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

Marriage

The Sacrament of Christian marriage is a covenantal relationship established when two individuals make solemn and public vows to one another in the presence of God and God’s people. By vows of lifelong faithfulness and mutual love, care and respect, the wedding couple becomes a sacrament, that is, “an outward and visible sign,” of God’s steadfast love for creation and of Christ’s mystical union with the Christian Church. Holy Matrimony is, therefore, a gift to the Christian community, and we thank you for considering holding your wedding ceremony here.

Christian marriage presupposes a connection to the Christian community. In the Episcopal Church, at least one of the individuals to be married must be a baptized Christian. Also, the ceremony must be attested to by at least two witnesses, reflecting the public and sacramental nature of the solemn vows.

Couples wishing to marry at St.Paul’s must be members of St. Paul’s and must agree to pre-marital counseling with the parish clergy, or, if distance is a problem, with a priest near where they live. If either of the individuals is divorced, permission must be obtained from The Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina in order to perform the ceremony. This will be handled during pre-marital counseling by the clergy.

If you are interested in getting married at St. Paul’s, please contact the Church Office (919-934-2675)

The Rev. Kate Byrd

Rector
(703) 582-2997