Parish Profile - St. Paul`s Episcopal Church

2014
Parish Profile
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Living in Christ
by
Reaching inward
to one another through
fellowship & study
Reaching outward
to all through
service & witness
Reaching upward
to God through
worship & prayer
200 Cowles Street  P.O. Box 95  Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336-667-4231  email: [email protected]
website: www.stpaulwilkesboro.org
PAGE
2014 Parish Profile
Table of Contents
Transition/Discernment Collect ········································ Page 3
Reaching Inward
Congregational Care ······················································· Page 4
Fellowship ··································································· Page 4
Ministries & Programs ···················································· Page 6
Reaching Outward
Outreach Projects ·························································· Page 8
Reaching Upward
Worship ······································································ Page 10
Where We Live ····························································· Page 11
History ········································································ Page 13
The Clergy ··································································· Page 15
Buildings & Grounds ······················································ Page 16
Church Organization & Leadership ···································· Page 18
Stewardship & Finances ·················································· Page 19
The Diocese of Western North Carolina ······························ Page 20
Rector Profile ······························································· Page 21
PAGE 2
2014 Parish Profile
Transition/Discernment Collect
Gracious God, we pray for St. Paul’s Parish
during this time of transition as we search for a new rector;
for the life of our parish that we may continue to be guided
by your love and strengthened in our mission to serve you;
for the Transition Team and the Discernment Committee
and for hearts and minds open to your spirit;
for the priest whose name is known to you alone,
that she or he will be open to your call;
for grace to follow where you would lead us,
and for your peace. Amen.
PAGE 3
2014 Parish Profile
Reaching Inward
S
t. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a community of faith dedicated to enhancing spiritual
growth and quality of life by caring for one another. Over the years, St. Paul’s has encouraged an accepting and open atmosphere. We seek to maintain and increase diversity.
Members of St. Paul’s see our parish as all-inclusive, a place where all can feel welcome
and grow in their spiritual lives. St. Paul’s is a place where respect for differences is valued,
and we invite new people into our fellowship.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Stephen Ministry is a confidential, compassionate one-on-one ministry by lay persons
trained and supervised to provide Christian Care. St. Paul’s currently has seven Stephen
Ministers.
The Gopher Project is a ministry which provides our
parishioners with volunteers to help with chores, errands, or transportation.
Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted by volunteers
to be dedicated and given to people during times of
illness or special need.
The Prayer Chain is a ministry that sends requests
for prayer through the parish via email.
Feed My Sheep is a ministry designed to prepare and deliver meals to parishioners and
their families during times of special need. Upon request a Celebration of Life reception
honoring a departed member may be held in the Parish House following the funeral.
FELLOWSHIP
A sense of family
St. Paul’s is a place where the people come together to help each other in a time of crisis or
need. In essence, St. Paul’s is an extended family working together to meet each other’s
needs.
PAGE 4
2014 Parish Profile
Fun social events
Fellowship is crucial to life at St. Paul’s. Chez
Paul, our Wednesday night dinner, and the Men’s
Breakfasts on the third Sunday mornings are always a treat for those who attend. Summer offers a
special time in the life of our parish at the annual
parish retreat weekend
in July at Valle Crucis.
Other events are scattered throughout the
year to bring the parish
together on a regular basis with holiday time being a great fellowship
time.
PAGE 5
2014 Parish Profile
MINISTRIES & PROGRAMS
Christian Education Ministry: Sunday School
Sunday School at St. Paul’s typically runs during the school year. The Christian Education
Committee uses a “One-Room School House” rotational style model with the children who
are in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5 meeting together in one large room. This group
uses curriculum published by the Virginia Theological Seminary.
Grades 6 through 12 use iPads, computers and Glo-Bible apps in their studies. The youth
have expressed interest in exploring topics outside of those contained in the curriculum and
have been invited to submit ideas and interests.
