Our celebration of becoming a self-supporting congregation and the events and people that have made that possible is scheduled for this Sunday at 4 pm with our diocesan bishop, The Rt. Rev. Andy Dietsche officiating, celebrating and preaching. If you thought New Consecration Sunday Nov. 19 was exciting--and fun!--just you wait.

  

For two decades St. Paul's was part of our diocesan Congregational Support Plan, a financial aid program intended to insure that parishes had full time clergy in exchange for one half of the parish's normal operating income. Thanks to a lot of work by our parish leadership, some generous bequests and the termination of the CSP, St. Paul's finds itself in a position to be self-supporting. One side effect of this is Fr. Tyler has moved from being a vicar, employed by the Diocese on behalf of St. Paul's, to the position of rector, employed by the parish.

  

Sunday we will celebrate all that has brought us to this momentous and fulfilling state. At least, as much as can be squeezed into a church service. The circumstances, the delights, the disasters, the leaders and the workers who helped bring this about at St. Paul's will be celebrated.

  

We have invited all to attend. Especially we want to include in the invitation list those who have supported us and been drawn to our ministry in the North Side neighborhood of Poughkeepsie over the past five decades. Be sure to remember your family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors who have recognized the importance of this parish and invite them to attend.

  

We take special pleasure in the participation of Bishop Andy. He has been with this congregation through, literally, fire and flood, thick and thin. His friendship, his ministry to us and his leadership as we sought to live into the new diocesan strategic plan were invaluable, uplifting and are deeply appreciated.