My dearest Saint Paul’s,

I am writing to let you know of a few recent and upcoming changes in our staff. Last September, our Director of Operations, Pam O’Halloran, shared with me her intention and that of our Controller, Brenda Burton, to retire at the end of 2026. Over the last year, the Vestry and I have been working hard to prepare for those retirements. Between them, Pam and Brenda have faithfully worked at Saint Paul’s for over 40 years. They have been diligent and steadfast throughout many changes. Personally, I am deeply grateful and indebted to Pam and Brenda for their kind and warm welcome to me—and their patience in answering all of my questions over the last year. Thank you, both! They will both be greatly missed by me and the Saint Paul’s community. We will celebrate them at a reception following the Annual Meeting on January 24th, 2027. Below my letter you can find a note from each of them.

As the Vestry has planned for the future, we have reached the decision to hire a Facility and Campus Operations Manager and a Controller. I am very happy to share, that after a thorough search and interview process, Mr. Don Sukis has accepted our offer to serve as Facility and Campus Operations Manager. He began his work on the 14th of September. Don brings a wonderful combination of ability to shepherd a team, oversee capital projects, manage a budget, and ability to conduct repairs himself. Welcome to Saint Paul’s, Don! I would be remiss if I did not say thank you to Adam Blackman, who chaired our hiring committee, as well as Jim Ptacek, Anne Rowland, Tony Bandy-Zalatoris, and Susan Quill, who served on the committee. Thank you. The search for the Controller has begun this week; I will keep you posted.

With the start of a new program year, the Saint Paul’s Music Program continues its rich tradition of education and mentorship with the hiring of Jonathan Bolena as our Sacred Music Intern. Jonathan began his work with Saint Paul’s on September 1st. His picture and biography are below. Welcome, Jonathan!

With a mix of emotions, I also share with you the news that our Director of Children and Youth Ministries has accepted a position to serve as Director of Congregational Life at All Saints Church in Pasadena, California. It is difficult to say goodbye to Lauren, but I am also excited for her to be closer to her family She has been geographically distant from them for 13 years, and the opportunity to go home is wonderful for her. Her last day will be the 11th of October.

I am pleased to announce that Kirsten Radivoyevitch has accepted our offer to serve as Interim Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Over the next several weeks, she will work closely with Lauren to assure a smooth transition and to enable our vibrant children and youth ministries to thrive. Thank you, Lauren for your service to our community, and know that you will be in our prayers! There is a note from Lauren below, as well.

Lastly, I want to share that over the summer the Vestry made the decision to make Jamie Ivancic’s position full time—we are grateful to her for her continued service to Saint Paul’s. As well, Jenni Thomas is beginning to return to the office. It is a great joy to welcome her back after her time away.

As always, please know that you can reach out to me with any questions or concerns.

I remain, your servant in Christ Jesus,

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Announcement Summary:

• Pam O’Halloran, Director of Operations, and Brenda Burton, Controller, will retire at the end of 2026.
• Don Sukis began as Facility and Campus Operations Manager on September 14.
• Jonathan Bolena began as Sacred Music Intern on September 1.
• Lauren Dockery’s (Director of Children and Youth Ministries) final Sunday at Saint Paul’s will be October 11.
• Kirsten Radivoyevitch (currently Membership Engagement Coordinator) will serve as Interim Director of Children and Youth Ministries.
• Jamie Ivancic, Administrative Assistant, is now full time.
• Jenni Thomas, Administrative Coordinator, is beginning to return to the office.

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Dear St. Paul’s Friends,

In the 17 years I have been on staff at St. Paul’s, I have had several job titles, starting with Interim Stewardship Coordinator, which quickly became Director of Stewardship.

As my responsibilities expanded, I was named Director of Congregational Development. When Jeanne Leinbach started at St. Paul’s, she asked if I would take on oversight of the buildings and grounds, and since then I have served as your Director of Operations for the past 11 years.

While I look forward to retirement, I have loved working for St. Paul’s, and leaving my position here will leave an enormous void in my life. The good news is that I’m not going far. St. Paul’s will remain our church home, and you will still see David and me ushering on Sunday mornings or helping with various events. Over the next few months, I will be handing over all facility, administrative, and financial responsibilities to other staff members, and as of January, I will be fully (and only!) a fellow parishioner.

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To the parish of St. Paul’s,

As I step into retirement, I want to begin by thanking you for the 25 wonderful years we have shared. St. Paul’s has been a very special place for me, and this was a difficult decision, because I have truly enjoyed working with the staff and parishioners. Each of you has been so kind and appreciative of my work here. You should all be proud of this church—its facilities, outreach, Christian formation, financial strength, music, and other ministries. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated rectors, vestry members and fellow staff members who have helped lead St. Paul’s over the years.

My husband retired last year, and I’m following in his footsteps. We want to spend more time with our children and our grandchildren (as we have a new one coming in November).

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Dear people of St. Paul’s,

I have bittersweet news to share: I have accepted a call to serve as Director of Congregational Life at All Saints Church in Pasadena, California. My final Sunday at St. Paul’s will be October 11th.

This new call is an exciting opportunity that will bring me closer to my family, but saying goodbye to this community will be incredibly difficult. You have welcomed me, trusted me, challenged me, and invited me to share in the lives of the most precious people in this community: the children and teens. I am deeply grateful for our ministry together and for the ways St. Paul’s has shaped me.

Some of my favorite memories at St. Paul’s will always come from ordinary Sunday moments: chaotic conversations with crowds of children, acolytes shuffling sleepily through the hallways, tender moments between a church school teacher and a student, and laughing loudly at the stories parents share about their kids’ antics from the week. It has truly been a joy to share this life with you.

As I prepare to leave, I carry with me all this community has taught me. Though goodbyes are never easy, I trust that the comfort and inspiration of the Holy Spirit will hold us through this season of change.

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