Announcements
MONTHLY GRAPEVINE PRINTABLEUPCOMING PARISH EVENTS
Announcements and News from St. James Episcopal Parish
Annual Parish Picnic & Send-Off Event
This year, the Annual Parish Picnic at Mt. Lebanon Chapel will be held on Sunday, June 2nd from 4:00-6:00 p.m! In addition to all of our favorite picnic traditions- grilling, potluck dishes, live music, and a bounce house, we are taking this oppo...
Read MoreTraveling Mercies - An Au Revoir Reception for Rev. Cheryl
Ladies (21+) of St. James Parish are cordially invited to join us for an Episcopal Church Women Event: Traveling Mercies - An Au Revoir Reception for our dear friend, the Rev. Cheryl Brainard. Please come and share your good wishes for Cheryl - l...
Read MoreFellowship Event with The Rev. Cheryl and Don Brainard
Save the date! After church on Sunday, April 28th, we’ll be offering a time of fellowship with the Rev. Cheryl and Don Brainard. While we get to keep them a little while longer (through the beginning of June), we’d like to set aside a time of...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ April 2024
“The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.” BCP, Holy Eucharist Rite 1 We all are very aware of the age of our buildings,...
Read MoreFrom the Rector - April 2024
“Were not our hearts burning within us?” Luke 24:32 Dear Parish Family, The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Our Sunday morning Gospel readings this year move directly from the joy and surprise of the empty tomb (Easter S...
Read MoreIntroducing Our New Sexton: LaToya Lettley-Bryant
We have some joyful news to share! Earlier this month, we welcomed a new addition to our team. LaToya Lettley-Bryant has joined the St. James Parish Staff as our full-time Sexton. We are so thankful for her arrival and willingness to serve as par...
Read MoreA Bittersweet Announcement: The Rev. Cheryl Brainard
Dear All,
I write to share with you a significant change that is taking place within our St. James Parish family. After a deep and meaningful tenure as our Associate Rector, the Reverend Cheryl Brainard has elected to step away from her role a...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: March 2024
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:11 Dear Parish Family, In the Collect (opening prayer) of our Ash Wednesday service, there is a very bold ask for God to offer us “perfect remission and f...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ March 2024
February brought our St. James Parish family aspirational goals and joyful celebrations. We started the month with a fulfilling weekend with The Rev. Dr. James Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey and Mr. Martin Castledine, the Abbey’s...
Read MoreCommittee for Racial Unity Meeting
Saturday, April 27 | 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Great Hall
All are warmly welcome to join the Committee for Racial Unity for a time of education and conversation on Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 - 11:30am with a light continental breakfast starti...
Read MoreGlory Ridge Mission Experience 2024
REGISTER FOR GLORY RIDGE
During their time on the Ridge our young people will take time to connect with God's creation through quiet moments, fellowship, music, and service of the human family. We ask that our parish family lift them up in p...
Read MoreMen on a Mission: Glory Ridge 2024
REGISTER FOR THE MOM: GLORY RIDGE MISSION
Each year many of our St. James Youth travel to the camp at Glory Ridge in the mountains of western North Carolina. Glory Ridge offers our Youth the opportunity to slow down and to hear the whisper o...
Read MoreWestminster Abbey Comes to Wilmington
Our parish family had the distinct pleasure of hearing from The Rev. Dr. James Hawkey, Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey and Mr. Martin Castledine, the Abbey’s Dean’s Verger. In addition to a Verger Ministry Workshop, a special presentati...
Read MoreA MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH GIFT SHOP
Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Parish Shop not only over the Christmas Season but continually throughout the year. We want to let you know that your support of THISTLE FARM products helped support: 9,947 nights of sa...
Read MoreWomen's Spiritual Hiking Retreat
REGISTER NOW
Women of Saint James, if you enjoy hikes in the mountains and would like to join a retreat focused on a healthy body and spirit, please consider the fall women’s hiking retreat.
We will hike 4-8 miles (short and long opt...
Read More2024 Annual Meeting
DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET
Yesterday, our parish family met to participate in our Annual Meeting. Below are a few items of note.
