The clergy, vestry and people of St. James Episcopal Church are pleased to extend an invitation to all members of the community to join us for Christmas services.
On December 24th, beginning at 5:30pm, the first service will include a costumed children’s pageant depicting the events of the Biblical Christmas narrative. Familiar carols of Christmas will be sung by all, accompanied by the stately St. James pipe organ. Holy Eucharist (also known as “the Mass” or “Communion”) will be celebrated by Interim Rector, Rev. Barb Schmitz. This early service is lively and energetic, perfect for families with young children.
Beginning at 11:00pm, the principal service in celebration of Christmas will begin with congregational hymn and carol singing accompanied by a brass sextet, pipe organ and the St. James Church Choir. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Owensby, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, will be the celebrant and preacher for the midnight candlelight service. Shortly after midnight, as Christmas day arrives, those in attendance are welcomed at the altar to receive Holy Communion. Following the liturgy, the church lights will be lowered for the singing of the beloved carol “Silent Night” by candlelight, providing a beautiful conclusion to the Mass. Hot chocolate and homemade cookies will be shared after the service, to toast the arrival of Christmas.
There will be one spoken service on Christmas Day morning at 10:00am. As is the custom of the Episcopal Church and St. James, all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion during this observance of Christmas and at all St. James services.
Please plan to experience the warmth and welcome of the Christmas season as we celebrate the Festival of the Nativity of Our Lord at St. James. St. James is located at 1644 Murray Street, at the corner of Bolton Avenue in Alexandria. For more information, call the church office at (318) 445-9845 or visit us online at www.SaintJamesOnline.org. From our parish family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
