These brief parishioner essays, written for our weekly service leaflet, describe many of the ministries and activities that make St. James' a special place. If you would like more information about St. James', visit Especially for Newcomers, or contact the Rev. Martie Metzler.

There is so much to love and so much to miss about St James’. T he beauty and majesty is the quiet and natural kind, firmly grounded in its location. The history and spirit of so many who have participated in the fabric of the church resonates throughout the building and calls to each of us to be still and allow our hearts to grow. As compelling and lovely as the building is, St. James’ has always been about the people who make it the serene place that embraces all. There is a mystical experience that envelopes the community and keeps us joined together. Regardless of our journeys, the distances that keep us apart, St. James’ is home and a part of all of us who love this remarkable place.--Judy Girod

Isn't it wonderful to know a place where you are always welcome? Isn't it wonderful to know a place that you can always go to find solace, guidance, and inspiration? St. James' is that place for me, and I imagine it is for you, too. St. James' is an ever-present support for all of life's celebrations and griefs. On All Saints' Sunday, we can acknowledge how important St.James' is in our lives and how important it has been in the lives of parishioners in the times before us. St. James' is almost two hundred years old. You can see evidence of the legacies of parishioners long gone everywhere in the church. What kind of a legacy are we leaving for the next generations? I think we are forming a parish that year by year comes closer to what God intends for us knowing all the while that we can never reach that perfection. But seeking is the thing; we are fortunate to be together in a place where seeking is encouraged and valued and better than any we can devise for ourselves. So I give thanks for St. James'. --Nancy Larsen Farrell

New York is a big place and it's a rare day when you run into someone you know, much less dozens of people. What I love about Sundays at St. James' is the chance to catch up with friends I wouldn't otherwise see. It's not just people who are the same age, or who have the same job as I do. It's also people like my parents and my grandparents, young children and teenagers headed to college. St. James' is one of the few places that makes New York feel like a small town. -- Ian Salisbury, St. Jamesians

I have always loved being a part of the music program at St. James’.  I started in the Cherub Choir and now I serve as head chorister with the Cantabile Singers, I perform with the Handbell Choir, and I am a member of the Music Committee. The Music Department has opportunities for people of all ages to become involved. The voices of even the youngest choristers are heard during various church services. The music program offers one of the most joyous ways to become involved in the spiritual life of the church. There are a number of upcoming occasions to enjoy music at St. James’ including choral evensongs, choir festivals, and the debut of the St. James’ Bicentennial Organ. --Isabelle Erb

One of the most important things about a church is its ability to make all of its parishoners feel like a part of the greater church family. St. James’ does this so effectively through the efforts of the Parish Life Committee. The committee fosters fellowship and community through events such as Homecoming, the Greening of the Church, the Winter Parish Dinner, and the Community Festival, to name just a few. Serving on the committee has given me a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships, and the many programs and events have helped to instill in my young children a love for the church. The Parish Life Committee is one of the many reasons why I LOVE St. James’. —Amy Krause, Parish Life Committee

One of my favorite things about St. James’ is serving at the Tuesday Lunch Program. I leave the church every week feeling inspired by our guests who are cheerful, upbeat and grateful while facing so much uncertainty and hardship each day. One August Tuesday this year there were fewer volunteers and many more guests for lunch than usual. One great guest offered to help us, so long as we set aside a plate of lunch for him. As I passed him in the kitchen at one point, he told me that a friend of his had come in late as we were still trying to find enough food for everyone. He had decided to give his plate of food to his friend and go without lunch. His decision was an incredibly compassionate and generous act. That day, I walked home from the church feeling especially inspired by all the different people who helped to get meals to people who needed them.
—Susan Clarke, Tuesday Lunch Program

