Worship Ministries | St. James Parish

An important part of our heritage as Episcopalians is that our lives are centered around worship which engages the energies of the entire congregation, rather than a performance by the clergy. Therefore, full and deliberate participation by everyone is encouraged by singing hymns, psalms, and canticles; in reciting prayers together; and by joining together in the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Central to our worship experience is the Book of Common Prayer, an excellent liturgical resource which contains prayers, psalms, service liturgies, and lectionaries, providing a strong base for Christian faith and worship.

Worship Participants

For worship ministry schedules click here

Acolytes
Acolytes are 6th – 12th graders who participate and help lead the 9:00 am and 11:15 am worship services.

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is comprised of communicants who care for and prepare the church for regular and special services. Team members are assigned duties every 4-5 weeks.

Chalicists
This is a group of men and women licensed by the bishop to assist the clergy during communion.

Decorating
Parishioners who enjoy working with flowers and have an eye for decorative detail decorate the church on for high holy days.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers
This is a group of men and women licensed by the bishop to assist clergy in serving wine and bread at communion and to take communion to parishioners who are unable to attend services.

Lectors
Volunteers read the Old or New Testament lessons or Prayers of the People during Sunday worship services.

Linen Guild
These volunteers are responsible for the weekly laundry and care of the altar linens. Teams divide this responsibility yearly.

Ushers
Volunteers welcome everyone to church and assist in the orderly flow of worship services.

Wedding Guild
Wedding Guild members are present at the weddings held at St. James Church and Lebanon Chapel to assist the clergy and the wedding parties. Teams of two volunteers serve two weddings per season (typically May to August).

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Sermons

Sep 22 | The Rev. Chris Hamby
Proper 20C
Sep 15 | The Rev. Jay Sidebotham
Proper 19C
Sep 8 | The Rev. Jay Sidebotham
Proper 18C
Aug 25 | The Rev. Jay Sidebotham
Proper 16C
Aug 18 | Rev. Deacon Kitty Davis
Proper 15C

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!

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.