I came to St James’ just over three years ago, looking for a 
church, discouraged by religious trends in America, and almost ashamed to call myself a Christian. I had attended services that were about reaching an emotional high, whipping the faithful to praise a narrow view of God. I had visited congregations that welcomed me as long as I agreed with their doctrine and rules, with intolerance wrapped in bible quotes.
Then I visited St. James’ and soon after attended Reverend Lori’s class for New Members, where I rediscovered what is called “the middle way” of Episcopalians. A place where all are welcome and nurtured, where diversity is celebrated and we are united by one Christ-centered liturgy and communion. We “come as we are” and Jesus accepts us. We hear the word, we praise, we pray, we experience our creeds and traditions together and apply them to our lives, wherever our life journey may be. Christ is among us.
In worship I experience Jesus …
- In our Sunday News insert, reading all the ways Jesus works through the activities of St. James’.
- In the words of the Gospel, brought alive and made relevant by the Sermon message.
- In the little faces singing their hearts out in the children’s anthem.
- When I say a line of the Nicene creed and hear it as if for the first time.
- When we pray “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” and I look to God for help.
- When I return to the pew after receiving the bread and wine, meditating on His presence here and now.
Jesus meets us and transforms us in many ways. What moments, people and traditions in your life at St. James’ have transformed you?
~ John Butterfield