New Motto for St. Paul’s

For the last several months the vestry has been working on ways to increase St. Paul’s profile in the community.  One of the ways to do that is to have a focused motto for our work – so that people come to know us in a particular way.

The motto that the vestry has come up with is: St. Paul’s – Feed body and soul.

It seems to fit several of the things that we do and several more that we are hoping to do:

1. We eat well here – most of our parish events revolve around food – and good food at that

2. Our longest standing outreach project is collecting food for the pantry at Trinity, Lancaster and we are working on other ways to address local food needs

3. Our worship feeds the soul

4. We have been developing and reenergizing programs to feed the soul: Bible study, small plates adult classes, our community forum on elder issues and youth group

5. We are looking at developing a group for our 20’s and 30’s age group to come together, and move out into the community together

As we increase our presence in the community over the next few years we will focus on those programs and projects that either feed the body or feed the soul or both – so if people ask you what St. Paul’s is about you can respond – feed the body and the soul.

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY: July 2010

For reasons that range from good weather and bad weather to busy summer schedules and unforeseen events, the Vestry meeting this June was smaller; nonetheless, we did have a quorum and were happily engaged in the business of discussing the church, church life and life in general as church-going Christians.

So very little of our time at this meeting had to do with money. I mention this here, because this is not usually the case; many vestry meetings (and at most churches) contain more than the necessary discussion, worry and fear about money. Indeed, money and money matters are troublesome for any organization, but they specifically pester church organizations. As Christians we are torn in two directions: you’ve heard it said that we are “in the world, but not of the world”. I believe that money is often a clear totem for this tug of war. We are called to live like Christ, without concern even for where our next meal will come, etc. And yet, we are fully responsible for our own lives; it would be irresponsible not to prepare for tomorrow. In the same way a church is called to not worry about its funding, but have faith that God will

provide.  Nonetheless, we are also called to be proactive in preparing for our tomorrows and to be savvy with our talents.

Lately, the Vestry has a growing Spirit that I perceive as a lack of unnecessary (or even unfaithful) worry; a growing sense of no small peace about money and money-matters. The budget lines are still scrutinized and questions asked, ideas bandied about; but the urgency and concern about the money has slowly ebbed away. This is not to say that St. Paul’s no longer needs to think about money; nor that St. Paul’s is flush with its budget or no longer in need of the generosity and financial commitment of its parishioners. On the contrary, as the Church grows more healthy and larger, more active, etc., it is in need of a greater commitment of time, talents and money from its People. But we are receiving a blessed Spirit from God which directs our sights on both peace and faith, while allowing us to be proactive, purposeful and

discerning with our assets. I thank God for this grace and I share it with you here as a blessing to you as well.

The Vestry has also been reading and discussing a book titled “How to Hit the Ground Running”, which deals with how to be an effective and blessed Vestry in times transition  especially; how to be effective and blessed as a Christian leader of any sort. We have been joyfully discovering our own Vestry’s tendency to make changes that craft it into a more blessed and effective body of leaders. Truly we are blessed!

Finally, we discussed the various activities and responsibilities that are happening and need to happen in the life of the church. Again I am left to merely hint at the number of activities and responsibilities and ideas that are becoming constant fair at our small, white country church.

Meeting with the Vestry has become a positive, uplifting, productive, time among brothers and sisters in Christ. I invite you, fellow parishioner, to come and be a part of what happens there each month.

Your brother and Senior Warden, David C. Crowther

Hope abides with us; be blessed and God be praised!

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY: June 2010

It seems a luxury to sit and quietly reflect as I write this, with yet another busy month behind us. There are so many things going on at St. Paul’s, so many new programs and new faces. Attendance is up, our Finance Committee reports that we are on budget, and the Vestry is focused on our congregation and enhancing their experience at St. Paul’s.

The Vestry meetings are fun as well as productive. They are pervaded by a sense of empowerment, energy, and accord as we “brainstorm” for the benefit of the Parish. As always, we reviewed another chapter of “How to Hit The Ground Running”, learning more about ourselves as a Vestry, our Parish, and how to improve our lay leadership skills and experience. We also had fun recounting our weekend retreat that we shared with the Vestry of Calvary. A valuable and enlightening experience!

