Christian Formation
For followers of Jesus, it is important to have both private and communal time of prayer, reading Scripture, and learning about our faith. At Saint James we encourage Christian formation for all ages.
KIDS CLUB meets two to three times a month for children 3 and up and are invited for a time of stories, crafts, and songs during the first part of 10 AM worship. Children return during to participate for Holy Communion.
Adult Forums - special times scheduled to discuss topics and current issues that impact our Christian life and faith.
Bible Resources
The Season of Advent
Happy New Year! The first season of the church year, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before Christmas, is the start of a new year for us. Advent is derived from a Latin word for “coming.” The season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of Jesus' birth and God taking on our flesh known as incarnation. And as we wait for the final coming of Christ “in power and glory.”
Words for the Beginning is our Advent theme for this year.
Join us as we explore the themes of:
Advent 1 Sun Dec 1 You Are A Blessing
Advent 2 Sun Dec 8 We Can't Go Alone
Advent 3 Dec 15 Do the Good That is Yours To Do (Children's Pageant)
Advent 4 Dec 22 Hope is Worth the Risk
Christmas Tue Eve Dec 24 Love Knows Your Name
Christmas Wed Day Dec 25 Don't Forget to Laugh
Epiphany Sun Jan 5 The Road Isn't Straight - Receive a FREE Epiphany Star Word
Words for the Beginning Devotional Booklet
Click on the image above for a digital flipping Advent Devotional or pick up a paper copy at the parish.
Each devotional includes poetry, music, artwork, scripture readings, and a reflection for each Sunday
in Advent.
Click on the English or Espanol titles above to read online PDF versions of the daily Advent devotional guide,
or pick up a printed English copy for your use at the parish. As The Rev. Laurie Brock writes, "But the peace of God
is not the peace of humans. Too often human peace comes at the expense of silencing or ignoring disparate voices.
We want calm and guietude without the work of shifting and changing our own souls.
Bible Study Opportunities
Wednesday Bible Study at 7 PM
Led by Rev. Donna Ialongo (St. Benedict's Bolingbrook)
Study the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. No preparation necessary.
OR copy and past the attached link into your web browser
Meeting ID: 823 4689 1289
Passcode: 758602
Journey Through Lent
Join us with opportunities to grow your spiritual life during Lent.
FAITH & FILM NIGHTS
Watch for updates on the three movies.
Simple Supper will be served of soup and salad
at each event.
Living Well Through Lent 2024
Practicing Forgiveness with all your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind
Recommended Phone Apps and Websites
Pray as You Go is a daily prayer session, designed to go with you wherever you go to help you pray
whenever you find time, but particularly while traveling to and from work, school, or
on short trips. Each session is to help your prayer life by reflecting on scripture in
an Ignatian spiritual way.
Safe Church Safe Communities (formerly known as Keep God's People Safe)
Click here for the Online Instructions and Saint James Password. Follow the instructions and provide a copy of your completion to the Parish Office.
The Diocese of Chicago is committed to doing everything in its power to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere for the children and adults who are members of its congregations, attend its programs or participate in its ministries. We require all who serve in our church to complete Safe Church, Safe Communities training, created by the Episcopal Church Task Force to Develop Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies and Safe Church Training.
Updated policies and training requirements are currently being reviewed. When adopted, a formal training matrix will be provided. For now, the requirements below are include:
Clergy, paid church staff, elected leaders, lay pastoral leaders, adults who work with children and youth, and others in lay leadership roles are required to take both the Universal Training and Specialty Training modules. Key holders, youth who work with children, and youth who have leadership roles in the church are required to take the Universal training.
Universal Training – Introduction & Theological Background, Organizational Rules & Policies, Healthy Boundaries, and Inclusion
Specialty Training – Abuse & Neglect, Power & Relationships, Pastoral Relationships, and Bullying
