July 4th, 2019
What Happens during our “Interim” Year Together
Though my title here at St. Paul’s is Interim Rector, in reality, there is no such thing as “Interim Ministry.”  There is simply ministry, the work God has for us during our year together. At our Vestry meeting in June, we discussed the nature of this ministry together and made some important decisions about priorities. The goals for the coming year fall into three categories: 
●       Reviewing and Updating Policies: While this might seem dry, it is important work for an Interim Rector. As Canon Tidy reminded us during our meeting, policies set the tone and structure our relationships as a congregation, and they make for health. Furthermore, by the time an organization needs good policies, it is too late to write them. This thoughtful work has to be done in advance. So, I will be working on policy proposals for the Vestry in July and August, based on National and Diocesan Canons and on best practices in congregations generally. 
●       Ministry Development: The theme of this article, see more below
●       Financial Sustainability: The Bishop’s office requires a 5 year budget in order to call a new Rector. So, we will be looking at long-term operating budgets and capital budgets, honestly estimating long-term expenses and revenue. We will then consider ways to fill this inevitable gap between needs and resources and begin work later this year. 
I will be providing updates to the congregation throughout this process. Not only that, ... / see more
Our Search Timeline
  • Summer: Vestry and Interim Rector develop, revise and refine St. Paul’s administrative procedures and policies,
  • Late September: Bishop Eaton formally charges the Search Committee,
  • Early October: Canon Tidy and Susan Czolgosz meet with the Search Committee, describe their tasks, outline the process, and provide training and guidance for their work going forward.  They also outline the timelines, tasks, and outcomes expected,
  • October - December: Search Committee writes Parish Profile and develops rector's job description
  • Early New Year: Publish Parish Profile; post the opening on various church listings/websites,
  • February/March: Receive/review/rank resumes, conduct interviews with selected candidates,
  • April/May: Search committee selects finalist and presents to vestry for approval,
  • Late Spring: Selected candidate called.
A Grand Donation
St. Paul's is the beneficiary of the extraordinary donation of a grand piano! The piano, a concert quality 5' 7" Model M Steinway was gifted by parishioner and choir member Kathleen Bratton and her husband Brian Wruble, primarily for use by the Southernmost Chamber Music Society (SCMS) which operates under the umbrella of St. Paul's. In addition, Kathleen and Brian are also graciously covering the cost of shipment from their home in NJ along with any necessary repairs. The piano is expected to arrive in Key West in about a month and will be located in the parish hall where SCMS concerts will take place this coming season. Our deepest gratitude to this generous benefactor. For more news of SCMS, see the their current Newsletter .
Historic Rectory Update
Brian Wagstaff, C hair, Historic Rectory Restoration Committee
Although you may not see it, a lot of important work has been done on the rectory over the past couple months.  The repair and improvement of the foundation of the main home is completed.  New reinforced concrete pillars were added where needed to support and level the home.  N ew foundation beams were placed to provide extra support alongside the old beams. 
The home was secured to the foundation (previously it was just resting on top). This will go a long way in preserving and securing the future of this historic home.  The historic pillars and beams were kept in place to preserve the history of the home.  

On the fundraising side of things, we were grateful to receive a grant of $35,000 from the Mario Family Foundation to help pay for grant writing, architect fees, and fundraising brochure development.  

The other recent accomplishment was the completion and ... / see more
St. Paul's Hosting Free Concert
Sun July 7th, at 2 PM

 Celtic harpist Steve Allerton will perform in the sanctuary on the Uilleann Pipes and the Celtic harp. Our own Tim Peterson will accompany him on our magnificent pipe organ. The concert is made possible through a grant to Steve from the Ann McGee Artist's Fund. A CD will be available for purchase following the concert. Come enjoy a summer afternoon of traditional Irish and Classical music.
Adult Forum
"The Way of Love"
Join us this Sunday after the 9:30 service as Father Steve continues leading, "The Way of Love" a discussion series developed by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Previous attendance is not necessary. All are welcome!

See a video about the series here . 
Know Your History

Q: What Oscar winning film had about five minutes of scenes at St. Paul’s? X  Answer
Editor's Notes & Reminders
  • Adult Forum, Sundays after the 9:30 Service.
  • Sunday Bulletin here and always on our website.
  • The Epistle is monthly May - Oct, weekly Nov - Apr.
  • Back issues of The Epistle available here.
  • Submit questions and comments to the editor here.