As Junior Warden, I am particular pleased that St. Paul’s has initiated programming that invites and celebrates the participation of our younger parishioners. The sleepovers in both the parish and the Deanery were great successes, and it was a pleasure to have Grace Beichner (one of our junior parishioners) join us on May 15^th to set up the apartment for Journey’s End.

There is a lot happening in the Parish, and there is something for everyone. Please keep your eye on the events calendars in “This Week at St. Paul’s” and in the hallway across from the kitchen. We have a busy schedule with Christian Education (eg. “Theology on Tap” on Wednesday evenings), social events (eg. Parish Picnic on June 27^th), and fund raisers, (eg. Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner on June 12^th and the hot dog/hamburger sale in Clarence Town Park on July 3^{rd )}.

With better weather approaching, Bill Ess and Tim George, the co-chairs of the Property Committee, are continuing with property repairs and improvements. They are currently replacing the gutters in the courtyard in the final stage of our plan to “plug” the leaks in the roof over the Library. They are also insulating the rest of the pipes that run through the crawl space over the Library. This spring, the property committee plans to paint new lines in the parking and paint the doors and trim at all of the entrances to the Church and Rectory. Ellen O’Malley is looking for volunteers to help design and plant the Memorial garden in the courtyard. Please give Ellen a call if you are interested in helping. New coach lamps and signs will be installed at the courtyard and church school entrances. These projects are funded by a combination of Memorial funds, donations, and property budget. As always, volunteers will be needed for all of these stewardship projects. And, as always, there will great lunches and fellowship!

The Vestry is excited by great trends that are emerging within St. Paul’s. The congregation is growing and weekly attendance is up! Members, old and new, are becoming more active in the life of the parish, and the lay leadership is broadening and deepening. New outreach programs and marketing efforts are helping St. Paul’s gain recognition in the Deanery, the Diocese, and the community at large. Thanks be to God!!!

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY[‘s Senior Warden]: May 2010

I generally approach the “view from the vestry” and like writings from a theme; usually, my themes seem to hover around the weather.

So here we are in Spring! The warm weather ekes out a place between days of lingering winter; the windows get opened; the flowers are coming up. Generally, especially in a place like Buffalo, Spring is a time of renewal and renewed and new Hope. So it is with St. Paul’s.

As I emphasized in last year’s end of year view from the wardens, so much has changed and is changing, and all of it is positive, energizing and hope-filled at St. Paul’s; for instance, our attendance this year (for the 10 O’Clock service alone!) has risen to an average of between 120-130. People are attracted to hope. We all know of one thing or the other that has happened in last year and a half, approximately that has blessed us or renewed us in some way or another.  The level of excitement at coffee hour and the number of people who stick around to gab and drink has increased. Even the vestry meetings (which, many of you know, can often be long, drawn-out and full of frustration) have become joyous occasions, where joking abounds. This isn’t to say that the meetings are not also serious business, but that the serious work is now being done with much more joy and levity.

The vestry is now asking the questions: what are we focused on (as a vestry, as a church), and how do we measure success? Ask yourselves: what is our church? How do we know when the church is healthy? For myself, the answer lies in so many different things that it is hard to explain. But I do know that the spirit of the people around me has enriched me and continues to do so, every time I walk through the doors. Again Hope.

With these questions on our hearts and minds, the vestry will be retreating and communing the leadership and vestry of Calvary church in early May to pray and work and enjoy God’s grace together. Pray for us in this time of opportunity, that we would be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.

We are also asking: how well do we represent the values and ideals of the congregation?  Tell us. Even if you have to write anonymously to feel comfortable about a criticism; tell us.  How well do you feel the vestry represents you? Among vestry members, the thought is that we do represent the commonly held values and ideals of the congregation, but that this is not and can not always be the case.

“In the end” again, Hope. I am consistently rewarded for my periodically opened eyes with Hope. This church is growing and is awakening in new ways and strengthening its old ways. It is bristling with activities and fun.

May God bless us in this now and in the future. And may we bless each other, our families, friends, co-workers and the neighbors we have in each and every situation through which we move. Amen.

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY: April 2010

It seems a luxury to sit and quietly reflect as I write this. I am still trying to catch my breath from the frenetic pace of the past month. There are so many things going on at St. Paul’s, so many new programs, new committees, and new faces. In spite of all we have accomplished, there is still much work left to do. The members of the Vestry are both pleased and excited by the progress St. Paul’s has made and continues to make.

