Walk with Us: A Note from the Rector

“Jesus himself arrived and joined them on their journey.” (Luke 24:15)

Our lives are a journey that involve our whole selves, body, mind, and spirit. No matter where you are on your own path we invite you to find refreshment and community here at St. Paul’s. We know each individual's walk is unique, made at varying paces, on different schedules, with assorted luggage, and often requiring some form of assistance. It is our hope that we at St. Paul’s can walk with you, and our prayer that you will join us on the journey together.

At St. Paul's we work to create a place of belonging. Belonging for us means that when you are here you are home. We hope you will find your home here, in all the ways home invites us to find comfort, lean into the love of family, and enjoy the peace of knowing we are where we're meant to be. Like any home there is always work to be done, food to be enjoyed, and good times to be had. So make yourself at home, find where you all called, and lean into our St. Paul's family. Whether you are attending your first ever Episcopal service or you “know the ropes,” every church is a little different. Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. And if you still have more questions, just ask!

As Episcopalians, we believe that all baptized people are called to minister in the Church. Everyone has a different role. Our clergy serve as the spiritual leaders of our congregation, our staff is responsible for overseeing our program ministries and day-to-day responsibilities, and our vestry is responsible for parish decision-making.

Meet Our Leadership

Labyrinths are ancient spiritual tools designed to assist one in prayer, meditation, reflection, and respite. All are welcome to enjoy and use our Labyrinth which is open to the public. Find out more about our labyrinth, seasonal walks, and the St. Paul’s Labyrinth/Meditation Garden Burial Guidelines.

St. Paul's is a vibrant ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, which is one of the 109 dioceses of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

We following Jesus into loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, with each other and with the earth as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. We seek every day to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).

The Episcopal Church

The Diocese of North Carolina

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

As faithful Christains, created in the image of God, we are called to care for this earth, for one another, and for the resources we have been endowed with by our Creator. One way of caring for all we have been given is finding ways to use our resources (time, talent, and treasure) to support and bless God’s work in the world. There are many ways we can give of our time, talent, and treasure. Giving of our treasure, financially, allows us at St. Paul’s to continue our work of ministry at St. Paul’s, in our Community, and in the world.

Sunday Worship 8 & 11 am · Details

218 S. Second Street, Smithfield, NC 27577-4532 · 919-934-2675

Acolytes & Servers

This ministry is an intergenerational effort (children are invited to participate as they are able) and allows both children and adults the opportunity to assist in creating meaningful worship experiences for our congregation.

Acolytes and servers participate in our service worship service as torch bearers and crucifers (carrying the cross), and by assisting at the altar. This includes all Sunday services of Holy Eucharist at 8 AM and 11 AM, as well as weddings, funerals, and all other services as they arise. Our acolytes and servers see that each service runs smoothly and assist the clergy.

Lectors and Intercessors read our assigned Bible lessons and connect the congregation with Holy Scripture through the spoken word, bringing life to these ancient words and reminding us of the important history of our sacred text. Lectors also invite us into the act of communal prayer as they lead us in our Prayers of the People.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers serve at our altar rail and assist in the administering of consecrated wine at all Eucharistic services. LEMs are appointed by the Rector and are licensed by our Bishop.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors assist the clergy by bringing Holy Communion to individuals who are ill or home bound in a timely manner from our corporate service of Holy Eucharist. This ministry embodies the pastoral and sacramental expression of our community. It also makes real the fact that no matter where we are in our journey, we are always part of this community and the Body of Christ. Eucharistic Visitors are appointed by the Rector and licensed by our Bishop.

Lay Preachers: The art of preaching is one that involves both a deep love and knowledge of Scripture, alongside a passion for storytelling. Preaching is a way in which we connect our readings from the Lectionary with the world we live and move and have our being in today. The Diocese of North Carolina recognizes that lay persons can hear and fulfill a call to preaching. If you are interested in this ministry and the formation surrounding it please contact the Rector.

The Rev. Kate Byrd

Rector
(703) 582-2997

The Rev. Kate Byrd

Rector
(703) 582-2997

A native of Arlington, VA, Rev. Kate grew up at Christ Church in Alexandria, VA. As a cradle Episcopalian, Kate has a long-held love and appreciation for the Anglican Communion and our Episcopal traditions. A graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, she completed her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology and soon after began her Masters of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary. During her first summer off from seminary, Kate worked at Camp Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC where she met her husband Drew. Kate and Drew’s family includes daughter Libbie, twins Thomas and Patrick, and their two dogs Sissy (Labra-doodle) and Radar (Shih Tzu Bichon). Since ordination in 2014, Kate has served in Lexington, KY at Christ Church Cathedral, Whitefish Bay, WI at Christ Church Episcopal, and Goldsboro, NC at St. Francis Church.

The Byrd’s moved to Smithfield in 2019 when Drew began a new position at Johnston Health. A native of Smithfield, Drew is passionate about his hometown, and the two feel blessed to raise their three children here. When he’s not at work you can find Drew at Health Quest, on the Parks and Rec board, riding his mower around their yard, or doing woodwork in his garage. In her spare time, you can find Kate on a run through Smithfield’s Greenway, practicing yoga with her toddler, working with the Junior Women’s League, or completing a craft project. All five Byrds, and their two dogs, enjoy hiking at the local parks, going out for ice cream, and soaking up the sun in their backyard. Kate is passionate about the Jesus Movement and sharing the love of God at St. Paul’s, in the community, and beyond.

Mike Weathers

(919) 931-2477

Bill Jordan

(919) 235-8259

Linda Beckett

(919) 771-4537

Vestry

January 28 @ 8:00 pm

Lawrence Hall

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Kitchen Guild

February 4 @ 10:30 am

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Vestry

February 25 @ 8:00 pm

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Kitchen Guild

March 4 @ 10:30 am

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Vestry

March 25 @ 8:00 pm

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Kitchen Guild

April 1 @ 10:30 am

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Vestry

April 22 @ 8:00 pm

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Kitchen Guild

May 6 @ 10:30 am

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Vestry

May 27 @ 8:00 pm

Lawrence Hall

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Kitchen Guild

June 3 @ 10:30 am

Kitchen

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