Sunday worship services often open our hearts to God’s mercy and grace. At this time of financial insecurity, we expect to see many people filling the pews. But, wait just a minute. The pews are less filled, as distressed parishioners often stay at home, hurt and ashamed, avoiding the community. Through its pastoral ministries, St. James’ tries to reach out to them and to others, encouraging them to give over their overwhelming concerns to God’s love and mercy. Through the Healing Prayer Ministry and Stephen Ministry, I continue to witness God’s healing. More recently, my focus has turned to St. James’ mission ministries and the Mission Committee. At the meal programs, I experience volunteers bonding together as they use their talents, their time and compassion in the service of hospitality to our guests. But what I have discovered that is so remarkable, are intangible gifts the guests and others we serve give to us. Their love of God and their joy of life, in spite of all their adversities, flow out from them, surrounding us all. No wonder I love St. James’.
—Katharine Fleming, Mission Committee, Healing Prayer Ministry

I love Thursday mornings when I settle amongst dear friends to study the Gospel at the Mom’s Bible Study. Craig Townsend leads us in discussions that help us to understand the Gospel in such a way that we can apply the lessons to our daily happenings. Our children, our husbands, our friends, our neighbors are therefore all blessed also by this cherished hour. It is truly magical to feel our faith be so alive that it brightens the lives of others while uplifting us. The wisdom and wonder that Craig blesses us with week after week dazzles and enlightens us all and is one thing that I LOVE about St. James’ Church. — Ali Schley Landegger, Mom’s Bible Study

I love the feeling when I enter St. James’ early on a Sunday morning, after dropping off my daughter, Annabel, for choir practice; the sense of calm that envelopes me immediately.
The mere sight of the church and the “early bird” greeters on the steps leading up to the double doors gives me a feeling of peace. I love the sermon, which always leaves me with words that permeate my day or week like lines in a favorite poem to meditate upon. I love the music, which brings time to a standstill, effectively creating room for the divine. And I am grateful to the clergy and the families of St. James’ who enlarge and reduce the metropolis that is New York City to fit into the beautiful edifice that is the church; a church that affects the world with its ministeries. —Genevieve la Riva, Church School Teacher

Homecoming at St James’ is such a special occasion for our family—a wonderful way to say goodbye to summer, reconnect with friends and prepare for another new year of service, worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. As parents, we see it as a great opportunity to introduce our sons to church life in a fun and engaging way; it’s a great day for all families of all ages, a day not to be missed! —Kim Church, Parish Life Committee

I love the way St. James’ parishioners float in and out of the building every day of the week, not just on Sunday. Even in summer, when many are away, lives are centered here, in this parish, in worship and in fellowship and in service to others, and it is not unusual for someone to find their way to my office just to say hello. I feel valued and part of a thriving community.—Christine Hoffman, Director of Communications

Of course, we love St. James' for our family; it provides my family and me both social and spiritual connections. Socially, I relate to other moms and to the my fellow committee members as we work together. Spiritually, we find solace in our every day life as part of the St. James' community. It's a fantastic church for our family and a second home for our daughter. — Kysa Englund, Children's and Family Ministries Committee

St. James' immediately drew me in last winter by inviting me to The Way, and since then I have been welcomed by countless parishioners, including members of the St. Jamesians, dinner program, and stewardship committee.  I was immediately convinced that St. James' had to be my church home because of its energetic and intellectual clergy, passionate members, and inspirational music program.  I love that parishioners at St. James' are constantly capitalizing on the multitude of opportunities both to give back to the community and to learn from its people.  I am thankful to have found a spiritual home that truly inspires faith, fellowship, and love for one's neighbor. — Gayley Woolston, The St. Jamesians

Historic St. James’ on a lovely street
Has all the people you’d love to meet
Singles and families from near and far
Come winter, spring, summer and fall, no bar
I look forward to sermons and the music, too, and to greet
My many old friends and some repeats
I love St. James’ and I know you do, too
Because for young and old there’s always something to do
Then after the morning service on Sundays there’s the Coffee Hour
Where you’ll meet old friends and make some new ones as well
And it’s all right there in one of New York’s most beautiful churches
And that’s why I love St. James’.
And so adieu, see you all next Sunday.
—Lois Clemens Fankhauser, Kinsolving Society

