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 ~ September 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 page 364 We hear this offering at every service of the Eucharist. Do you ...
Read MoreFrom the Rector ~ September 2024
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together … but encouraging one another.” Hebrews 10:24-25a) Dear St. James Parish Family, In June of 2023, the National Institutes of...
Read MoreFrom the Rector ~ August 2024
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 Dear Parish Family, How can I make a difference? Where can I help? Wha...
Read MoreA Staff Announcement from The Rector
DONATE TO JOHN'S PURSE
Dear Parish Family,
I write to share with you news of an important transition happening here at St. James. John Sullivan, who has been our Director of Music and Organist for 14 years, is retiring from his position....
Read MoreA Letter from the Rev. Cheryl Brainard
Dear Friends of St James, Don and I cannot express in words the heartfelt gratitude for the extremely generous gifts we were presented with at the parish picnic. We were deeply moved by your generosity and kindness, and the outpouring of your l...
Read MoreFrom the Rector ~ June and July 2024
For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 Dear Parish Family, Pentecost Sunday (May 19th) was a grand and wonderful celebration, with a full and enthusiastic gathering in our historic s...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ June & July
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Mathew 25: 40. All of us are made in the image of God, yet some over time become more vulnerable than others. They may be ...
Read MoreFrom the Rector ~ May 2024
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; 1 John 4:7 Dear Parish Family, This scripture passage - from the First Letter of John - was a timely part of our lectionary last Sunday morning, April 28th. There John claime...
Read MoreVestry Corner ~ May 2024
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust. A feeling that is easily requested. Fortunately for us our Trust ...
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 as...
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 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 MoreVestry Corner ~ February 2024: Senior Warden's Address
A Farewell Address - Outgoing Senior Warden LESLIE JARRETT Dear St. James Parish Family, When you sit down to reflect on the past year, I wonder where your mind goes first. Often there are pivotal moments in a year, defined by intense emotio...
Read MoreFrom the Rector: February 2024
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlastin...
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 MoreAn Invitation: Sunday Service Schedule Feedback
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Dear Parish Family,
Last May I shared with you that through prayerful discernment the decision was made to explore a shift in our Sunday schedule - one which would reflect a more communal worship experience. I appreciate a...
Read MoreThe Verger Team
Have you noticed a new role within our worship in the past year? Someone organizing our processions? Someone dressed in black and grey? Someone carrying a wooden stick topped by a cross? This role is called a verger, and as of this Sunday, this m...
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 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 MoreStewardship 2024: A Letter from John Murchison
Dear Brothers and Sisters, This may be one of the most important letters I will write this year. You have heard St. James’ need to fund two or three additional positions, in addition to increased increases. The church has real needs. That’...
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 MoreStewardship 2024: Our Place
PLEDGE NOW
Dear Parish Family, I’ve been asked to write the “Places” component of the Stewardship appeal this year. I have been thinking about the place that is St. James. I have thought of all the meals I have eaten prepared ...
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 MoreFrom the Rector: Holy Land Response
Dear St. James Parish Family, It is most difficult and painful to witness the images of violence, loss and destruction that are taking place across the Holy Land. In particular, we are all horrified to see the manner by which innocent individual...
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 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 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 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 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 MoreBISHOP'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...
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 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 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 MoreA 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...
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 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 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 MoreVestry 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...
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 MoreOrdinary 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...
Read MoreA 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...
Read More“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...
Read MoreAround 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...
Read MoreFrom 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...
Read MoreBehind 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...
Read MoreA 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...
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...
Read MoreWhat 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...
Read MoreOn 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...
Read MoreConnecting 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...
Read MorePhishing 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...
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...
Read MoreUpdate 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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