This wonderful church is where we hold our 9.00 am service each Sunday in a traditional Anglican style
St James the Great – Church Complex
St James’ Church has developed from a single building with a Churchyard serving the small village of Thorley to a complex/campus consisting of five buildings and a twice-extended Churchyard.
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This complex/campus consists of:
St James Church – ‘The Church’
St Barnabas Centre – ‘The Barn’
The Emmaus Centre
The Church Room
The Thorley Christian Centre – ‘The TCC’
The Church
A few years ago, Bill Hardy was ‘persuaded’ to oversee the production of a Guidebook for St James’ Church. In the preface, he writes: ‘This guide to St. James the Great, Thorley is designed as a series of descriptive cameos to encourage the onlooker to wander and to wonder how this historic parish church developed over nearly 1000 years. The guide is not intended to be a comprehensive history, but rather a straightforward account of a few of the many fascinating features set within their historical context. Few churches can boast two Queen Elizabeths as patrons for two of their Rectors, an inscription with a reference to the Koran and a stained glass window containing the star of David.’
To see the Guidebook and learn how St James’ Church developed through the centuries visit the Friends of St James’ website;
http://www.friends.stjames.btinternet.co.uk/church_guide.htm#Preface
This haven in a busy world is open for services from Sunday – Friday and for private prayer Sunday – Saturday. Resting in its stillness, one is aware of the presence of God and millions of prayers that have been offered here during the ages.
Regular services are:
9:00 a.m. Sunday (Holy Communion/Morning Prayer)
9:15 a.m. Monday – Friday (Informal Morning Prayer)
10:00 a.m. First Wednesday each month during term-time
(Little Worship Holy Communion)
http://www.stjames-church-bishops-stortford.org.uk/services/
Local schools visit regularly as do Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. Individuals wishing to explore the building are encouraged to use the Guidebook or pick up one of the ‘paddleboards’ that help draw attention to certain windows, etc.
In 2010 a service of thanksgiving for our pets took place, nine dogs and a rabbit receiving a warm welcome.
Weddings, marriage blessings and funerals take place regularly in the Church.