The church has always been a central part of my life. I grew up at St. James’, went to and later taught Sunday School, and have been active on many committees. Today St. James’ is, more than ever, a place for ALL of us.  It is a welcoming “home” for all ages and all interests...those of us who are retired, professionals, families with young children, young adults, and the tiniest ones. What a wonderful thing to be able to say about one’s church! My two-year old granddaughter adores Miss Vicki, of course, and Thursdays are very special...playgroup and “We Love to Sing” followed by stories and dinner. On Sundays, I love Rite I and the 11:15 a.m. service, and have come to enjoy the bustling 9:15 a.m. service and young people’s enthusiasms. And when I look at my calendar each week I am always amazed that I am “at” church most days for one reason or another. All week long there are committee meetings, Bible study, lunches and dinners for the homeless and other outreach programs, Parish Life activities including sorting and pricing donations for sale at our community festivals, Altar Guild setting up for the services, music extraordinaire, Third Age Council events, and so much more. To adapt the title of a famous book/show/movie...our church is truly is a place for all seasons (and all ages/all interests). — Alice Allen, Lay Eucharistic Minister, St. James’ Archivist

St. James’ has provided my family with a supportive, nurturing environment that has adapted over time to our growing needs. It has been a consistently rewarding place to worship, and when my daughter was young, the Church School classes were great for her as I enjoyed teaching the fourth grade. As my daughter got older, we all volunteered together at the Friday Night Dinner Program and at the homeless shelter. Now that Maddy is a teenager, she is involved with the youth group, while I have become engaged with work on various committees. St. James’ is really a place in the city where we have had the sensation of having an extended family, even as the pace of life here keeps us always on the move. —Charles Curtis, Grants Committee

In the summer of 2007 our family traveled to Malawi, Africa, with the St. James’ Partners in Mission. It was wonderful to be able to share such an amazing experience and we continue to feel connected to the people of Malawi through the ongoing work of the Partners in Mission. Through our participation in this program, we have been able to extend our Christian fellowship in ways that we might never have imagined were possible. I have always admired our church’s commitment and dedication to reaching out to those beyond the confines of our parish community, and that is what I love about St. James’. —Rhonda Erb, Partners in Mission-Africa

One of the things I love about St. James' is being able to help coordinate the social, spiritual, and mission activities for our youth. Whether it is guiding a group of eighth graders in New Orleans doing Hurricane Katrina relief or lending a helping hand to the older youth, we are blessed with a diverse group of kids and the range of things available to them at St. James' that enriches their spiritual upbringing. As I have become more involved with the youth over the last few years, it has been especially great when we see former youth members return to St. James' during their college siestas or after they graduate and know that you had a hand in their spiritual development. —Campbell Wharton, Youth Advisor

To me, St. James' is not just a physical structure or a location for routine worship, it is a true community. As a child, I was raised in a very rigid church environment. Every Sunday I attended service out of obligation. There was just very little fun or inclusion for a child, particularly when compared to the many things my children are able to enjoy through the St. James' children's ministry. As I began to raise my own children, my wife and I agreed that it was important to raise our children with an exposure to Christian values. Fortunately for us, while my wife was pregnant with our twins and strolling our daughter, we passed a friend of ours who is also a parishioner at St. James'. Her first comment to us was that we needed to wheel that stroller over to 71st and Madison. That is what led us to St. James' five years ago. Since then, the St. James' community has been a welcome addition in our family. —Baker Smith, Children's and Family Ministries

We are a community that explores the issues and that comes together to work and to resolve matters that are of utmost importance, and we do it in an all inclusive manner under the umbrella of our spirituality. There has never been a topic that a member has not been able to talk about. There has never been a message from the pulpit that has not been important and soul-searching, and there has never been a leader who has not inspired his/her audience to want to learn more. I am grateful to all for everything that I have learned at St. James’ Church and for all the learning that is ahead of me. —Christina Louis, Greeter