As Junior Warden, I am particular pleased that St. Paul’s has initiated programming that invites and celebrates the participation of our younger parishioners. I am equally pleased that the Vestry is developing programs for our senior members as well. On Thursday, March 25^th at 6:30 p.m., St. Paul’s will host a forum on life, estate, and financial planning for seniors. All are welcome, and we invite you to converse with a panel of experts on topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, nursing homes and assisted living, home care, Government services, financial planning, and other topics of interest. Your family members and friends are invited to join us as well.

The Vestry also discussed planning a day trip for our retired parishioners. We need your input, so please contact Reverend Vicki or a member of the Vestry with your ideas.

A new volunteer program that the Vestry approved at the March meeting is a partnership with Hearts & Hands. St. Paul’s is the first church in Clarence to form an alliance with the organization. Hearts & Hands provides services for the elderly to be able to retain their independence in their own home. All services are provided by volunteers who are able to work on their own schedule. The organization gives us a centralized response facility, fulfils over 98% of requests and insures their own volunteers. More information will be provided in coming weeks.

Keep your eye on the events calendars in “This Week at St. Paul’s” and in the hallway across from the kitchen. We have a busy schedule with events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Chiavetta’s Chicken Dinner, and the Community Carnival, just to mention a few. See you there!!!

Thanks to our Sexton, Bill Ess, and a very active Property Committee co-chaired by Bill Ess and Tim George, we have continued renovations, repairs, and improvements on the Church property. Bill Ess lead work parties that painted the classrooms, parish hall, hallways, offices, and stairwell. The Boy Scouts are planning to paint the upstairs classroom for an Eagle Scout project, which will be lead by Koby Trout. We still plan to paint some of the wood cabinets in the parish hall to complete the job.

This spring, the property committee plans to paint new lines in the parking and paint the doors and doorframes at all of the entrances to the Church property and Rectory. Ellen O’Malley (688-0976) is looking for volunteers to form a committee that will design and plant the Memorial garden in the courtyard. New coach lamps and signs will be installed at the courtyard and church school entrances. These projects are funded by a combination of Memorial funds, donations, and property budget. As always, volunteers will be needed for all of these stewardship projects. And as always, there will great lunches and fellowship!

The Vestry is also excited by great trends that are emerging within St. Paul’s. The congregation is growing again, and weekly attendance is up! Members, old and new, are becoming more active in the life of the parish, and the lay leadership is broadening and deepening. New outreach programs and marketing efforts are helping St. Paul’s gain recognition in the Deanery, the Diocese, and the community at large.

At her first Vestry meeting, Reverend Vicki gifted a copy of the book “How to Hit The Ground Running”, to each member of the Vestry. It is a ‘how to’ guide for the lay leadership of a parish with a new Rector. We continue to discuss chapters of the book at every meeting, and from the title I think you can imagine the energy, excitement, and a sense of empowerment our discussions generate. The meetings are fun, animated, and productive. With the presence of the Holy Spirit, St. Paul’s is moving forward in strength and unity. Thanks be to God!!!

Highlights from the February Vestry Meeting:

The vestry welcomed Debbie Bardo, Mark Hout and Jason Miller as new members.  Jason was appointed the clerk of the vestry.

At their last meeting, the ECW passed a resolution to contribute for a new sound system for the sanctuary. Reverend Zust asked Jason Miller to investigate prices and obtain quotes from several sources. The topic will be revisited at the next regular meeting of the Vestry.

The Vestry discussed holding a youth carnival on May 1. The carnival would include kid-friendly activities such as a bounce house, games, face painting, May baskets, a cake walk similar to the one at Harris Hill Elementary, and food (hot dogs, cotton candy, and snow cones). It was decided that the money raised from the event would be donated to Haiti relief, and Debbie Bardo, Dan Ulatowski, and Carri agreed to hold a meeting to start planning the event.

Bob Scheib suggested that we could also hold a flea market event at the carnival, but the thought was that might be too much at once, so it was discussed as a separate event. We would rent tables for outside folks to come and sell their wares in July or August. The money raised from this event would go to St. Paul’s directly. Mark Hout, Ron Stefanski, and Bob agreed to work together to begin planning the flea market.

