St. James' Episcopal Church
Goshen, Indiana
Our 164th Year
Sunday, April 22, 2007
All About St. James'
Who Are We?
St. James' Episcopal Church, Goshen, Indiana, is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. Our diocese is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and our Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks.
Our pastor is Fr. Robert Armidon. Fr. Armidon’s time at St. James’ during the week are Tuesdays and Thursdays for pastoral care and other duties. He is also available at any time for home visits, for sickness and hospital visits, and help whenever needed.
You can reach the St. James' Parish office at 574-533-4984.
We at St. James' believe in upholding the faith and traditions of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which is made up of over 70 million members. The Episcopal Church USA, part of that worldwide Anglican Communion, has over 2.3 million members in 100 dioceses nationwide.
Most people would probably use the word "traditional" to describe our 11:00 AM Sunday morning service. We use Rite I from the Book of Common Prayer, and we even sing the Lord's Prayer instead of reciting it. If you would like to experience worship in a beautiful, full, and traditional liturgy, visit St. James'
We welcome everyo.ne to come and visit us at St. James'. For more information you can contact our parish office at 574-533-4984.
If I visit, what can I expect?
Where can I park?
There is a parking lot located in the rear of the building which can be reached from Lincoln Avenue. Signs will direct you to the sanctuary from there. If you have trouble with steps, consider parking along 6th Street in front of the church.
Then what?
You will be greeted at the entrance to the sanctuary by a member of the parish who will help you get oriented. They will give you a service leaflet, and answer any questions that you have. Please take a moment to sign our guest register as well.
What is the service like?
The Mass, or Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, begins with an opening procession, followed by prayers. Then lessons are read by members of the congregation. Following the lessons everyone stands as the celebrant reads the Gospel lesson. Following the Gospel the celebrant gives a sermon. After the sermon we affirm out faith with the words of the Nicene Creed. Then we all take a moment to greet each other, in an act known as "passing the peace". Following the peace an offering is taken. Visitors should not feel obligated to contribute to the offering, as you are a guest. After the offering the celebrant and acolytes prepare the altar for communion. After everyone makes their communion there is one more prayer, then the service ends with an ending procession.
There are usually 3 or 4 hymns sung during the service.
The red "Book of Common Prayer" that is found in every pew contains the order of service, and the blue hymnal has the hymns. If you're not sure what to do, when to stand or when to kneel, or can't find your place in the books, that's okay. It can be complicated at first. Just ask anyone nearby. They will be glad to help.
If I'm Not A Member Of The Church May I Take Communion?
Yes.
All baptized Christians—no matter age or denomination—are welcome to receive communion at St. James'.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing from the celebrant.
It all sounds complicated. I'm not sure what to think.
The liturgy of a traditional Episcopal Church, while beautiful, can seem to be complicated. But don't worry about that. Because that's not the reason that we are here. We are here to worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and to love each another as He loved us. Beyond that, everything else is secondary. The best way to find out about St. James' is to come and experience traditional worship in our warm, caring atmosphere. We will be happy to see you!
How Can I Serve?
You might find yourself asking, "If I decide to attend St. James', are there ways to find my own, personal, ministry?" The answer to that question is "yes!".
Many ways to serve can be found at St. James'. We serve Him through the act of worship. We serve each other through acts of fellowship, kindness, and pastoral care.
Listed below are just a few of the ways you can serve.
Vestry - The Vestry looks after the material welfare of the church.
Acolytes & Crucifers - Acolytes and Crucifers assist the Priest during the service.
Altar Guild - The Altar Guild prepares the altar with linens and flowers.
Christian Education - Teach a class or assist with planning and organization.
Finance Committee - Plans the budget and stewardship campaigns.
Greeters - Welcome people when they arrive for services, help visitors become acquainted with the church.
Pastoral Care - Visiting those who cannot attend church, providing transportation, delivering flowers, and more.
Parish Life - Plans social activities for the parish. Have fun!
Property Committee - Doing minor repair and maintenance work around the parish.
There are many more, and we are constantly looking for new ways to help others.
