St James Lutheran Church

Feeling very welcomed as a first time visitor!
My wife and I attended the Sunday morning church service. This is a grand old building established in 1890 on the south park blocks, downtown Portland, across from the Museum of Art. The main sanctuary is majestic with stained glass, a pipe organ, wood plank ceilings with exposed beams, wood carved features on the alter, pillars, and pews – architecturally a dramatic place for a worship experience. Many religious wood carvings, i.e. Jesus on the cross hang along one wall – the quality of art you may see in the gallery across the street.
The worship flowed traditionally led by the senior pastor whose message from the book of Luke affirmed we are all acceptable in «God’s club.» The pastor provided many anecdotes with the right touch of humor in his message.
After the service we were pleasantly greeted and stayed for an hour in conversation with members over cake and coffee. We even sat in on «Open Spaces» where those in attendance informally discuss topics the group proposes.
If you are looking for a Sunday worship service, a spiritual connection or seeking a place of unconditional love – St. James Lutheran church seems like a safe place.
Check their website calendar for special events. We attended their Bach Cantata which was performed with a small symphony, choir and soloists as good as you can expect at the Schnitzer Hall. They also feature many jazz events, more cantatas, and readings too!
As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. James welcomes people of all races, cultures, ethnicities and, as a Reconciling in Christ congregation, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities (
).