Our Lives as Disciples: Formation at St. James

Here at St. James, we strive not just to worship God on Sundays, but to make Jesus central to the way we live our lives. The way of Jesus isn’t only about what happens after this life, but what we do here and now. Jesus teaches us the Way of Love, which involves us living for more than ourselves. We are called to take part in the work of God’s unfolding Kingdom. Even though we cannot see the whole picture of that Kingdom, we have a part in it. We have a part in God’s work.

There are three main ways we are formed and depend in our lives as disciples, or followers, of Jesus.

Learning: Children and adults learn what it means to live our lives as disciples. Our Messy Church childrens’ program helps our young people to learn how Jesus teaches us to live, and what that looks like in our community. Messy Church combines knowledge and wisdom with hands-on projects that connect minds and bodies to a lifelong practice of discipleship.

Everyday Discipleship, our adult class, helps people to learn about many topics important to the Christian life, helping us to deepen our understanding about how Jesus teaches us to live each day as his disciples.

Liturgy: We are also formed by taking part in the liturgy and sacraments of the Church. Whether someone is serving at the altar, reading from the scriptures, leading us in prayer, leading us in song, or participating from the pews, everyone is involved in the work of the liturgy, and in sharing the sacraments. We have the opportunity to hear and respond to God’s word, pray for ourselves and the wider world, experience repentance and forgiveness, and be reconciled to one another and with God in Holy Communion. Every time we gather, we are prepared and strengthened for the days ahead.

Practice: Every time we leave worship, we are dismissed to go and serve God in the community, wherever our journeys take us. We do this together in community, as we take part in the ministries of the church, and individually in our homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. We are formed by the experiences we have in our everyday lives as disciples. Through this practice, we develop holy habits, deepen our spiritual connection with God and one another, and are more and more able to see and serve Christ in those we meet, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.

Questions?

Welcome!

Whether you are a visitor who is curious about St James Church, you are a member looking for information about upcoming events and services, or anything in between, I am glad you are here!

If this is your first time on our website, please take a little time to explore each page, where you will find information about our service schedule, formation opportunities, and our core values. Not seeing what you are looking for? Please click here to be taken to our Contact page for options to get your questions answered.

If you are interested in visiting the church, you are always welcome to drop by on any Sunday, or you can plan a meeting with me ahead of your visit. I would love to answer your questions in person, and even give you a tour of our beautiful, historic church!

But St James is more than a beautiful church building and 210 years of worship, formation, and service in Zanesville. We are a genuinely warm, welcoming community of folks who seek to love God and our neighbors every day of our lives.

Are you new to the area? Are you looking for a place where you and your family can be met where you are, with grace and kindness? Are you looking for a way to go deeper in your journey with God? Have you had trouble finding true welcome in a faith community?

There is a place for you here!

Blessings to you,
Father Michael