Southerners Mike and Mary Flinn moved to Wilmington from Greensboro in August of 2020, in the middle of the pandemic! Mike works remotely for Gulf Atlantic Packaging, loves to fish and golf. Mary is a retired speech pathologist and the author of ten novels set in North Carolina. Three of Mary’s books are set in Wilmington. During multiple trips back and forth to research LUMINA, an historical novel set in 1928, the summer the Shag was born and debuted at the titular beach pavilion, the couple began shopping the neighborhoods of Wilmington and settled on the perfect spot to live in Porters Neck, just north of town. They acclimated quickly and are delighted with the warm welcome they have received from their new community. Mike and Mary have two thirty-something daughters; Jess, a realtor in Charlotte, and Shelby, recently married to Travis Schiller in Denver, Colorado. They all enjoy visiting the coast! Who wouldn’t? They all love dogs, football, celebrations, and eating great food, not necessarily in that order.
As happily merged Episcopalians for thirty years—Mike from the Roman Catholic tradition, and Mary from a Methodist background—they searched every Episcopal church in Wilmington for the right fit. Fortunately, St. Paul’s was the last stop and had everything the Flinns wanted for their new church home—a history of inclusivity, friendly people, a stellar music program, and an exceptional clergy staff who deliver spot-on sermons every Sunday. Finding a church was the last piece of the puzzle for the Flinns to finally feel at home in Wilmington. They look forward to getting involved with the wonderful programs at St. Paul’s and meeting more parishioners soon!