The Episcopal Church | St. Paul's Smithfield

As Episcopalians we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. St. Paul’s is a part of the Episcopal Church that is both rich with ancient tradition and relevant to life in the 21st century. We believe God loves you – no exceptions.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ, in 109 dioceses and three mission areas in 22 nations or territories. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The mission of the church, as stated in the Book of Common Prayer’s catechism (p. 855), is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.”

As part of that mission, we are following Jesus into a 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).

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Michael Curry, has set some goals and initiatives for us as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. We are focusing on these specific priorities:

Evangelism

Listen for Jesus’ movement in our lives and in the world. Give thanks. Proclaim and celebrate it! Invite the Spirit to do the rest.

Reconciliation

Embody the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus with each other.

Creation Care

Encounter and honor the face of God in creation.

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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.

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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!

FAQs

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.

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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

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1-2

As faithful Christians, 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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