Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to St. James. Whether you are “church shopping” or know you want to become a member of our community, we are glad to have you worship with us and join with us as we endeavor to live out the calling and mission of Jesus Christ. Below you will find some commonly asked questions about visiting and joining our parish.
1. How do I join the community of St. James?
2. What does it mean to be a member of St. James?
3. What do I do if I have a pastoral emergency?
4. What if I was raised in a different denomination?
5. Can I receive Communion at worship?
6. How do I receive communion?
7. How do I become a Christian?
8. What if I am not baptized or I want my child baptized?
9. How do I move my membership record to St. James from another parish?
10. What if I would like to be married at St. James?
11. What should I know about funerals at St. James?
1. HOW DO I JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF ST. JAMES?
You are a part of our parish community by worshiping with us. Worship is the central thing we do in the Episcopal Church. By giving us your contact information you are able to participate in all that our church offers for example, Sunday school, adult educational offerings, fellowship opportunities, and other organized ways of living out our promises to God.
2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MEMBER OF ST. JAMES?
To become a member of St. James makes you a full participant in the life of our church. St. James members are expected to help the Church carry out its mission to be faithful witnesses of Christ in our world. Members are expected to worship regularly and remain faithful in working, praying and giving toward growing the Kingdom of God. Pledge cards are accepted throughout the year and are an opportunity for your household to pray and determine what part of your income is to be given back to God. Pledges are important to the life of our parish so that we can make a budget for the coming year to fulfill the mission Jesus left to the church.
3. WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A PASTORAL EMERGENCY?
Please let the church know by calling the office if you are experiencing a crisis in your life. Tel. 215-788-2228.
4. WHAT IF I WAS RAISED IN A DIFFERENT DENOMINATION?
We recognize that many of our visitors have a large range of prior experiences with the church. Many come from different denominations, perhaps different faiths, or may not have had much experience with church. All are welcome.
5. CAN I RECEIVE COMMUNION AT WORSHIP?
The Episcopal Church practices an open communion. Whenever Communion is offered in our church, all baptized Christians, no matter the denomination, are welcome to receive both the bread and the wine.
6. HOW DO I RECEIVE COMMUNION?
All baptized Christians, even small children, may receive communion. You may stand or kneel at the altar to receive communion. To receive the sacrament simply put your hands out one on top of the other, palms up, and the priest will place a host in your hands. You may receive the wine after by intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) or taking a sip of the wine. If you are not baptized, place your arms in a crossed position over your chest and the clergy will say a brief prayer of blessing on you. If your child is too young or not yet baptized, the clergy will say a brief prayer of blessing on them as well.
7. HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism is the entrance rite into any church, including St. James. Baptism is the first step.
8. WHAT IF I AM NOT BAPTIZED OR I WANT MY CHILD BAPTIZED?
If you have never been baptized or if you wish to have your infant/child baptized, we do public baptisms at particular times throughout the year. Baptisms take place on five specific dates during the year.
9. HOW DO I TRANSFER MY MEMBERSHIP RECORD TO ST. JAMES FROM ANOTHER PARISH?
If you have previously been a member of another church and would like to transfer your membership, contact Sheron Drennen, the parish administrative assistant. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself so we can notify your previous parish.
10. WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO BE MARRIED AT ST. JAMES?
There is no greater sense of God’s goodness than when we find someone who loves us and whom we love. Marriage is a sacrament of the Episcopal Church. As a sacrament it is an extension of your Christian faith. The first step to getting married here is to call the office and make an appointment with a priest. Click here to read more about weddings at St. James.
11. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FUNERALS AT ST. JAMES?
Funerals are a celebration of the gift and hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Making plans in advance of your death is always a good idea. To do that, make an appointment with the priest. If someone should die in your family, please call the church immediately and the priest will talk with you.
Because St. James’ churchyard is so historic, people often assume that it is not a “working” cemetery. However, burials still occur and plots are still available.
Weddings at St. James the Greater Episcopal Church, Bristol, PA
1. What are the costs involved?
Listed below are the costs for being married at St. James. All checks are due on the day of the wedding rehearsal.
· Church rental (for persons who are not pledging members of St. James) - $500.
· Organist stipend - $175 (you may choose not to use an organist, or supply other musicians)
· Clergy stipend for five to six pre-marital counseling sessions, wedding rehearsal and performing the wedding - $300
Pledge must exceed the total for church rental and clergy by at least 20 percent.
