A number of positive outcomes have arisen from the Vestry’s openness about our finances, the most significant being the beginning of a conversation amongst some in the congregation of the need to find a way to hire an associate rector. The Vestry has identified hiring an associate as a high priority, to complement the strengths and gifts of Fr. Biddy, and it has worked hard with the stewardship campaign and then with the Finance Committee to identify a way to sustainably fund this position. Unfortunately, it was not financially prudent with this year’s budget to incorporate funding for this position. In order to properly fund this position for both the church and the ultimate candidate, the ability to fund the annual compensation package, which could run as high as $110,000, needs to be for a four to five period.

One way to address the financial constraints in this year’s budget is to have a campaign to raise money for this specific purpose, allowing the stewardship campaign in the next several years to increase to a level to sustainably support this additional clergy member. This letter is to invite those who may be interested in meeting this interim step to do so.

A long-time parishioner, who wishes to remain anonymous, has initiated this effort by directing a portion of the required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement plan. Funds given in this way to a charitable organization are not taxed when distributed from a pre-tax retirement account. This parishioner wants to remind others of the qualified charitable distribution mechanism and specifically be inspired to support the need for additional clergy. This giving is to be in addition to the annual pledge. Certainly, always check with your tax advisor when making these tax consequential decisions.

This campaign is asking for an annual commitment of at least $5,000 for a period of 5 years from at least 10 parishioners. There is already momentum with this plan as two other parishioners have indicated their support for this campaign, in excess of their annual pledges. This campaign is not limited to those parishioners over 72, who can direct their RMD’s as outlined, it is for any who are called to support Saint Paul’s future growth.

The hiring season is fast approaching and in order for Saint Paul’s to have the best opportunity to present ourselves to the greatest number of candidates and also prudently and sustainably afford this additional clergy position, please communicate with me at seniorwarden@saintpauls.org by the end of February if you feel called to participate.

These gifts would be a significant bridge to a time where our congregational giving supports the full funding of the clergy that we need to support our Rector, ourselves and the work we do outside our walls.

Cameron Nixon

Senior Warden

There’s been some recent buzz about the Harvard Study of Adult Development. When this study began nearly 80 years ago, researchers hoped to learn the secrets to adult health and wellbeing. Now the world’s longest-running longitudinal study of adult life, the data is showing that joy in our social lives is the strongest indicator for good physical and mental health.

Is that really so surprising? Humans are created to live in community. This implies a dependence on one another and the need to serve one another. And as God cares for his created beings, he nudges us toward communal life for our own good. It should be no surprise, then, that the Church is a place where deep and lasting relationships form.

With Lent approaching, the choosing of a Lenten practice may be just the encouragement we need to find the community Christ intends for us and to develop the habit of being there. Wednesday night Compline on Zoom is one of many opportunities at Saint Paul’s to find community. Such a Lenten activity might be the seed that develops into relationships which are good for body and spirit.

Saint Paul’s began offering Compline on Zoom in the spring of 2020 when we couldn’t gather in person. When we were finally able to return to in-person gatherings, we kept the on-line format of Compline because we valued the community it had created. The short prayer service at the end of the day lasts about 15 minutes, and participants often linger a little longer to catch up with one another socially.

So give it a try! Compline takes place each Wednesday at 8:00PM. The easiest way to log in is to email the office for a Zoom invite link. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at kittygordon87@gmail.com.

Love and prayers,

Kitty Gordon

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