The Communications committee met for the first time in January, and Laurie Wozniak, Communication Officer for the Diocese, presented about public relations and how it relates to our church. The committee will be meeting again on February 22 at 6:30 pm to discuss the remainder of the program year and begin planning PR for some of the events.

The lower portion of the church sign has been removed on one side to add the phrase “Check us out on the web at www.stpaulsharrishill.org” to it. The other side will be removed once it is accessible.

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY: February 2010

Sitting down to write a “view from the vestry” this mid-month in the new decade of the new millennium, I cannot think of what to write.  Believe it or not, the newness of this year and decade and millennium are not right now inspiring me.  This is not to say that the vestry has no view on the past month, nor, indeed, that nothing has happened in the last month.  In fact, the last month, like the months preceding it, on back for a year now (at least), was packed with so much for St. Paul’s.  What sticks out to me most are the abundance of social get-togethers for our parish and for those outside the parish.  But this brings me to my original point (re. Inspiration):

I am not inspired to write about the events at this church in the last month because so much of what is happening is the regular, very normal, everyday workings of a healthy or quickly-becoming-healthy church.  So much of what is happening is happening without much fanfare, because, while it is to be celebrated, it is also to be expected.  The happenings that I see consist of small things: an upbeat comment about a difficult church issue; a serious offer to help a neighbor or the larger community in need; laughter and smiling (even some childishness, in small amounts) at the vestry meeting; generosity; new membership and involvement; children; etc.  These things are to be both celebrated and expected as normal.  And this brings me to my second point:     

I am also uninspired to write about the happenings here at the church because even change and excitement and inspiration can become everyday, routine and expected, so that we no longer see the working of the Spirit in our midst.  This past year has been so packed with blessings and inspiration, that I have come to expect it.  I write this purely about myself, I do not know where you are in your head or your heart or with your thoughts on the church and what’s taking place in it at this time.  But, if what I say about myself speaks to you as well, than take it as a warning; do not let yourself become complacent.  When inspiration becomes mundane, we are no longer thriving, we are just surviving; we want to thrive.  The work of the church is the work of life; it does not end when a goal is reached; it will forever need to bend and change and grow. 

I know that with myself, the initial excitement of the new priest and promises of change and prosperity are starting to quiet down a bit.  This is to be expected, but does not have to stand: the work of this church and the church universal, the work of God in our lives and ourselves in God, is constant, difficult, unexpected, rewarding, quiet, surprising and, “gasp”, mundane (probably most often).  Often, the most important actions- actions that will change the world, change hearts- are small, mundane, uninspiring actions.  Like the sermon on Sunday the 17th of January, all of our gifts are necessary; and most of us are not super heroes, either literary or spiritually. (Side note: if any of you are literal super heroes, please don’t come forward and blow your cover; keep your secret identities to yourself- it’s for everyone’s best.)

So these small, normal, everyday kindnesses, generosity, even a smile; these gifts are necessary, normal and life-sustaining for us hear at the everyday church.  Let’s thrive!

God bless us all.

David C Crowther, Senior Warden, Hopeful St. Paul’s Parishioner

VIEW FROM THE VESTRY: January 2010

I am trying to catch my breath. Under the Pastoral care and leadership of our new Rector, The Reverend Vicki Zust, St. Paul’s has become a very busy and energetic church. There are so many things going on and there is so much work to do, that the Vestry had to meet twice in December, on both the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The members of the Vestry are excited by the progress St. Paul’s has made this past year and is continuing to make. New positions, such as Youth Missioner, have been created and new programs such as “Theology on Tap” and “Small Plates” have been started. Old traditions, such as the “trunk or treat” Halloween party have been revived, thanks to the efforts of our youth group.

Thanks to our new Sexton, Bill Ess, and a very active Property Committee co-chaired by Bill Ess and Tim George, we have continued renovations, repairs, and improvements on both the Church and the Rectory. We have a new roof, new windows in the church school doors, and new office space for our new Deacon, Dan Fournier. Scott Pfeiffer led a work party that sealed the parking lot last summer, and new lines in the parking lot will be painted this spring. Other volunteers have come forward who are planning to paint the outside of the Church entrances in the spring. Still others are planning to redesign and plant the Memorial garden in the courtyard. Over the winter, we are going to paint the church school classrooms and business offices, and install new doors, coach lamps, and signage at the courtyard entrance. New coach lamps and signs will be installed at the church school entrance as well. As always, volunteers will be needed for all of these stewardship projects. And as always, there will great lunches and fellowship!

