The Philadelphia Tribune named St. James UMC in Philadelphia its Church of the Week on May 15 and published a May 13 feature article about the resurgent congregation, “St. James United Methodist: Grass-roots ministry meets community needs.”

“As a house of worship that is literally building up its own community, St. James United Methodist Church spends more time outside in the streets being a church than it does inside” begins the article written by Samaria Bailey, Tribune Correspondent. “This focus, in addition to a contemporary service, has resulted in significant growth, suggesting a bright future ahead for St. James and anything else it touches.”

The Rev. John Brice admits the church was about to close down, averaging six worshipers when he arrived last July. Now they have 79 members, “but this increase doesn’t compare to how St. James has grown as a ministerial force in the community,” the article reports. Indeed, strategic planning, strong, active leadership and support from other churches in its East District are reasons behind this remarkable renaissance in process. Learn more…