St. James' is the one of the largest worshipping congregations within the Diocese of Newark. 

Holy Eucharist, Rite II is the center of all our services, which we celebrate twice on Sunday mornings at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  Our services are traditional, but are offered in a relaxed format.  Our bell and adult choirs perform traditional music during the 10:30 a.m. service, and we enjoy special music elements in instrumentalists and our three choirs for children and youth.

At St. James', all Christians are welcome at the Communion table.  The congregation is invited to “make the Prayers of the People their own by leading in the intercessions.”  This practice also includes the young people worshipping with their parents.

    St. James' is also open to the use of special service enhancements whenever appropriate during the year, such as floating an arch of red balloons at the chancel steps on Pentecost.  As with other churches, St. James' celebrates Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost and All Saints' Day with special music, floral decorations and receptions.  For many years, we have included Rite-13 ceremonies at various times during the year.  Baptisms are offered several times during the year:  Epiphany, Easter Vigil, Pentecost and All Saints' Day.

During our worship services, there is an impressive presence of parishioners who are willing to give of their time and talent.  This is evident by the number of people who participate in our worship from acolytes to choir members. We believe that our worship is enhanced by their presence.

Acolytes
Acolytes, young people from sixth grade through high school, take part in both Sunday services.

Altar Guild
Altar Guild responsibilities rotate among four teams of 5-6 people each.  Duties include caring for sacred items, arranging flowers, preparing the altar, and the delivery of flowers to shut-ins.

Lay Readers & Chalice Bearers
Two lay readers and chalice bearers participate in each of the Sunday services and also take part in other special services during the year.  Currently, the group numbers 26.  They meet four times a year to train, plan and discuss future services.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors
We currently have three Lay Eucharistic Visitors who take communion to shut-ins.

Ushers
We have approximately forty people who serve as ushers to cover all services.

Music
Music is a key part of our worship service and is especially valued by our congregation.  A paid organist/choir director and youth choir director lead this ministry.  Five different groups contribute as well as talented instrumentalists from the congregation.

This ministry includes:
Senior Choir - The senior choir, numbering approximately twenty, sings at the 10:30 service, special services, and often provides a soloist for the 8:15 service.  This group benefits from some excellent solo voices and a dedicated choirmaster who has served for 10 years.  There are no paid soloists.

Bell Choir - The Bell Choir, numbering seven members, plays prior to the 10:30 service, and occasionally at special services.

Junior Choir - The Junior Choir, children from grades 3 through 6, performs once a month at the 10:30 service.

Red Hots - The Red Hots, children from age 3 through 8, also sing once a month at the 10:30 service.

Chimers - Play the tower chimes prior to the 10:30 service and on special occasions.