Business Details
Welcome to St James' Church Brownhills
St James' Church Brownhills is a vibrant Christian community dedicated to worship, spiritual growth, and serving the local area. Established in 1850, our church combines historic tradition with contemporary worship practices, offering services ranging from traditional Book of Common Prayer to modern celebrations. We prioritise inclusivity, providing All-Age Services, children's activities, and mid-week Life Groups to foster meaningful connections. Our commitment extends beyond Sunday worship through initiatives like the Lamp Foodbank, Alpha courses for exploring faith, and environmental stewardship via the Eco Church Award. The church building itself, designed in the early decorated style with a distinctive spire, serves as a spiritual landmark for Brownhills and Clayhanger.Our team of clergy and volunteers delivers pastoral care, baptisms, weddings, and funerals while maintaining strong community partnerships. We actively engage in social outreach through Places of Welcome, recovery support, and school Bible-sharing programs. With a focus on practical Christianity, we aim to demonstrate God's love through both spontaneous acts of kindness and structured community initiatives. Our financial stewardship follows biblical principles, and we maintain rigorous safeguarding standards across all activities. Whether you're seeking regular worship, spiritual exploration, or community connection, St James' offers a welcoming space for all.
Services
Worship Services
Alpha Courses
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Foodbank
Pastoral Care
Children's Ministry
Prayer Meetings
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive worship services for all ages and traditions
- Our Alpha courses provide a welcoming environment to explore Christian faith
- Community support through the Lamp Foodbank partnership since 2016
- Historic church building with 170+ years of spiritual heritage
- Dedicated pastoral care team serving Brownhills and Clayhanger
Associations and certifications
- Eco Church Award
Services
Worship Services
St James' offers diverse worship experiences including traditional Book of Common Prayer at 8am, contemporary Holy Communion at 10am, and evening Prayer & Praise. Children's activities run weekly except first Sundays when All-Age Services integrate all generations. Contemporary worship features modern songs with occasional traditional hymns, creating an inclusive atmosphere for spiritual growth and community connection.
Alpha Courses
Our bi-annual Alpha courses provide accessible, non-judgmental spaces to explore Christian faith fundamentals. Running 11 weeks in Spring and Autumn, sessions include meals, video talks, and group discussions. Originally developed at Holy Trinity Brompton, this global program helps participants examine life's big questions about purpose, meaning, and relationship with God in a relaxed, conversational setting.
Community Outreach
Through the Lamp Foodbank partnership and Places of Welcome, we address local needs with practical compassion. The foodbank operates Tuesdays and Thursdays at Brownhills Community Centre, while weekly Places of Welcome offer refreshments and connection. Our ministries extend to school Bible-sharing programs, recovery support groups, and pastoral visits, demonstrating faith through tangible community engagement.
Pastoral Care
Our dedicated team provides compassionate care through home visits, telephone outreach, and Communion to housebound individuals. With eight volunteers maintaining regular contact, we support those experiencing isolation, bereavement, or personal struggles. The ministry combines spiritual guidance with practical friendship, ensuring no one feels alone in their journey of faith or life challenges.
Eco Church Initiative
Committed to the Eco Church Award, we integrate environmental responsibility across church life. This includes energy-efficient building management, biodiversity projects in our grounds, and educational programs on creation care. Our approach combines worship, practical conservation, and community engagement to demonstrate Christian responsibility for environmental stewardship through A Rocha UK partnerships.
People
Rev'd Gayle Greenway
Vicar
Passionate about transformative faith, Gayle leads with a focus on inclusive worship and community engagement. With experience in spiritual development and pastoral care, she oversees church services, Alpha courses, and outreach programs while maintaining active community connections.
Roger Corbett
Church Warden
Serving as Church Warden and Safeguarding Officer, Roger combines administrative leadership with pastoral care responsibilities. He manages memorial applications, coordinates community partnerships, and ensures safe church operations while maintaining strong local organisational links.
Joy Powell
Treasurer
Joy oversees financial stewardship with emphasis on responsible resource management. She coordinates giving programs, maintains budgetary oversight, and contributes to worship through the Heart of Worship choir while ensuring fiscal accountability aligned with church mission.
Vic Whitehouse
Social Media Lead
Managing digital presence, Vic connects the church with wider audiences through website maintenance and social media engagement. His technical expertise supports community outreach while reflecting the church's values of inclusivity and modern relevance.
Pete Biggs
Worship Co-Ordinator
As Lay Reader and Worship Co-Ordinator, Pete combines musical passion with liturgical leadership. He helps shape worship experiences, manages music programs, and contributes to service planning while maintaining focus on spiritual enrichment through creative expression.
Questions
What are Sunday service times?
We hold services at 8:00am (traditional), 10:00am (contemporary) and 6:15pm (prayer & praise).
Is there childcare available?
Yes, children's activities run weekly except first Sundays when we have All-Age Services.
Can I explore Christianity here?
Our bi-annual Alpha courses provide accessible, non-judgmental spaces to explore Christian faith fundamentals.
How can I get pastoral support?
Contact Rev'd Gayle Greenway directly or our pastoral team through the church office.
What community initiatives exist?
We operate the Lamp Foodbank, Places of Welcome, school programs, and recovery support groups.
Are weddings possible here?
Yes, we offer wedding ceremonies with pre-marriage preparation and personalized guidance.
