Our most important service or celebration has several names, Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, Mass and the Divine Liturgy. Holy Communion means fellowship and sharing; the Lord's Supper means a meal given by Jesus himself; the Eucharist means thanksgiving. It is our most important service as it celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus, particularly remembering the Last Supper when we share the bread and wine as Jesus did with his disciples. Jesus was the host at the Last Supper and we believe he is the unseen host at the Holy Communion service today with the congregation as his guests.

In the Church of England the Holy Communion may only be celebrated by an ordained bishop or priest when he/she is called a celebrant. It is customary to have been confirmed by a bishop before receiving communion. Children who are too young to take communion and those who are not confirmed are invited to have a blessing at the altar.

When you come to a service at St. James's Church you will be given a booklet which will enable you to share fully in the service. We stand to sing hymns and to say the affirmation of faith, the Creed; and for the reading of the Gospel in the Holy Eucharist. We sit during readings from the bible, the sermon, and the choir anthems. We sit or kneel for the prayers.

Follow the Parish Communion Service, find out what it all means and see the photographs that show what happens during the service on our pages Parish Communion. Or download the actual Parish Communion Service Booklet for Holy Communion in Ordinary Time. There are illustrated Guides to Holy Communion which are available to use in church during Parish Communion services.

The Parish Communion service can vary slightly during the changing Christian Year. Follow the services for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Lent and Eastertide.

Follow the All Age Communion Service, find out what it all means and see the photographs that show what happens during the service on our pages All-age Communion. Or download the actual All-age Communion service booklet. There are illustrated All-age Communion service booklets which are used in church during All-age Communion services.