Thinking About Visiting Saint James Presbyterian Church?
We're happy and excited that you're considering visiting Saint James Presbyterian Church. We know that walking into a new church for the first time can feel strange and even intimidating, especially if you are new to the Bellingham area and are not yet connected with the community. We hope that this information will help answer some of your questions before you walk through our door. We may not have met yet, but we're already welcoming you.
When are services held?
During the academic year (mid-September through mid-June), Sunday services are held at 10:30 AM every Sunday morning. During the Summer, services take place at 10:00 AM in the morning. Bible studies are taught in the morning before church and a coffee-hour follows Sunday service. Call our office at (360) 733-1325 if you have any questions about when events are taking place.
What are the sermons like?
Our sermons which are biblically centered, directed by the liturgical calendar which follows the life and teachings of Jesus. For visitors who would like to delve deeper into the scripture we have an adult bible study before church which focuses on the Sunday's scripture. You can learn more about recent sermon messages in our online archive. Visit the Archive of Sunday Sermons.
What about the music?
We sing a rich mix of traditional and contemporary hymns, accompanied by our talented organist/pianist Kirsten Rutschman. Our choir participates in leading hymns during the academic year and provides a diverse offering of special music all year long. We also have a bell choir and special music performances.
Is there something for kids to do?
You bet! We welcome children and youth to be a part of the first fifteen minutes of service so that they can participate in singing and learn from adults in worship, but then after children's story time with the pastor they can choose to go to Sunday School. For young children who wish to remain with their parents, activity packets are available from the ushers in the entry hall of the church. Nursery care for infants is also available on the lower level during Sunday services. If you want to learn more about our awesome Christian Education program, contact Pastor Tam at ministered@saintjamespres.org.
Will I be singled out?
We want you to be comfortable at Saint James Presbyterian Church. We won't single you out, ask you to stand up and announce yourself or have your life-story scrutinized. We want to get to know you on a personal level. We hope that you'll shake a hand or return a smile during the "Passing of the Peace," a break in the first half of our service where we greet each other in the pews, but if you're feeling shy, that's ok.
What should I wear?
You will see everything from jeans and t-shirts to Sunday dresses and jackets sitting in the pews. It's the clothing of the soul that God looks upon, so dress up in your Sunday best if you like or simply come as you are.
Where can I park my car?
You can find easy parking on 14th Street, right in front of the church; this is also where handicap parking is located. Saint James is located in a residential neighborhood of Fairhaven, so sometimes parking on 14th Street can be tight. Parking is also available below the church, off Fillmore Avenue.
What about bikes?
If you like to bike around Bellingham, why not bike to church too? Bike racks for securing your two-wheels are located by the church entrance from the lower level parking lot.
Where is everything?
Worship takes place in the Sanctuary, at the 14th street facing level of the church. This is the main level of the church.
Restrooms are located in the main hallway of each level of the church. Following services there's coffee hour on the main level
in the Horizon Room, just off the entry hall, overlooking beautiful Bellingham Bay.
On the lower level are children's classrooms, our Fellowship Hall where large church gatherings are
held, and the nursery for infants and toddlers too young to attend Sunday School.
