Sermons from St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC.
Oct 27, 2024 |
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Oct 22, 2024 |
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Jay SidebothamTwenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Oct 13, 2024 |
Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerTwenty-First Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Oct 06, 2024 |
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Sep 29, 2024 |
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" HodsdonThe Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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!
Sep 22, 2024 |
The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Jay SidebothamThe Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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!
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!
Sep 15, 2024 |
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" HodsdonSeventeenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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!
Sep 08, 2024 |
The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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?
Sep 02, 2024 |
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerThe Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Aug 25, 2024 |
The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" HodsdonThe Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Aug 18, 2024 |
The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. C. Phillip Craig, Jr.The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Aug 11, 2024 |
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerTwelfth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Aug 04, 2024 |
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerEleventh Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Jul 28, 2024 |
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerThe Tenth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Jul 22, 2024 |
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| The Rev. Joseph "Gray" HodsdonThe Ninth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.
Jul 14, 2024 |
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
| Guest SpeakerEighth Sunday after Pentecost | St. James 2024
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.