Sermons from St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC.

Rev. Gray Hodsdon shares how John the Baptist's message prepares us for Christ's arrival through repentance, generosity, and love. This Advent, reflect on Bonhoeffer's "costly grace" and embrace the true cost of discipleship. Follow Saint James Parish for more inspiring messages this season.

Rev. Phillip C. Craig, Jr. shares how God works through ordinary people, like John the Baptist, to bring hope and transformation. This Advent season, he challenges us to prepare our hearts for Christ's coming by embracing God's love and grace in our lives and communities. Follow for more messages from Saint James Parish.

Rev. Gray Hodsdon reflects on finding peace in adversity, inspired by Advent and examples like Paul, MLK, and Alexei Navalny. He reminds us to prepare for Christ's return with faith and hope, trusting in God's promises. No matter life's challenges, we can stand tall in Christ's light. Follow for more inspiring messages from Saint James Parish.

In this homily, The Rev. Phillip Craig Jr. unpacks the boldness of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the call for God's kingdom to come. He challenges us to embrace Christ's countercultural kingship through love, sacrifice, and justice. As we prepare for Advent, consider how you can boldly live out your faith. Like, share, and subscribe to stay connected.

Join The Reverend Deacon Kitty Davis as she explores Jesus's words in Mark and Hannah's unwavering trust in God. Discover how God's constant love sustains us through life's challenges and calls us to love, serve, and walk humbly. Be encouraged and inspired! Follow and share to spread the message.

The Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr. unpacks the story of the widow's two coins, a lesson on true generosity and the heart of stewardship. As Jesus watches people give, he highlights the widow's humble offering, encouraging us to prioritize heartfelt giving over outward show. Rev. Craig challenges us to examine our own approach to giving and service, urging us to support the mission of God's kingdom with sincerity. Tune in to this week's homily on aligning our resources with love for one another. Like, share, and follow to hear more!

On this All Saints' Day, Bishop Henry N. Parsley reflects on remembrance and hope, honoring those who have gone before us while looking ahead with hope for the newly baptized. Through touching stories and scripture, he illustrates how saints' lives continue to inspire us across generations. This sermon invites us to embrace life's sacred journey, celebrating a timeless communion that strengthens our faith. Be sure to follow and share this message of unity and hope.

Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr. delivers a homily on the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who calls out to Jesus despite the crowd's rebuke. Jesus responds with compassion, asking the crowd to bring Bartimaeus forward, transforming them from passive followers into active participants. Rev. Craig invites us to reflect on our own call to welcome all generations and make Christ's love accessible to everyone. Please follow for more weekly insights.

In today's homily, Reverend Jay Sidebotham reflects on the importance of remembering rather than just learning, echoing C.S. Lewis' reminder that people need to be reminded more often than instructed. Drawing on both scripture and modern life, he emphasizes that the pursuit of greatness, according to Jesus, is found in service and humility, not in power or control. Jesus taught that true greatness is in serving others, a message that runs counter to worldly views of success. Reverend Sidebotham urges us to reflect on how we live this out in our own lives, challenging us to choose the "power of love" over the "love of power." He concludes by reminding us that we are a forgetful people and need constant reminders of God's love, especially in our call to serve others as Jesus did.

In this week's homily, Reverend Geoffrey Hoare reflects on the power of generosity in the Christian life, sharing his gratitude for the support his family has received during his wife's illness. He explains that true generosity goes beyond wealth and obligations, transforming both the giver and recipient. Drawing from Jesus' teachings, Reverend Hoare reminds us that righteousness is about right relationships with God and others, not self-sufficiency. As the season of giving approaches, he invites us to embrace generosity as a path to abundant life.

In today's sermon, The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr. explores the central role of relationships in God's plan, beginning with the statement that "it is not good for man to be alone." He highlights marriage as a sacred covenant of love and mutual joy, symbolizing the union between Christ and the Church. While relationships, both in marriage and community, can be challenging, they are essential for our spiritual well-being. Jesus calls us to embrace love, forgiveness, and compassion, always with God at the center. Today's message also underscores the importance of welcoming others--especially children--into our community with open hearts. Be sure to follow, rate, and share for more uplifting reflections.