The Vestry is also excited by great trends that are emerging within St. Paul’s. The congregation is growing again, and weekly attendance is up! Members, old and new, are becoming more active in the life of the parish, and the lay leadership is broadening and deepening. New outreach programs and marketing efforts are helping St. Paul’s gain recognition in the community, and on January 11, 2010 the first meeting of the new committee for external communications will meet. Internal communications have improved as Liz continues to develop our website and Reverend Vicki sends out the weekly newsletter, “This Week at St. Paul’s”.

Another exciting development is that our administrative assistant, Liz Brauza, has agreed to work full time for St. Paul’s starting January 1, 2010. Liz has been exceptional, a true gift to the parish! As the congregation continues to grow and new programs are developed, Liz will have her hands full, but she is up to the challenge!

At her first Vestry meeting, Reverend Vicki gifted a copy of the book ”How to Hit The Ground Running”, to each member of the Vestry. It is a ‘how to’ guide for the lay leadership of a parish with a new Rector. We discuss chapters of the book at every meeting, and from the title I think you can imagine the energy, excitement, and a sense of empowerment our discussions generate. The meetings are fun, animated, and productive. There are three Vestry members who have completed their terms, leaving three openings for new members. There has never been a more exciting time to volunteer your time and talents to the Vestry, so please consider serving and helping to shape the future of the parish. With the presence of the Holy Spirit, St. Paul’s is moving forward in strength and unity. Thanks be to God!!!

2010 Budget

The vestry began the budget process a little differently this year.  We started by dreaming  - by asking “What if money were no object – what would we like to see St. Paul’s do in 2010?”  There were a long list of items in the dream budget including:

· Tripling the advertising budget

· Replacing carpeting in the church & Sunday School rooms

· Hiring a part-time Christian Education and Youth Minister

· Hiring a part-time associate rector

· Adding 10,000 to our outreach budget

· Making our parish administrator a full-time position

· Doubling our Church School and Youth Program expenditures

And many other things

Then as we began to look at the reality of the results of the Stewardship drive and the weak economy we began to discuss which of the dream items should be dropped from the list.  We also decided that we would not plan on receiving 100% of the pledged income, because we never really do.  People move away, their circumstances change etc, etc.  So we are budgeting $125,000 in pledges – which will likely end up being 90 – 95% of the total amount pledged.

As we were discussing the budget it became clear that we had a choice to make – the vestry agreed that the crucial thing – of all of the items in the dream budget was making our parish administrator a full-time position.  That was the first thing we needed to do for the church to really grow.  It would allow us to expand our communications both internally and externally, it will allow for an increase in the ways that we connect with each other and it will free up some of the rectors time from some administrative tasks so that she can spend more time involved in the community and helping make St. Paul’s more visible in the community.  The vestry decided that this was a crucial investment in the growth and future of St. Paul’s.  So we decided to take that step and also to increase the budgeted amounts for church school and youth programming.  We will be budgeting a draw of roughly $55,000 from our savings.

Which leads to a discussion about money.  St. Paul’s has money in, basically three places:

· The checking account – which is mostly operating income – there are a few small funds housed there, like the rector’s discretionary fund.

· The savings account – which has some operating funds, some columbarium funds and some memorial funds

· Two Investment accounts – a bond account at Morgan Stanley and a mutual fund at HSBC that is a joint fund that all Episcopal Churches in the Diocese can participate in.  In those two accounts we have the following funds:

o The bulk of the memorial funds

o The bulk of the columbarium funds

o Our endowment funds – we can not touch the principle of these funds – but they generate income for the church

o The St. Paul’s funds – our unrestricted fund – we can spend the principle of these.

At this point, in round numbers we have:

· $9,700 in the columbarium fund - $1200 of that in savings

· $42,000 in memorial funds - $6000 of that in savings

· $297,000 in endowment funds

· $150,000 in St. Paul’s funds plus about $20,000 from the St. Paul’s funds that are currently in the checking account.

The value of all of our funds fell dramatically as a result of the economic downturn in the past two years.  We are now beginning to see some recovery in the value of the funds.  We also sometimes have the opportunity to trade some of our bonds in a way that increases the value of the portfolio.

