St. James Episcopal Church, Guatemala City

25/05/2026

🕊️ Re-Created by the Spirit: Celebrating Pentecost at St. James’! 🔥
What a powerful and blessed Sunday of Pentecost we experienced! This Sunday we came together as the great community of Jesus to celebrate Pentecost—and the Holy Spirit truly moved among us. 💨✨
We lifted our voices in unity, joining together to sing a brand-new melody of the “Gloria in Excelsis,” beautifully composed by el Maestro Salvador Ovalle 🎶. It was a beautiful experience to also hear God’s Word proclaimed in different languages, truly reflecting the rich diversity of our church family. 🌍❤️

In her moving sermon, Revd. Neli Miranda reminded us of the profound meaning of this day:
"Sisters and brothers, at Pentecost, the divine wind of the Holy Spirit moves over and among us, breathing new life and re-creating us. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that constitutes us as the great community of Jesus—a community that embraces and affirms diversity, where everyone hears the good news in their own language."
She left us with a beautiful question to carry into our week:
"What is the language you are speaking to the world today?"
Is it the language of:
• Solidarity and warm hugs? 🤗
• Welcoming smiles or the healing beauty of music? 🎹
• Visiting the sick and listening patiently to the lonely? 🫶
• Seeking justice for the marginalized? ⚖️
• Or simply offering a quiet word of comfort? 🕊️

Read the full sermon here
https://neliml.blogspot.com/2026/05/day-of-pentecost-2026-revd.html

Whatever language the Holy Spirit is breathing into you, let us go out and speak it boldly this week!

Thank you to everyone who made this liturgy so deeply moving. May the wind of the Spirit continue to guide us!




Foto: Randy Marroquín

25/05/2026

🕊️ CELEBRATING PENTECOST & 30 YEARS OF MUSICAL MINISTRY! 🎹
On this beautiful Feast of Pentecost, when we remember how the Holy Spirit filled the disciples to speak in many tongues, our esteemed organist, Maestro Salvador Ovalle, spoke to us in the universal language of music.

As his special Pentecost offering to our community, Maestro Ovalle gifted us with a newly composed setting for the "Gloria in Excelsis".
This inspiring composition filled our sanctuary with renewed joy, perfectly capturing the vibrant spirit of the day.

🌟 Anniversaries of Dedicated Ministry
Today’s musical offering marks a double celebration. Maestro Ovalle is celebrating two incredible anniversaries of dedicated ministry:
• 30 Years of service as the master organist at the Cathedral Santiago Apóstol.
• Over 15 Years of sharing his extraordinary talents directly with the St. James' congregation.

❤️ A Partnership in Faith
We extend our deepest gratitude not only to El Maestro Salvador but also to his beloved wife Magadalena De León. Together, they serve our community with untiring devotion, grace, and generosity. Their shared commitment enriches our worship and strengthens our communal bond every single week.

Please join us in giving thanks to God for the life, talent, and ministry of Maestro Salvador Ovalle and his wife!

Foto: Randy Marroquín.

23/05/2026

Celebrate Pentecost Day with us! 🔥🕊️

The St. James’ congregation warmly invites you to our special service this Sunday. Gather with family and friends for a meaningful time of faith, community, and worship.
📅 Date: Sunday, May 24
⏰ Time: 9:15 am
📍 Location: Avenida La Castellana 40-06 zona 8, Guatemala city.
🚗 Parking available on site for your convenience.
☕ Stay with us after the service for a coffee break and fellowship.
We look forward to welcoming you! See you there!

19/05/2026

🔥Vísperas de Pentecostés en St. James’🔥
¿Te has preguntado alguna vez qué significa realmente Pentecostés más allá de los diferentes idiomas, el viento y el fuego? 🤔

Este fin de semana nos preparamos para recibir la visita del Espíritu Santo en una edición especial en español de "La Platicadita Anglicana". Tendremos un estudio bíblico comunitario donde abordaremos:
✨ Raíces Históricas: La etimología de la palabra “Pentecostés” y su conexión vital con la fiesta hebrea original.
💡 Significado Teológico: Qué ocurrió realmente en ese aposento alto y por qué transformó la historia del primer siglo.
🌍 Implicaciones para Hoy: Cómo vivir el poder de Pentecostés en nuestra realidad del siglo XXI.

📌 Detalles del evento:
🗓️ Cuándo: Sábado 23 de mayo de 2026
⏰ Hora: 10:00 AM
📍 Dónde: Salón Parroquial
☕ Tendremos un tiempo de comunión y Coffee Break al terminar.
Si desea acompañarnos, puede confirmar su participación al WhatsApp 5832 3159.

¡Prepare su Biblia (puede ser una versión digital en su móvil), invite a un amigo y venga a edificar su fe en comunidad! La entrada es completamente libre.

17/05/2026

✨ A Sacred Bridge: Unity in a Broken World ✨
Today, our St. James' family celebrated the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This holy day serves as a sacred bridge, following our celebration of the Ascension and anticipating the blessings of Pentecost next week.
During her sermon, Revd. Neli Miranda shared a powerful message about Jesus' final prayer for us, reminding us of our calling to live differently. She shared:
"In today’s Gospel, we hear this tender intercession: “I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours…” (John 17,9). Here, Jesus is not just praying for his first-century disciples, but also for us today. Across the centuries, his prayer shields all of us who reject the values of a corrupt imperial system to enter the Kingdom of God. Yet, we remain physically “in the world”—surrounded by corruption, injustice, war, and systemic violence. Jesus begs the Father for our protection, praying: “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17,11)".

