St. James Unihttps://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/71697164-104f-42c7-
St. James Unihttps://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/71697164-104f-42c7-

Faith, Community, Service

Faith, Community, ServiceFaith, Community, ServiceFaith, Community, Service

About St. James United Church of Christ

Christ's Vision and Commitment to You

At St. James, we embrace Christ's vision to create a diverse community of individuals who are dedicated to living a life guided by faith and love for all people. We strive to make a positive impact on the world by spreading kindness and compassion to those around us.


We vow to live in covenant with God, each other, and all people. This means that we take our commitments to God, each other, and you seriously. We are a growing and thriving community of people passionate about Jesus' gospel message of hope, health, and wholeness for all of God's people. Here, no matter who you are and where you are on your spiritual journey, you belong!

Who We Are

The United Church of Christ came into being in 1958 as several denominations merged in unity, including the German Reformed Churches, Christian Churches, and Congregational Churches of New England and the American Frontier. Our denomination remains committed to seeking unity, respect, and love for all people. 


We believe in God our Creator, Jesus, Son of God and the Head of our Church, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit as our guide in all that we are and do.


Originally, the site of a Barn that belonged to the Historical Grange Estate, St. James United Church of Christ has been a source of hope and help within our Havertown neighborhoods for over 75 years. We are a thriving community of individuals who are passionate about our faith and committed to making a difference in the lives of all within our surrounding communities.

Ways to Connect with God and Others

LEARNING HOUR                           Sundays 9 AM

WORSHIP                                          Sundays 10:30 AM

MEET & GREET                               Sundays 11:30 AM

CHOIR REHEARSAL                      Sundays 12 noon

YOGA                                                  Mondays 6:30 PM

BOOK STUDY GROUP                  Mondays 7 PM (online)

BIBLE STUDY GROUP                  Tuesdays 7 PM (online)


St. James offers weekly worship services, interest groups, Bible studies, yoga, ministries of food, concerts, a lecture series, and a variety of community events for all ages and interests. Our worship services are designed to provide support and guidance for those dedicated to following Jesus and committing to a life of discipleship, service, and community connection. Our missions include ministries of food, as well as the promotion of health, healing, and wholeness. We welcome all who wish to increase faith, learn together, help others, and embark on a spiritual journey of meaning, purpose, and connection with God and others.

Join Us

Help Our Communities

Your support and contributions will enable us to help our neighbors and fund our ministries of food, healing, health, and wholeness.

Donate

Subscribe

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR ONLINE NEWSLETTER "THE BARNBURNER"!

Livestream

Follow us to watch our Sunday livestreams (coming soon)

Livestream coming soon

Coming Events

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

Join us the last Sunday of each month from 4-6 PM for a very special gathering around the table with Jesus. Enjoy 1st-century Mediterranean meals and hear about Jesus' amazing miracles of healing --a deeply bonding faith experience. Open to all people in our communities. Dinner is on us!

Ghost Stories of the Bible

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

Did you know that the Bible has its own ghost stories?

Sunday, October 26th at 7 PM join us for a unique experience by candlelight in our sanctuary. Hear ghostly stories, then join us for refreshments afterward in "The Barn." Come in costume and join in the fun!

Musical Concert by the Philadelphia Mandolin Ensemble

The Healing Power of Jesus: An Around the Table Gathering

Musical Concert by the Philadelphia Mandolin Ensemble

Thursday, November 13th at 7 PM in our sanctuary, hear a concert by the Philadelphia Mandolin Ensemble. All proceeds benefit local community needs! Donations taken at the door! Come and bring  friends!

Faith Experiences and Studies

Monday Evenings 7 PM via ZOOM

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

Tuesday Evenings 7 PM via ZOOM

THE SERAPH SEAL BOOK STUDY

Join pastors and laity from all over the world in exploring this complex Christian novel.

Tuesday Evenings 7 PM via ZOOM

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

Tuesday Evenings 7 PM via ZOOM

BIBLE STUDY ON THE PSALMS

Join our Bible Study on books of the Hebrew and Christian Testaments. 

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

AROUND THE TABLE STUDY: THE HEALING POWER OF JESUS

Come out and join our Around the Table Study on the Healing Power of Jesus. Held around the table with Mediterranean 1st-Century meals, this study will deepen your faith and understanding of the scriptures.  

Open to all at no charge!