The Rev. Phillip Craig expressed thanks for all of the thoughtful feedback provided for the worship schedule a...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: January 2024
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) Dear St. James Parish Family, Thanks to the pressures and expectations of our consumer culture, the...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ January 2024
“For St. James Parish; that we might live into our calling, reaching out to all those who need our fellowship and communion; that we may be faithful to you and patient with one another; and that we might enjoy your Holy Spirit’s presence amo...
Read MoreA Special Request: History for Boy Scout Troup 13
Boy Scout Troop 13 is gearing up to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its first Eagle Scout, Hazard Reeves, in 1923. To make this milestone truly special, the Troop is reaching out to St James Parishioners for support. Troop 13, chartered at St...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: December 2023
advent 1 Noun / US /ˈæd.vent the fact of an event happening, an invention being made, or a person arriving Dear St. James Parish Family, Within the centuries old traditions of our beloved Church, we begin a new year on Su...
Read MoreParish Shop: Holiday Hours & Update
Did you know that the Parish Gift Shop has given over $31,000.00 in those 19 years to outreach in our community! THAT IS PRETTY AMAZING since we are only open 1.5 hours on Sunday mornings from September through May. We are proud to say that...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ December 2023
[module:cb-Tagged_Posts:747:vertical::1:5:some:byPost:]You may have noticed during the 10:15am service there are a few more voices in the mix. These voices sometimes speak up when it’s quiet, you may hear them following along the service, and o...
Read MoreAn Advent Letter from the Rector
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Dear St. James Family,
The season of Advent is upon us, with the remarkable invitation to again orient our hearts and minds toward a vision of hope and peace. ...
Read MoreStewardship 2024: Concluding the Formal Campaign
Dear Parish Family, It is fitting that our 2024 Stewardship Campaign concludes just as we enter the season of giving thanks. Although we all are thankful for the many blessings in each of our lives, the end of this year’s campaign gives us the...
Read MoreIn the Midst of Movement, a Moment of Stillness: A Prelude to Advent
Amidst the ebb and flow of daily life, which often feels like an unyielding gust of wind, a still point emerged during our St. James Sock Hop. Our IGNITE youth group, with a heartwarming mission, had gathered to collect socks for the homeless. As...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: November 2023
Dear Friends, When Jesus was young, growing up with his family in the town of Nazareth, another faithful Jewish boy - whose name was Saul - was growing up in a Roman town named Tarsus (now in southern Turkey). Importantly, we know him today by ...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ November 2023
Our 2023 Stewardship Campaign is scheduled to end later this month. If you haven’t been able to complete this important responsibility, please consider it a high priority. A 2024 Draft Budget has been prepared. In order to reach the priority go...
Read MoreStewardship 2024: Our Programs
PLEDGE NOW
Dear Parish Family,
The Colonna family can list off several St. James programs that make an impact on our household. The children love the Easter celebrations in the Spring, the entire family enjoys the Parish Picnic at Mt. Leb...
Read MoreStewardship 2024: People, Place, & Programs
Dear Parish Family, If asked to describe life at St. James this Fall, I would respond “wonderfully busy”. We just completed successful leadership of three large events: Racial and Jazz Symposium, Rise Against Hunger, and our Parish Retreat ...
Read MoreThoughts on Stewardship from a Vestry Member
PLEDGE NOW
Dear Parish Family, Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Al Marr and I am the vestry liaison to the stewardship committee. I have been a member of this parish for 24 years. For 21 of those years, as I sat in the back of the c...
Read MoreRefurbishing the Great Hall Kitchen
There is truly something special about how fellowship centers around the breaking of bread. Our parish family has shared many wonderful meals together. We are blessed to have two kitchens on campus that enable us to feed our community! The Perry...
Read MoreThanks for the First Jazz & Race Symposium
We were honored to host the First Annual Jazz & Race Symposium in Perry Hall on Saturday, September 16. This event brought together over 200 people from across the Diocese of East Carolina and our greater Wilmington community to hear presentation...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ October 2023
At the end of our vestry retreat in August, we went around the room and everyone shared a take-away from our time together. The take-aways included the testimony of our youth, energy, decluttering our space, progress, all talents and perspectives...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: October 2023
I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now...
