The Worship Commission (WC) assists the rector in planning special liturgies, evaluates the regular worship services, supports the various worship ministries, and considers changes as necessary to present new ideas which might enhance the worship life of St. James Church. Along with concerns identified by the Commission, parishioners may submit proposals and new ideas.

For more information, contact Etta Jones eandjjones@yahoo.com

Preparation and service for Holy Eucharist is provided in support of three(3) services each Sunday and at least one service on Holy Days. Preparations are also made for the Jubilee Service for Holy Eucharist on the first Sunday of each month. In addition, services are provided to support the “Wednesday Bunch” each week in the Parish Hall

Altar Guild members count it as a blessing to serve on the Saint James Altar Guild. We welcome new members for training and service for all the routine duties to support weekly Holy Eucharist.

For more information, contact Louise Chapple

St. James Acolytes are dedicated individuals (adults and youth) that have a significant role assisting the rector at the altar during the worship service. They train under the guidance of the Acolyte Master and are knowledgeable in the liturgy. The acolytes assist in the service by carrying the cross, lighting the candles, giving the offering plates to the usher and cleaning up after Communion.

To view the Lay Readers schedule click here.

Music plays an important part in the worship life of the parish. The Choir provides strong musical leadership at the 9:30am celebration of Holy Communion, and at other special worship events. The Choir shares the singing of hymns with the congregation, and it offers traditional Anglican anthems, renaissance motets, and spirituals at the Offertory and the administration of Communion.

Our four-part group of choristers rehearses each week before, and again, after the 9:30am service.

We're always looking for additional voices! For more information, contact Calvin Fuller at January657@aol.com

The St. James Choir had another rewarding year of service to the St. James Community. Now, in the new choir loft, we are adapting to the new worship space. A few changes in the loft will be made in the near future.

The choirmaster has attended several meetings of the diocesan music commission, an official group that plans and directs many of the musical activities of the Diocese of Texas.

We are happy to welcome the following new choir members: Zenobia Dent, Alto 1; Treshell Evans, Alto 1; Brandrick Levy, tenor 1; Aaron Walker, bass 2; and Quincy Savala, bass 2

C. Vincent Fuller, Jr., organist/choirmaster

December 7, 1997 marked a stunning development in the worship life of St. James Church. The then-rector, the Rev. Antoine L. Campbell, had a vision for the contemporary jazz worship at St. James Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. With the help of parishioners it became a reality on that first Sunday in December. The newly-formed Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, brought together by renowned drummer/percussionist Samuel Dinkins, III, began offering Jazzed-up hymns, Spirituals, Gospel, Religious and Spirit-filled secular styles of music every Sunday.

Today, because of the efforts of those who have toiled over the years, jazz worship at St. James’ is thriving.

In the fall of 2003, the St. James Jazz Ensemble recorded its first CD, “Come with Me,” with the assistance of parishioners John & Judy Foelber (Executive Producers). This 2004 release featured ensemble members, Sam Dinkins, III, Mike Morrison, Lora Sims, John Torres, Kyle Turner and special guest Charlie Berry and Carl Progue. The art work for the CD was done by parishioner, Earnest Snell (whose art work can also be seen in the newly built Sanctuary). These songs and many others can be heard weekly at the worship service along with current ensemble members, Richard Saldivar and Caretta Bell.

The Jazz Service really has helped to transform our church. In 2007, Ensemble Director, Sam Dinkins, III wrote, “The Mission of St. James,” which is based on St. James’ mission statement, “Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, Share our gifts, and Bring together all People.” This song is a part of the weekly worship experience. To commemorate the 10 years of service, the Ensemble performed a Jazz Gospel Concert that was recorded for DVD. As we give thanks to God for the blessings made known through the Jazz Service, we can pray that God continues to use us as agents of transformation in this church, in this neighborhood, in this corner of God’s Kingdom.

The CD, “Come With Me,” and DVD, “The 10th Anniversary Gospel Jazz Concert” are available for your enjoyment at St. James Episcopal Church and at CD Baby.com.

Samuel Dinkins, III; Director

The Commission for Pastoral Care and Outreach ministers to parishioners through prayers, phone calls and visits to those who are hospitalized, sick at home or in assisted living facilities. We offer care to bereaved families in a variety of ways during their time of crisis.

Commission members periodically contact persons on the prayer list, deliver altar flowers, and provide follow up to visitors.

For more information, contact Carolyn Lindsey

St. James School, an outreach of St. James Church has been an outreach and educational institution for over thirty years. Our school offers a quality education to students in a Christian environment. The age range currently enrolled is 3-yr.-olds through the 8th grade.

If you have a child and you want them to excel, consider calling the school and making an appointment with the school’s principal, Vanita Reed.

School office: 3129 Southmore Boulevard (713) 521-9884

Also, check-out the school’s website: http://www.stjamesschoolhouston.org/

Every Sunday afternoon, St. James offers a place to worship and enjoy a hot meal for our homeless friends and neighbors.

Worship is led by a team of Lay Ministers. Teams of parishioners rotate from week to week to cook and serve the meal.

This important ministry offers so much to so many people. If you'd like to join one of the teams, please contact Mack Massiah.

The TSU Ministry is a St. James sponsored group of students. It provides an avenue for students and faculty to take a few moments out of each stressful day for prayer and meditation. The group consists mainly of students from the Anglican tradition with some non Anglicans as well. Those students living on campus are encouraged to worship at St. James whenever possible. The group has sponsored various activities both at St. James Church as well as on the TSU campus. Examples of our activities involve music recitals by TSU students at St. James Church, seminars at TSU campus. The group has organized to provide peer tutoring to each other as well as other students on the TSU campus.

Mission Statement
Boy Scouts prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Troop Meetings
St. James provides meeting space for Boy Scout Troop 212. The troop meets Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Lionel Jellins at jellins@earthlink.net

The Commission for Children, Youth, and Christian Education oversees Children’s Sunday School for preschool and elementary aged children, Christian Education for middle and high school aged youth, Adult Christian Education, and Vacation Bible School.

In the area of Christian Education, we seek to study God’s teachings and strive to apply them to our daily lives. Additionally, we support this Core Value with a variety of educational, spiritual, recreational, and formative offerings designed to reach parishioners of all ages.