Monday Evenings at 6:30 PM in The Sanctuary

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

Last Sunday Evening of Each Month 4-6 PM in "The Barn"

SPIRITUAL YOGA

Soothe your mind/body/spirit with this healing yoga class taught by our certified instructor. Great for beginners and experienced practitioners.

Sunday Mornings at 9 AM in "The Barn"

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

THE CHOSEN STREAMING BIBLE STUDY

Come out and join us in person and engage in meaningful discussions with friends and neighbors about Jesus and faith. Each week, we view an episode of the series and discuss together.

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

Second Monday of Each Month at 7 PM via ZOOM

BOOK CLUB

Join us in reading a selection of books each year. We meet for discussions and interesting insights on all kinds of topics.

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Want to join a ministry or group? Contact our secretary for information, links, and ways to connect

Get Involved!

Food Bank

Sam's Kitchen

Sam's Kitchen

Connect with us. Your organization can gather food for our food bank. You can volunteer at our food bank. Or you can help oversee the food bank's ministry! We welcome volunteers of all ages.

Sam's Kitchen

Sam's Kitchen

Sam's Kitchen

Help prepare and deliver meals to the 69th street mission!

Our Missional and Community Partners

NAMI

We partner with the National Alliance of Mental Health to offer workshops, seminars, and summits in order to support our community's mental health and mental health caretaker needs. 

AA

We partner with Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon groups to provide resources and safe spaces for recovery.

The Philadelphia Mandolin Ensemble

We partner with this amazing group of musicians to offer concerts throughout the year that benefit local ministries.

Scouts

St. James partners with the girl scouts and  boy scouts, offering our space and joining in mutual missions.

Daycare and Enrichment Programs for Kids

We partner with both a daycare and enrichment program for kids, providing safe spaces for kids to learn and play.

Haverford Ministerium

St. James is an active member of our local ministerium, in which community nonprofits and churches work together to care for our communities in creative and dynamic ways.

Want to be one of our partners? We are always looking for new partnerships that help us benefit our communities. We are committed to ministries of health, healing, and wholeness for all people!

Our Team

Rev Dr Lori Wagner, Pastor

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

John Callahan, Director of Music Ministries

Pastor Lori  welcomes you to St. James and looks forward to meeting you!


Our pastor holds an MDiv from Drew Theological Seminary and a DMin from Portland Seminary. She holds prior undergraduate and graduate degrees and studies from the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Lebanon Valley College, Albright College, and the Universi

Pastor Lori  welcomes you to St. James and looks forward to meeting you!


Our pastor holds an MDiv from Drew Theological Seminary and a DMin from Portland Seminary. She holds prior undergraduate and graduate degrees and studies from the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Lebanon Valley College, Albright College, and the University of Marburg in Germany.


Pastor Lori is an adjunct professor for Wesley Seminary, the Director of Graduate Studies at United Lutheran Seminary, and a weekly contributor to sermons.com.


Pastor Lori has published both Christian fiction and nonfiction and has served  several years as a Content Editor for the Christian publisher Invite Press.


Pastor Lori lives in Wallingford, PA and is excited to be part of the St. James community!

John Callahan, Director of Music Ministries

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

John Callahan, Director of Music Ministries

 

John Callahan studied at Florida State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. Before starting at St. James in 2018, he served as pianist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Seattle, WA for four years. In Seattle he also worked as a music director and pianist of musical theater, and was involved with man

 

John Callahan studied at Florida State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in piano performance. Before starting at St. James in 2018, he served as pianist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Seattle, WA for four years. In Seattle he also worked as a music director and pianist of musical theater, and was involved with many regional productions at The 5th Avenue Theatre.

As a composer, he has written a variety of instrumental and vocal music that has been performed in over 30 U.S. cities. Notable compositions include Pulsar, which was premiered by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also commissioned to compose an anthem to celebrate the 75th anniversary of St. James in November 2019.

John lives in Havertown with his wife and three children and is a full-time Software Developer during the week.

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

Carole Flounders has an MA in Childhood Education and loves being part of St. James' ministries for children.


Carole teaches our 9 AM Kids Club, as well as offering an optional kids' session during the latter half of the church service.

