Sunday Mornings: St. James - 8:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m. ; More

  25 S. 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401  ·   910.763.1628  ·       Give & Realm

St. James Parish
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Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.

For information about Confirmation at St. James for youth, please reach out to Ansley Trask at [email protected]. Adults interested in learning more about Confirmation in the Episcopal Church should reach out to The Rev. Cheryl Brainard at [email protected] to sign up for Praying Shapes Believing.

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The Prayer Book rite for Confirmation includes forms for Reception and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. In some dioceses, those who have already made a mature Christian commitment in another denomination are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. In other dioceses, those who have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches are received and others are confirmed. Those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows. Reaffirmation may be repeated, depending on the pastoral needs of the person. Preparation for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation should help the candidates discover the meaning of Christian commitment in their lives, and explore ways that their Christian commitment can be lived. This preparation may draw upon the baptismal covenant (BCP, pp. 416-417) and An Outline of the Faith (BCP, pp. 845-862).

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are rooted in the baptismal covenant. Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation may be done at the service of Holy Baptism or at the Easter Vigil when a bishop is present (BCP, pp. 292, 309-310). When there is no baptism, the entrance rite for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation follows the entrance rite for baptism (BCP, p. 413). Candidates for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are presented in separate groups by their presenters. Candidates may have individual presenters who will support them in their Christian life by prayer and example. It is not necessary that the presenters be members of the clergy. The candidates reaffirm their renunciation of evil, and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. They reaffirm the promises made by them or for them at the time of baptism. Those present in the congregation promise to do all in their power to support the candidates in their life in Christ. The bishop leads the congregation in renewing the baptismal covenant. The Prayers for the Candidates from the baptismal liturgy may be used as the Prayers for the Candidates for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation (BCP, p. 417). The bishop lays hands on each candidate for Confirmation. The BCP provides specific prayers to be said by the bishop for Confirmation, for Reception, and for Reaffirmation. The bishop may shake hands with those who are being received to welcome them into this communion, and the bishop may lay hands on them in blessing. The bishop may also bless those who reaffirm their baptismal vows.

The Episcopal Church's theology of Confirmation has continued to evolve along with its understanding of baptism. Confirmation is no longer seen as the completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for receiving communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's body the church (BCP, p. 298). Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises. Some dioceses require that candidates for Confirmation be at least sixteen years old to insure that the candidates are making a mature and independent affirmation of their faith. There is considerable diversity of understanding and practice concerning Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Confirmation has been characterized as "a rite seeking a theology."

When Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation is celebrated on Sunday or a major feast, the propers (collect and readings) for that day are used. The BCP also provides special propers for Confirmation at other times.

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Ask Us About Worship!

John Sullivan
Director of Music
910-763-1628 
Dawn Carter
Worship Ministry Co-Chair
Todd Hinshaw
Worship Ministry Co-Chair
Mary Lyons Rouse
Worship Ministry Communicator
Kay Dougherty
Vestry - Class of 2023, Worship Vestry Liaison
The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
Rector
9107631628 

John Sullivan

Director of Music
910-763-1628 |

John Sullivan first began working at St. James Parish in September of 2006, both as a music teacher in the St. James Day School and also as a tenor in the St. James Choir. In November of 2006, John joined the parish office staff, producing the Sunday bulletins and the weekly Grapevine newsletters, while also serving as the administrative assistant to the Rector. John began as organist and choirmaster at St. James in 2010, where he plays the organ for Sunday morning services, in addition to leading both the adult choir and the children’s choirs. Prior to assuming the position as music director at St. James, John was organist and choirmaster at Grace Episcopal and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Whiteville, NC. John came to Wilmington from San Francisco, CA, where he was a tenor in the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys and administrator of the cathedral music office at Grace Cathedral for 12 years. A cradle Episcopalian, John grew up in New Jersey where he sang as a boy chorister in the choir of men and boys at Christ Episcopal Church in New Brunswick. John has a Bachelor of Music in piano from Ithaca College, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Rutgers University, and a Master of Music in Kodaly Music Education for Children from Holy Names College in Oakland CA.

Dawn Carter

Worship Ministry Co-Chair

Todd Hinshaw

Worship Ministry Co-Chair

Mary Lyons Rouse

Worship Ministry Communicator

Kay Dougherty

Vestry - Class of 2023, Worship Vestry Liaison

The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.

