We welcome you to St. James Parish, the Episcopal Church in Preston, Connecticut.
Our Sunday services are virtual only at this time, and they are centered on the celebration of Holy Eucharist. An organist and musicians from the community bring to life traditional Anglican music. Our members live locally, in surrounding towns, and beyond. The importance of breaking bread together as a community is most evident in our Fish and Chips Lenten dinners (postponed in 2021), but also in monthly gatherings. We are an open and affirming congregation that is dedicated to following Jesus by being a light and source of grace and healing. Join us!
Sunday Service on Mothers' Day, 5/9/2021:
Update! This Sunday we are having an in-person worship service at St. James (9 am) and Grace (11 am) along with our virtual service. The safety of our parish members is our top priority, so masks and social distancing will be required. You may drop in, but to ensure no one will get turned away, send an email Rev. Kim at kim@stjamespreston.org to ensure everyone who wants to attend will have a seat. Our worship service will continue to be streamed live on Zoom and on Facebook starting at 9 am.
Happening Now:
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Our Work: Learning about Antiracism--a Discussion Group
The group has decided to engage in Sacred Ground, which is a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. We will walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love. For more general information, please visit: episcopalchurch.org/sacredground. To join in the conversation contact Rev. Kim, and she will send the link to the session materials.
We meet every other Monday evening at 7:00 PM via zoom. Spring dates are May 3, 17, 3, June 14, 28 and July 5.
We meet every other Monday evening at 7:00 PM via zoom. Spring dates are May 3, 17, 3, June 14, 28 and July 5.
Community Meal
Join other parishioners in supporting mission in our community. St. James, Grace Church and Christ Church are working together to fight food Insecurity in the Greater Norwich Area. Every Sunday, a faith community in the region provides a “to-go” meal to ensure no one goes without when the soup kitchen at St. Vincent DePaul Place is closed.
All those interested in sandwich making for the event should call Dawn (860-889-0150) at the office or email her at office@stjamespreston.org to sign up. Details will be provided once you have committed. Thank you and God Bless.
All those interested in sandwich making for the event should call Dawn (860-889-0150) at the office or email her at office@stjamespreston.org to sign up. Details will be provided once you have committed. Thank you and God Bless.
Healthcare Workers Need our Encouragement
It has been one year since this pandemic began, and our communities have suffered much. When one of us is lagging behind or lost in the fog, there is someone ahead to lift us up and light our way. Today you can help our local healthcare workers. Please consider reaching out to a group of people who could use a boost!
Backus Hospital c/o Chaplain, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360
Peace, Kim+
- Offer a prayer, light a candle of encouragement. This could be done for healthcare workers in general or for someone you know who works in a hospital/healthcare facility.
- Send a note of encouragement to your local hospital; address it simply to a healthcare worker or to someone you know:
Backus Hospital c/o Chaplain, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360
- Call someone you know who works in a hospital just to let them know you are thinking of them and to offer words of encouragement.
Peace, Kim+
One-Year Bible Challenge
Join Rev. Kim in reading the Bible in one year. The Bible Challenge website provides an easy way to read the Bible every day. On the website, https://thebiblechallenge.org/, you will be able to read the daily readings, which take about twenty minutes. Also, there is an audio version of the text that you can listen to on your computer, tablet or your smart phone! The website also has daily devotionals and a Bible study guide. Check out the website, and if you want, let me know you are going to try to do the challenge. Even if you find yourself unable to make it a daily practice, it is a great resource and you can jump in any time.
Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
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Help us in supporting St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich (https://www.svdpp.org). A current list of their needs is to-go containers, tuna, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, hot dogs, cereal, maple syrup, pancake mix (just add water), baby diapers (size 4, 5 and 6), baby wipes, razors, and men's boxers size L and XL.
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Forward Day by Day booklets available
The Forward Day by Day booklets are available in our church lobbies. Please take one for your daily devotion. Or if you prefer, a copy can be mailed to you. Contact the church office at office@stjamespreston.org or call 860-889-0150.