Welcome
TO SAINT JAMES’ WARRENTON
About our church
Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Warrenton, Virginia, is a historic parish where we believe that God makes all things new. We are an inclusive congregation where people from all walks of life can find a spiritual home.
We are part of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia. As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
Weekly worship
The life of our parish is grounded in liturgical and sacramental worship guided by the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. Our regular worship services include celebration of the Eucharist, also called Communion, Mass and the Lord’s Supper.
Sunday
8 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday
12 p.m.
Thursday
7:30 a.m.
Children and youth
Children and young people are a vital part of our congregation. We offer regular programing to incorporate the youngest members of our community into the life of the church.
Children’s Church
Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
Nursery
Sunday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
High School Youth Group
Sunday at 6:30 p.m. during the school year
Middle School Youth Group
Every other Sunday at 5 p.m. during the school year
Clergy
The Rev. Ben Maas has been the rector of Saint James’ since 2013. He presides over Sunday-morning services and provides pastoral care throughout the week. The Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick leads the Thursday-morning service and fills in when Father Ben is away.
FAQs
When are your principal worship services?
Our principal worship services are Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The 10:15 service is the pinnacle of the week and includes hymns, service music and Children’s Church.
What are Sunday-morning services like?
Worship at Saint James’ is liturgical and sacramental, guided by the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer. If you’ve attended Catholic, Lutheran or Anglican services, you’ll be familiar with many of the elements. The first half of each service has us reflect on the word of God through Scripture, a sermon and corporate prayer. The second half of the service is dedicated to celebrating the Eucharist, also known as Communion, Mass and the Lord’s Supper. At the 10:15 service, hymns, service music and anthems are interspersed throughout the liturgy. Learn more >>>
What is the music like?
Music at Saint James’ is traditional, led by an organist and a choir. Hymns and service music from The Hymnal 1982 are a part of the liturgy each Sunday during the 10:15 service. Learn more >>>
Are children welcome?
Absolutely! Children of any age are welcome at any of our services. The 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday is especially welcoming to young families; Children’s Church for kids age 4 to fifth grade takes place during the first half of the 10:15 service, and nursery is available for kids under 4 beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings. Children are equally welcome to stay with their family during the service. Learn more >>>
May I take Communion if I’m not an Episcopalian?
Yes, all baptized Christians are invited to receive Communion, both the bread and wine. Learn more >>>
Is Saint James’ LGBTQ affirming?
Yes, Saint James’ and The Episcopal Church affirm LGBTQ people and women as full participants in the body of Christ. Ordained ministry and lay leadership positions are open to people of all genders and sexual orientations. Learn more >>>
Are there opportunities to grow in my faith outside of worship?
Yes, there are several study- and discussion groups that meet regularly at Saint James’. Those include a men’s Bible study, Education for Ministry, a book club and a discussion group with Bishop Ted. Learn more >>>
What are the demographics of the congregation?
While our congregation comprises people from all walks of life, older adults and families with children are the two most common types of people you’ll meet.
How many people attend services?
Attendance fluctuates depending on the season, but there are generally 40 to 60 people at the 8 a.m. service and 120 to 160 people at the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday. Weekday services are much more intimate, with about a dozen people each attending Wednesday and Thursday services.
Is the church building accessible to people with limited mobility?
Yes, the church building is accessible to people using walkers or wheelchairs. There are small ramps leading from the sidewalk into the church, and a chairlift to access the Parish Hall from the church. Our ushers and greeters are happy to assist you.
Where do I park?
Street parking is available on Culpeper Street in front of the church. There is also parking available at the public lot between West Franklin Street and West Lee Street and in the Saint James’ Episcopal School lot on Beckham Street.
Is Saint James’ Episcopal Church affiliated with Saint James’ Episcopal School?
Yes, we are one and the same, though the church and school have mostly distinct governing structures. Father Ben serves as school’s chaplain, but the school is led by a separate head of school and school board. The school adds vibrancy to the life of the church, and the church provides a spiritual anchor for the school’s students and staff. Learn more >>>
How old is Saint James’?
As with many Church of England (now Episcopal) parishes founded before the American War of Independence, there’s a complicated answer to that question. Hamilton Parish, of which Saint James’ is now the sole parish church, was founded in 1730. Saint James’ moved to its current location on Culpeper Street in 1853. Learn more >>>
Contact us
Please make yourself known to us if you’d like to learn more about Saint James’ Episcopal Church or have any other inquiry. The office is generally open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m on weekdays.
Looking for Saint James’ Episcopal School? Click here.
Email
admin@saintjameswarrenton.org
Phone
540-347-4342
Address
73 Culpeper Street
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Sign up for our newsletter
Our weekly newsletter is the primary way we communicate with our church community about goings on in our parish. We also send an email on Saturday evening with links to the bulletin, livestream and Scripture readings for that Sunday. You can unsubscribe at any time.