WELCOME
Saint James Episcopal Church
The Mission of Saint James
Saint James exists to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship and ministry, seeking to include all of God's children,
both those in our community of faith and those beyond our doors, while offering the love of Christ.
In 2011, St. James Episcopal Church of Bradley Beach celebrated its Centennial.
Parishioners and well-wishers can now donate and/or pay their pledges online by clicking on the VANCO tab above.
ABOUT
For more than 100 years, Saint James has been a home to parishioners that gather and work together to bring Christ to our community and to the world.
LET'S CONNECT
We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your personal needs or those of your family. Call us to speak by phone, send us an email or make an appointment to come into the office.
Father James T. Yarsiah, Priest-In-Charge
605 4th Avenue
Bradley Beach, NJ 07720
CURRENT WORSHIP SCHEDULE
9:00AM Holy Eucharist Rite II, with Choir
*Zoom Remote Worship is Available During the 9 AM Service*
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88377383368?pwd=UXV6YnM0Z0ZmVG9zckwrelRHUEZSZz09
Meeting ID: 883 7738 3368
Passcode: 629708
All are welcome!
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIEST-IN-CHARGE
MAY 2024
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Celebrating 41 Years of the Bradley Food Pantry Mission at St. James Episcopal Church!
We've recently found our church in the local news spotlight. Yesterday, our Diocesan Chancellor, Paul Ambos, shared with me a link to a news story from the Star Ledger titled: "Food pantry might close next month as it searches for new home - Organization leaving current space after 40 years there"
Additionally, on April 25th, The Coaster published an article titled: "Bradley Food Pantry Closing Its Doors" by William Clark [Link]. https://thecoaster.net/2024/04/24/bradley-food-pantry-closing-its-doors/.
It's crucial to address the misinformation, distortions, and disparaging remarks circulating about our church and our community. Bishop Sally's response to The Coaster's article encapsulates the situation accurately, stating, "I am disappointed with the way the food pantry has used media attention, half-truths, and even outright misrepresentations to apply pressure on the church to make accommodations in their favor at the expense of the congregation and community. It has been a long and difficult process and I know that both the neighborhood and the congregation have been harmed by this.” Since the spring of 2023, the Pantry's leadership at our church and in our neighborhood has been contentious.
To clarify, in July 2023, after careful consideration, the clergy, vestry, and pantry leadership mutually agreed that our facilities, situated in a residential area, couldn't sustain the commercialized operations of the Bradley Food Pantry. Despite efforts to compromise, including proposing a transition to an independent nonprofit status, tensions persisted. Eventually, it was decided, with the guidance of Bishop Sally, that the Pantry's operation schedule would be gradually reduced to mitigate disruptions to the neighborhood.
Regrettably, despite our efforts to find common ground, the Bradley Food Pantry Inc. has announced that May 17th will be its last day of operation at St. James. It's crucial for the public to understand that the Bradley Food Pantry was initiated and operated by St. James Episcopal Church as a mission for the past 41 years (October 1982 - 2023). The history of the Bradley Food Pantry can be found at https://www.saintjamesbb.com/bradley-beach-food-pantry.
We honor the vision of Eleanor Pierson and Father Kenneth Gluckow, who laid the foundation for this impactful mission. Their legacy lives on through the countless volunteers, donors, and supporters who have contributed to the Pantry's success. We're particularly grateful to the late Beatrice Shafer, whose generosity enabled us to expand our outreach efforts.
While we bid farewell to the Bradley Food Pantry, we're excited to embark on new ministries at the Bea Shafer Outreach Center, which will have a minimal impact on our neighbors and the church community.
Let's continue to uphold St. James as a beacon of love, compassion, and dignity for all.
May God bless and prosper the works of our hands.
Canon James T. Yarsiah
