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Dear Friends in Christ,
The interim period between rectors is a time for inquiry and discernment. As congregations, we are asked to reflect upon who we are and who God is calling us to be. Nearly four years ago we began a partnership between St. Andrew’s and St. Paul’s which enabled our congregations to withstand financial hardships stemming from the pandemic and a resulting decline in attendance at our respective congregations. This relationship has allowed both congregations to share costs while providing for robust Sunday worship, an excellent music program, and effective, caring pastoral care. In addition, the Afghan refugee initiative–forged from our partnership–is a sterling example of how collaboration can truly change lives. We give thanks for all that the Holy Spirit has made possible through our partnership.
In large measure, however, our partnership has consisted primarily of staff sharing. After considerable discussion, input from members of our congregations, and discernment over the past year, it has been decided that the partnership between St. Andrew’s and St. Paul’s will be ending as of December 31, 2025.
Between now and then, both congregations will be working with the Interim Rector and Diocesan staff on the development of parish profiles to begin separate searches for new rectors. This work will require the active participation, support and guidance of every member to ensure that our new rectors reflect the needs and priorities of each congregation. In the coming weeks you will be receiving information about parish meetings which are being planned to lay out our path forward. We implore every member of St. Paul’s and St. Andrew’s to take an active role in these meetings to ensure that the needs of the congregation and your concerns are identified and considered in the profile and search process.
We give God thanks for the many relationships that we have garnered during the nearly four years of our partnership. We look forward to other ways that our parishes can join together in the future to spread God’s love through our communities and to the larger world.
Faithfully,
Susan Beares Jeff Spaulding
Senior Warden Senior Warden
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
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