Dear Parish Family,
I am delighted to share the news that the Rev. Patricia Rose will be joining the staff of St. Paul’s on August 1 as an Assistant Rector. Patricia came to us through the search process following the Rev. John Kennedy’s departure. She offers St. Paul’s many gifts, including her passion for formation and outreach inspired by the Gospel, her strong pastoral care skills, her collaborative nature, and her calm demeanor. I look forward to you meeting her.
Patricia had a 30-year career in education and communications, in addition to being a Spiritual Director for 17 years, before entering the ordination process. She graduated from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in May 2021 and has been the Curate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, for the past two years. Her time at St. Stephen’s gave her broad exposure to parish ministry, including preaching and presiding, pastoral care, formation, social justice, and hospitality. In addition, Patricia was responsible for worship and ministries at a small parish giving her experience in all administrative, finance, and building needs of a parish as well as experience in initiating new ministries.
My thanks to the Search Committee: Pat Azouri, Brian Gran, Bob Quartell, Liz Richmond, Andrea Turner, and Carla Williams. I am so grateful for their time in reading application materials, watching sermons online, meeting with candidates via Zoom and in person, and much thoughtful discussion.
It is my pleasure, also, at this time to announce the Rev. Brandon Ashcraft’s promotion to Associate Rector. Brandon brings many gifts to St. Paul’s. His liturgical skills are among the best. He is both a strong pastoral presence to parishioners as well as a dedicated, creative, and collaborative leader of ministries. With a heart for the Gospel, Brandon has reinvigorated our outreach ministries and engaged parishioners in asylum seeker sponsorship, gun violence prevention, and the full embrace of our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors. It is a privilege and pleasure to serve with Brandon. Please offer him your congratulations!
With a new hire, we have the opportunity to reassign clergy responsibilities in order to meet the needs of parishioners and provide assisting clergy with the opportunity to broaden their skills and experiences. Rev. Brandon will continue to have oversight for liturgy. In addition, he will be the Chaplain to Children and Youth, which includes Confirmation, Baptism coordination, children and youth participation in liturgy, and pastoral care to families with children and youth. Brandon stepped in to lead Confirmation this spring after Rev. John’s departure. Already we see his gifts in engaging with the youth. Rev. Patricia will have oversight for Adult Formation and Outreach. She has a passion for helping parishioners grow in their faith and is excited about the connections between Formation and Outreach. With Rev. Jessie’s departure, we have an open clergy position. This Assistant Rector will have oversight for our Newcomer, Engagement, Hospitality, and Pastoral Care ministries. I will keep you up-to-date as this search progresses.
Much to celebrate! Please let me know if you have any questions.
In Christ,
Jeanne+