What makes St. James the Great? (Photo of our 2025 Easter Day service)

What makes St. James “The Great”?

Sometimes, what makes a place truly special isn’t its size—it’s the feeling you experience the moment you arrive at a given place.

At St. James the Great, that feeling is immediate. From the first note of music—whether it’s the peaceful sound of a Native American flute or the powerful harmony of a highly skilled choir—there is a sense of reverence, beauty, and intention. The level of musical excellence, from contemporary to traditional, is carefully curated to create an atmosphere that is both inspiring and spiritually moving.
But what truly defines St. James goes beyond what happens during the service.

It is a church rooted in warmth and connection. The community reflects a beautiful diversity of inclusiveness. Generations—seniors, Gen X, millennials, families, and youth—create a space where everyone feels they belong. It is inclusive, welcoming, and even pet-friendly, embracing people in all walks of life.

One of the most meaningful traditions happens after the service. Rev. Cindy calls it our “second Mass,” and she personally greets each person at the door, inviting them to brunch — our “hospitality hour.” Inside the Great Hall, our tables are thoughtfully arranged with fresh flowers, and a carefully selected menu is served by dedicated volunteers. It is in this space that conversations begin, friendships form, and community comes to life.

That same spirit of care extends to every event. Behind the scenes, volunteers creatively prepare each experience that feels intentional, welcoming, and beautifully executed. It’s this level of dedication that makes every gathering feel special.

St. James the Great also embraces technology and innovation in meaningful ways. Through its immersive iRealm experience, the church hall transforms into a large-scale visual environment where the walls become living screens—displaying moving imagery that feels reminiscent of a Van Gogh-style exhibition. It’s a unique and memorable way to experience faith through art, technology, and reflection.

For families, we offer a nurturing Kids’ Church led by trained leaders who support children in their spiritual growth through both learning and play. Parents often share how much their children look forward to Sundays—a reflection of the joy and care experienced there.

Beyond weekly services, St. James continues to stand out through meaningful programs and experiences. Signature events like the Blessing of the Animals, Easter, Christmas Eve, and Western Night bring the community together in a joyful celebration. Initiatives like St. James Faith Lab introduce engaging conversations with guest speakers from fields such as technology, government, medicine, intelligence, and spirituality—creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection.

St. James intentionally creates opportunities for people to grow together in faith and purpose, offering a range of educational and service programs both online and in person. Its impact also extends far beyond its campus, supporting outreach efforts in Ukraine, Tanzania, and Haiti.

It is this combination of beauty, connection, innovation, and compassion that truly defines St. James the Great.

Not just as a church—but as a community.

And that is what makes St. James “The Great.”