Sunday Services: 9 and 11:30 AM

  3129 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004  ·   (713) 526-9571  ·   Give

St. James Episcopal Church Houston
  • Welcome
  • Discover
    • Who We Are
    • What We Believe
    • History of St. James
  • Worship
    • Sunday Worship
    • What to Expect
    • Worship Volunteers
    • Music
    • Altar Flowers
    • Baptism
    • Confirmation
    • Weddings
    • Funerals & Memorial Services
  • Serve
    • Worship Volunteers
    • Jubilee Ministry
    • Racial Justice Initiative
    • The Metropolitan Organization
  • Learn
    • Adult Christian Education
    • Bible Study
    • Children & Youth
  • Gather
    • Episcopal Church Women
    • Union of Black Episcopalians
    • Daughters of the King
    • Brotherhood of St. Andrew
    • Wednesday Bunch
  • Connect
    • Calendar
    • Leadership
    • Becoming a Member
    • Driving Directions
    • Church Building & Facility Rental
    • Give
    • Contact Us
  • Give

What to Expect

You can expect to be warmly greeted when you arrive. We are an Episcopal Church, and our worship follows a liturgy (work of the people). The order for the service is outlined in the Book of Common Prayer, the red book found in the back of the pews. The page numbers will be printed in the bulletin you receive when entering the church and will be referenced by the letters BCP. We also use the 1982 Hymnal and the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” hymnal (LEVAS), also found in the back of the pews.

Eucharist

Holy Communion or the Eucharist (which literally means "thanksgiving") is the family meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. All baptized persons are welcome to receive the bread and wine, and to be in communion with God and each other.

Bowing and Crossing

Before we enter or leave the pew of the church, some will bow before the altar. Some people genuflect or bend the knee. Both are gestures of reverence given to the cross and to the Altar where the sacrament or consecrated bread and wine representing the Body and Blood of Jesus are kept. Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

We also cross ourselves at times during the service by touching the forehead, heart, left shoulder and right shoulder. When we do, we are asking God to be “in our heads,” “in our hearts,” “and in all of me. Generally Episcopalians cross themselves whenever the priest blesses them, or at the words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Paul writes, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Sharing Peace

After we hear the sermon, or having heard the Word of God proclaimed, having stated our basic beliefs in the Creed, and having confessed our sins to God, we express our desire to be at peace with God and each other by greeting one another. The exchange often begins with one person saying, “The peace of the Lord be with you,” and the other responding with, “And also with you.” The “Passing of the Peace,” as it is called, is based on the Kiss of Peace mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Romans 16:16. It also provides us with an opportunity to express our peace to one another before we engage in the Lord’s Supper, Communion, or Eucharist.

Share this page: What to Expect
Worship - When We Gather What to Expect Worship Volunteers Music Altar Flowers Baptism Confirmation Weddings Funerals & Memorial Services

© 2023 St. James Episcopal Church Houston
3129 Southmore Blvd. · Houston, TX 77004
(713) 526-9571
Privacy Policy · Powered by Membership Vision

  View Entire Post

Service Times

9:00 a.m. In-person Worship Service with Choir & Cantor
11:30 a.m. In-person Worship Service with Jazz Ensemble

5th Sunday - when there is a fifth Sunday in the month, we celebrate with combined service at 10 am

Location

St. James Episcopal Church Houston
3129 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, TX 77004

Contact Us
(713) 526-9571

Newsletter Signup

Welcome to Saint James' Episcopal Church, a faith community dedicated to sharing God's self-giving and life-transforming love with our neighborhood and the world. At Saint James', worship and outreach combine to create a dynamic Christian witness. With us, you will find a safe, loving place where all are welcome, and your gifts will flourish. Join us for Sunday worship at our 9 am traditional service with choir and organ or our 11:30 am contemporary service with the Saint James' Jazz Ensemble. No matter when you attend, you will discover a loving and diverse church family gathered together in inspiring worship and genuine fellowship.

Discover St. James
Donate Make a Pledge Capital Campaign

Online giving is an opportunity for members and friends to stay current with pledges, donations and all contributions to St. James'. Checks may also be mailed to the church.

Donate

We invite you to name and pledge the gifts you will make in 2023 to help our church and community. Every gift of wealth, works, and wisdom will go toward our ministry and mission, and with your pledge, it will be... More Than Enough. You may turn in a completed pledge card at any of our worship services.

Print a Pledge Card

Learn More about Stewardship

To improve our physical plant, provide for additional outreach programs, reduce debt, & add to our endowment.

Donate