St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC Hickory

St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC

stalbansparish.org/ YouTube
Hickory 130 39th Ave Pl NW

Watch

Sermon clips from St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC

33s

#WalkInFaith

“If I haven't been expecting to meet Jesus every day in my everyday life in other people, if I haven't been cultivating, to the best of my ability, a heart of faithfulness, a heart open to the Holy Spirit's transformation to enable me to be able to treat others with love and kindness. If I haven't been filling my lamp with the oil of the Holy Spirit, when Jesus shows up, I won't be ready for it.”

See all sermon resources
37s

#SeeJesusInOthers

“Suddenly, I will realize this is Jesus. This person asking for me for money on the street. This charity that needs our help. These people that seem so unlovable. These family members. These neighbors that I struggle so much to love. Suddenly, it will dawn on me, this is Jesus. He's here. The bridegroom has arrived. Am I ready? I think that's what Jesus is warning us about this morning. He's warning us that it won't be enough to try to get ready in the moment.”

See all sermon resources
38s

#SpiritualGrowth

“But the the opposite of that is also true. The good news is that if we are tending to our spiritual lives, if we are to the best of our ability, continually in prayer, if we're here as you are on this Sunday morning to receive the Holy Eucharist, to hear the words of God. If we are trying, God will meet us far more than halfway, pouring the Holy Spirit into our lives, filling our lamps with oil, making us ready for when Jesus shows up.”

See all sermon resources

Explore

Questions about St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC

Visiting

When and where are services?
Services are held every Sunday at 10:30 AM at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 130 39th Ave Pl NW, Hickory, NC 28601. The service is Holy Eucharist, and it is also streamed live online. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What accessibility accommodations are available?
St. Alban’s offers **live-streamed Sunday worship** for those unable to attend in person, and its pastoral-care ministry may provide rides and take Communion to people who cannot worship at church. Childcare is available for infants and toddlers during Sunday service. The website does not specify building access, mobility, or hearing-assistance features, so contact the parish office at (828) 324-1351 to ask about those needs. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What happens during a typical service, and how long does it last?
A typical Sunday service is Holy Eucharist at 10:30 AM. Children’s Chapel is offered during the service, childcare is available for infants and toddlers, and fellowship follows afterward. The website doesn’t specify how long the service lasts. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/; https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What is the worship format, and does it vary by service?
St. Alban’s lists one Sunday worship service: **Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.** It is also streamed live online, and Children’s Chapel is offered during the service. The website doesn’t describe different formats for multiple services, so it doesn’t indicate that the worship format varies by service. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Can someone attend while exploring Christianity or questioning their beliefs?
Yes. St. Alban’s says, “Come as you are, whoever you are,” and welcomes everyone to Sunday worship, whether they’re lifelong Episcopalians or visiting for the first time. You’re welcome to attend while exploring Christianity or questioning your beliefs. Sunday Holy Eucharist is at 10:30 a.m. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Is registration required, or can someone simply arrive?
Registration isn’t mentioned as a requirement. You can simply arrive for Sunday Holy Eucharist at 10:30 AM; the church says all are welcome, including first-time visitors. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup

Kids & families

Which service times have children's programs for each age group?
At the **10:30 AM Sunday service**, childcare is available for **infants and toddlers**, and **elementary-age children** can attend Children’s Chapel during worship. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/; https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Do children need advance registration, and can visiting families participate?
The website doesn’t mention an advance-registration requirement for children, so contact the parish office to confirm. Visiting families are welcome: the church says all are welcome at Sunday worship, with Children’s Chapel during the service and childcare for infants and toddlers. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/; https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup

Beliefs

What denomination or network does the church belong to?
St. Alban’s is an Episcopal church and belongs to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/history.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What are its stated core beliefs?
The website pages provided do not state a formal list of core beliefs. In our sermons, we teach that God embraces humanity through Jesus Christ, and that Christ is present in all people. ([31:04 from November 09, 2026]) We also emphasize that the Holy Spirit transforms us and helps us live with love, kindness, compassion, and faithfulness. ([33:10 from November 09, 2026]) Prayer, hearing Scripture, and receiving Holy Eucharist are described as ways we tend our spiritual lives and grow ready to serve others. ([35:04 from November 09, 2026])

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What roles can women hold in church leadership?
Women can serve in a range of lay leadership and ministry roles at St. Alban’s. The church describes the Vestry as its elected governing body, and lists ministries in worship, Christian formation, pastoral care, outreach, and administration. Lay Eucharistic Ministers may assist clergy with Communion after being licensed by the Bishop. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

The website also identifies women serving as Director of Music, CantorKids Director, Financial Administrator, and Parish Administrator. Women can also participate in the Daughters of the King women’s prayer and service order. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/staff.html) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
What are its stated policies concerning LGBTQ people?
The provided website materials do not state a specific policy concerning LGBTQ people, including membership, marriage, or clergy. They offer a general invitation to join the church and describe hospitality toward newcomers, but don’t say how those invitations apply specifically to LGBTQ people. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html; https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Who leads the church, and how are leaders accountable?
The Rev. Jonathan Stepp is St. Albans’ Priest in Charge and provides spiritual leadership. The parish is governed alongside the clergy by the Vestry, whose members are elected by the congregation for three-year terms and oversee finances, property, and parish policy. The Finance Committee also helps the Vestry monitor the budget and review financial statements. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/staff.html) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup

Teaching

Which recent sermons would help someone understand the teaching?
The recent sermon on the parable of the bridesmaids would help someone understand this teaching. We emphasize that Jesus may meet us unexpectedly in other people—including neighbors and people in need—so being ready means cultivating faithfulness and openness to the Holy Spirit in everyday life. ([31:04 from November 09, 2026]) ([33:10 from November 09, 2026])

The sermon also connects spiritual preparation with prayer, receiving the Eucharist, and hearing God’s word, so we can respond to others with love, compassion, and kindness. ([34:07 from November 09, 2026])

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
How does the church talk about sin, confession and forgiveness?
In the material provided, sin is not defined directly, but we connect spiritual readiness with how we treat others: love, kindness, compassion, and faithfulness matter, and failing to cultivate them leaves us unready to respond well to Jesus in other people. ([33:10 from November 09, 2026]) ([34:07 from November 09, 2026])

Confession is not discussed explicitly in the available material. Forgiveness is also not addressed directly; the sermon does, however, offer reassurance that God meets us “far more than halfway” and pours the Holy Spirit into our lives as we tend to our spiritual lives and keep trying. ([35:04 from November 09, 2026])

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
How does the teaching approach community and honesty with others?
We teach that community begins by recognizing Christ in every person and responding with love, kindness, compassion, and care—even toward people we find difficult or disagree with. Relationships matter, and our everyday interactions with family, friends, and neighbors are part of how we live our faith. ([31:04 from November 09, 2026]) ([34:07 from November 09, 2026]) ([36:02 from November 09, 2026])

Honesty is presented as honest self-examination: we should be clear-eyed about our motives and about how we treat others, rather than pretending that love, empathy, and kindness do not matter. The sermon does not lay out a specific rule about truth-telling between people. ([28:56 from November 09, 2026]) ([35:04 from November 09, 2026])

That commitment is put into practice through parish care—such as providing food, rides, and meals during hospitalization or childbirth—and outreach to local and global communities. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/outreach.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
How does the church approach doubt and suffering?
St. Alban’s does not state a specific teaching about doubt in the material provided, but its sermon takes a non-fear-based approach to faith: it cautions against using scripture to terrify or pressure people, and presents its warning as an invitation to take love and relationships seriously. It also reassures listeners that when they attend to their spiritual lives, “God will meet us far more than halfway.” ([28:56 from November 09, 2026]) ([35:04 from November 09, 2026])

In suffering, the church emphasizes practical care and companionship. Its ministries offer visits in hospitals and care facilities, food, rides, and meals during times such as hospitalization or childbirth, as well as support through grief, job loss, financial hardship, and other life transitions. Prayer shawls are also made and prayed over for people experiencing illness, grief, or need. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
How does the church approach faith and work?
St. Alban’s treats faith as something to put into practice through service, using each person’s gifts to represent Christ and carry on “Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world.” That includes practical parish roles—such as financial stewardship, hospitality, worship, and pastoral care—as well as outreach with local and global partners. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

We also understand faithfulness as shaping how we treat people in everyday life. Christ is present in others, including neighbors or people we find difficult, so being ready to meet Christ means practicing love, compassion, kindness, and empathy in our daily relationships. ([31:04 from November 09, 2026]) ([33:10 from November 09, 2026])

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Is an answer based on an official statement or an interpretation of sermons?
It depends on the claim. Information such as St. Alban’s stated mission and listed ministries is an official statement from the church website (https://www.stalbansparish.org/; https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html). An explanation of the sermon’s message—for example, that it interprets the parable as a call to recognize Christ in others and prepare to respond with love—is an interpretation of the sermon, not an official church policy statement. ([31:04 from November 09, 2026])

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup

Community

Which groups currently meet, and when?
The groups with regular meeting times are:

- **CantorKids** (Kindergarten–6th grade): Wednesday evenings, September–May; the website doesn’t specify a time.
- **Genesis Ringers** (adult beginners): Wednesdays, 5:30–6:00 PM, mid-August–mid-June.
- **Oxford Ringers**: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, September–May.
- **Parish Choir**: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM, mid-August–mid-June.
- **Children’s Chapel**: weekly during the 10:30 AM worship service. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/ministries.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Are there groups or introductory gatherings open to newcomers?
Yes. Newcomers are welcome at Sunday worship, followed by fellowship time, and the church’s hospitality volunteers help welcome visitors. The website also mentions small-group Bible studies and formation programs; it doesn’t specify a separate newcomer orientation. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/; https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Can someone join groups or volunteer before becoming a member?
Yes—St. Alban’s welcomes people to join its ministries, and the website does not list parish membership as a requirement for joining groups or volunteering generally. Examples include small-group Bible studies, hospitality, and community outreach volunteering. Contact the parish office to find a good fit. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html) (https://www.stalbansparish.org/outreach.html)

Some specific roles do have additional requirements—for example, Vestry members are elected by the congregation, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the Bishop. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/serve.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup
Who can answer a question the published information doesn't resolve?
The parish office can help answer questions not resolved by the published information and connect you with the right person. You can contact Parish Administrator Kim Wagner at theoffice@stalbansparish.org or call (828) 324-1351. (https://www.stalbansparish.org/contact.html)

Last updated on

Copy link to this answer Ask followup

Ask your own question

Responses based on 1 sermon and the church website

PASTORS.AI
St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC Sermon & website AI assistant

  • Hi, I’m a chatbot for St. Alban's Episcopal Church Hickory NC trained on its website and 1 sermons

What do you believe?
What time is service?
What was the last sermon about?