From my early days at St. James some 25 years ago, I’ve said that one of the things that keeps me here is that we “ put our money where our mouths are”.  That is, we actually do the things we say we are meant to do.  This is a rare community that lives out the Gospel through our wonderful variety of gifts and ministries.  There really is something for everyone here! Our mission statement is “St. James Church is a community that actively shares the love of Jesus Christ with each other, our city and the world” – and for that it has my love. —Madeline Schroth, Vestry Member

One of the things I love about St. James’ Church is working on the Second Time Around Thrift Sales, because I get to help shepherd gifts to the church through the process of finding new homes. The sale is truly a win/win/win situation: first, donors have a place to send unneeded items; secondly, St. James’ can fund worthy and wonderful community projects with the proceeds; and finally, buyers find special treasures. Smiles all around with ripples far reaching . . . just like a good sermon! —Rebecca Schacht, Parish Life Committee

I love St. James’ because, as a body, the congregation strives to live up to its mission to share the love of Jesus Christ with each other, the city, and the world. Paul writes about the members of Christ’s body all being different and working together and it seems to me that’s what happens every day here at St. James’. I first came to this church as a mother of young children, grateful for the excellent Sunday school and the many family activities we could enjoy together. As my children grew, I became more involved myself, joining the Canterbury Choir, working on Habitat for Humanity teams, helping to craft costumes for the Christmas Pageant, and teaching confirmation class. My own spiritual life developed and deepened in worship, in small groups, and in adult education. Now my kids are nearly grown and I come to St. James’ as a single adult, with new opportunities to participate in fellowship and service, most recently as a member of the vestry. Every year the body of St. James’ changes and grows, and every year it reaches further to share the love of Jesus Christ with more people, near and far. It is a body fully alive, and it’s why I love St. James.’ —Sarah Cunningham, Vestry Member

I have been a life long member of St. James’ Church and as the youngest of four children, I had looked forward to becoming a member of the Youth Group for many years. I could hardly wait until I was in the seventh grade so I could participate in the Friday Night Dinner Program. I found that the Youth Group provided an opportunity for me to share experiences with my peers while reaching out to the congregation and community at large.
During our Youth Group meetings, we are able to interpret our faith and learn about how other people our age relate to their spiritual life. This is a unique situation for teenagers because they don’t often discuss their religion with their friends and classmates.
Being involved in the Youth Group has taught me to reach out to my community and beyond. Our director of Youth Ministries, Kate Salisbury, encourages us to be leaders and to confront new challenges. I have participated in mission trips to Malawi, Boston and New Orleans.
What I love about St. James’ are all the wonderful memories that I have as a Youth Group member.
—Isabelle Erb, Youth Group

Our family joined St. James’ just a few years ago, but virtually overnight, it became an integral part of our lives. Teddy, 3, and Peter, 1½, LOVE their time at the church—the immediate welcome from Mercedes, Jean Claude, and every member of the staff sets such an inviting tone that they can’t wait to walk through the doors. Vicki’s We Love to Sing and the Children’s Chapel have introduced our little guys to God and worship in such an approachable manner—and we are so appreciative of that. For Matt and me, the sense of community that overlays all that we do at St. James’ has given us a great feeling of belonging here in New York and we’re so glad to be a part of such of wonderful place! Thank you St. James’ for all you do! —Ann Roberts, Parents of Young Children

Although my husband and I always enjoyed our Sunday worship at St. James’, it was not until he became seriously ill that I came to appreciate the caring community aspect of this unique place of worship through the Stephen Ministry. I found myself with a Stephen Minister: someone who would listen to me on a regular basis and support me during the difficult time of sickness, death and grieving. My Stephen Minister was an individual who was reliable, non-judgmental and a steadying force for me; a kind of human representative of the Church. It made a big difference. For this reason, when I was approached to join the Stephen Ministry, I did not hesitate a moment. I want to give back in the same way because I believe that this ministry can be invaluable to people in a time of crisis. I have attended classes since September class’s commissioning as Stephen Ministers this morning. I hope you never need us. But if you do, it’s good to know we are here for you. —Crysanthi Fairchild, Stephen Minster

