Welcome To Saint James Episcopal Church in Monterey!

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”  Mathew 18: 20

Current Mission Statement:

Grounded in our Baptismal Covenant we seek to understand that where we are going is integral to who we are.  We embody our Episcopal roots, we embrace uncertainty with hope, bravery, faith and spiritual curiosity.

Who we are and hope to become:

We are a small, inclusive Episcopal Church in Monterey. We seek new ways to relate with and serve God in this place and celebrate the fullness of life in each individual. Our vision centers on the Great Commandments of Jesus—to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We believe that each human being is created in the image of God and deserves respect and a spiritual home, where all of us can grow together as our true selves, being the church. We seek to warmly welcome individuals of all backgrounds, all life-journeys, and identities to join in living out our faith in ways that can bring about transformation and healing.

We embrace the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing humility, justice, mercy, and peace, and we have abiding commitments to serve the community. Our main commitment is the tending of McGowan House, an extraordinary, historic structure on our campus, which serves as a unique spiritual and community center for the central coast and beyond. Through the decades, many people have found a spiritual anchor at McGowan House as it offers a safe place for a wide range of groups dedicated to healing, personal transformation, and creativity.

In this spirit, we envision an Episcopal Service Corps program for young seekers who wish to discern their lives and serve the community with the support of the parish as they continue their own journey of growth.