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Where is St. James Located?

St. James is an in-town church located in the heart of Birmingham with a proud history of over 120 years in the same location.

You will find us on the southeast corner of West Maple Road (15 Mile) and Chester Street. St James is easily accessible from major surface streets…Maple Road, Woodward Avenue and Southfield Road.

Where do I park?

It’s easy and convenient to park for Sunday services. Parking is free on Sundays at City of Birmingham parking decks and metered spaces. The Chester Street parking deck is located across the street from St. James on the west side of the building.  Maple, Chester, and Martin Streets have adjacent parking.

During the week, the Chester Street parking deck has two hour-free parking.

The handicapped entrance to St. James is located on Martin Street, the street south of the building.  A small number of handicapped street parking spaces are available on Martin and Chester streets. The Chester Street parking deck has handicapped spaces located near the elevators.

What should I expect when I arrive?

There are three entry doors to the building.  If you enter the West Maple door, an usher will greet you and give you a service leaflet prepared for that day. If you enter through the Martin Street door, you may follow the signs to the elevator or take the stairs near the elevator to the West Maple entry area where service leaflets are available.

We encourage you to sign our guest book, wear a name tag and take a copy of our monthly newsletter, The Spirit.

The service leaflet is your guide. You will note that hymn numbers are listed. The blue books in each pew are the hymnals or song books. The red books are the Book of Common prayer (BCP).  Most of the service, contained in the Book of Common Prayer, has been duplicated in the service leaflet. When you are asked to use the BCP, you will be guided to the page number.

Where do I sit?

Please sit where you feel comfortable. You can enter the pews from the center or side aisles. If you are concerned about where to sit an usher will be happy to help you find a location. There is space for coats in Centennial Hall on the lower level of the church. An usher can give you directions. 

How long will the service last?

Sunday worship services take place at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The 8:00 a.m. service usually lasts for a little less than an hour. The 10:00 a.m. choral service lasts for a little more that an hour.  During the summer, one service at 9:00 a.m. takes place.

The 10:00 a.m. worship service is broadcast live through a link on the St. James website home page stjamesbirmingham.org

What if I have children?

We believe that the presence of children is a gift from God and that children are part of the community of faith.  At St. James, children of all ages are always welcome during worship and communion. Families attending services have a number of options. In the church, we have children’s “busy bags” at the back of the church. These contain age-appropriate, engaging materials for children to use during the liturgy. We also have a soft space in the corner, where children and parents may sit in comfortable chairs, read books, and play with soft toys.

A nursery for children under 4 years is available every Sunday during the 10:00 a.m. service. Our Christian Education program, Godly Play, is offered on the third Sunday of each month for ages 4-5th grades. More information is available under the Mission and Ministry tab, Youth Formation.

How To Take Communion

All are welcome to God’s table. The altar at St. James belongs not to our church but to God and we believe God welcomes all to the table.  To receive communion, come forward to the altar rail, as the ushers direct you, and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand. The priest will place the communion bread in your open right palm. You may choose to receive the wine directly from the chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Eucharistic Minister presents it to you. You may choose to receive an individual disposable cup. If you choose not to receive the wine, simply cross your arms on your chest after you receive the wafer. You may return to your pew and enter it from the side aisle after communion. If it is physically difficult for you to come to the altar rail, please tell an usher and we will bring communion to you at your seat.

If you or your children would like to receive a blessing from the priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive communion and cross your arms over your chest. Ask your children to do the same.

What are the informal opportunities to meet people?

You are cordially invited to join us following the 8:00 a.m. or the 10:00 a.m. worship service for coffee, refreshments and fellowship. It’s a great way to meet others and learn about some of our outreach activities. We gather in Centennial Hall on the lower level of the church. Children of all ages are welcome, too.

How do I learn more about getting involved in church activities?

We have many opportunities to get involved at St. James and we welcome newcomers as they bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to our activities. Whether your interest is becoming a reader during worship services, participating in our community projects, bringing your skills to one of our committees, preparing treats for coffee hour or singing in the choir, we would love to hear from you. You can contact our Parish Administrator who will link you to a vestry member or committee chair for additional information. Check out the sign-up table in Centennial Hall for current activities that may interest you.