I love the sense of community found within St. James’. As a member of the Parish Life and Children’s & Family Ministries Committees, and as Chair of this year’s Community Festival, I have been fortunate to be a part of the great many ways St. James’ brings its parishioners together. From the Homecoming picnic to the Halloween Party to the Greening of the Church to the upcoming Community Festival, St. James’ is constantly finding ways to involve its members in fellowship, worship and fun. I am delighted that my family is a part of this great community. —Susanne Blackstock, Parish Life Committee, Children’s & Family Ministries, Community Festival

As our family prepares to move to Los Angeles, I considered leaving St. James’ to be a terrible loss. I discovered that there is no loss. St. James’ has embraced our family as warmly as we depart as it did when we arrived, and all of the many happy years between. We are reminded that St. James’ is more than a place of worship with myriad programs and activities; it is an affectionate community of kind, caring people. St. James’ is like family and we will remain part of the family regardless of distance. —Karen Clark, Altar Guild

We open most meetings of the Children’s & Family Ministries Committee with a reading of the Prayer for the Care of Children (Book of Common Prayer p. 829), the words of which give me great peace. "Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up..." Calm strength and patient wisdom... who could ask for anything more? In my opinion it is all here at St. James'. It is calm strength that I find every time I walk through the doors of St. James' Church. I find strength in the beauty of the artwork that surrounds us in the sanctuary, in the music of the organ, soloists and choirs, in the fragrant smell of flowers, in tasting another great meal, in the comfort of a warm hug exchanged with a friend. Patient wisdom is evident in our clergy and staff, from their scholarly insights to their caring and compassion, to their common-sense ideas for everyday issues. I attend Mom's Bible Study in order to gain insight into the gospel and its relevance to my life. I teach older children attending Thursdays at St. James’ in order to pass this commitment to and love for the Lord onto our children that they may feel this comfort in their lives as well. I participate in Parish Life activities in order to give back to this community from which I draw so much strength, and I serve on the Grants Committee with the goal of helping us to use our resources to best support those in need throughout our broader New York City community. As I give to St. James’ in any way I can, I find that the rewards of being part of this church are tremendous. —Ann Heidenreich, Children's & Family Ministries Committee

I love St. James’ for giving us the Stephen Ministry program, which has been as wonderful for the Stephen Ministers as it has been for our care receivers. St. James’ has been an integral part of my life since Easter 1998 and I have made dear friends in this our wonderful Christian community. From the beginning, I found that being on committees and volunteering was the way to discover where I could best serve at St. James’. I found my place when I became a Stephen Minister. Our bi-monthly Stephen Ministry meetings and my meetings with my care receivers have been the most significant source of spiritual growth in my life. At our meetings, we pray together we learn together and we support each other as we seek to help our care receivers. I feel very humble at the concept that Christ can use me as an instrument to comfort someone who is going through a crisis, but know that through faith this is possible. This is how Stephen Ministry works and why we all feel blessed to be Stephen Ministers. St. Francis of Assisi said it best in the 13th century when he wrote "Lord make me an instrument of thy peace.”  This is my prayer as a Stephen Minister. —Rebecca Alford, Stephen Minster

The gift that St. James’ has bestowed on our family is a renewal of our faith within an exhilarating community of friends. Serving on the Parents of Young Children Committee, I have had the opportunity to witness just how devoted the church is to serving its young families. From attending the toddler chapel, my son learned to offer a prayer of gratitude every night. Sometimes it is for a toy, a cupcake, or something incomprehensible but, the other night he shared that he was grateful for his Grandpa. The importance of gratitude and prayer was nurtured here and this sweet declaration is another gift for which we are indebted to St. James’. In The Way at St. James’, not only did I have the opportunity to strengthen and explore who I am as an Episcopalian, but I began to understand and appreciate more what St. James’ contributes to the greater community. I would strongly encourage anyone to take The Way, and I am looking forward to the second segment this spring. Whether it be the comfort of enjoying a service as my son plays downstairs, a parish dinner with an inspiring speaker, serving on a committee, or participating in The Way, we continue to take far more away than we can possibly give back. —Natalie Dougherty, The Way Participant