Christian Education Ministry: Adult
The Coffee Club meets each Sunday morning. They have short multi-media sessions followed by discussions that encourage Christian Living.
The Adult Forum is a Sunday morning educational offering of St. Paul's. Topics of inquiry
cover a broad range from major world religions to issues facing The Episcopal Church, spiritual practices, and contemporary issues in American society. Currently the fourth Sunday
each month features Religious News Recaps. Members have visited a Jewish temple and a
mosque to observe services and have invited speakers from other churches to speak.
Book Clubs
The Dick Underwood Book Club meets in the
Parish House Parlor on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
when there is a Chez Paul dinner. The club, which
is now named in memory of Dick Underwood, is
open to anyone who is interested. It began several
years ago when Dick asked Scott Jesse, who teaches Ancient and Medieval History at Appalachian
State University, to lead the club. Most of the
books read have been historical, including books by Bart Erhman (Misquoting Jesus) and
Elaine Pagels (Beyond Belief). Abraham Heschel's Sabbath and Between God and Man: An Interpretation of Judaism are recent choices.
The Sojourners Book Club meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays September through May at 1
p.m. in the Parish House. All are welcome. Books studied are chosen by the group and include Joyce Rockwood Hudson’s Natural Spirituality and Marcus Borg’s Meeting Jesus Again
for the First Time and Reading the Bible Again for the First Time.
PAGE 6
2014 Parish Profile
Living the Questions Seminar
This adult seminar meets in the Parish House using the Living the Questions videos with insight from scholars including Matthew Fox, Bishop John Shelby Spong, Marcus Borg, and
John Dominic Crossan.
Bach’s Lunch
This special music ministry during Lent features individuals or groups in a brief lunch time
concert. It is normally on Thursdays at 12 noon at the church.
Psalm 150
Psalm 150 is a small group of musicians who primarily sing/play a mix of traditional hymns, gospel, and
contemporary Christian music. They provide worship music at various times and places including St.
Paul’s parish retreat, Bach’s Lunch, and Compline.
ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
All women at St. Paul’s are considered members of
ECW and are welcome to attend their meetings.
They have varied programs and projects and sponsor
a bazaar in November to raise money for their work
together.
Build an Ark
Build an Ark is a group of volunteers who meet on a given Saturday morning to work
around the buildings and grounds at St. Paul’s doing whatever is needed at the time. The
work is usually followed with a fellowship lunch in the Parish House.
PAGE 7
2014 Parish Profile
Reaching Outward
S
t. Paul’s is committed to service, reaching out to meet needs in our area and beyond.
Many of our members are active or hold key positions in service organizations or on
their boards. The following are some of the outreach projects in which the congregation
has been involved:
Stop Hunger Now
This is an international organization whose mission is to stop hunger in our lifetime by providing food to the world’s vulnerable populations. They provide healthy meals with a shelf life of two years
for a low cost. In March, 2013, St. Paul’s congregation raised
funds and worked one Saturday putting together 16,000 meals to be
sent where they were needed.
Crisis Assistance
Our Crisis Assistance ministry began many years ago to help those in Wilkes County in
need of emergency assistance due to utility cutoff, eviction or large medical bills. Following an interview, applicants’ requests are verified, and funds are sent to the appropriate
third party. The principal funding sources for the program are the First Fruits donations at
St. Paul’s on the first Sunday of every month, grants, other churches in the community, and
donations of food from a local grocery.
Step Ahead
Our newest initiative, an outgrowth of Crisis Assistance, provides grants to help participants reach long-term goals in an effort to break the cycle of poverty. Through the Human
Hurt and Hope Fund the Diocese of Western North Carolina has
given two $25,000 grants to support this ministry.
Youth Involvement
The youth at St. Paul’s are involved with Community Outreach.
The youth conduct food drives for Wilkes Ministry of H.O.P.E.
and volunteer at Samaritan’s Kitchen. They also volunteer to help
with Vacation Bible School, which attracts children from outside
the church and is a great ministry to those without a church home.
