Associate Rector
Cheryl Brainard came to St James to complete an internship for Holy Orders to the priesthood in 2018. After ordination to the priesthood, Cheryl remained on staff as an associate rector. She attended Furman University and worked as a flight attendant for 20 years prior to attending seminary at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Since seminary, she has served as a hospital chaplain and continues to hold a part-time position at Novant Health Care where she works with our local community. Her areas of focus at St James are Congregational Care and Faith Formation. She loves music and enjoys playing the piano, sewing, and boating. Cheryl is married to Don and as a blended family, they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.
Access Realm
Parish Administrator
Vestry - Class of 2021
Congregational Care Commission Co-Chair