Ailene Dunlap, Administrative Assistant/Secretary

Ailene Dunlap, Administrative Assistant/Secretary

Carole Flounders, Director of Children's Ministries

 Ailene Dunlap is the secretary of St. James UCC.  It has been her joy to work with the folks of St. James for many years.  Ailene has lived in the neighborhood for her entire married life (50 years), where she and husband Bruce raised two daughters.  She enjoys biking, walking in nature, crocheting, exercising at Community Y classes, and

 Ailene Dunlap is the secretary of St. James UCC.  It has been her joy to work with the folks of St. James for many years.  Ailene has lived in the neighborhood for her entire married life (50 years), where she and husband Bruce raised two daughters.  She enjoys biking, walking in nature, crocheting, exercising at Community Y classes, and most of all getting together with friends and family, especially her six-year-old granddaughter Maddie!   

Lucy Horton, Soloist

Ailene Dunlap, Administrative Assistant/Secretary

Terri Leone, Ministry Candidate

Lucy our soloist leads our worship hymns and takes part in our choir. She has many talents! Lucy is also a theatre actress, costumer, and set designer. An amazing seamstress and showstopper, she is currently completing her masters in Theatre at Villanova University. We are proud to have her as part of our team!

Terri Leone, Ministry Candidate

Ailene Dunlap, Administrative Assistant/Secretary

Terri Leone, Ministry Candidate

  Terri Leone holds a Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological School with a focus in Ministerial Leadership. Terri is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with clients of all ages to deliver compassionate and trauma-informed care. Terri has a special interest in Domestic Violence, as a survivor and as an advocate, and has worked wi

  Terri Leone holds a Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological School with a focus in Ministerial Leadership. Terri is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, working with clients of all ages to deliver compassionate and trauma-informed care. Terri has a special interest in Domestic Violence, as a survivor and as an advocate, and has worked with Laurel House in Montgomery County to develop their Interfaith Domestic Abuse Coalition. Most important to her are her three young adult children, Anna, Katie and Michael. She lives in Havertown with her 9 year-old black lab, Moose (her true favorite child). 

Lea Hannigan, Communications

Rev Tom Haugh, Associate Teaching Pastor

Rev Tom Haugh, Associate Teaching Pastor

Leah is 17 and a junior at Haverford High School. She lives in Havertown with her mom, dad, and older brother who is in college. She is interested in majoring in marketing for college and learning more about what goes into that profession. In addition to serving as our Communications Intern, she also works at a restaurant in Havertown 2-3

Leah is 17 and a junior at Haverford High School. She lives in Havertown with her mom, dad, and older brother who is in college. She is interested in majoring in marketing for college and learning more about what goes into that profession. In addition to serving as our Communications Intern, she also works at a restaurant in Havertown 2-3 days a week. She loves pop culture and posting on social media. She's excited to be part of the St. James team, and we are delighted to welcome her!

Rev Tom Haugh, Associate Teaching Pastor

Rev Tom Haugh, Associate Teaching Pastor

Rev Tom Haugh, Associate Teaching Pastor

Rev Tom Haugh is a retired pastor but serves as part of our teaching team. He teaches our Tuesday evening Bible Study and takes part in the life of St. James. His next favorite activity is serving as a grandparent to his young grandson. Originally from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Pastor Tom lives in West Chester with his wife and dog.

Blog (Coming Soon)

Let's explore faith, culture, and scripture together!

Podcasts on Faith, Spirituality, and Life (Coming Soon)

The St. James Spring Lecture Series

2026 Topics

Join us starting in January for our spring lecture series. Each month, a speaker will introduce an interactive topic for you to explore and engage with. Keep an eye out for our 2026 upcoming schedule of topics! Suggested for 2026 are topics that include Parenting, Meditation Practices, Psychology, Nurturing Creativity,  Medical Safety Practices, and Cooking.

2025 Topics

Topics in 2025 included "Music and Physics" by Dr. Walter Smith, Professor  of Physics at Haverford College; "The History of Labyrinths "by Terri Leone; "Dealing with Addiction as a Caretaker" by Rev Tom Haugh;  "The Paradox of Jewish Author's Literary Work"  by Zolani Ngwane, Professor of Sociology at Haverford College; and "Embryos and IVF" by scientist Kelly Hanshew.

Your Suggested Future Topics

Do you have a great topic you'd like to hear more about? Drop us a line and let us know! Lectures are scheduled the Third Sunday of each month from January through May from 4-6 PM. No cost to attend.

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

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