Letters from Leadership and Clergy
These days, updates come quickly. To help you keep up with all of the information shared, we have created a one-stop page for all of our letters from leaders and clergy.
Vestry 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...
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From 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...
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BISHOP'S VISIT: HOLY BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION
On Sunday, April 23, 2023, The Right Rev. Robert Skirving, Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina, joined us for a very special service of Holy Baptism and to administer confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations. We'd like to take a moment t...
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Vestry 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...
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From 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 ...
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From 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...
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Vestry 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 ...
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A Joyful Announcement From Steve Thomas
Over the past 18 months, Steve Thomas has been working on something very special. In addition to serving as our Senior Warden on the Vestry, Steve has been in the process of discernment. We take a moment here to share Steve’s journey of discern...
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Vestry 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...
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From 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...
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Thanking 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...
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Vestry 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...
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From 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 ...
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Counting 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 ...
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Office 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...
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Stewardship 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 ...
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On the Verge!
Beginning in Advent, you may notice a new addition to our Sunday services—Vergers. As with anything new, we anticipate that you may have some questions, such as why do we need them? What will they be doing? Does this mean our worship is changi...
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Vestry Corner ~ November 2022
Sweet potato casserole, Grandma’s apple pie, day-after turkey soup….laughing and playing board games with family and friends, watching football (& holiday movies), falling asleep on the couch….no doubt you can think about Thanksgiving and a...
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From 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...
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October: Thoughts from the Clergy
by The Rev. Cheryl Brainard Do you ever wonder where your prayers go? Does God have a huge computer keeping them all in order with columns for “yes, no, maybe later”? Although it can be amusing to daydream about such or to think of our pr...
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Vestry Corner ~ October 2022
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our de...
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From the Rector: October 2022
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ Matthew 18:20 Dear Parish Family, This past Wednesday evening we embarked on a five week program endeavor, with the hopes of welcoming and gathering parishioners of ...
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Stewardship 2023: Neighbors in Giving
PLEDGE NOW ONLINE
We, your St. James Stewardship Committee, are thrilled to announce the Parish’s 2023 Pledge Drive, which begins today, Sunday, September 25 and concludes in celebration on November 13th . We write today to reque...
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Vestry Corner ~ September 2022
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. -John 14:12 This verse from John 14:12 was heard by vestry members multiple t...
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From the Rector:September 2022
Hello St James Parish! I trust that you have enjoyed this summer - that you’ve created space for memories to be cherished, and fun to be had. For our part, the parish has celebrated lives well lived, new marriages, new life, and everyday...
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Ordinary Time
by the Rev. Gray Hodsdon Everything about our lives—food and sleep, work and play, day and night—is shaped by time. So, it is only fitting that in our church, we are equally shaped by time—specifically, liturgical time. Much like our r...
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A Letter from Ms. Ansley Trask
I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the St. James Parish Staff and community ! It feels like coming home being back at SJDS. I was a teacher at the Day School for 5 years prior to my job as a kindergarten teac...
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“Reflections” with Bob Godley
byTom Hackler Bob resides at Trinity Grove and is visited most days by his wonderful daughter, Julie, with occasional visits by others. I’ve had this idea of connecting our greatest generation with our parish and sharing their stories for...
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Vestry Corner ~ August 2022
On July 16th, we welcomed Rev. Joseph “Gray” Hodsdon to St. James as an Associate Rector. This is indeed a happy time and we know you will join the vestry in making Gray and his wife, Catie, feel a very warm welcome to our church family! His ...
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From the Rector: August 2022
Dear Parish Family, Jennifer and I were delighted to have our son Sam arrive here in Wilmington last week, giving us a very brief window of time to have all three of our children at home together. By the time you read this, our daughter EllaKath...
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Around the Parish: A Wes' Eye View
Our Facilities Manager, Wes Clewis, certainly has a lot to do with keeping our beautiful campuses worship ready! Wes has taken on some special projects this summer and we want to take a moment to share with you someof the things that are happenin...
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Vestry Corner ~ July 2022
We Wardens wanted to open this month’s remarks with a bit of a “spotlight” on one of our very modest, but supremely faithful parishioners. Diane MacAskill has served as the Clerk of Vestry for so many years we have lost count. Diane attends...
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From the Rector: July 2022
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord ...… to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Dear St. James Parish Family, Happy Anniversary! With gratitude Jennifer and I (and family), this month are completing our first...
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Behind the Scenes Artists
Had a new family member or been recently married? Chances are, you received a lovely handmade Chrismon (an ornament with intention) from St. James! Did you know we have several dedicated artists who offer their time to make these beautiful piec...
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Vestry Corner ~ June 2022
Our vestry meetings each month start with a devotional shared by one of the vestry members. We have had topics that included focusing on prayer, intentionality, and taking time to listen to God (rather than worrying about completing our never-en...
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From the Rector: June 2022
Last Wednesday morning I was honored (once again) to sit with a cohort of our own St. James youth for their Bible study gathering (at Starbucks). Cookie Cantwell and Jane Rippy facilitate this group. Our young people are visibly committed to thi...
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A Thank You from Deacon Rhonda Thomas
Dear St. James family, How time flies! It seems like only yesterday when this process began with the Discernment Committee in 2017. Then came two years of clergy training classes at Sewanee amidst Covid and a six-month placement at Church of t...
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From the Rector: May 2022
Dear Parish Family, What an inspiring joy it was to experience my first Holy Week and Easter Sunday here at St. James Parish. My thanks to all of you who participated in such meaningful and significant ways over the course of the week. Easter ...
Read MoreFraudulent Email Communication from Scammers
Dear Parishioners,
If you receive an email that appears to be from the Bishop, or a member of our clergy, asking you to take some kind of unusual action – click a link or download an attachment you didn’t request, wire money to a specified...
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What Does It Mean to be on Vestry?
WE are about to choose four new vestry members for OUR vestry, and hopefully some of my musings will inspire many of you to consider being part of this ministry. As I finish my third and last year, my mind and especially my heart are full of whe...
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On Tithing
by Bram Colonna I remember growing up and watching my mother write a check in the church pew and putting it in the offering plate. She would also give my sister and me a dollar or two to put in the offering plate as well. While a dollar might...
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Connecting with Realm
Are you making the most of our great digital resources?
St. James Parish uses an online tool called “ Realm ” to help you connect with fellow parishioners, see our directory, access online giving, and a whole host of wonderful features...
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From the Rector: September 1, 2021
“ But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers .” ~ James 1:22
Dear St. James Parish Family,
As I hope you will notice every Sunday morning this September, we are hearing quite a bit this fall from the Book of James. Interestingl...
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Phishing 101
As we know, there are some dishonest people in this world and they have decided to target churches for email scams. These scams are typically done in a format called "Phishing." Unfortunately, our church is one of many being targeted.
Phishing...
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From the Rector: August 1, 2021
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. ” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dear St. James Parish Family, For me, the arrival of August always comes with that wonderful combination of both melancholy (the su...
Read MoreGreeter Ministry Honors the Parkers
Fostering a true spirit of welcome is something all churches strive for. If anyone wants to know what is expected of the congregation, look no further than to what Ann and John Parker have been doing in our sanctuary for decades. As we rebuild ou...
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Update on Greeter Ministry
The “Greeters- Good to Great” Initiative is well underway and we now have 43 greeters named to this important ministry. Our goal is “56 by September 6” so we are still in need of additional participants. This effort also includes clergy, ...
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