Loving is no small matter. Loving is vital to a just society. Jesus tells us that all commandments are-summed up in these words: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet, loving is not a simple task. We come together in this faith community to support one another in deliberate loving, to inspire one another to live the lives we are-meant to live, in relationship with one another, in the light of Christ. We are-invited to enter into a profound commitment to others, a discipleship of fellowship. Let’s take a look at our covenantal life together in 2023. So many, many ministries are carried out here at St. Paul’s falling under: worship, music, formation, pastoral care, outreach, fellowship, buildings and grounds, and administration.
A Few Highlights
Rev. Brandon, a gifted liturgist, crafted many special services this year, including the Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Pride, Remembrance, and Longest Night.
Kevin Jones, our Director of Music, whose skill as a choral director, organist, administrator, and visionary is raising our music program to new heights. He will be leading our Senior Choir on a trip to Salisbury Cathedral in 2025.
A new small group series started this fall entitled Centered. This series brings together parishioners to share food, watch a film, and discuss questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life.
Lauren Dockery, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, invited us into conversation around neuro-divergent learning. She and the Committee for Inclusive Ministry are designing and managing the classrooms to accommodate all our children and youth.
After a year-long process of research and discernment, we launched a new Refugee Ministry. The committee is partnering with the Bahati family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help them get settled here in Cleveland.
Staff Announcement
I am delighted to welcome Susan Armstrong to our staff as Assistant to Children and Youth Ministries. Susan will be assisting Lauren Dockery, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, with preparing for weekly church school, communicating with families about upcoming events, and organizing and carrying out special formation events, including Shrove Tuesday, Maundy Thursday Agape Meal, Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Pentecost, All Saints, and All Things Advent.
Susan’s dedication to our children and youth programming since she and her family joined the parish eight years ago makes her an ideal candidate for this position. I am grateful for her desire to serve and look forward to serving with her. My thanks to Julie Micheletti who volunteered her time in this capacity this fall. Her passion for children and youth ministry and her assistance in structuring this position have been very helpful. Please offer your thanks to Julie and welcome Susan as a new staff member.
Capital Campaign
In addition to the many wonderful ministries, we carried out a successful Capital Campaign this year. I am delighted to announce that with a goal of $6M, we have reached pledges of $8M. Your generosity and commitment to this parish community is overwhelming. I am especially moved that more than 225 families participated in the campaign, and pledges are still coming in. My sincerest thanks to all our donors, our Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Liz Patterson and Chris Smythe, our reception hosts, and to Pam, our Director of Operations, and Nathaniel, our Director of Communications, who added the Capital Campaign responsibilities on top of their regular workloads.
With the proceeds coming in, much work is underway — we are repairing the roofs, installing a new security system, installing a new sound system, and building our endowment. We have received several proposals for the work needed on the organ. I have put together a Campaign Organ Committee to review these proposals and decide the best way forward to preserve our celebrated Holtkamp organ. Also, I have put together a Campaign Outreach Committee to thoughtfully consider how we disburse over the coming years the more than $500,000 raised for Outreach through the Campaign.
Loving is no small matter and not a simple task. Through a discipleship of fellowship, we bear witness to the world of Christ’s love. What a respite from the animosity. What a gift to the world. As always, it is an honor and pleasure walking in the light of Christ with all of you — Seeking. Serving. Loving. Together — thank you!