November 2007 Evangel Article 

One of the most common sentiments repeated by members of the search committee is how thankful we all are to be at St. Paul's and how honored we are that you have asked us to be on the search committee. So with the Thanksgiving season upon us, it seemed an appropriate time to pause and reflect on what we are thankful for and to share that with you.

We are thankful to everyone in the parish for their participation in the self-study questionnaire. We hope that you use this opportunity to think about your role in the St. Paul's community and what you hope this parish will become in the future. The search committee also is organizing meetings that will be moderated by facilitators and open to all members of the parish. More information will be available on those meetings later.

We are thankful for all of you. The community of St. Paul's is defined not by a building or a particular priest or lay leader, but by all of the laity. Your time, talents, and financial support in the ministry and mission of our church have made St. Paul's a place that proclaims the Good News to many people through many avenues. Change can be a challenging and sometimes frightening thing. But it also can be a very exciting time that holds the promise of even better things to come. We are thankful you are willing to dream about what can be at St. Paul's and to face any fears that change may bring.

We are thankful that in a stressful time in the nation and the national church, St. Paul's is a parish that is not splitting apart, but instead is growing and thriving in its mission and ministry. It's the mark of a community of people that has chosen to live out the great commandment to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Because we are a parish that is not in great strife, it makes the search committee's job much easier, and for that we are most thankful.

We are thankful that we have wonderful priests, Anne and Matt, and many lay leaders who are doing such a terrific job leading the church during this time of change. Because the flock at St. Paul's is so well tended during this time of transition, the search committee isn't forced into a situation in which it needs to rush to have a new priest. While we don't want to waste time or take longer than is necessary, not feeling a push to be hurried is a luxury for which we are very thankful.

And we are thankful for your continuing support and prayers as we search for a new rector for St. Paul's. It sustains, comforts, inspires, and encourages us to do the task we have been given to do.