Dear People of Saint Paul’s,

One of the things that often happens during a pastoral transition is that some actions and decisions are deferred until the new rector starts. The most critical daily functions of the church go on: worshiping God, serving our neighbors, caring for each other, participating in a thousand ways in God’s work of reconciling the world to itself and to God. These things must go on in some form, or we might as well all just stay home. But some decisions and actions are put on hold until the new rector is onboard. This is all right and proper. In our polity and our habits, we expect a rector to play a certain role in our common life, which means that we’re just going to be better at doing some things with a settled rector in place.

This means, though, that some important things take longer than they otherwise would. And as we try to find a balance between care and urgency, it’s natural to start wondering when some of these deferred actions are going to happen. I get it. The faithful response, I’m convinced, is not precipitous action but all possible transparency. Here’s what’s going on: I am trying to get up to speed on the life of Saint Paul’s. This includes the Polk issue, but is certainly not limited to it. If I want to understand the Polk issue, I need to know Saint Paul’s. The struggles of the last year happened within the context of your life and ministry together as a church. It can’t be understood well without some understanding of that context. That context includes feeding the hungry, mentoring children and youth, worshiping faithfully, carefully stewarding diminished resources for mission, and building relationships with diverse churches and local organizations. It’s a rich, complex context.

So I am doing two things, in addition to joining with you in those critical daily functions. First, I am listening. I am listening to as many of you as I can, and I am listening for God in your stories. Our stories—however painful or muddled—are slowly and gently being woven into the one big story of God’s redemption of us and the world. So, I’m listening to you and listening for the low constant hum of God’s redemptive work among you and through you. And second, I am talking—specifically, I am talking so that you can come to know me, and we together can begin to build trust. I need to know you so that I can learn how best to love you. You need to know me so that you can trust me.

This process takes time, so we’ve come up with an idea for a shortcut. This Sunday at the formation hour, we’re borrowing an idea from the gutters of the internet. It’s called “Ask Me Anything,” and is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Usually, celebrities on social media hold these sessions where fans or trolls can send them any questions they like, and the celebrities will answer them. I am not, never will be, and do not want to be a celebrity, but my hope is that this kind of session can quickly give you a meaningful glimpse of who I am and what God has been up to in my life. When we are able to sit down together, we may at least have a head start on our conversation.

I hope you’ll join us Sunday and will come with questions. I may not know all the answers, but I will respond as best I can. From there, we can dive separately into deeper conversations. I am greatly looking forward to them.

In Christ,

Eric+

We have modified our events this year but look forward to a fun-filled race day at Saint Paul’s. We have volunteer opportunities available starting at 5 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. Drop in for a while or stay all day! Sign up below to help with hospitality set-up, hospitality, cheer station set-up, and/or the cheer station. There are opportunities for every age and ability. Our main objectives are to love our neighbors by providing encouragement, support, and our Saint Paul’s hospitality to all. We also plan to have a really great time together. For more information, contact Kim Butler.

Volunteer for IRONMAN with VolunteerLocal - simple volunteer registration 

If you have not completed a pledge card, please complete this year’s annual stewardship appeal and return it to the church as soon as possible, or pledge online on our website at saintpauls.org/pledge-card/. If you did not receive a pledge appeal in the mail or have simply misplaced yours, please email the parish office or contact by telephone at (706) 724-2485 ext. 225.

as of 9/15/2021

Offerings received this Week $16,732.90

Operating Expenses to Date $586,689.15

Total Income Received to Date $623,588.16

Please contact the Parish Office to update our files.