Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul’s,
It is a blessing to be back to worship with you after my parental leave. This community is near and dear to my heart. I am especially thankful for everyone who helped out while I was away. From seeing new names on the worship schedule to seeing new ministries and projects advertised in the narthex, you are continually seeking ways to live out your faith. Whether it was something you’ve been doing all along or if you decided to try something new, your presence and participation means a lot to me.
But just because I’m back doesn’t mean you need to stop! As always, I encourage you to find ways to get involved, whether it’s with worship or an ongoing ministry we have at St. Paul’s, or if you want to try something new, there is always room for you here.
I am so thankful when people approach me and say, “I have an idea that I want to try.” It means you are thinking about the church, thinking about how to better serve one another and our community, and that you want to become more connected. I encourage you to gather some friends and help bring your idea to life.
I also am happy to hear from people who say, “I want to get more involved, but I don’t know how.” We can always sit down and talk about your interests and see what kinds of ministries might be a good fit for you. There are plenty of ways to get involved, but we’re not always great at communicating the needs of our various ministries.
In a church of our size, I do not have the time or energy to be in charge of every ministry, nor do I want that. Instead, I encourage you to use your gifts, ideas, and dreams to create the church that you want St. Paul’s to be. If you have skills working with youth, there’s a place for you. If you’re a crafty person, there’s a place for you. If you like to lead, there’s a place for you. If you like to work behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. Do you like to write? Do you like numbers? Are you good on a computer? Do you like to get your hands dirty? Do you like making phone calls or visiting people? No matter your skills and interests, I’m sure there’s a way for you to get involved at St. Paul’s.
As the world changes around us, the needs of our community might change as well. Some ministries may need to adapt to better meet those needs. New ministries may need to start, and some ministries may need to end. Not only do I encourage you to get involved in St. Paul’s, but I also encourage you to take a look at the larger community around us and ask, “What does our community need, and is there a way St. Paul’s could work to meet that need?”
Our mission statement is, “Celebrating God’s love through service.” As we worship and serve together, we share God’s love, and as we reach out to the larger community, God’s love spreads even further. Meanwhile, our culture has reached a time when volunteering is at an all-time low, and so your presence and participation is important now more than ever. Studies even suggest that the decrease in volunteering is contributing to the divisions in our culture. So, even if you can give an hour of your time once a month or every once in a while, you will be making a difference at St. Paul’s and in the larger community. Your generosity contributes to building up community, strengthening relationships, and spreading God’s love in the midst of a troubled world. By sharing your time and talents, you can make a real difference.
I am so thankful for your presence and participation at St. Paul’s and your commitment to the community around us. I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow together as a community of faith.
Peace,
Rev. Jessica Hahn