Sundays 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. (10:15 also on Zoom)

The Episcopal Church of St. James, Upper Montclair. All are welcome in this place.

Located in the heart of Upper Montclair and worshiping in the Episcopal tradition, St. James is an inclusive community focused on faith, family and serving our neighbors.

Watercolor drawing of St. James Church: the fieldstone bell tower, the rose window and the trees along Valley Road
581 Valley Road, at Bellevue Avenue. Worshiping here since 1888.

This Sunday

Our Communion services begin at 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. Summer hours differ.

Choose a service

Quiet Holy Communion

A quiet celebration of Holy Communion with some music and a sermon.

  • Some music and a sermon
  • In the church

Holy Communion with choir

Full readings, a sermon and choir music. Sunday School and Nursery Care run alongside it, September through June, and Coffee Hour in the parish hall follows.

  • Choir music
  • Sunday School and Nursery Care
  • Also on Zoom
  • Coffee Hour after

Join the 10:15 on Zoom

Your first Sunday

What happens at the 10:15 service, from the curb to Coffee Hour.

  1. Park on the street

    St. James is at 581 Valley Road, at the corner of Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road. There is plenty of street parking, and Montclair suspends meter fees on Sundays. The lot on Bellevue Avenue is reserved for staff.

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  2. An usher meets you

    Greeters welcome you at the door and hand you a bulletin. The ushers and the bulletin guide you through the service.

  3. Children go to class

    Sunday School classes begin in church at 10:15 for the opening procession and prayer, then return to rejoin their parents at the Peace. Nursery care runs from 10:00 to 11:30.

  4. Everyone may receive Communion

    Our services follow the Book of Common Prayer, and everyone is welcome to partake in Holy Communion.

  5. Stay for Coffee Hour

    Coffee, juice and refreshments in the parish hall after the 10:15 service. The easiest way to get to know the people of St. James.

Neighbors in folding chairs listen to a band on the front lawn of St. James

Coming up

  • Friday, October 23

    Middle School and High School Board Game Event
    4:30 to 6 p.m., Parish Hall. RSVP required

  • Monday, October 26

    Fisher Kids
    4:30 to 6 p.m., Church Kitchen

  • Sunday, November 1

    Choral Evensong for All Saints
    4 p.m., With the St. James Choir and Organ

  • Sunday, November 15

    Fall Chamber Music Concert
    4 p.m.

  • Sunday, December 6

    Annual Holiday Brass Concert
    7 p.m., Cali School of Music (MSU)

The full parish calendar get the weekly newsletter

Collect of the Community

Gracious God, strengthen in us two values that we hold central as a Christian Community. These values are inspired by Jesus' two great commandments. First, we love God or something greater than ourselves with all our hearts and mind, and second we commit to loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. There is no boundary or condition to our love and commitment to God or to our neighbor, no matter who they may be.

All are welcome in this place. Amen.

Serving Montclair and beyond

“I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35

Free Little Pantry
On the front lawn and open 24/7, with the Northeast Earth Coalition. Donate to the pantry
The Sky’s the Limit Thrift Store
A workplace for young adults with special needs, challenges and gifts. Hours and donations
Winter Coat Giveaway
Free winter wear on the front lawn to keep our neighbors warm.
All our ministry partners
Racks of children’s clothes at The Sky’s the Limit Thrift Store
A dog wearing a hand-lettered sign for the St. James pet blessing
The St. James Choir in white surplices in the chancel, in front of the carved reredos

Music at Saint James

The choir sings the 10:15 service every Sunday, and the parish hosts a concert season in the church. Director of Music Ministries Sean Price also plays the 11 chimes in the bell tower.

2026–2027 season

  • Nov 1Choral Evensong for All Saints4 p.m.
  • Nov 15Fall Chamber Music Concert4 p.m.
  • Dec 6Annual Holiday Brass Concert7 p.m.
  • Dec 8Annual Messiah-Sing7:30 p.m.
  • Apr 18Laurie Mac Neill Clancy, piano, and Noah Stevens, viola4 p.m.
  • May 2Spring Chamber Music Concert4 p.m.
Choir and concerts

St. James in transition

St. James is searching for a new rector. The Parish Profile describes who we are and what we are looking for in our next rector.

Read the Parish Profile

St. James Preschool

A non-sectarian program serving Upper Montclair for nearly 40 years. Registration is open for 2026–27, now accepting children from six months as of September 2026.

Visit the preschool’s website

This Week at St. James

Our weekly e-newsletter: a brief overview of the worship schedule, upcoming events and other parish news.

Subscribe read the latest issue

Proud members of

  • The Episcopal Church
  • The Episcopal Diocese of Newark
  • Province II, International Atlantic Province
  • Anglican Communion, in over 165 countries