Read MoreStewardship 2024: People, Place, & Programs
PLEDGE NOW
We, your St. James Stewardship Committee, are thrilled to announce the Parish's 2024 Pledge Drive, which begins today, Sunday, September 24th and concludes in celebration on November 12th. Last year, the Stewardship Committee ask...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ September 2023
Dear St. James Parish Family,
It is with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to another wonderful summer season at Mt. Lebanon Chapel. Mt. Lebanon Chapel is such a unique setting to worship God and enjoy the beauty of His nature. We are truly...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: September 2023
“What are you looking for?” John 1:39
Dear St. James Parish Family,
If you are like me, there remains within you a small sense of hope and mystery- every single day - when you go to your mailbox. Yes, I know and accept that the over...
Read MoreFamily Breakfast at St. James
WE'RE BRINGING BREAKFAST BACK! In September, we resume one of our favorite St. James Parish traditions, Sunday morning Family Breakfast at church! To help us get started, we are looking for some Team Leaders to help us take on this wonderful...
Read MoreWhere Every Spark Counts: The Game-Changing Power of Youth Group Participation
When we think about preparing young people for the future, our minds often gravitate towards academics, extracurricular activities like sports or arts, and perhaps even tutoring. These activities, while undoubtedly valuable, often provide instant...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: August 2023
Dear Parish Family, It’s been less than a week since our St. James youth mission group returned from nine days in Ecuador. As you would imagine, it was a remarkable and life-changing experience - in every respect. Thank you for your prayers f...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ August 2023
We have enjoyed having some special visitors during our vestry meetings this year. During our July meeting, Porter Young and Hannah Brownlow from the Parish Life Commission joined us to share about their experience leading this ...
Read MoreREALM & Our Directory
REALM is our online directory & ministry tool designed for real-time connection. It helps St. James connect with you and you connect with us. REALM allows you to manage your personal information and who is allowed to see it, control your givi...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ July 2023
We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our parishioners with their resources and talents. Their love for our community, coupled with a strong desire to leave it better than they found it, is impressive. One of our Outreach partners, A Sa...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: July 2023
“Where two or more of us are gathered, O Lord, there you have promised to be. And here we are. And so, here are you.” Every Moment Holy, pg. 112 Dear Parish Family, Happy summer! To be sure, the rhythms of our community are diffe...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ June 2023
“If there’s something I have learned through growing up in the love of Christ, it’s that you never know the impact you may have on other people.” -Web (Youth Sunday) “Jesus loved others so well, which shows us how important it is to...
Read MoreA Baptismal Stand for Mt. Lebanon Chapel
As we entered a new season of summer worship in May 2023, a very special gift to the glory of God was created for Mt. Lebanon Chapel.
Our parish family has been blessed with the opportunity to welcome many new little ones through the Holy Sacr...
Read MoreA Special Edition- From the Rector: June 2023
Dear Parish Family,
On June 1st, we mark together the second anniversary of my first day as Rector of St. James. In many ways these two years have passed by so quickly. At the same time, I am deeply proud and grateful for all that God has ca...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ May 2023
The preparation for Holy Week and Easter is long, as it should be. Lent prepares us to receive the Resurrection. Now we move forward with thanksgiving. A small group of MoM just returned from Glory Ridge. The goal was to help prepare the groun...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: May 2023
Dear Parish Family,
The poet T.S. Eliott once wrote, “April is the cruelest month.” Unfortunate for him not to experience the past month here at St. James! Indeed, our worship, gatherings and celebrations filled the season. We have so m...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ April 2023
Twenty years ago the St. James Foundation was formed with the mission to support the needs of St. James Parish’s historic church campus in perpetuity. Claire Parker is the current chair for the Foundation Board and spoke during our most rec...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: April 2023
Dear Parish Family,
This week I had the wonderful opportunity to gather with the 2023 cohort of our St. James “Praying Shapes Believing” program. This was the last of seven meetings for the group. I was surprised and delighted to see how ...
Read MoreINSPIRED BY SHERI CASTLE & YOU: ECW COOK BOOK
January 2024 Update! Progress is being made! Drafts of submitted recipe pages are available now. Please reach out to Erin Becker ([email protected]) with any suggested changes. Along with the page(s) for review, chefs will also receive...