Rector
9107631628 |

Sunday Services

  • 8:00 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 10:15 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite II & Online Worship

Worship Opportunities

Weekday Morning Prayer
Thursday, Sep 28, 2023, 8:00 AM
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Weekday Morning Prayer
Friday, Sep 29, 2023, 8:00 AM
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Sunday Worship: 8:00 a.m. Rite I
Sunday, Oct 01, 2023, 8:00 AM
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Sunday Worship: 10:15 a.m. Rite II
Sunday, Oct 01, 2023, 10:15 AM
Details »

Weekday Morning Prayer
Monday, Oct 02, 2023, 8:00 AM
Details »

Worship Services Live Stream Worship Worship Ministries Music & Choirs Baptism Confirmation Weddings Funerals

Sermons

  • Sep 24 | The Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon
    The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
  • Sep 17 | Guest Speaker
    The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
  • Sep 10 | The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.
    The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
  • Sep 3 | Jay Sidebotham
    The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023
  • Sep 3 | The Rev. Joseph "Gray" Hodsdon
    Lebanon Chapel: The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2023

St. James Parish
25 S. Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: 910.763.1628

OFFICE HOURS
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday;
8:30 am to 1:30 pm on Friday.

Disclaimer


ST. JAMES PARISH

St. James Mission Statement: To welcome all to grow in love of God and neighbor.

St. James Vision Statement: To build community through ministries that strengthen our faith.

  • 8:00 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 10:15 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite II & Online Worship

Click here for service descriptions and more info

Click here to request room/space use at St. James


© 2023 St. James Episcopal Church. All Rights Reserved

Affiliates

St. James Day School

St. James Parish Foundation

The Help Hub


St. James Episcopal Church is a member parish in the Diocese of Eastern North Carolina. We welcome everyone who wishes to attend our services and events.


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Service Times


St. James Parish

Sundays at St. James

  • 8:00 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 10:15 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite II & Online Worship

Click here for service descriptions and more info

Location

St. James Parish
25 S. 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Contact Us
910.763.1628

Newsletter Signup

Welcome Children Service Times Location Membership

We extend a sincere welcome to you and we hope you will come and find your place at St. James. We have long been an active, working church with parishioners who play a vital role in parish ministries and community life. The range of St. James' ministries is as broad as the interests of its members.

Christian Formation for children endeavors to support and supplement the family's efforts to raise children as followers of Christ. Children's Formation includes Sunday classes as well as seasonal festivals and intergenerational events. Preschool ages 2 to 5 years, and grades 1 through 5 use a lectionary-based curriculum enhanced with art and music. Middle school classes include confirmation preparation and current event issues. Senior high classes engage in weekly Bible study from a young person's perspective.

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Sunday Services

On Sunday, we will be offering the following services:

  • 8:00 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 9:10 AM: Faith Formation & Sunday School Hour
  • 10:15 AM: Worship at St. James Parish- Holy Eucharist Rite II

Wednesday Eucharist

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 12:10 p.m.

Click here for service descriptions and more info

St. James Parish occupies a full city block in downtown Wilmington, surrounded by Market St., 3rd Street, Dock Street, and 4th Street. Parking is available through the week and on Sundays on Market, 3rd, Dock and 4th Streets, adjacent to the church. Although the street parking is free, please note that on weekdays, parking on Market, 3rd and 4th Streets (other than the block of 4th Street behind the church property) is restricted to 2 hours, after which parking fines may be imposed by the City of Wilmington.

Maps & Directions

Membership at St. James, as with any other Episcopal parish, is governed by Canonical requirements of the Episcopal Church. It begins with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, it continues with confirmation or reception by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, and it is maintained through a continuing commitment to the mission and ministries of the local parish.

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Make a Donation Stewardship St. James Foundation Realm

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of St. James Parish! For more information see our give page. To give a gift now, click the button below. To pledge, please login to Realm and follow the instructions in this video. Let us move Forward Together with Joy, Gratitude, and Generosity!


Give Now
On behalf of the wardens and vestry of St. James Parish, we want to thank you for being a part of the Community of St. James. The contributions and the faithful ministries of all who served in various capacities across our parish have helped this parish to fulfill the mission and ministry to which we are called. Let us move Forward Together with Joy, Gratitude, and Generosity!
Make a Pledge

The St. James Parish Foundation was established in 2003 with the mission of supporting the needs of St. James Parish’s wonderful and historic church campus in perpetuity. The Foundation supports its mission by providing financial contributions to the Parish through targeted distributions for capital or specific campaign-related needs. Those contributions are through the assets that have been so generously donated to St. James Parish over the years by its’ congregation. You can easily donate online! Donate Online Here


Learn more about the St. James Foundation

Access your giving history and discover your St. James Parish community. Visit our Realm Help Page or contact our financial administrator, Maria Hollopeter, if you have any questions.

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