SPECIAL SERVICES

Here at St James, we have a number of special services during the year.

CHRISTMAS
The first service of Christmas Eve, normally held at 5.30pm, is the family service. This is a fairly informal service, designed to be accessible to children.   It includes a simple pageant (all children are invited to participate as angels and shepherds), hymns, a story, and the Eucharist.

The late service on Christmas Eve, normally held at 9pm, is a traditional celebration Eucharist with candlelight and choir.  It is followed by a reception at the Rectory.

On Christmas morning, we have a Celebration Eucharist at 9.30am, with hymns.

ASH WEDNESDAY
The solemn Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes is held at noon and 7pm on Ash Wednesday.

HOLY WEEK AND GOOD FRIDAY
Holy Week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday, when we process into the church with palms, hear the story of Christ's arrival in Jerusalem, and conclude with the solemn reading of the Passion.

On Maundy Thursday evening, our service begins in the hall with a potluck Middle Eastern meal, and then we move to the church for the Eucharist and stripping of the altar.

On Good Friday, we have a meditative service with reflections and music from 12noon to 3pm.

EASTER
The first celebration of Easter is the Vigil service, on Easter Eve, a wonderful service when we welcome the light of Christ, are reminded of our baptism, and celebrate the Eucharist.

On Easter Day, we have celebration Eucharists at 8am and 9.30am, with choir.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
The annual Blessing of the Animals is held during the 9.30am Eucharist on the first Sunday after the Feast of St Francis (October 4).  We welcome all animals - dogs, cats, frogs, fish, guinea pigs, spiders, hermit crabs, stuffed toys, and photos!