PAGE 8
2014 Parish Profile
Working with Other Denominations/Groups
Our commitment to service also extends beyond our parish. In addition to the programs
mentioned, our members have joined with other local churches to build Habitat Houses
and to prepare and deliver meals for Samaritan’s Kitchen. We knit dishcloths and donate
toiletries for Crisis Assistance, the Safe House, and the Women’s jail. In the past year St.
Paul’s women made 54 pillowcase dresses that were sent to an orphanage in Haiti with the
Stone Mountain Baptist Association. We plan to continue this project each spring. We
have participated with other organizations in mission trips, Circles of Care, Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, and Wilkes Ministry of H.O.P.E. Several parish members volunteered to staff a Christmas toy store at H.O.P.E. where parents could purchase toys at a reduced rate.
FaithHealth NC
FaithHealth NC is a new program funded by Wake Forest Baptist Health Care system in
Winston-Salem, NC. The program strives to improve health by combining the caring
strengths of congregations, the clinical expertise of healthcare providers, and a network of
community resources. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has been participating in the process of
designing and building partnerships between the faith communities in Wilkes County and
healthcare providers that include our local hospital. We have signed a covenant linking the
healthcare entities with the church on a shared mission of health, healing, and hope. The
program is free for participating churches but requires a commitment of time and energy on
the part of the faith community. The concept behind the program is that no one should face
illness alone, and that congregations have an integral part to play to ensure people have all
the resources needed to find healing.
Meeting Space for Al-Anon
St. Paul’s has provided space for Foothills Al-Anon Family Group to hold weekly meetings
in the church library since March, 2005, when they received their charter from the World
Service Organization of Al-Anon. The group, which began with three charter members,
has grown to an average attendance of 12. It is estimated that at least 100 people have
found their way into the Foothills AFG meetings over the years searching for relief from
the family disease of alcoholism.
PAGE 9
2014 Parish Profile
Reaching Upward
Spiritual Development
We are a people who walk with and support each other in a place
of grace. We believe creation is good, we embrace all of life, and
we do not separate our spiritual lives from our secular lives. We
believe that we are all on a spiritual journey and are nurtured by
God’s love and grace. We seek insight from scripture for our lives
and endeavor to create opportunities for spiritual growth.
Worship Services
St. Paul’s has two worship services on
Sunday using Rite II. The 8:30 a.m. service is in the Chapel, and
the 10:30 a.m. service is in the modern church. St. Paul’s has a tradition of being known for its worship and liturgy, openness to diversity, a communal spirit of serving and welcoming all to God’s
table. Both Sunday services include the Eucharist. Nursery care is
provided during the 10:30
a.m. service. The congregation is actively involved
in the services through
readings, prayers, and lay
Eucharistic ministry. One
of the highlights of the second service is the music.
We are blessed with a great adult choir led by a talented choir director and organist.
There is a mid-week worship service with Communion on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m.,
which is followed by Chez Paul, a meal in the Parish House. There are other evening activities including choir practice, book club, and youth programs on Wednesday evenings.
Currently there is a Morning Prayer service in the
Chapel on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. led by
our Deacon.
PAGE 10
2014 Parish Profile
Where We Live
W
ilkes County covers 760 square miles in the northwestern corner of North Carolina
and has a population of 69,000. Stretching from the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge
Mountains into the western edge of the piedmont, it is blessed with mountains, hills, valleys, streams, rivers, and forests. Stone Mountain State Park and W. Kerr Scott Dam and
Reservoir provide opportunities to enjoy multiple outdoor activities. The Yadkin River
Greenway is a trail along the river and joins Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.
Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro have a combined population of over 7,000 people.
