Teens | St. Paul's Smithfield

Moving from the pictures of our storybook Bibles to the ideas of an ever-expanding world, we make space for questions and an ever evolving and developing faith. Formation for the Teens at St. Paul’s is focused on developing a jumping-off point for young persons to ground their faith upon, learning key stories of our Bible, varied beliefs of our faith, and the importance of our cooperate worship. Our youth have the chance to explore what it means to be an Episcopalian and how it informs the way in which they live, and move and have their being. This is also the time in which our young people are invited to be Confirmed into the church.

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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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