SAINT PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
A Jubilee Ministry Center
340 Locust Street, Columbia, PA‚ 17512
717-684-8496
Year of Saint Paul
June 29, 2008 - June 29, 2009
"A variety of gifts; but the same Spirit"
In the name of Christ, we offer you welcome to our church. May those who sorrow find comfort; the weary, rest; the troubled, peace; the stranger, friends; the unhappy, joy; and to all, the sense of God's presence in this Holy Place.
Please note that the next scheduled times for Baptism are the Bishop's Annual Visitation (June 1) and All Saints' Sunday (November 2). Please call the parish office (717-684-8496) to schedule a meeting of the parents and, if possible, the godparents, with the Rector.
Rector's Note:
This June we celebrate five years of shared ministry together - Five Years! It seems that it was only a short time ago, that I spent an hour on the phone with members of the Discernment Committee answering questions. Just a little time ago - it seems - that a group of the Discernment Committee came to Saint John the Baptist to hear me preach and to have lunch - one of the committee members went to the wrong church and it snowed. Good thing I don't believe in omens. Then just a short time later, I came to visit and met so many wonderful people that my heart soared and sang. Then - the call from Mary Elizabeth Bair - a special person who I would come to love - asking me if I would accept a call as Rector of this marvelous parish and its wonderful people.
As I look back over the last five years so much has happened. Working together in ministry in this place in God's Kingdom we have increased average Sunday attendance, offered numerous education programs for all ages, increased giving, and worked with other churches in our area in prayer and worship, education, and in service. We reopened the Holy Communion Chapel, expanded the number and types of prayer and worship services, welcomed new people into ministry with us, strengthened parish leadership, said helllo to many who jointed us, and said good-bye and godspeed to the Kingdom to far too many.
Last December the Vestry approved a five-year Mission and Ministry Plan that provides a roadmap for us as we Together Build the Kingdom of God in this place - at this time. While our buildings and their renovation are a major focus of our time, talent, and treasure - they no longer drive us in our day-to-day work. We have a lot to do - much feeding of the multitude with a few loaves of bread and some fish - but God has blessed us so much and he will continue to bless us as we move - no not move - grow forward!
In years past, too much emphasis was placed on the priest as leader; but over the last 30 years we have come to understand and appreciate that all of us - clergy and lay - are the ministers of the church and that each of us has a responsibility to "preach the Gospel of the Risen Christ." However, without committed, enthusiastic, directive, and involved leadership on a day-to-day basis by the clergy and a core leadership team, the "priesthood of all baptized" can become just a theological nicety.
I thank each of you for an exhilarating five years and here's to at least five exciting more!
Have a great summer! Relax! Enjoy! Renew!
Patrick+
If you are a member of Saint Paul's, we hope that you find this web site useful and helpful to keep up-to-date with what is going on in the parish. If you are a non-member, we hope that our web site will entice you to come and pray with us and find out what really makes Saint Paul's such a great place - it's warm and loving people. If you are searching for a church, we hope that you will join us on our faith journey.
If you have a pastoral need, whether or not you are a member of Saint Paul's, do not hesitate to contact us and let us help you in any way that we can. If you would like the Rector to visit you, or would like a home communion please call us and let us know. If you or a loved one are in the hospital, please call us so that we can come and pray with you or your loved one.
We welcome comments and feedback on our web site. If you have suggestions for parish activities or programs, please let us know.
GET DIRECTIONS TO THE CHURCH:
Go to the bottom of the Mail List - Request Information Page and click on the Map to Saint Paul Link
