Honoring leadership: Rev. Cindy recognized as a Spiritual Diplomat

True leadership is often revealed in moments that require courage, compassion, and a willingness to serve beyond one’s comfort zone. For the Rev. Canon Cindy Evans Voorhees, those moments have extended far beyond the walls of St. James the Great Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, California. In a meaningful and well-deserved recognition, Rev. Cindy was […]

A new way to pray: Meet Jordan, your prayer companion

Jordan Prayer Avatar (for blog post #2)

In the years following the pandemic, many people found themselves searching for deeper meaning, healing, and spiritual connection. At St. James the Great, that need has not gone unnoticed.Rev. Cindy, who provides pastoral care for members of the parish, has seen firsthand the growing number of individuals seeking support during difficult times at all hours […]

What makes St. James “The Great”?

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

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 […]

Pentecost is on Sunday, May 24th—wear red to church!

Photo of St. James on Pentecost

Pentecost is the birthday of the church—and celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles with tongues of fire. It’s traditional to wear red (or orange or yellow) on Pentecost to symbolize the flames!  We will also have a baptism on this day, and to amplify the “birthday of the church” tradition, […]

Praying the Daily Office

Praying the Daily Office (photo of outstretched cupped hands in front of a sunrise or sunseet with a cross in the middle of the hands showing the sun’s rays)

In the Episcopal/Anglican tradition, we have the ancient practice of daily prayer to mark the times of the day, called the Daily Office, adapted from the monastic pattern of prayer. There are the main offices of Morning and Evening Prayer, and smaller offices of Noonday Prayer and the late evening office of Compline. These are […]

Conversational English class meets after church every third Sunday

Conversational English hub (logo)

Our first Conversational English class last month went very well! The class will next meet on Sunday, May 24th in the library upstairs after church, led by Michele Volz and Maria Oleson, who serve as facilitators, offering engaging conversation springboards that draw out new vocabulary, thoughtful opinions, and shared insights in an encouraging atmosphere. Gentle […]

What is Christian nationalism? Watch Dr. Brad Onishi, a nationally known scholar on this topic, give his analysis, as part of our Faith Lab Speakers’ Series.

What is Christian nationalism? (with photo of Dr. Brad Onishi and a map of the U.S. with a cross on it)

On March 6, 2026, we had a  Faith Lab Speakers Series conversation with Brad Onishi, a nationally recognized scholar and commentator on Christian nationalism. What is Christian nationalism—and why does it matter for people of faith today? How is it shaping American culture, politics, and the church? Most importantly, how are Christians called to respond […]