Worship

At St. James we believe that worship is participatory and not a spectator sport. Even if you do not choose to help lead our service through one of the many ministries listed below, you are encouraged to follow the service in the leaflet or Book of Common Prayer, to respond to the prayers, to sing hymns, to add your own prayers, to engage your body and mind in the worship of our Lord, God.

While we have a number of kinds of services throughout the year, the basis of our worship life is the communal celebration of the Holy Eucharist each week. This liturgy follows an ancient pattern that includes gathering, reading and meditating on scripture, proclaiming our faith, praying for the church and world, offering our gifts to God, and then culminates with the taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing of the bread and wine as we receive communion together before being sent out to live as Christians in the world.

To learn more about the prayer book, our worship, or how you can participate in any of the ministries listed below, please contact our priest, Josh Hoover or the church office (248-644-0820).

Acolyte 

Acolytes are youth and adults who serve at the altar during worship. They light the candles, lead processions carrying the cross and torches, help prepare the Table (altar) for Holy Communion and assist the priest during the service. Acolytes make a commitment to serve and to work cooperatively with other worship leaders.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the altars of the church and chapel for all services. This includes the ordering of floral arrangements and the care of the linens, frontals, silver and other altar appointments. The Altar Guild serves under the direction of the Rector.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic ministers participate in the service by reading lessons, the Prayers of the People and assisting the Rector in serving Communion. Parishioners serving as Eucharistic Ministers receive training to prepare them for this commitment.

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharist visitors are trained ministers who bring the Eucharist to the homes of parishioners unable to attend church. To request a visit for you or a family member, call the church office at 248-644-0820.

Readers

Readers are those who present Holy Scripture to others in our worship.

Music and Choir

Music plays an important role in the life of St. James.

  • The Senior Choir provides music for weekly services, Evensongs and special liturgies during Advent/Christmas and Holy Week. Wednesday rehearsal, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

  • The St. James Ringers, our bell choir, performs for many services throughout the year. Tuesday rehearsal, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

  • The Junior Choir offers an opportunity for 2nd grade through high school to continue their study of choral singing. They sing in church and in occasional dramatic and music presentations.

Ushers and Greeters

On Sunday, ushers greet people as they enter church, direct visitors and distribute the weekly worship programs. They assist with the Offertory and present the bread and wine to be blessed. During the Sacrament, they direct the congregants to the altar for Communion and assist communicants with special needs.

Greeters are the first people worshipers see when they enter the church on Sunday. They give a warm welcome to parishioners and visitors and give directions to those looking for Sunday School or other locations.