In today's homily, The Rev. Gray Hodsdon reflects on one of the more shocking and unsettling teachings of Jesus: the call to cut off anything that causes us to stumble. This Gospel lesson isn't about literal self-harm, but rather a deep message about letting go of the things that prevent us from following Christ and living a life rooted in God. Rev. Gray compares this to stories that shock us into attention, reminding us that sometimes we need a wake-up call to realize what is holding us back. Whether it's our habits, social media, pride, or anything else, removing these obstacles--even when painful--opens the door to a fuller life in the Kingdom of God. It's a powerful invitation to examine our lives and let go of the things that keep us from spiritual growth. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

Serving with a Heart Full of Grace and a Soul Full of Love In this week's homily, The Rev. Jay Sidebotham reflects on Jesus' response to the disciples' argument about who among them is the greatest. Jesus teaches that true greatness is found in service and humility, not in comparisons or self-promotion. Drawing on Martin Luther King Jr.'s words, Rev. Sidebotham emphasizes that everyone can be great because everyone can serve, and that a heart full of grace and a soul full of love are all we need. He challenges us to welcome others, especially those often seen as least or outsiders, just as Christ has welcomed us. This message calls us to focus less on ego and more on loving and serving our neighbors. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Join us for this week's homily from The Rev. Gray Hodsdon as he explores the power of words and their impact on our lives. Using scripture and examples from history, he challenges us to reflect on how our words can build up or tear down, and how they reflect our faith in Christ. Watch now, and remember to like, share, and subscribe for more sermons from St. James Parish!

This week's homily by The Rev. Phillip Craig Jr. focuses on Jesus' visit to Tyre and the theme of access. While seeking solitude, Jesus was approached by a Gentile woman pleading for her daughter's healing, demonstrating that God grants access to all. In our world, true access--whether to healing, resources, or opportunities--ultimately comes from God. We are called to use our faith to help others gain the access they need. How are we helping people access the resources they require in our lives?

In this homily, The Rev. Beth Lilly shares her reflections on the importance of staying connected to God's heart and mission. She highlights the Pharisees' focus on rituals, contrasting it with Jesus' call to live by the deeper meaning of love for God and others. Through personal stories, such as starting a soup kitchen, she illustrates the challenge of getting caught up in details and losing sight of the bigger picture. The message reminds us to focus on love, kindness, and service, knowing that we can always return to God's path. God's love is constant, and we are always invited to begin again.

The Rev. Gray Hodsdon shares a homily at Mt. Lebanon Chapel

Rev. Gray Hodsdon reflects on "thin places," where God's presence feels close, whether at Glory Ridge or in spaces like Saint James Parish. He reminds us that while God isn't confined to any location, these places help us grow closer to Him. We're encouraged to carry this sacredness into our daily lives, making every place we go a little more holy.

In this homily, the Rev'd C. Phillip Craig, Jr. reflects on the meaning of Jesus as the "bread of life" and how this concept aligns with our deepest human needs--love, forgiveness, and sustenance. He connects this to Solomon's request for wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from recognizing our dependence on God. The sermon encourages us to seek not just spiritual nourishment through Christ but also the wisdom to apply His teachings in our daily lives. Together, these elements help us navigate life's complexities with a sense of purpose and divine guidance.

The Rev. Jay Sidebotham offers a homily at Mt. Lebanon Chapel.

This Sunday, The Reverend Beth Lilly reflects on the deep connection between faith, family, and community. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother and her journey of prayer, she explores the teachings of Paul to the Ephesians, reminding us of the strength and challenges faced by early Christians. Reverend Lilly emphasizes the importance of living out our faith with passion and authenticity in a world that often feels disconnected. As she closes with Paul's powerful words, we are called to embody kindness, truth, and forgiveness in our daily lives. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspirational messages.

The Rev. Gray Hodsdon offers a homily.

In this reflection, Carla Shores, Aspirant for Holy Orders, delves into the meaning of Jesus as the "bread of life" and how it spiritually nourishes us. She discusses the crowd's search for more food from Jesus and the importance of understanding His deeper message. Carla encourages unity, humility, and love in our faith journey, emphasizing community and service as ways to experience God's kingdom. Tune in for more inspiring messages, and remember to like, share, and subscribe.

A homily from the Rev. Doug Hodsdon.

In this week's homily, Reverend Geoffrey Hoare explores the themes of abundance and scarcity through the lens of John 6:1-21. Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia 11, the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church, he highlights their courage and the hardships they faced. Reverend Hoare then shares a poignant story from a Sudanese refugee camp, where even in the face of extreme scarcity, the act of giving reveals the true nature of God's abundant love. He challenges us to embrace an attitude of generosity and to see abundance not in material wealth but in the richness of giving and love. Join us to discover how we can all be heroes by living more freely, hopefully, and generously. Follow for more thought-provoking and inspiring sermons.

Welcome to the Saint James Parish podcast! This Sunday, the Rev. Gray Hodsdon shares a heartfelt homily reflecting on the loving companionship of dogs and draws parallels to the role of shepherds and herding dogs in guiding and protecting us. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our true shepherd, Jesus, who guides us to safety and unity. As we navigate life's challenges and seek our identity, Rev. Hodsdon reminds us of the significance of earthly and divine shepherds.

