it's time, the congregation comes up to the altar to receive Holy Communion. You can stand or kneel - whatever feels right to you. If you're not sure about participating, that's totally fine too. Just cross your arms over your chest when you come up, and you'll receive a blessing instead.
If you'd prefer to receive communion in your pew, we're happy to bring it to you. Just let one of the ushers know. We're happy to assist!
Sunday School That Works for Everyone
Right now, our Sunday school setup is pretty flexible. We have an adult Christian education class (Adult Christian Ed) that meets in the parlor at the Saint James Center. It's a great way to dig deeper into faith and connect with other church members.
For families with kids, we've got a Sunday school room set up for children and a nursery for the little ones. We're trying something new - having the kids start in the main service, then head out to our outdoor playground during the sermon. They return after the Peace to receive communion with their families. It's a nice way to include everyone while keeping things age-appropriate.
Anyone who works with children or leads programs here goes through Safe Church Training. We take keeping everyone safe seriously.
A Mid-Week Spiritual Pause
We also have a Wednesday mid-week Eucharist that's become special for those who attend. It's held in our chapel and lasts about 30 minutes. Think of it as an abbreviated version of our 8am Sunday church service - no music, just scripture, prayers, and instead of a sermon, we share a hagiography (a short bio of the Saint of the day).
Afterward, people stick around for lunch and conversation. As one of our regulars said, "It's a nice way to punctuate the middle of the week, returning to God and spiritual practice for a few minutes in a busy day."
The Music That Moves Our Sunday Church Services
You're in for a treat if you come to our 10am church service. Music isn't just background noise here - it's woven throughout the entire worship experience. We sing psalms that connect us to centuries of Christian tradition, and our choir performs pieces that range from classical to contemporary.
With our new organ offering sounds from different musical eras, our church services can match the mood of whatever season we're celebrating in the church calendar. Whether it's the joy of Easter or the reflection of Lent, the music helps create the right atmosphere for worship.
Planning Your Visit to One of Our Church Services
Whether you're brand new to the Episcopal tradition or you're a cradle Episcopalian, we think you'll feel right at home at Saint James Episcopal Church. Our Sunday church services offer two different ways to experience Episcopal worship; our Sunday school programs welcome learners of all ages, and our Wednesday service provides a peaceful mid-week spiritual break.
Located on beautiful James Island, Saint James Episcopal Church has been part of the Charleston community for centuries. We're excited about our future and would love to have you be part of it.
Ready to visit? Just show up any Sunday at 8am or 10am, or join us Wednesday for our mid-week Eucharist. If you have questions about what to expect or want to know more about our church events, feel free to give us a call. We can't wait to welcome you into our Charleston church family!
