Welcome.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Welcome
We’re glad you’re here.
Whether you’re looking for a church home, exploring faith, or just curious, you are truly welcome with us.
St. James and St. Paul’s are two Episcopal churches who gather as one worship family, tucked into Virginia’s Northern Neck—a beautiful, historic stretch of land between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Life here moves a little slower, shaped by water, farmland, and deep roots. It’s a place where history matters, and so do people.
As part of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Virginia, our worship is grounded in tradition—rooted in prayer, scripture, and the rhythms of the Book of Common Prayer—but our community is open, relaxed, and real. You don’t have to have it all figured out to be here. You can come as you are.
St. James (founded in 1850) and St. Paul’s (founded in 1876) have long been places where people gather—not just for worship, but for connection, support, and shared life. That’s still who we are today.
You’ll see it in the ways we serve and gather:
A monthly food pantry supporting around 50 local families
“Friday Night Live” evenings filled with music, laughter, and community
“FYI NNK” talks that explore the stories and history of our region
Space shared with groups like United Ministries of Westmoreland County and Alcoholics Anonymous
More than anything, we’re a community that cares—about each other, about our neighbors, and about living out our faith in everyday ways.
If you’re nearby, we’d love for you to visit. If you’re just exploring, we’re glad you found us.
There’s a place for you here.
What to Expect on Sunday at St. James & St. Paul’s
When you join us for worship, you’ll find a service that is both grounded in tradition and shaped by the warmth of our local community.
Our worship follows the Book of Common Prayer, which gives our service a steady and meaningful rhythm—prayers, readings from scripture, a sermon, and Holy Communion. Everything you need is provided in the bulletin, and you can simply follow along. If it’s new to you, that’s okay—you’ll pick it up as you go.
Our scripture readings come from the lectionary, a shared schedule used by churches around the world. That means each Sunday, we’re part of something bigger—reading and reflecting on the same passages as Christians across the globe.
You’ll notice a mix of music, spoken prayers, and moments of quiet. At times we stand, sit, or kneel, but you’re always free to participate at your own comfort level.
Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is a central part of our worship. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive. If you’d prefer, you can come forward for a blessing or simply remain in your seat.
What makes worship here especially meaningful is the sense of community. Whether you join us at St. James or St. Paul’s, you’ll find a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people know one another and genuinely care.
Come as you are. There’s a place for you here.
And please stay after service to get to know us, and for us to get to know you. We offer coffee and food after services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. James & St. Paul’s?
We are two Episcopal churches—St. James and St. Paul’s—sharing one congregation in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Together, we worship, serve, and support our community.
What is the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, blending ancient tradition with a thoughtful, open approach to faith. We value scripture, tradition, and reason—and we welcome questions.
What is the Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer is the foundation of our worship. It contains the prayers, structure, and liturgies we use each Sunday, connecting us with generations of Episcopalians and with churches around the world. You can find the Book of Common Prayer online or download a PDF version of the book.
What is the lectionary?
The lectionary is a schedule of Bible readings we follow throughout the year. It guides us through the major stories and themes of scripture and connects our worship with other churches reading the same passages each week.
Do I need to know what to do during the service?
Not at all. Everything is printed in the bulletin, and the service naturally guides you along. Just follow as you’re comfortable.
What should I wear?
Whatever feels right to you. In our Northern Neck setting, you’ll see a range—from casual to more traditional Sunday attire.
Can I receive Communion?
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion. If you prefer not to, you can come forward for a blessing or remain seated.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely. Children are always welcome in worship and are an important part of our community.
How long is the service?
Most services last about an hour.
When and Where are services?
We meet at St. James on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays (15780 Kings Highway, Montross, VA) and at St. Paul’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays (351 St. Paul’s Rd., Warsaw, VA). We also stream the services on both the St. James Facebook Page and the St. Paul’s Facebook Page.
What makes St. James & St. Paul’s unique?
We’re a small, close-knit congregation rooted in a beautiful, historic part of Virginia. Life here moves at a slower pace, and our church reflects that—offering a place of peace, connection, and genuine care for one another and our neighbors.
What if I’m not sure what I believe?
You are especially welcome here. Faith is a journey, and this is a place where you can explore, ask questions, and grow at your own pace.
