Dear St. Paul’s Family,
Despite a global pandemic I am ever hopeful that Fr. Ray has had an opportunity to glimpse into the true heart of our parish family. I’m sure he is equally hopeful that we have seen a glimmer of his true self during his tenure as interim rector. I am grateful for the tough, and perhaps, not always popular decisions he made in regards to COVID restrictions.
I am especially grateful, as I’m sure you are, that he has served St. Paul’s faithfully, with steadfast calm and, thanks be to God, humor. He has certainly prepared the way for our next rector-nudging the vestry to rethink the way they operate, encouraging us to be bold in living into our strategic plan and challenging us to trust each other and the God we serve. We will celebrate his time with us on Sunday, May 23, at our parish picnic at Long Leaf Park. To make a gift for a purse we will present to Fr. Ray, please make checks payable to SPEC and earmark gift for Fr. Ray.
Three years ago, St. Paul’s stepped out in faith, in calling Adam Pierce as an assistant to the rector. What a joy it has been to watch him grow and mature as a priest, since his ordination at St. Paul’s in December 2018! His compelling sermons, commitment to outreach, passion for justice and delightful family have been an integral part of St. Paul’s life.
And so it is with great sadness that we bid them farewell on Friday, May 14 at Waterman’s Brewing, 1610 Pavilion Place, Wilmington, from 5-7pm. While the time is short before their departure, I invite you to bring one or two photos you have with The Pierce Family or a note letting them know how important their ministry has been to you and your family. These will be compiled in a scrapbook that we will gift to The Pierce’s. A purse will be collected for The Pierce Family. Your checks may be made payable to SPEC and earmarked Pierce Purse.
Even though Fr. Ray and Fr. Adam will both end their ministry at St. Paul’s on May 31, I’m sure their legacies will live on in the hearts and minds of us all.
Many of you may be wondering, then what? In the transition between their leaving and a new rector arriving, supply clergy will be serving at both Sunday Eucharists. Louise Buck has been hired temporarily for part time office work.
She, along with Diane Matz Kane, our financial officer, are providing morning office hours, Monday – Thursday. In case of a pastoral need or emergency, please contact me at 252.268.1547 or teresabsinger@gmail.com. I have secured local supply clergy to minister to these needs in the absence of full-time clergy.
God loves us. God will keep us, even if and when things look and feel different than they did before. And “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
Be the light!
Teresa B. Singer, Senior Warden