“I will look forward to hearing the sounds of St. Paul’s when I return in July. Until then, know that you will be in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for blessing my life and the lives of countless others with the many ways you share Christ’s love, create community, and strive for justice.”

“Sabbath rest is deeper than one good night of sleep. It is the intentional setting aside of our labor and the many demands placed on us, so we can enter more fully into the generative presence of God. As Br. James Koester, SSJE reminds us, ‘“We are commanded to rest on the sabbath then, not because we are tired and overworked, although we may be, but because in keeping sabbath we discover again who God is, and what it might mean for us to participate in God’s very nature, who is a God of mercy, joy, and rest.”’

Holy Week & Easter Day Worship, “Celebrate St. Paul’s'“ invite, FJA Grant Program, Shape Note Singing, Spanish Classes and more.

“You’ll hear the mission and core values woven into the fabric of parish life in the coming months. In sermons, team meetings, ministry opportunities, and publications, we’ll focus on the statement to inspire us to become more intentional and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. For now, I invite you to spend a few minutes on your own reflecting on the statement. How do our mission and core values connect with you in your life? Inspired by them, what might Jesus be inviting you to do during the next several weeks and months?”

Holy Week and Easter Day worship, Celebrate St. Paul’s Auction, Rector’s Sabbatical, Yoga with Carrie, and more.

“How might focusing on the vow of conversion of life shape us at St. Paul’s? First, we honor tradition without being bound by it. We carry with us what strengthens us and let go of what holds us back. Second, we accept that following Jesus requires us to move toward a future we cannot clearly perceive or control. Though the limits on our control might cause anxiety, we walk forward with faith in God and each other. Third, we foster diversity in our community, seeking new leaders, new gifts, and new skills which reflect the full tapestry of God’s people.”

“…We commit to listening for Jesus’ call through scripture, tradition and reason. We seek to discern together as a community and respect the wisdom of others, committing ourselves to deep discernment before we decide. When we disagree, we lean toward each other instead of moving away, seeking consensus whenever possible and respecting our differences when we cannot. We accept mutual responsibility for the parish and contribute to the mission of St. Paul’s through our time, talent and treasure.”