Welcome to St. James’!
Staff
The Rev. Susan Pinkerton, Interim Rector
Nicolle Rusnack, Parish Administrator
Manford Oppong, Interim Music Director/Organist
Vestry
Marghe Bowker, Senior Warden and Mission and Outreach
Mary Bramley, Junior Warden
Mark and McKayla Braden, Administration and Finance
Lewis Clark, Christian Education
Molly Harry, Parish Family
Mike Morgan, Growth and Evangelism and Fundraising
Ray Smith, Plant and Property
Aimee Bramley, Treasurer
Amanda Crump, Registrar
WHO WE ARE
People often ask, “What is St. James’ Episcopal Church like?”
The simplest answer is this: we’re a group of wonderfully imperfect people who have discovered that
God’s love is much bigger than our flaws.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s still a place where strangers become friends, where your name
matters more than your resume, and where God meets ordinary people in extraordinary ways, welcome
to St. James’ Episcopal Church.
We celebrate together, pray together, laugh together, occasionally cry together, and, if there’s food
involved, we definitely eat together. We believe church should be a place where faith is strengthened,
friendships are formed, and everyone from lifelong Episcopalians to first-time visitors feel genuinely
welcomed.
At St. James’, we strive to be the mind, the heart, and the hands of Jesus Christ in our community. We
hope that when you visit, you’ll discover what so many of us already know that St. James’ isn’t simply a
church you attend. It’s a church family that welcomes YOU home.
Our doors are open, our coffee is hot, our music is heartfelt, and there’s always room for one more.
Come as you are. We’d love to meet you.
OUR STORY
The story of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Virginia, began on June 22, 1958, when
twenty-five faithful people gathered to worship in the cafeteria of a local school. They shared a vision of
building a church rooted in faith, fellowship, and service—a vision that continues to guide us today.
That vision quickly became a reality. Our church is privileged to worship on land that was once part of
George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The first services in our new church building were held on
Christmas Day, 1960, followed by its dedication on December 28, 1960.
Over the decades, that small congregation grew into the vibrant parish we are today. In 2008, we
celebrated the completion of a beautifully refurbished and expanded church, preserving our rich heritage
while renewing our commitment to worship, fellowship, and service for generations to come.
OUR MINISTRY
At St. James’, our ministry extends far beyond Sunday mornings. Together, we seek to grow in faith, care
for one another, and share God’s love with the world through:
Worship – Gathering to praise God through prayer, Holy Scripture, inspiring music, and the
celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Pastoral Care – Caring for one another through prayer, visits, encouragement, and support
during life’s joys and challenges
Our Memorial Garden – Nestled on our church grounds is St. James’ Memorial Garden, a
peaceful and sacred place where the cremated remains of parishioners and their loved ones may
be interred. St. James’ accompanies people through every season of life – from baptism and
worship to fellowship, service, and finally remembrance in the Memorial Garden.
Outreach and Mission – Serving our local neighbors through food banks and food drives,
community partnerships, and mission projects across the United States and around the world,
bringing hope to those in need
Music – Enriching worship and expressing our faith through choirs, instrumental music, and the
creative arts
Stewardship – Faithfully sharing our time, talents, and treasures in support of God’s work within
our parish and beyond
Community Life – Creating a place where people of every age can belong, build lasting
friendships, and grow together in Christ
Hospitality – Welcoming visitors with open hearts, inviting others to experience God’s love, and
sharing the Good News through both word and action
Christian Formation – Nurturing lifelong spiritual growth through Bible studies, Sunday School,
future youth ministries, and opportunities for learning at every stage of life
While we may be modest in size, we are rich in faith, friendship, and tradition. Many of the families who
helped establish St. James’ remain active members of our parish, worshipping alongside newcomers who
have discovered a welcoming church home. Together, we continue to write the next chapter of our story,
inviting all who seek God’s love to join us on the journey.
St. James’ is a church where faith has deep roots, where friendships flourish, where people remain
because they have found a place to belong, and where newcomers are welcomed with genuine warmth
and open hearts.
We worship with reverence, learn with curiosity, serve with compassion, welcome with joy, and strive
each day to be the mind, the heart, and the hands of Jesus Christ in our community.