Pastor Marlyn Bussey

OUR PASTOR

 

Pastor Marlyn Bussey was first appointed in January 2009 as interim Pastor and appointed as Pastor in July 2009 by Bishop Dennis V. Proctor. Pastor Bussey is the first female ever appointed to St. James since the church was erected in 1927. She previously served as the associate minister at First A.M.E. Zion Church in San Francisco for eleven years heading the church’s Christian Education and Evangelism ministries.

Pastor Bussey holds three advanced degrees: Master of Science degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University, Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in African American Transformational Church Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Pastor Bussey retired in 2015 after 25 years of service as a public high school counselor.

OUR CHURCH

St. James AME Zion Church is a Methodist church, historically African American yet intentional about becoming a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic ministry because we believe that God’s church should represent all nations, all people, all cultures. We are a church that offers seekers a real sense of belonging. There are no pew members at St. James as all are encouraged to use our skill set to collectively impact the community we serve.

​If you’re looking for a church home that offers an extended family that celebrates with you in good times and supports you in tough times, St. James is the church family you’ve been seeking.

​We Believe

  • Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins.

  • We believe in the Holy Trinity.

  • God is the only One who can and should judge.

  • It is our responsibilty to love one another as we are.

  • Church is the place that people should feel included, supported, valued and loved.

  • We believe in the power of prayer.

OUR HISTORY

St. James A.M.E. Zion Church was organized in San Mateo in 1919. It was about this time that the Rev. J.B. Holmes, Pastor of Greater Cooper A.M.E. Zion Church in Oakland, CA persuaded the Rev. Bond, a young University of California student, to come with him to San Mateo to begin a new work. Very little is known of the early days of struggle except that services were held from house to house and at the Congregational Church located at Tilton and San Mateo Drive in San Mateo.

The steady progress of St. James is directly related to the succession of capable ministers assigned to the work. Each played an important role in maintaining the integrity of the church, expanding its facilities and enlarging its influence in the community. One such notable pastor was the Rev. Rufus A. Cooper who served St. James from 1936 – 1941 and again from 1966 to 1971. Under his inspired leadership Christian concern and goodwill for all people was promoted. During his tenure, Chaplain Cooper and the membership faced the tragedy of a burned out church – the result of arson. Pastor and members, with many interested citizens in the community set about to restore the church to its present beauty and today, it stands as a testament to the enduring love of God for His people and His people for Him.

As history has recorded, St. James continues in the tradition of extending a warm welcome to all people who choose to join us in worship and in service to this community.