Christmas season is upon us, and the members of the congregation at Saint James’ Episcopal Church in Hackettstown have so much they are celebrating this year.

Their Christmas Eve services will be led by the Reverend A.G. Fouts, the parish’s new priest-in-charge.

Reverend A.G. Fouts

Rev. Fouts, who says he is “71 and getting younger,” was ordained and priested in London, and has served in England, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Advanced Congregational Development.

Before ordination, Rev. Fouts had a lifetime of adventures while working as “a deli clerk, a jet mechanic, a house mover (houses not contents), and … a personal lines insurance underwriter and a commercial diver.” He would still like to get his pilot’s license.

Rev. Fouts and his wife have four children and are now proud grandparents.

A very talented pianist and organist has also recently joined the church. Dmitry Nikolaev, who studied at St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia and the Aaron Copland School in New York City, offers his talents at the church’s 10 a.m. worship services.

Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 4:30 p.m., which includes the children’s pageant, 7 p.m., a candlelight service, and 11 p.m. A prayer service will also be held on Christmas Day at 10 a.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, only one service featuring lessons and carols will be held at 9 a.m., followed by a Warden’s Reception and Greening of the Church.

St. James’ is located at 214 Washington Street. Its regular services are held 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays. All members of the public are welcome. The church also has a Great Hall with commercial kitchen that is available for parties and private functions.