We believe that we are all constantly growing in faith, and that it’s even more productive and enjoyable when we do so together.
Always Coming Closer to Christ
FORUMS
The Coburn Forum | Sundays at 10:15 a.m.
After leading discussions on our summer book readings, our clergy and other leaders will unpack how Christians grow, give, and grasp the depth of God’s goodness and grace. The Coburn Forum allows time for small group discussion among peers. Contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek for more information.
Formation for Parents | Sundays, 10:15-11:00 a.m.
The Courage Room on the basement floor (located right next to the acolyte robe closets) is our dedicated Parents’ Room between the 9:10 and 11:15 a.m. services. Each Sunday, parents are invited to have some coffee, spend time with other parents, and participate in spiritual formation. Each month, we will offer bible study centered on the day’s lectionary readings, forums where speakers will lead discussions about what it means to parent as followers of Christ, and opportunities to dive deeper into our Book of Common Prayer and discover its importance in our faith and tradition. Contact Calvin Bushman for more information.
BIBLE STUDIES
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Empires and Kingdoms: God’s people have tried to remain faithful to God in the midst of empires and kingdoms, including the Egyptian Kingdoms, the Babylonian and Roman Empires, and in our own time. How do we consider our own allegiances and calling in light of these ancient stories?
You may join the Wednesday Morning Bible Study via Zoom also — follow the link below to join the Zoom call.
Moms’ Bible Study | Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.
Each Tuesday morning, two moms lead a small group Bible study for other moms. This is a chance for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study with a fabulous group of women. For more information, contact parishioner Romi Gottfrid. Please come join us!
Men of St. James’ | Fridays at 9:00 a.m.
Men of St. James’ is a weekly small group at St. James’ for men of all ages. The mission of the group is to help men discern how God is working in our lives, and how Christ’s teachings and parables, as recounted in the Gospels and with reference to the other books of the New and Old Testaments, apply to our professional and personal lives as men, husbands, and fathers in our contemporary society in general, and in life in New York City in particular.
The group grew from the recognition that men, unlike women, do not ordinarily share their personal concerns, often the issues in their lives which are most important, whether they relate to their relationships or marriages; their children, relatives, or friends; their careers; or their faith; and that participation in the group can help to create bonds of fellowship which encourage sharing.
Men of St. James’ meet on Fridays at 9:00 a.m. in person and via Zoom. Please contact parishioners James Olson, Bob Stinson, or the Rev. Matt Oprendek to participate or for more information.
SHORT-TERM COURSES: Fall 2026
The People with the Prayer Book
Sundays, September 27–October 25, 4:30 p.m.
What exactly is the Book of Common Prayer? Why do we do what we do on Sundays? How are we different from other Christian denominations like Roman Catholics or Baptists? Join our clergy for this four-week class that explores what it means to be an Episcopalian.
Practicing the Way
Sundays, November 1–22, 4:30 p.m.
Being a follower of Jesus is more than attending church or holding the right beliefs—it is a way of life. Rooted in the first-century relationship between rabbis and their apprentices, this course explores patterns of living that help us learn how to truly follow Jesus in our modern world.
Birth Narratives
Sundays, November 28–December 20, 4:30 p.m.
In John’s Gospel, Pilot, expressing some dismay, asks Jesus, “where are you from?” And, indeed, as belief in Jesus spread abroad, everyone asked the same question. Each of the Gospels provides an answer within its own theological framework. Join Helen Goodkin as we “unpack” what the four evangelists had to say about Jesus’ origins, along with a brief look at another “report” written later and not included in our Bible.
LONG-TERM COURSES: 2026-2027
Sacred Ground
Every other Wednesday beginning September 16, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Sacred Ground is a dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups use films and readings to walk through chapters of history of race in the United States, while weaving in threads of family stories, economic class, and political and regional identity. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day—all while staying grounded in our call to faith, hope, and love. Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society.
Sessions will meet every other week on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. through January. If you are interested in Sacred Ground or have any questions, please contact the Rev. Matt Oprendek.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
Wednesdays (in-person) beginning September 16, 6:00-7:45 p.m.
Thursdays (online) beginning September 17, 6:30-8:45 p.m.
Education for Ministry is a course created by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee) designed to help Christians in their lay ministry. Each class meets weekly from September through May and seeks to bring our traditions into conversation with our lived experiences through small-group discussion, current readings, and media from a variety of voices.
In-person class: contact Kristin Hardwick
Online class: contact parishioner Wendy Wade
Address
St. James’ Church
StJamesChurch@stjames.org
212.774.4200
Parish House Hours
M-F: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays
Sun: 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.