The Church of Saint James, founded by Scottish Presbyterians in 1827, is located in downtown Dartmouth. We became part of the United Church of Canada in 1925 when it was formed. We come from many different backgrounds and experience our spirituality in many different ways. Yet we enjoy coming together on Sunday mornings for a worship service that is mostly traditional, but in which our many different talents and interests find room for expression. We are an affirming ministry.
Our members come from various parts of HRM, with the core living in central Dartmouth and others coming great distances as a result of previous attachments with the congregation and a desire to remain part of the St. James faith community. During its long life, the congregation has produced several Candidates for Ordained ministry.
We are actively discerning where God is calling us to on the next stage of our journey. Our Beliefs can be summed up in the following two statements:
A New Creed
We are not alone,
we live in God’s world.
We believe in God:
who has created and is creating,
who has come in Jesus,
the Word made flesh,
to reconcile and make new,
who works in us and others
by the Spirit.
We trust in God.
We are called to be the Church:
to celebrate God’s presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Affirming Statement
The Congregation of St. James United Church is Christ centered, people friendly and life
affirming. As such, we are intentionally creating safe spaces where all people are welcomed and accepted regardless of age , gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family configuration, ability or economic circumstance. Open invitation and opportunities exist for everyone to take part in all aspects of St. James Church life including worship, membership, fellowship, outreach, advocacy, leadership, marriage and the marking of life passages, according to their gifts and talents. We are committed to being an integral part of a community together. We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to St. James recognizing that life is a journey of compassion and understanding.
Love God, love your neighbour, love yourself.
Jesus
Be curious, not judgemental.
Walt Whitman
“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”
Brene Brown
St. James United Church Dartmouth 