Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 4:00 p.m. · More

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

St. James Parish
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Staff

Meet the Clergy and Staff of St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Wilmington, NC.

The Rev. Michael Singer
Priest-In-Charge
| Bio
The Rev. Chris Hamby
Associate Rector
910-763-1628
| Bio
The Rev. Cheryl Brainard
Associate Rector
Suzanne Adams
Parish Coordinator
910-763-1628
| Bio
Erin Becker
Director of Communications
| Bio
Cookie Cantwell
Youth Ministries Coordinator
910-763-1628
| Bio
Wes Clewis
Property and Maintenance Manager
| Bio
Joey Dobson
Sexton
Maria Hollopeter
Financial Administrator
| Bio
Shannon Lockamy
Christian Formation Assistant
910-763-1628
Bill McKenzie
Facility Administrator
910-763-1628
| Bio
John Sullivan
Director of Music
910-763-1628
| Bio
Amy Taylor
St. James Day School Director
910-763-1628
| Bio

The Rev. Michael Singer

Priest-In-Charge

The Rev’d Michael Singer retired from full-time active ministry in April 2020 as the Transition Ministry Officer for the Diocese of East Carolina. Prior to this, he served three one-year positions as Interim Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Greenville; St. Paul’s Church, Beaufort and Church of the Servant, Wilmington. Before serving at Church of the Servant he was Rector of St. Mary’s Church, Kinston for 17 years.

His Master of Divinity degree is from Nashotah House, a Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in Nashotah, Wisconsin and his undergraduate degree is in Religion and Philosophy from Morris Harvey College (now The University of Charleston), in Charleston, West Virginia. A product of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, growing up in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, (a small town approximately 35 miles west of Gettysburg), he served parishes in Williamsport and Altoona, Pennsylvania.

In his years of active ministry, Father Michael has served as a Deputy to General Convention, the Millennium Development Goals Committee (Chair), Convention Planning Committee, Diocesan Trustee, Commission on Ministry (Chair), the Standing Committee, and the Christian Education Committee (Chair).

In his spare time Father Michael enjoys walking, travel, going to the movies, spending time with his family…especially his 17-month-old grandson, Bennett. He has been married to his wife, Teresa, (a retired public-school music teacher) for 41 years.


Father Michael is looking forward to serving with the people of St. James when he becomes the Priest-in-Charge on January 1st.

The Rev. Chris Hamby

Associate Rector
910-763-1628 |

Chris Hamby was born and raised in the horse capital of the the world in Lexington, Kentucky. Chris attended Transylvania University before joining the Young Adult Service Corps and serving for a year as an Episcopal Missionary in Nagoya, Japan. Chris attended Virginia Theological Seminary and joined the new Ministry Resident Program which allowed him to serve at Christ Church, Alexandria for two years before joining the family at St. James. Chris is an avid Kentucky basketball and football fan, technology nut, and music lover. He and his wife Mandy have two children Lewis and Wilson. He is involved with missionalvoices.com.

The Rev. Cheryl Brainard

Associate Rector

Suzanne Adams

Parish Coordinator
910-763-1628 |

Suzanne moved to the Wilmington area and began working at St. James in 2007. Previously, she lived in Maryland for 17 years and worked for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. What made her come here? She picked it from a map!

Erin Becker

Director of Communications

My background is a little unconventional but that has led me to be a more well-rounded marketer. I started out in undergrad as a Studio Art Major and a few years after graduation I decided to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. Once I had my MBA, I joined a regional commercial real estate firm as their Digital Marketing Associate then Marketing Director. Now, I’m excited to bring my experience to St. James Parish and start a new adventure with my husband here in Wilmington!

Cookie Cantwell

Youth Ministries Coordinator
910-763-1628 |

Cookie Cantwell first came to St. James as a Youth Ministries Consultant. This position morphed into a full-time Youth Ministries Coordinator staff position, where the focus continues to be on building authentic relationships with Jesus Christ among the young people within the Parish and throughout the world. Through fun, friendships, Bible studies, service projects, mission experiences, music, and worship, young people and the adults who accompany them on their journey of faith strive to provide meaningful opportunities to grow spiritually within a Christian community. In addition to enjoying her ministry among our youth, Cookie also enjoys her family, Happening, Province IV Youth Ministries, hiking, kayaking, needlepoint and reading.