Read MoreOutreach Spotlight: Eden Village
Eden Village of Wilmington is building a community for those who are chronically homeless and disabled. While they are still in the construction phase of building 31, 500 square foot tiny homes, 17 are in the final stages and will be filled withi...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: March 2023
Dear Parish Family, Shrove Tuesday this year began for me with a very early text message from a friend. Her beloved husband had
died peacefully during the night, with her by his side. He had lived an extraordinary life of almost 93 years. I wa...
Read MoreA New Path - All Saints Memorial Garden
Mt. Lebanon Chapel is a very special place to many of us at St. James Parish, but none more special than those who have family members there for eternity. The All Saints Memorial Gardens at Mt. Lebanon Chapel has become a place of deep spiritual...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ March 2023
There are five Wednesday night suppers planned for March in Perry Hall, beginning March 1st at 6:00pm. One dinner each will be hosted by the Youth, the Episcopal Church Women, the Vestry, the Bread Breakers Group and Men on Mission. Children’s ...
Read MoreMeet the St. James Choir
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With this Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir! SAM CRAIG- Hi! I’m Sam Craig. I’m new to St. James Parish, having just graduated i...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ February 2023
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” - Lamentations 3:22-24 Gat...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: February 2023
Dear Parish Family,
What a delight to witness the wonderful turnout for our annual parish meeting on Sunday, January 8th. My thanks to all who were present. The spirit of the gathering was bright and hopeful - with gratitude for where we have...
Read MoreSJDS Summer Camps 2024
It's time to register for camp! Registrations are filling up quickly. Click into the camps below to register for each respective camp. If your child's age group is full, we invite you to join the waitlist by clicking the button below. JOIN TH...
Read MoreThanking Florence Ellen!
Dear St. James Parish Family, I write to share the bittersweet news that Parish Administrator Florence Ellen Cowden will be stepping down from her role at the end of February. Her decision comes from a desire to be more available with support...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ December 2022
Thank you to all who have submitted your 2023 Pledge to support the ongoing work and mission of St. James Parish! The momentum of the current Stewardship campaign is good, but we really need each member to consider how you can step up to help...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: December 2022
Dear Parish Family,
Here we are - just a few days into the season of Advent. In mind and heart, we are being encouraged by scripture and liturgy to hold a quiet space - to prepare - to reflect and to ponder all that is holy. At the very same ...
Read MoreCounting on St. James: Celebrating the work of Billy Smith
As we recognize the ministries of those behind the scenes, we can not miss the opportunity to thank Billy Smith for his years of service at St. James Parish. Billy has been involved with the financial ministry of the church for over 45 years. He ...
Read MoreThanksgiving for our St. James Choir Members
We see and hear the St. James Choir each week, and we might know the faces. With this Grapevine issue we continue to introduce the members of the choir, beginning with those who have served longest, and who share what it’s like to lift our pra...
Read MoreOffice Ministry: Thanking Rosa Champney
36 years ago, the Champney family moved to Wilmington from Annapolis. They were looking for a place that reminded them of the love of their home church in Maryland. Billie Holland was a neighbor and Jane Martin made sure they knew they were welco...
Read MoreStewardship 2023: A Message from the Committee
Members of St. James, As this Stewardship Campaign approaches its conclusion, we write to report to you on the incredible results to this point. We are, simply stated, overwhelmed by your confidence, enthusiasm, and support. Few are the times ...
Read MoreEmbroidery Ministry: Thanking Lynn Calder
We are so blessed to have many talented and creative parishioners. We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the embroidery ministry of Lynn Calder. Lynn is the artist behind the lovely embroidery work for the baptism towels. Over the l...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: November 2022
“There your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 Dear St. James Parish Family, Two years ago, from my office in Portland, Oregon, I had my first Zoom conversation with the St. James Rector Search Committee. Time has gone by quickly, yet...
Read MoreA Creative Ministry
Looking to be a part of a creative ministry? Consider crafting Chrismons! We have several dedicated artists who offer their time to make lovely handmade Chrismons for our parish family. What is a Chrismon? A Chrismon is an ornament with intenti...
Read MoreCONFIDENTIAL PRAYER TEAM
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lor...
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