2. Is there any counseling required?
Yes. The Episcopal Church requires its ministers to ascertain that a couple may legally be married; that the couple understand “that Holy Matrimony is a physical and spiritual union, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind, and will, and with intent that it be lifelong”; that both individuals freely consent to the marriage; that at least one of the two have received Holy Baptism; and that the couple to be married have been instructed as to the nature and purpose of Holy Matrimony.
Too often, couples approach pre-marital counseling with great trepidation and “fear of the unknown.” Please don’t! The sessions are intended to be helpful, not a hindrance. Marriage holds the promise of great joy but there are many obstacles to having a successful lifelong relationship. Normally, you should plan on five sessions, with each session lasting about an hour During these sessions, expect to discuss how you met and fell in love; family and friends; the nature of your relationship; your hopes and expectations; how you use your time together and apart; your future together, including children; finances and employment; and your wedding plans.
3. Can the Episcopal priest from my childhood or the church I attend assist at the wedding in St. James?
Yes, with St. James’ clergy’s permission. If your priest is from another diocese, he or she must have the permission of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.
4. I’m not Episcopalian. Can a minister from my denomination take part in the service?
Yes, with the Rector’ permission. Certain parts of the service must be done by Episcopal clergy but other parts may be shared.
5. As much as we like you guys, we would like to have our own priest do the service by herself/himself. Is that possible?
We’re afraid not. With St. James’ priest’s permission, your rector is welcome and we expect to work with him or her on parts of the service for which he or she may be responsible. However, St. James’ clergy will officiate and perform the wedding.
6. May non-members of St. James be married here?
Yes, they are very welcome!
7. Can we write our own service, write our own vows, or include readings other than Scripture in our service?
Sorry, all weddings conducted at St. James will follow the marriage service found in the Book of Common Prayer.
8. Can we rent the church and have our own denominational or civil service?
The church may not be rented and all services held will be according to the Episcopal rites.
9. I’ve been divorced. Can I re-marry in the Episcopal Church?
Yes, although there are a few more requirements. According to the requirements of the Episcopal Church, the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania is required before the wedding may take place. After the pre-marital counseling sessions conclude, 30 days are required between the time permission is sought from the Bishop’s office and the time when judgment is rendered by his office.
10. How many people does the church seat?
The church seats 184 comfortably and 220 snugly in the pews.
11. Oh my. We’re planning on having a lot more people than that. Can we have our service elsewhere? (Or) Can we have an Episcopal wedding at a place other than the church?
Certainly, but talk with the priest first. No skydiving or underwater ceremonies, please!
12. What about a marriage license?
A valid marriage license must be obtained and delivered to the church at any time before the wedding ceremony takes place. Please note: Without a valid marriage license in hand, an Episcopal priest cannot officiate at your wedding.
13. How soon can we send out wedding invitations?
As soon as the priest has given consent for the marriage to take place. At any point during the pre-marital instruction, she may in good conscience conclude that she cannot be a part of this wedding, so please wait until the green light is given. We are aware of the time pressures that you are under and will not be unreasonable about giving you plenty of time. If either of you are previously divorced, the Bishop’s consent must be obtained before invitations are sent out.
14. How long does the wedding ceremony last?
That depends on several factors. A very simple wedding will last about 20 minutes. A wedding with Holy Communion, lots of music, etc. may be an hour or so long
15. Is Holy Communion always a part of the service?
No. Although highly desirable, the clergy will help you in your decision-making. In the Episcopal Church, all baptized persons are welcome to receive Communion.
16. Can we have printed service bulletins?
Yes. But you should plan well ahead on this. Attractive wedding bulletins can be ordered through the church office after you consult with the parish administrator. You will, however, be responsible for the cost, which is small. Order early! The church staff will handle printing the bulletins, or you can have them done by a printer once the clergy has approved the text.
17. Should I hire a wedding consultant?
That’s up to you. But please keep in mind that that person will have very little to do with the wedding service, which will be planned by you and the clergy.
18. Can we take pictures or hire a videographer?
Weddings are well worth preserving on film. However, it is very important that the photographer is not a disruptive and distracting presence during the worship service. Most professional photographers are sensitive to this, but to avoid misunderstandings and hard feelings, these guidelines should be followed and shared with your photographer prior to your wedding.
