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. If you are interested in being baptized or confirmed, please tell a priest of your interest. If you would like to join our church, contact the parish coordinator.

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 Facilities

Our worship building seats approximately 350 and has a nursery in the rear.

Our original building, Estill House, contains offices, classrooms, the parish hall, and a kitchen. It is named in honor of the Rt. Rev. Robert Estill, retired Bishop of North Carolina. The parish hall is named Corlett Hall in honor of the Rev. Diane Corlett, retired Rector of Nativity.

In addition, we have one trailer with classrooms. In 2010 we will open a new 8-classroom education building.

Our History

  • As Raleigh expands rapidly to the north, Episcopalians from several congregations ask Bishop Estill to authorize a new congregation closer to their homes. St. Michael's Episcopal Church 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 our first 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.
  • A trailer is added for classroom space in 1993. We add another in 1999.
  • 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.

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