Evensong and Compline

Solemn Evensong forms the centerpiece of the musical offerings at St. James' Church. Patterned after the choral services offered daily in the great Cathedrals of England, these services are sung on the second Sunday of the month, October through May at 4:30 PM, by the Choir of St. James'.

Evensong in an Anglican Church is a magnificent act of worship. Sung daily since the sixteenth century, this service is one piece of the total worship of God offered by Christian people at every hour of the day and night in every part of the world.

Drawn almost entirely from the Bible, its primary purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God in history and in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its secondary purpose is to evoke from the worshiper a response of praise, penitence, prayer and obedience.

Much of the music is sung by the Choir to classical and often elaborate settings dating from the time of the English Reformation (and earlier) to the present day. The form of worship is drawn from the first Prayer Book of King Edward VI (1549) and subsequent revisions. The congregation is invited to join silently in worship with the Choir as they offer prayers, Psalms, canticles, responses and other music on behalf of the congregation. The congregation is encouraged to join the choir in the singing of hymns and various other parts of the service.

Drawn from the most contemplative of the monastic offices begun in the middle ages, the candle-lit service of Compline offers music from Gregorian Chant and early polyphony to the contemporary music of modern mystics. Offered to God at the end of the day as a prayer of thanksgiving, Compline is also a plea for serenity and peace. The voices of the Schola Cantorum of St. James', featuring Los Angeles' finest professional vocalists, sing this service on the fourth Sunday of the month at 7:30 PM.

SCHEDULE OF EVENSONGS at 4:30 PM

Sunday 11 October 2009
Sunday 8 November 2009
Sunday 13 December 2009: Advent Lessons and Carols (instead of Evensong)
Sunday 10 January 2010
Sunday 14 February 2010
Sunday 14 March 2010
Sunday 11 April 2010
Sunday 9 May 2010

SCHEDULE OF COMPLINES at 7:30 PM
Sunday 25 October 2009
Sunday 22 November 2009
Sunday 27 December 2009: No Compline is offered on this day.
Sunday 24 January 2010
Sunday 28 February 2010
Sunday 28 March 2010
Sunday 25 April 2010
Sunday 23 May 2010