Professional photographers and videographers are welcome to call the Parish Administrator to set up a time to “scout out” St. James and determine where the best places are to set up their equipment. It is acceptable for them to take photos (with or without flash) when the bride is entering the church as long as they do so halfway down the aisle. Standing directly in front of the bridal party and taking pictures as the bride walks in is neither acceptable nor permitted. Photographers may also take pictures as the bride and groom are exiting the church from that same spot. In-between the procession in and the procession out, they may take non-flash photos from the very back of the church or from the sacristy door. At no time may a photographer or videographer enter the chancel or sanctuary space to take a picture.
Photos of the wedding party and families may be taken in the church prior to or after the wedding, if desired. If photos are to be taken after the service, the wedding party should re-gather in the church right away. Please take any pictures you desire with the clergy during the first part of the shoot so they may attend to other matters.
Out of respect for God and the sanctity of the church space, and in order for everyone to fully participate in the service, the taking of photos will not be permitted by the congregation after the bride has finished walking up the aisle. When the couple walks out as husband and wife, the congregation may take all the photos they wish.
19. Can we decorate the church space?
Too many flowers and candles detract from the setting and make it appear cluttered. Two large candles on the altar or two 7-branch candelabras behind it may be used. Candelabras are usually reserved for late afternoon weddings and used in cases where the flower arrangements are not overly wide. As with candles, more flowers are not necessarily better. One, two, or three flower arrangements are appropriate. Large, free-standing vases are out of place. You or your florist will also need to arrange for a mutually convenient time for the delivery of the flowers to church. If your wedding is held on a Saturday afternoon or evening, it is expected that the flowers from your wedding will remain on the altar for Sunday services in thanksgiving to God for your marriage.
20. What about music for the wedding?
Music during the wedding should be appropriate to the nature of the event. Thus, music used during your wedding should be Christian, either implicitly or explicitly. Music for the ceremony must be decided upon in consultation with the clergy. Soloists and other instrumentalists must rehearse with the organist at a mutually agreed time before the day of the service and must provide their own music with a copy for the organist. The words of anthems (this includes solos) “are to be from the Holy Scripture, The Book of Common Prayer, or from texts congruent with them.” (BCP) (Sorry—school songs, etc. will not be approved.) Music that does not fit the nature of the ceremony is far better used at the wedding reception.
21. What do we need to know about the wedding rehearsal?
The wedding rehearsal is usually held the evening prior to the wedding day. You should allow one hour for the rehearsal to take place. If you are planning a rehearsal dinner, it is advisable to schedule the rehearsal at least an hour and fifteen minutes in advance. Please stress to all wedding participants the absolute necessity of being on time. An Altar Guild member and the clergy will be present at the rehearsal and the wedding to assist in the smooth flow of the service and to ease anxieties that you may have!
22. What lessons from Scripture may we use?
At your wedding, you may choose from several combinations of lessons to be read. You may choose to have an Old Testament (OT) lesson, a Psalm, a New Testament (NT) lesson, and a lesson from the Gospel; you may choose to have one lesson from either the OT or the NT, a Psalm, and a lesson from the Gospel; or you may choose to have a lesson from either the OT or the NT and a lesson from the Gospel (no psalm). It is preferred that readings follow the text of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. It is church policy that a reading from the Gospel will always be read at weddings. You may also choose to have a friend or relative read any of the lessons or lead the congregation in the reading of the psalm. However, only a deacon or a priest may read the lesson from the Gospel. The following are lessons which you may choose from:
Old Testament Lessons
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24
Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7
Tobit 8:5b-8
The Psalms
Psalm 67
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth her increase; *
may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, *
and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
Psalm 127
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2 Unless the Lord watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3 It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4 Children are a heritage from the Lord, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 128
1 Happy are they all who fear the Lord, *
and who follow in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4 The man who fears the Lord *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5 The Lord bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children; *
may peace be upon Israel.
New Testament Lessons
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33
Colossians 3:12-17
1 John 4:7-16
The Gospel Lessons
Matthew 5:1-10
Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 7:21, 24-29
Mark 10:6-9, 13-16
John 15:9-12
23. Is there anything else I should know?
Yes. The chief rule of all weddings is that nothing is to happen that will bring embarrassment to the bride or groom or to their families. It is a special moment for you - therefore, all service participants should remember where they are and why they are there. Because of this, if any member of the wedding party appears to be intoxicated or “hung over” at the time of the wedding, he or she will not be allowed to participate, regardless of who he or she is. This is non-negotiable.
