Vestry | St. James Parish

Vestry members serve as trustees of the parish, taking charge of church property and regulating its temporal (secular) concerns. The vestry consists of lay people elected by communicants in good standing, ages 16 and older. In general, vestry members help minister in whatever manner is appropriate to the laity for the furtherance of the gospel. The vestry speaks for the people of the parish. St. James Parish has appointed vestry commissions in several specific areas of responsibility.

Vestry members serve three-year terms, with four new members elected at the Annual Parish Meeting held early in Advent. Retiring members are ineligible to serve again for one year. The vestry elects a senior warden annually upon nomination by the Rector and a junior warden from among the remaining members. The vestry also elects a clerk and a treasurer (not necessarily members of the vestry). St. James Vestry meets the second Monday of each month. Minutes are available to parishioners at the parish office.

2018-2019 Vestry Commissions
Priest in Charge: The Rev. Jay Sidebotham
Senior Warden: Bill Clark
Junior Warden: Florence Ellen Cowden
Administration/ Finance: David Brownlow
Building/Grounds: Ed Whitesides
Christian Formation: Jane Martin
Communications: Stuart Hardy
Evangelism: Jim Spruill
Outreach: Bill Clark
Parish Life/Hospitality: Dawn Carter
Pastoral Care: Kim Balderson
Stewardship: Bill Bivins
Spiritual Growth: Watson Barnes
Worship: Pem Jenkins
20s & 30s and Youth: Florence Ellen Cowden
Clerk: Diane Macaskill
Treasurer: Mike Brown

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Who We Are History Mt. Lebanon Chapel Vestry Staff

Sermons

Feb 9 | The Rev. Chris Hamby
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Year A
Feb 7 | Guest Speaker
Diocese of East Carolina Convention Sermon
Feb 4 | Guest Speaker
St. James Lecture Series Presents David Zahl
Feb 2 | The Rev. Cheryl Brainard
Presentation of Our Lord
Jan 26 | The Rev. Pierce Klemmt
Third Sunday After the Epiphany Year A

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.

Sunday Services
Holy Eucharist Rite I - 8:00 a.m. - This quiet service does not include music.

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 9:00 a.m. - The music reflects varied styles and special opportunity for children and youth to participate as leaders in worship.

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 11:15 a.m. - A more formal and traditional style of worship with the ministry of our fine choir to lead us.

Wednesday Eucharist

Holy Eucharist Rite II - 12:10 p.m. - We gather for worship in the chapel usually celebrating the life of a Saint.

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.

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.

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 2020 so that we can more effectively plan the parish budget and the programs for 2020.

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 Parish Administrator Jerry Worley if you have any questions.