St. James' Episcopal Church, Goshen, Indiana, is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana. Our diocese is headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, and our Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks.
Our pastor is Fr. Robert Armidon. Fr. Armidon’s time at St. James’ during the week are Tuesdays and Thursdays for pastoral care and other duties. He is also available at any time for home visits, for sickness and hospital visits, and help whenever needed.
Fr. Armidon is also the pastor at St. David's in Elkhart, Indiana.
You can reach the St. James' Parish office at 574-533-4984.
We at St. James' believe in upholding the faith and traditions of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which is made up of over 70 million members. The Episcopal Church USA, part of that worldwide Anglican Communion, has over 2.3 million members in 100 dioceses nationwide.
Most people would probably use the word "traditional" to describe our 11:00 AM Sunday morning service. We use Rite I from the Book of Common Prayer, and we even sing the Lord's Prayer instead of reciting it. If you would like to experience worship in a beautiful, full, and traditional liturgy, visit St. James'
We welcome everyo.ne to come and visit us at St. James'. For more information you can contact our parish office at 574-533-4984.
If I visit, what can I expect?
Where can I park?
There is a parking lot located in the rear of the building which can be reached from Lincoln Avenue. Signs will direct you to the sanctuary from there. If you have trouble with steps, consider parking along 6th Street in front of the church.
Then what?
You will be greeted at the entrance to the sanctuary by a member of the parish who will help you get oriented. They will give you a service leaflet, and answer any questions that you have. Please take a moment to sign our guest register as well.
What is the service like?
The Mass, or Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, begins with an opening procession, followed by prayers. Then lessons are read by members of the congregation. Following the lessons everyone stands as the celebrant reads the Gospel lesson. Following the Gospel the celebrant gives a sermon. After the sermon we affirm out faith with the words of the Nicene Creed. Then we all take a moment to greet each other, in an act known as "passing the peace". Following the peace an offering is taken. Visitors should not feel obligated to contribute to the offering, as you are a guest. After the offering the celebrant and acolytes prepare the altar for communion. After everyone makes their communion there is one more prayer, then the service ends with an ending procession.
There are usually 3 or 4 hymns sung during the service.
The red "Book of Common Prayer" that is found in every pew contains the order of service, and the blue hymnal has the hymns. If you're not sure what to do, when to stand or when to kneel, or can't find your place in the books, that's okay. It can be complicated at first. Just ask anyone nearby. They will be glad to help.
If I'm Not A Member Of The Church May I Take Communion?
Yes.
All baptized Christians—no matter age or denomination—are welcome to receive communion at St. James'.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing from the celebrant.
It all sounds complicated. I'm not sure what to think.
The liturgy of a traditional Episcopal Church, while beautiful, can seem to be complicated. But don't worry about that. Because that's not the reason that we are here. We are here to worship God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and to love each another as He loved us. Beyond that, everything else is secondary. The best way to find out about St. James' is to come and experience traditional worship in our warm, caring atmosphere. We will be happy to see you!
How Can I Serve?
You might find yourself asking, "If I decide to attend St. James', are there ways to find my own, personal, ministry?" The answer to that question is "yes!".
Many ways to serve can be found at St. James'. We serve Him through the act of worship. We serve each other through acts of fellowship, kindness, and pastoral care.
Listed below are just a few of the ways you can serve.
Vestry - The Vestry looks after the material welfare of the church.
Acolytes & Crucifers - Acolytes and Crucifers assist the Priest during the service.
Altar Guild - The Altar Guild prepares the altar with linens and flowers.
Christian Education - Teach a class or assist with planning and organization.
Finance Committee - Plans the budget and stewardship campaigns.
Greeters - Welcome people when they arrive for services, help visitors become acquainted with the church.
Pastoral Care - Visiting those who cannot attend church, providing transportation, delivering flowers, and more.
Parish Life - Plans social activities for the parish. Have fun!
Property Committee - Doing minor repair and maintenance work around the parish.
There are many more, and we are constantly looking for new ways to help others.
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