Wes Clewis

Property and Maintenance Manager

Wes is a man of God who is guided by Christ to serve his family and community. He is a Wilmington native who joined the St. James family in November 2016. Wes and his wife, Sara, have been happily married since 2014. He is also the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Bryanna and Destiny. Wes loves bass fishing and the Washington Redskins. Before coming to St. James, he served the Cape Fear area as a master carpenter for over 20 years.

Joey Dobson

Sexton

Maria Hollopeter

Financial Administrator

Maria joined the staff of St. James in June, 2019. For the past 16 years, she has been employed with a CPA firm in Concord, NC. During her tenure in public accounting, she formed many long-lasting relationships with her corporate and individual clients. She also has experience in private sector accounting and experience in the banking industry as well. Maria attended the University of North Carolina – Charlotte majoring in Business Administration.

Maria is married to her husband, Clifton. They have been married 35 years and have 2 children, Kristen and Zachary. Clifton and Maria relocated back to Wilmington in 2019 and are glad to be back at the coast.

Walking on the beach, watching sunsets, and enjoying nature are activities she enjoys the most. These are activities where she can see God at work. Maria has always been a “church-girl”. Choir, handbells, VBS, mission trips, bible studies, and scripture are some of her favorites.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Shannon Lockamy

Christian Formation Assistant
910-763-1628 |

Bill McKenzie

Facility Administrator
910-763-1628 |

Bill McKenzie, a long-time member of the Parish, will be succeeding Don in the Facilities Administrator position. Bill is a commercial property appraiser with a broad knowledge of building and property management. Bill has been actively involved in the life and ministries of the Parish having served on Vestry, worked as a team leader on the breakfast crew and continues Lead Verger duties this summer at Mt. Lebanon Chapel.

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.

Amy Taylor

St. James Day School Director
910-763-1628 |

Ms. Taylor received her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Davidson College and her Initial Elementary Education Teacher's Certification from UNCW.

What drew you to teaching? "All children are precious to me! Seeing a child feel safe and loved brings me great joy. And the look on a child's face when they figure out that they are capable is priceless. What a delight and privilege it is to work with children at SJDS!"

Favorite Snack: "Fruit, followed closely by brownies."

Hidden Talent: "Memorizing important dates, especially birthdays!"

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

Phone: 910.763.1628


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.

Sundays - Outdoors at Mt. Lebanon Chapel & Downtown

  • 9:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite II | Mt. Lebanon Chapel
  • 10:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite II | Mt. Lebanon Chapel
  • 4:00 p.m. | Winter Worship at 4 | St. James Lawn Down Town

Click here for service descriptions and more info


© 2021 St. James Episcopal Church. All Rights Reserved

Affiliates

St. James Day School

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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 - Outdoors at Mt. Lebanon Chapel & Downtown

  • 9:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite II | Mt. Lebanon Chapel
  • 10:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist, Rite II | Mt. Lebanon Chapel
  • 4:00 p.m. | Winter Worship at 4 | St. James Lawn Down Town

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

Join us for worship on Sunday, January 17th, 2021


CLICK HERE for the Service Bulletin

CLICK HERE for the most recent Grapevine

SUNDAY WORSHIP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ST. JAMES RECTOR SEARCH

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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.

Learn More

Sunday Services
Holy Eucharist Rite II - 9:30 a.m. - Outdoor Service at Mt. Lebanon Chapel - Please bring your own chair and mask.

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 10:30 a.m. - Outdoor Service at Mt. Lebanon Chapel - Please bring your own chair and mask.

Winter Worship at 4 - 4:00 p.m. - A special service dedicated to ways of worship and a focus on our young people. All are encouraged to come and fellowship with us.


Wednesday Eucharist

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 12:10 p.m. - Currently on hold due to COVID-19

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.

Join St. James
Make a Donation Stewardship 2021 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. Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God!


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. This year, with the challenges and opportunities at this time of transition, we are asking you to seriously consider committing to a pledge for 2021 so that we can more effectively plan the parish budget and the programs for 2021. #nothingcanseparateus
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. The St. James Foundation is essential to the vitality, growth, stability and success of our parish. Its grants support the mission of the Parish, consistent with priorities established by the Vestry and the Rector.

Learn more about the St. James Foundation

Access your giving history and discover your St. James Parish community. Contact our Financial Administrator, Maria Hollopeter if you have any questions.

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