St. James’ has a long history of helping those in need. As one who has been involved in this ministry, both in hands -on work and in deciding who to help financially, I have received much more than I’ve given. Though the Grants Committee and the New Ventures committee provide funding for various projects, New Ventures devotes its resources in one or two areas. Currently their emphasis is on adult literacy. Grants gives smaller amounts to many agencies engaged in a variety of projects.
It is through the generosity of both past and present parishioners that we are able to help others in this way. No doubt all those involved in allocating monies for others know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
—Jane Bryan, Current Chairperson of the Grants Committee; Former member of the New Ventures Committee

We often expect to catch a glimpse of God through exquisite architecture, music, and all the trappings of our particular Christian tradition. However, I have learned that my most intimate sightings of God come from ordinary human interaction. Arriving in New York from Los Angeles, I sought a parish home that understood that faith without works was somehow incomplete. St. James’ articulation of the value of mission work and outreach struck me; the parish demonstrates a deep commitment to live its Christian mission through service to our world’s most vulnerable. My participation in Partners in Mission—Ministry for Children has allowed me to contribute to this historic calling. Providing children space and time to be children, unfettered by concerns of family and finances, and seeing their shining faces reminds me that our work truly is good and blessed. It is our bounden Christian duty to use our gifts to bring the spheres of heaven and earth a little closer, and St. James’ enables me to do my small part. This parish is unparalleled in its human and spiritual capital and chooses to use its gifts responsibly, with grace and love. I am delighted to call St. James’ home. —Juan M. Valles, PIM—Ministry for Children

What I love about St. James’ is its welcoming culture. Prompted by Brenda’s greeting and welcome “especially to the newcomers…” just 2 ½ years ago, I tried to discreetly dig around the pews for a Welcome Card. My obvious searching was spied by a 20+-year St. James’ parishioner, who not only stretched across the aisles to introduce herself but brought me to a greeter after the service to submit my completed card. Within the week, I received a call from Martie, several months later I was registered in the Way, and only a few months after that we had our daughter baptized at St. James’. What has really struck me is that this welcome to the warmth and commitment of this community is not reserved solely for those who walk through St. James’ doors, but is extended to those St. James’ services in its various activities and mission work. I am always touched by the warmth St. James’ clergy, staff and parishioners extend to newcomers and their dedication to volunteer their time and talents to reach out and welcome those far beyond the confines of the little island of Manhattan to God’s love. —Bona Yang, Welcome Committee

Most weeks, our family is at St. James’ multiple times. Whether it’s for the Sunday service, children’s choirs, We Love to Sing or the committees that Willa and I are involved with, we come back to St. James’ again and again. Our worship each Sunday is a wonderful, spiritual part of our lives when we can quietly reflect on our faith. We love the community and fellowship St. James’ offers to our family. We talk frequently about how to maintain the values of our roots in a city where we and our children are surrounded by abundance. St. James’ is the cornerstone of this pursuit.—Rob Baynard, Adult Education Committee

St. James’ became my church home in 2003 when I moved here from Britain. It is a church like no other I have experienced in terms of the diversity of community and programs. For me, living our faith means striving for heaven on earth through our actions and love for others and for the world around us. At St. James’, this is expressed through our love for each other as a community and our outreach in New York and the wider world. There are few churches with the same level of commitment, volunteers and resources to fulfill our Christian mission and this increases both our opportunity and our responsibility to channel what we have into transforming our lives and the lives of others. As part of the Partners in Mission—Haiti program I have found myself traveling to a place I thought I would only read about, feeling myself transformed by the experience and further committed to a life in Christ. For the people of Torbeck and Les Cayes to know that there are people who care about them and their community is also transformative. What better way to achieve this than by worshipping and working alongside them, united in our Christianity and common humanity? I have immense hope for what we can achieve at St James’. —Helen Nickerson, Partners in Mission—Haiti