Drawing $55,000 from savings will decrease the income from those funds to the operating budget by between $5000 and $6000 a year.

The vestry also decided to draw $15,000 from the memorial fund to pay for the new roof on the office/kitchen section of the building and another $5,000 to pay for new doors, signage and lights for the courtyard entrance and lights & signs for the church school entrance.  This is in line with the policy passed by the vestry this fall that memorial funds may be spent on permanent improvements to the church property (as well as for items that add to the beauty of the church on a long term basis).

If you have questions about St. Paul’s finances or budget please speak to Pastor Vicki, Ward Caldbick, David Crowther, Peter Symons or Adel Borsick.  The complete budget will be presented at the Annual Meeting.

2009 RETREAT

View from the Vestry: August 2009

In lieu of a regular monthly meeting, the Vestry of St. Paul’s went on retreat with our new Rector. What an exceptional experience!!! The members of the Vestry were inspired, energized, and focused on taking St. Paul’s to the next level.

We met Saturday, August 22^nd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the entire day was structured as a church service. We would read the liturgy and have business meetings in between, finishing and completing the day with a Eucharistic Service. What an uplifting experience!!

Reverend Vicki led the retreat and presented three books as gifts to each member of the Vestry. The first book that we will begin reading together is “How to Hit the Ground Running: A Quick-Start Guide for Congregations With New Leadership”. As the title suggests, this book is intended to be a “how to” guide for the principal lay leaders of a parish with a new Rector.

Rather than dealing with the day-to-day business of the Church like we normally do in our regularly scheduled Vestry meetings, we focused upon a mission statement and setting goals for St. Paul’s for the year ahead. We began with a letter to each one of us from God, that went something like this: “Dear Ward: The vision that I have for the future of St. Paul’s is …… Signed, God”. Each member of the Vestry took forty-five minutes alone to pray and fill in the blank as to what each of us thought God’s vision for St. Paul’s was. We met as a group afterward to share the visions that God communicated to each one of us personally. It was remarkable how similar our visions were and how unified the Vestry was! Ideas flowed freely, everyone felt excited and empowered, and you could feel the energy in the air. In the end, we arrived at a mission statement (which is a work in progress) and our top five goals for the year ahead. We will share all of these with the parish in the days and weeks ahead.

God was with us through the day - - we could feel his presence! We all feel that our time together during the retreat was blessed, and plan to make the retreat an annual event.

The Vestry meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:15 p.m. in the church library. All are welcome to attend, and all voices will be heard!

I always start with the weather, because we all have it and we all move through it daily- like an obvious version of the spirit.  “Summer” has been here, ever since it began to rain every Thursday and vacillate between down right cool and wet and now, hot and sweaty.  But our church has been as regular as the weather in Buffalo has been unreliable.

We are beginning to see the products of our labor and our sweat: Reverend Vicki is now living next door!; the house is complete, livable, becoming a home again; and we are ready to be lead again, to commit to this new marriage of led and leader, ensconced in our marriage as Christians to the life of Christ; earth and heaven, administration and worship, love and joy and toil.  Times are exciting now, over a time in the normal year that is usually “low”, or at least slow.

I am beginning to also see just exactly what it is that Father Leon worked so hard for here.  Yes, he made and suggested, discussed and, nearly at times, demanded numerous administrative and financial changes (which in retrospect, I believe we needed to clean house in these areas).  But he held us up during a time when we were breaking and feared for our demise.

We seem to have come to a place where the organization and corporation of the church is running like a well-oiled machine.  But- as we are not only machine-like as earthlings (and especially as Christians), but we are also comprised of spirit and wind, as God’s children- we are hungry for spiritual and cerebral sustenance and guidance- grist for the soul to grind on.  I believe that Vicki is exactly that leader who will both nourish and challenge us spiritually and mentally, but who also has the strong, organized view of the corporate church that Leon so-carefully held for us.