Wilkesboro, the county seat, was created when the county was formed at the beginning of
the American Revolution. Across the Yadkin River, North Wilkesboro came into being in
1891 after a railroad line was brought that far. Over time the two towns developed different
identities, but they are often collectively called “The Wilkesboros.” The towns work together and with the county to address needs for the area-at-large.
Economic Development and Tourism
Wilkes County has had a number of local businesses develop and thrive including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Northwestern Bank, Gardner and Carolina Mirror Companies, and Holly Farms Poultry (now Tyson). Lowe’s and
Tyson are still major employers in Wilkes. There is a Wilkes Economic Development Corporation (http://
wilkesedc.com) that helps local businesses develop
and recruits new business. An entrepreneurial spirit
supports the creation of new business, and the Wilkes
Chamber of Commerce is promoting tourism. Two
major events that draw people to Wilkes are the Apple Festival, which is held annually the first Saturday
in October in North Wilkesboro, and internationally
renowned MerleFest (http://merlefest.org), which is
held annually in April on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro.
Wilkes Community College
Wilkes Community College (http://wilkescc.edu/), which was established in 1965, continues to build on a strong history of meeting the education and workforce training
needs of this region. The College is a member of the North Carolina Community College
System. It is preparing to build a new Health Sciences Center on newly acquired property.
PAGE 11
2014 Parish Profile
In addition to education and training programs, the
College has walking trails, tennis courts, and a playground area that are used by local residents. The
1,131-seat John A. Walker Community Center on
the Wilkes Campus is the area’s primary venue for
cultural experiences. Its ballroom is also used for
business meetings, meals, wedding receptions, etc.
Wilkes County Schools
The Wilkes County Board of Education (http://www.wilkescountyschools.org/home) is a
major employer in Wilkes. The Wilkes County School System is committed to excellence
in teaching and promotes high expectations for student success. There are four school districts with a high school and a middle school in each one and a total of 13 elementary
schools in the county. The Stone Center provides administrative space for the school system and an auditorium for large meetings or programs. It is available to other not-for-profit
organizations for these uses.
Wilkes Regional Medical Center
Wilkes Regional Medical Center (http://
wilkesregional.com/) is a licensed, accredited hospital with 130 beds, including a 10-bed skilled nursing
unit. It is another major employer in Wilkes and has
been recognized nationally for its quality of care.
The medical center has recently renovated and enlarged the Emergency Department and built The
Heart Center. Wilkes Regional is a certified Chest
Pain Center and has opened an Urgent Care Center
and a Wound Care Center. Hospitalists are available
for in-house care. Medical specialties in the community include internal medicine, gastroenterology, OB/GYN, neurology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, orthopedic and general surgery, radiology, and urology.
Wilkes Philanthropic Organizations
Wilkes County traditionally has a spirit of charitable giving and providing services for those
in need. There is a strong United Way campaign that supports numerous agencies annually. There is a chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Other philanthropic organizations include
The Health Foundation and the Wilkes Community College Endowment Corporation.
Major capital campaigns have made possible the John A. Walker Center, Wilkes Dental
Clinic, Wilkes Art Gallery, the public library, the YMCA, and the Heritage Museum to
name a few.
PAGE 12
2014 Parish Profile
History
Our Beginning
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was founded September 13, 1836, when a group of residents
from the village of Wilkesboro and the county of Wilkes met with the Right Reverend Levi
Silliman Ives, second Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. Bishop Ives had spent
much of his time in office moving his diocese westward in step with backcountry settlement. On this first visit the bishop baptized children. The small congregation agreed to
start raising money to build a church. Ten years later, with $1,030, a “carpenter gothic”
structure was raised on the top of the hill overlooking the town. The first service was held
in the new building in February, 1849, and Bishop Ives consecrated the church on July 8,
1849. Present at the consecration service were theology students of the Valle Crucis
School, who had walked 54 miles to Wilkesboro, chanting Gloria in Excelsis as they arrived
at the new church.
