Sacraments and Ceremonies

HOLY EUCHARIST (COMMUNION)

Holy Eucharist is the central act of our worship life together. The altar at St. James belongs not to our church but to God, and we believe God welcomes all to the table. Regardless of where you are in your journey of faith, or where you have been, no matter you age, race or sexuality, you are welcome at the table. All means all!

Christ is present in the bread and wine — a sign to us that the one who invited all to the table is present in the world. And in eating this holy food, we take a part of Jesus into ourselves, uniting us to God and to one another. Having been fed with holy food, we are then sent out to help feed the world and show God’s love to all people.

Baptism

Through the sacrament of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which is performed through pouring of water, marks a formal entrance into the congregation and wider Church.

If you are interested in baptism, please contact the church office (248-644-0820), and ask to speak with the Reverend Josh Hoover.

Confirmation

The sacrament of Confirmation involves a mature public affirmation of one’s faith and commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism with the laying on of hands by the Bishop. All encouraged to make this commitment after instruction and preparation are provided by the clergy.

If you are interested in being confirmed, please contact the church office (248-644-0820), and ask to speak with the Reverend Josh Hoover.

Weddings

St. James Church is delighted to make the church available for weddings. The church is a holy and happy place from which to begin a marriage and an excellent place to nurture a life together. Christian marriage is a solemn, life long, public covenant in the presence of God. The Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties be baptized. The wedding must be attested by two witnesses and the marriage conform to the canon law of the Episcopal Church and the laws of the State of Michigan.

We ask that the couple meet with the Reverend Josh Hoover for several sessions of premarital counseling. Please call Josh to make arrangements (248-644-0820).

Funerals

Please notify the Reverend Josh Hoover and church office (248-644-0820) of the death of a member of the church. We are always ready to be of pastoral assistance in times of grief. Arrangements for the funeral are made in consultation with Fr. Josh or officiating clergy. St. James Church has a beautiful Memorial Garden and Columbarium for those church members who may wish to inter a family member at St. James. Contact the church office for more information on purchasing a columbarium site.

Our fellowship space, Centennial Hall, provides a lovely space for a reception following the funeral service for those families who desire it.