St. James Episcopal Church

Soulful place. Come for the music, stay for the spirit. Good people.

The new location is 1941 Webberville Road Austin, Texas 78 721
When I stepped in the door in between services (they have four different ones), I was greeted first by a Caucasian lady in her late 60s/​early 70s, named «JO» as her name-​tag identified her and a Hispanic man with green eyes holding a guitar. Both were very friendly and informative.
I returned later that night to visit the 6:00 service. The service allowed me to enter into an experience of connecting and worshiping God in a refreshing way. I think they call this service «contemporary». It is not the kind of contemporary like lots of acoustic guitar… but more like jazzy, bluesy, soulful contemporary. There was a lot of song, scripture, and and an opportunity for communion. It was MLK day, and the sermon leaned heavily on his writings.
The church is very ethnically diverse, it seems that most are well-​educated and very much outwardly focused. When I returned the following week with a neighbor to the 10:15 service, we were again treated with welcome as one member told another to escort us in. then that lady sat with us during the service — but not in creepy way… just as in a good hostess kind of way.
They have a 1:00 Spanish Service and and 8am Contemplative Service.
The only thing that is tricky is that you feel a little lost at times keeping up with the page turning and readings. They have several books that they use (hymnals, book of prayer) plus the weekly pamplet… it was just a lots to stay on top of. I don’t know if it will be a great place for friends that may not be great readers. (not sure yet)

Not that I’m some sort of God-squad…but…
This Episcopal Church on the east side is apparently well known on both coasts in church-​going circles, and once I experienced it on a tip from a respected Episcopalian, the clouds parted, the birds fell silent… (sorry)
Starting back in the 40s as a predominately African-​American church, St. James has held onto their history by using both the traditional hymnal and African-​American songbook, keeping a long relationship with Huston-​Tillotson College, and keeping their outreach well connected to the black community.
They’re as inclusive as a church could be, and when I got to a point where I thought I could never go to a church again, I emailed the rector with every problem (and then some) I had with our country’s current religious temperature, hypocrisies of self-​professed Christians and religious leaders, stories of my sordid past that I feel fine about, etc., etc.
His response? «Welcome Home.»
The congregation has remained both diverse and enlightened, and with the celebrated leadership of the church and school (K-​8) staff, the church’s annual jazz festival and fund-​raisers, (one with Maya Angelou attached) it’s expanding to a larger location.
For anyone looking for an Episcopal Church, or curious after a childhood of religious brainwashing, a service here is quite an experience.
I’ve been previously programmed to let my mind wander during sermons, yet rector Greg Rickel has an innate ability to cut to the truth and engage the congregation. Had no idea a church leader could do this without posturing or sounding corny or obnoxious or proud, but again and again, he delivers. The guest speakers have all also been excellent and aren’t afraid to infuse humor at all times.
Getting here on Sunday is not a chore.
The church also has a committed dedication to service. When Katrina hit and New Orleans residents were being brought to Austin, almost the entire service revolved around the best ways to be efficient in getting the displaced NOLA citizens taken care of, how to avoid getting in the way, and where help was needed most.
And the congregation was energized and tireless in the challenge.
They also have ongoing fund drives for cities and hospitals in need from around the world, from towns hit hard by the drought in the south to a hospital on the Gaza Strip.
As Greg’s been on a few short lists for new bishops in states far from Texas, it’s a good thing to witness him before he gets snatched up by the big guys.
Am not a self-​identified Christian by any means, and this church blew me away.