Slowly those specifics about the most recent part of our church’s history begin to fade, but not entirely.  This specific time of toil and some despair and lots of changes and some discomfort and lots of hope and a great deal of joy and laughing and excitement, has been quite a time for us.  I, for one, am seriously looking forward to the next challenge.  We were not meant to circle the wagons, but to open the gates and invite the messy world to share our hope with us.  As such, my eyes have begun to stray forward (even as I try to keep them in the here and now), to, literally, God-knows-what, that we can be certain will put us through the paces, break us down some, but, ultimately open us wide for the love that God spills forth upon us.  It is lurking around every corner like a great joke.  I hope we will continue to hear the punch-line: he has risen! I am love.

God bless us all.

David C Crowther,

Senior Warden, Hopeful St. Paul’s Parishioner

The Vestry met, as usual, mid month in May (not to purposefully use alliteration) to discuss the life and business here at St. Paul’s. In one sense, the May meeting was "business as usual" (though in a good way), in that the vestry seriously put its heads and hearts to the church’s various area, as it always does: to financial matters, administrative matters, a few hiring/firing issues, the properties, and other ongoing business. In another sense, the vestry meetings are never "business as usual", because while we work (albeit voluntarily) for a corporation and on behalf of its members and (even) owners (all parishioners), we work in the sight, hope and sometimes fear (or deep respect) of our God. Our God does not run board meetings or tidy our lives into compartments that are neat and organized. Our God blows like the wind, wherever and whenever it chooses- sometimes we have no idea what happened, or what will happen. But always, prayerfully and carefully, the Vestry meets with business in mind, yes, but with an eye and ear to the blowing of the Spiritual wind. I believe that God is moving in our midst in probably many more ways than any of us can fathom, but in two ways areas that I have seen specifically: 1) the properties of the church; and 2) the search for a new rector, new spiritual and administrative leadership.

As to the property: the new property committee, that Ward is so constantly touting and praising, has been active and faithful, creative and hopeful, as it deals with two properties that are, shall we say, not quite up to snuff. Bill Ess, among all the others who are active (sorry not to name you all here) is a man on a quiet and steady mission- slowly and lovingly caring for a property that needs some creativity and TLC. Ellen O’Malley has also been brave and creative- putting forward her excellent ideas concerning the landscaping of both the church and the rectory. I hardly need to mention the rectory project, as we hear heartening news about it all the time, and as, if you are ever at the church property on a non-Sunday, you are likely to see parishioners crawling all over it, like ants, busy rebuilding the hive- the house is beginning to look beautiful.

As to our search for a new rector; the Vestry has now entertained a strong, strong recommendation from the discernment committee for a candidate to be St. Paul’s next priest. The Vestry was critical and excited, serious and relieved to finally have a candidate to review; and the discernment committee was very excited to present the candidate. In the coming weeks, the vestry will be meeting with this candidate and inspecting, interviewing, and investigating, to determine whether to offer a job and, dare I say, a home (spiritually, figuratively and literary).

Finally, I must apologize for not specifically mentioning all of the work that the church and its faithful parishioners are constantly about; there are so many people and so many projects that I cannot even begin to name them here.

I end, as usual with my excitement and hope: I cannot sit still for my excitement of the surprising joy that God surely has in store for us as we faithfully and joyfully wait and work. Blessings to us all.

Dave

The issue of our parish’s youth has been on the minds of many for a long time. A meeting between Father Leon, Ward, the church school staff (teachers and superintendent, Kate Macke), our new youth leader, Andrea, and myself, was a productive time to bat around ideas and concerns. The driving force in our parish with those who work with the youth, is to increase our numbers, increase our sensitivity to youth needs, better our understanding about what youth want, and make St. Paul’s the place to bring your children for Christian instruction and growth.

The physical property of St. Paul’s is finally getting the care that it needs with a very, very active property committee- populated by professional and other handy-men and women who are quick and eager to make lasting fixes to a relatively old piece of property.

There are many other things happening in the life of our church. I do not list them here because I want you, the parishioners, to ask. Come to a vestry meeting, call a vestry member, the wardens or Father Leon- get involved, find out where you are best gifted to help or receive or both.

My final word will be “hope”. I am hope-filled and excited about our church. A new rector is waiting somewhere in the wings, and the discernment committee will be interviewing he/she in the very near future, whomever that person is. I feel the stirring of exciting and meaningful times ahead, and I hope that you too will catch the fever and move with the Spirit, as God corrects, changes, blesses, loves and moves us daily.

God bless us all.
David C Crowther,
Senior Warden
Hopeful St. Paul's Parishioner