Church of the Nativity

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Who We Are

We are singles and couples, families with infants and teens, empty nesters, and seniors... a diverse and growing community of 800. Some of us are natives of North Carolina, and a few of us are natives of Raleigh! Most of us, though, moved here from all over for school, work, or retirement.

Many of us have Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox backgrounds and joined the Episcopal Church later in life because Christ engaged us here more strongly. Some of us first came to know the love of God in Christ in an Episcopal church.

We have been described as a welcoming, educated, participative, and energetic congregation. We recognize that people vary in their gifts and needs, so we offer a broad array of programs and use our members' talents in a wide variety of ways.

We are fully inclusive. All are welcome to our community. We invite you to drop by on a Sunday morning and see what we're like. If you are then interested in being baptized or confirmed, or if you wish to join our community, please tell our Rector of your interest.

Our Mission

We invite all people to glorify God through worship, prayer, fellowship, education, and loving service, and to experience God's love and peace through Jesus Christ.

We are committed to:

  • Eucharistically centered worship
  • Active outreach and evangelism
  • Striving for peace and justice
  • Fostering spiritual growth
  • Supporting one another in this parish family
  • Nurturing children in the knowledge and love of God
  • Returning to God our gifts of time, talent and treasure

Our Status in the Episcopal Church

We are a parish of the Diocese of North Carolina of the Episcopal Church. Across our membership, we value our diversity of religious backgrounds, life experiences, and opinions. As a body, Nativity is fully loyal to and supportive of the Episcopal Church.

Unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church? Unsure of what we believe? Read this or speak with a priest. Or, join us for worship; as this explains, our worship reflects our beliefs.

Our History

  • As Raleigh expands rapidly to the north, Episcopalians from several congregations ask the Right Reverend Robert Estill, the Bishop of North Carolina at that time, to authorize a new congregation closer to their homes. St. Michael's Episcopal Church inside the beltline agrees to sponsor a parochial mission.
  • On December 5, 1985, Bishop Estill celebrates Holy Eucharist for 40 charter members at the Black Horse Run clubhouse.
  • In 1986, we begin weekly worship at York Elementary School.
  • In 1987 the Rev. Rick Callaway becomes Vicar, our first parish priest.
  • Our first building opens in 1991. Three weeks later, we become a diocesan mission.
  • In 1992, the Rev. Diane B. Corlett becomes Vicar and later Rector.
  • In 1994 we become a fully self-supporting parish.
  • We open a new worship building in 2001.
  • In 2009, the Rev. George M. Clifford is appointed Priest-in-Charge.
  • In 2010, the Rev. Sara Batson is appointed Interim Rector.
  • We open a new classroom building in 2011.
  • In 2011, the Rev. Stephanie Allen becomes our Rector.

Nativity home Who we are What to expect Programs Multimedia Schedule and Map Contact us