As we gathered around the Holy Table today to receive Holy Communion, we experienced a foretaste of that radical unity. We are protected, we are loved, and we are called to be one.

Read the full sermon here 👇
https://neliml.blogspot.com/2026/05/seventh-sunday-of-easter-2026-acts-16.html

Photo: Randy Ralda

15/05/2026

Join us this Sunday at St. James! 🌟
We are entering a unique sacred season. This Sunday, we mark the Seventh Sunday of Easter. It is our spiritual bridge between Ascension Day and Pentecost.

Together, we will reflect on Jesus' powerful words in John 17:1-11. We will explore His deep prayer for unity, protection, and divine purpose for all believers. Come center your heart as we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

🗓️ When: This Sunday, May 17
⛪ Where: St. James’ Congregation: Avenida la Castellana 40-06 zona 8, Guatemala city.
🚗 Free parking on-site
☕ Fellowship: Coffee and conversation right after the service

Whether you are a longtime member or visiting for the first time, there is a place for you in our community. Come as you are, bring a friend, and let’s grow in faith together!

14/05/2026

Blessings on Ascension Day! ✨
A glorious day celebrating Jesus' victory over suffering and death.
Ascension Day shouts to the world our victory, together with Jesus, over the powers that always try to destroy life! 🕊️🙌

Today is Ascension Day, when the Church celebrates the risen Christ returning to the Father.

In the Gospel, Jesus blesses his disciples and is taken from their sight. This is not an ending, but a new beginning. Christ’s ascension affirms his authority and points to his continuing presence, as the disciples are sent out with joy to bear witness to what they have seen.

Ascension Day reminds us that Christ reigns with God and calls us to live as his witnesses in the world.

Scripture reading: Luke 24:50–51, 52–53

‘Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.

And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.’

Prayer

Risen and ascended Lord,
you reign in glory and fill all things with your presence.
Lift our hearts to where you are,
and strengthen us to bear witness to your love.
Send us out in joy and faith,
to serve you in the world you came to save.

Amen.

10/05/2026

✨ Reflecting on a Beautiful Mother’s Day Celebration ✨

Our hearts are full after a wonderful Holy Eucharist dedicated to our Mothering God. We gathered as a family of disciples to celebrate the divine embrace that nurtures us all and ensures that none of us are ever truly alone.
Mother Neli Miranda led us through this wonderful service and brought us a powerful and moving sermon, guiding our hearts to feel the presence of the Spirit of Truth among us. 🕊️
It was a truly special liturgy, enriched by beautiful hymns written by women, whose voices and poetry helped us lift our hearts in worship. 🎶

During the service, we shared a sacred moment to bless the mothers in our congregation—honoring both those who are with us and the courageous spirits of those who abide within us from the Father’s house.

🌸 The spirit of communion continued with a delicious brunch and a joyful time together.
📖 Would you like to read the full reflection?
You can find Mother Neli’s sermon on the "Mothering Presence of God" at the link below:
https://neliml.blogspot.com/2026/05/sixth-sunday-of-easter.html

📸 Swipe through to see some of the beautiful moments from our blessing and our brunch.
"Mothering Spirit, nurturing one, in arms of patience hold me close..." — Julian of Norwich


Pictures by Randy Ralda

08/05/2026

🌸 "As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother." — Julian of Norwich 🌸

This Sunday at St. James', we celebrate Mothering Sunday with a deep reflection on the nurturing love of God. We are especially excited to lift our voices together in the hymn "Mothering God, You Gave Me Birth," a beautiful piece based on the 14th-century visions of Julian of Norwich. In this hymn, we recognize God not only as our Creator but as the source of every breath, the Christ who feeds us with light, and the Spirit who holds us in "arms of patience."

Whether you are a mother, have a mother, or provide mothering care to those around you, come experience the warmth and peace of God’s maternal embrace. Join us for the Holy Eucharist as we honor all those who nurture, guide, and love.

📅 When: This Sunday, May 10th⏰
Time: 9:15 AM

03/05/2026

In a time often defined by transition and uncertainty, Rev. Miranda reminded us that Jesus’ promise isn't about physical structures, but about deep, personal belonging. She shared:

“In the midst of this uncertainty, Jesus encourages them: ‘In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?’ (14:2). These beautiful words have often been interpreted as referring to ‘mansions in heaven.’ Yet Jesus speaks not of ‘mansions,’ but of ‘my Father’s house.’ He uses the language of home and relationship to describe his return to the Father—an image of communion with God, filled with love, peace, and reconciliation.”

Read the full sermon here

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2026 John 14:1-14 Rev. Neli Miranda Today, our Christian spirituality invites us on a journey...

30/04/2026

Finding Peace in a Restless World ✨
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places..." (John 14:1-2).
Life can often feel overwhelming, but Jesus offers us a beautiful promise: we have a place where we truly belong. This Sunday, as we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we dive into this comforting message of hope and the reassurance that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life."
Our doors at St. James are wide open for you!
Join us this Sunday!
🗓️ Date: May 3
⏰ Service Time: 9:15 AM
📍 Location: Avenida La Castellana 40-06 zona 8, Guatemala city.

Let us find rest for our hearts together.