The Reverend Geoffrey Hoare's homily delves into the dark and scandalous story of John the Baptist's beheading by Herod Antipas. He explores Herod's moral weakness and fear of losing face, contrasting it with the unwavering resolve of Jesus. Reverend Hoare calls us to recognize the dangers of being a "peace monger," someone who avoids conflict at any cost, and urges us to embody the clarity and courage of Christ in our own lives. This powerful message encourages us to confront our fears and stand firm in our convictions, leading lives of true faith and purpose.

This Sunday, Seminarian Steve Thomas reflects on Mark 6:1-13, discussing God's call despite our imperfections. He shares how Jesus faced rejection in his hometown and how disciples like David and Paul, despite their flaws, were still called by God. Steve urges us to embrace change and step out of our comfort zones, emphasizing that God's strength shines through our weaknesses. He highlights the need for new approaches in the church to meet future generations' spiritual needs. Join us to explore how God uniquely calls each of us to serve.

In this homily, Rev. Hodsdon discusses the significance of ordinary days, like June 30th, 2024, for St. James Parish. He highlights the Episcopal Church's general convention, Lila Lynn Warner's baptism, and John Sullivan's retirement. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, Rev. Hodsdon underscores the enduring presence of God's spirit and the transformative power of faith. Listen in to find inspiration in these everyday miracles. Don't forget to follow our podcast for more spiritual reflections.

In this week's homily, Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr. explores Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms the storm, highlighting the disciples' fear and their reaction to Jesus' miraculous act. He delves into the themes of faith and trust in God's control amid life's uncertainties. Rev. Craig reminds us that Jesus is with us through every storm, providing peace and reassurance. Listen now for a message of hope and faith. Remember to follow and share our podcast for more spiritual insights.

The Rev. Gray Hodsdon shares a homily.

The Reverend Geoffrey Hoare shares insights on Jesus' parables, emphasizing the importance of personal interpretation and practical application in our lives. He highlights two main themes: grace and growth. The first parable suggests that our role is to do the next right thing, trusting in God's grace for outcomes beyond our control. The second parable compares the Kingdom of God to the growth of a mustard seed, illustrating how our spiritual growth often becomes clearer in hindsight. Reverend Hoare encourages us to keep practicing our faith and turning toward what truly matters.

The Rev. Gray Hodsdon offers a homily.

This week's homily by The Reverend Beth Lilly focuses on the Sabbath's purpose, using the Gospel of Mark to illustrate Jesus' compassionate acts on this holy day. Reverend Lilly draws meaningful connections between historical and modern Sabbath observances, encouraging us to rest, worship, and contribute positively to our communities. Listen to gain a deeper understanding of how we can embody Christ's love and light in our daily lives. Don't forget to follow Saint James Parish for more enriching sermons. Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20) Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 Mark 2:23-3:6

Tune in to The Reverend Jay Sidebotham's insightful homily on Trinity Sunday, where he unpacks the profound mystery of the Holy Trinity. Through the story of Nicodemus, Reverend Sidebotham reveals how understanding God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit can transform our faith and relationships. Reflect on the significance of divine love and community, and how it invites us into a life-changing conversation with God. Listen, share, and follow our podcast for more inspiring sermons from St. James Parish. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 29 or Canticle 13 (or Canticle 2)

The Rev. Gray Hodsdon shares about the Holy mystery that is the trinity. Listen, share, and follow our podcast for more inspiring sermons from St. James Parish. Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8 Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 29 or Canticle 13 (or Canticle 2)

Tune into to Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr.'s Pentecost Sunday. Reflect on the connection between our daily act of breathing and the spiritual act of receiving the Holy Spirit. The homily explores the historical and ongoing influence of the Holy Spirit in empowering and uniting believers. Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast for more content. Scripture: Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21 John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Psalm 104:25-35, 37

Rev. Gray Hodsdon's latest homily explores the lasting impact of our words and the importance of our first and last impressions. Drawing from Jesus's farewell discourse in John's Gospel, the sermon emphasizes the sanctification and mission given to Jesus's disciples and, by extension, to us. Highlighting Jesus's prayerful words to the Father, the homily reveals the Trinity's interconnectedness and sets a path for living out Christ's example of love and sanctification in our daily actions.

