Welcome to St. James' Church in Potomac where our hearts, minds and doors are open to all who are seeking a community in which to worship God.  We hope you will find our service uplifting and our members friendly.  At St. James', you will find a strong liturgical tradition in which clergy and congregation join in the excitement of sharing our faith through worship.  It is through our worship and our service to our community that we grow spiritually at St. James'.  Hard copies of the information about our parish that you find here in the web site are at the Welcome Table in the entrance lobby (narthex) of our church building.  Each Sunday, we invite you to join us for fellowship in our Parish Hall following our services; that allows us more informal time to enjoy refreshments and friendly conversation with new and established parishioners.

Access and Comfort

Parking is available in the lot in front of the church and also in a large lot located behind the church building. From the back parking lot, entrance to the church building is through the doors on the side closest to the driveway. Cross the large open space and continue straight ahead up the long hallway. The main worship area is on the main level up the stairway. From the front parking lot, there are four entrances directly into the main level, including two on the north side that provide handicap access.

Rest rooms are located on both levels of the church building:

• On the lower level -- just inside the door from the back parking lot. To get there from inside the main level of the church building, go down the stairs inside the front entrance of the church. Follow the hallway until the open space and continue slightly to the right and straight across the large room (undercroft). The rest rooms are on the left before reaching the outside door. OR go to the door to the right of the altar, go down the stairs and turn right.
• On the upper level -- Also from inside the church worship area, go through the door to the right of the altar and enter the first and only door at the top of the stairs labeled "vestry". A small restroom is behind the second door on the left.

Overview of Our Parish

You are welcome in the community of St. James' and we hope that the information in this section will help you get a feeling for life at St. James'. We are truly a loving, active and faith-filled community, made possible by God's grace and the energy and commitment of our members. We rejoice in all those who come to St. James' for worship, spiritual growth and service, whether visitors, friends or members. 

In 1963, the neighboring parish of St. John's, Norwood Parish, in Chevy Chase, and the diocesan Department of Missions joined efforts to provide for the rapidly growing suburbs between existing parishes in Rockville, Potomac and North Bethesda. The new congregation met in local schools, erected a church building in 1967, and was designated a parish in 1971. Through over forty five years, the vision of inspired clergy, dedicated leadership of the laity and loyal members guided us, offering many opportunities to see and follow God's plan, and to grow in spirit and in community.

In 1999, the Reverend Cynthia Baskin joined us as rector. Cindy serves with strong leadership, inspired vision and endless energy. She encourages us to use our talents in service to the community, while ministering to the congregation as pastor, priest and friend.

Our parish life is centered around Sunday worship services. It is a great joy and privilege to come together each week to worship God, share the Eucharist and our faith. All other programs, activities and services flow from being renewed by God's love.

We would like to send you our bi-weekly Pilgrim newsletter so that you can learn about us as a worshiping community and about our regular programs for adults and children.

Let us know how we can assist you as you explore the possibilities of membership in our parish. Use the Ministry Contacts listing found elsewhere on the website, or call the church office to get questions answered and find out about program schedules. In all activities you are welcome.

How do I become a member of St. James' ?

Baptized persons who attend worship at St. James' regularly, are at least 16 years old, and intend to give the parish financial support can become members by transferring their membership to St. James' from their prior church. You should talk to the rector or any staff member in order to transfer. You will receive mailings as soon as you indicate interest, and may vote in parish elections after you have transferred in.

What is Confirmation?

It is normal when adults are baptized that they also receive the laying on of hands by a Bishop and share in the tradition of the world-wide historic Anglican church. Confirmation for teenagers and adults who were baptized as infants or children is valuable because they receive adult level instruction and confirm the promises made on their behalf by their parents when they were baptized.

How do I get married at St James'?

Speak to the rector before you select a date. The rector will arrange for instruction about what a Christian marriage means, go through the service possibilities with both of you, and make arrangements for the use of the parish hall if you wish to use that for a reception. A marriage between divorced couples is possible, but more information about the state of the previous marriage is requested, and the Bishop requires a minimum of three months to give his or her permission. It is not normal for couples who are not members of the parish to be married at St. James'. There is a cost for the parish hall and organist, and an honorarium for the officiating clergy person.

How do I arrange for a funeral?

Members of St. James' should contact the rector if a death is imminent so that she can help, perhaps bring Communion to the person who is sick, begin to discuss funeral arrangements, and perhaps medical arrangements with the relatives. Upon a death, the rector should be notified at once so she can minister to the family, be involved in actual funeral arrangements, and help set the time and date of a service. There is no cost for any of the above services, though if finances permit, memorial donations to the parish Endowment Fund are welcome.

So that we may get to know you and understand better how to serve you, please fill out the Newcomer Information Form.   We look forward to welcoming and getting to know you!