This Sunday at St. James, The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving shared his wisdom, inviting us into the heart of our diocese. Through stories of his travels, he highlighted unity as a reflection of our collective journey toward divine love. His exploration of the scriptural call to 'abide in God's love' reminded us of the transformative power of true communion with the Divine and each other. Let this message deepen our faith and engagement with our community.Scripture: Acts 10:44-48 1 John 5:1-6 John 15:9-17 Psalm 98

Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr. explores the profound message that God is love, inspired by John 15:1-8. He discusses how understanding God's love can help us overcome fear and challenges in life, encouraging us to show love to others as a reflection of God's presence. Subscribe for more insightful talks, and don't forget to like and share. Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 Psalm 22:24-30

Today, on the fourth Sunday of Easter, we are blessed to have three seniors offer homilies on their faith journeys. Scripture: Acts 4:5-12 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Psalm 23

In today's service recording, Rev. Gray Hodsdon reflects on the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection from Luke 24:36b-48. He discusses the significant shift from seeing Jesus as a "Dead Man Walking" to a living testimony of God's power. This Homily from St. James Parish invites us to live as witnesses of the resurrection, embracing abundance over scarcity. Tune into this captivating sermon, share it with friends, and subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring episodes. Scripture: Acts 3:12-19 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 Psalm 4

Hear Rev. Cheryl Brainard's sermon on Spotify from Saint James Episcopal Parish. It focuses on peace, forgiveness, and facing doubts after Jesus's resurrection. A reminder to live by Jesus's teachings daily. Subscribe for more uplifting sermons. Scripture: Acts 4:32-35 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-31 Psalm 133

Discover Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr.'s Easter homily, capturing our faith in six words: "The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia." Learn how these words shaped history and inspired leaders like Mother Teresa and Desmond Tutu. Reflect on the resurrection's transformative power in our lives and the world. Celebrate hope and life's triumph over despair. Like, share, and follow for uplifting content.

Tune into our latest podcast featuring a sermon by The Right Reverend Henry Nutt Parsley, Jr., focusing on the Easter message of renewal and God's boundless love. Amidst the vivid descriptions of Easter Vigil traditions, from bonfires to incense clouds, the sermon delves into the essence of Holy Week, highlighting God's tender love as a force that overcomes darkness and evil. It's a powerful reminder that we are called to live as embodiments of this love, spreading light and hope. Like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more uplifting sermons.

Experience a moving Maundy Thursday Homily with Rev. Cheryl Brainard at St. James Episcopal Parish. Discover the strength of humility and service, inspired by Jesus's teachings and Mary Oliver's insights. Take a moment to reflect, grow, and ready yourself to continue Jesus's legacy.

In this homily, Rev. Gray Hodsdon offers a reflection on the complex emotions of Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week with a call to deep participation. He reflects on the liturgical "whiplash" that propels us from celebration to contemplation, urging us to see our own reflections in the story of Jesus's final days. This powerful message invites us to a week of meaningful engagement and spiritual growth. Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39, [40-47] Psalm 31:9-16

Dive into Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr.'s exploration of historical and biblical narratives, from the expansive empires of Philip and Alexander the Great to their lasting impact on Jesus's world. This sermon examines Philip the disciple's role in the Gospel of John, revealing the enduring human search for a savior. Learn how Jesus's actions and teachings challenge our notions of power and leadership, offering instead a message of love, sacrifice, and hope. Reflect on the invitation to "come and see" the truth of Jesus's mission. Remember to follow, share, and subscribe for more spiritual insights. Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 Psalm 25:1-9

Listen to this week's homily with Rev. Cheryl Brainard as we navigate the enlightening scriptures of John 3:14-21 and Psalm 107. Learn about the critical role of light in our spiritual life and how it leads us to grace, faith, and good deeds. This episode encourages us to shine brightly in a world that can often seem dark. Please support our mission by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our channel for motivational messages. Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Join The Reverend Kitty Davis for a deeply reflective homily, where she explores the transformative power of self-improvement and service, guided by Rabbi Rami Shapiro's insights on anger and loving-kindness. Through personal stories and biblical passages, she challenges us to confront divine anger and understand its purpose in guiding us towards love and compassion. This journey through Exodus, the Gospel of John, and personal anecdotes invites us to a deeper relationship with the divine, encouraging us to embody love in every aspect of our lives. Like, share, and subscribe to join us in this spiritual exploration.

Dive into Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr.'s insightful Homily on Mark 8:31-38 at Saint James Episcopal Church. Explore Jesus's profound 'Get behind me, Satan' and its impact on Peter, the disciples, and us. Discover the essence of self-denial, carrying our cross, and reshaping our lives for others. This sermon urges us to reconsider our spiritual values and embody Christ's love. Listen, ponder, and engage--like, share, and subscribe for continued spiritual growth. Scripture: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 Psalm 22:22-30