Our Early Days
The first Rector was the Rev. William R. Gries of
Pennsylvania, a recent student at Ives’ seminary at
Valle Crucis. The Rev. Gries not only built and
served his church, but also visited and preached to
other congregations in the area.
The second Rector, the Rev. Richard W. Barber of
Rowan County, a graduate of the Valle Crucis
School, married a local widow and began a long ministry that emphasized work in the community.
A number of capable ministers have served here since, including the Rev. Joseph D. Wilson, well known for his tireless humanitarian work during the 1918 influenza epidemic.
The Rev. John H. Griffith oversaw the rebuilding of the northern church wall, toppled during a fierce winter storm in 1928. The 24 members of the church with an annual budget of
only $400 raised $2,500 for the restoration.
Our Growth
The Rev. Frank E. McKenzie came in 1958 and retired in 1990. His ministry saw an expansion of membership and church facilities. His vision was to take St. Paul's from a
church functioning at a family level to a church operating at a program level. A muchneeded parish house was built across the street from the church, and in 1990, a new church
was built adjacent to the old. The old church became a chapel connected to the new church
by a commons area.
PAGE 13
2014 Parish Profile
The Rev. Dr. J. Kenneth Asel was the rector from 1992 until 2003. During his tenure, the
church developed and expanded programs. In addition, several significant expansions and
improvements of the buildings and grounds were undertaken. These include Coventry
Chapel, the Labyrinth, the Columbarium and the Frescoes.
The Rev. Thomas Morris arrived in 2004 and served as rector through 2008. During his
tenure, St. Paul’s gained new ministries and programs such as Centering Prayer, Natural
Spirituality, and a Dream/Journey Group and saw the continuation of Education for Ministry. Also initiated under the Rev. Morris was a Facilities Needs Assessment as part of a
long range plan.
The Rev. Scott Petersen served as rector of St. Paul’s from Easter, 2010 until June, 2012.
Although Rev. Petersen’s short tenure included some decisions and expectations conflicting
with those of some members in leadership roles and resulted in his resignation by mutual
consent, it was also a time of celebration and progress. The church celebrated its 175th anniversary in July, 2011. This included a 50-mile hike by Father Scott and parishioners in
remembrance of the walk made by theology students of the Valle Crucis School in 1849
when Bishop Ives consecrated the original church building. Other events included a significant increase in outreach with the grant of $25,000 from the Human Hurt and Hope Fund
of the Western Diocese. This allowed St. Paul’s to add a separate ministry, the Step Ahead
program, to the long-standing Crisis Assistance ministry. Also Stephen Ministry was restarted in 2012.
The Rev. John Shields began serving as Interim Rector of St. Paul’s in July, 2012. Rev.
Shields is trained in Intentional Interim Ministry and has provided leadership during the
time of transition using a two-step process of a Transition Team and a Discernment Committee. Congregational meetings gave opportunities for input using Holy Conversation and
questions regarding hopes, fears, vision for St. Paul’s and how to live it out.
The Transition Team presented to the congregation work done in the following subgroups:




History and Heritage;
Identity and Mission;
Relationships and Connections;
Leadership and Decision-Making.
Feedback from the congregational meetings and the Transition Team work were used as
the basis for the Parish Profile as we seek to build shared vision for the future of St. Paul’s
and call a new rector.
PAGE 14
2014 Parish Profile
The Clergy
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - Wilkesboro, NC
Clergy:
The Rev. William R. Gries ......................................... 1848-1851
The Rev. Richard Wainwright Barber .......................... 1851-1896
The Rev. James Stewart Matthew ................................ 1896-1897
The Rev. James A. Weston .......................................... 1897-1899
The Rev. W. W. Phelps ............................................... 1900-1901
The Rev. Theodore Andrews ....................................... 1911-1913
The Rev. Joseph D. Wilson ......................................... 1917-1920
The Rev. G. L. Hurlburt ...................................................... 1924
The Rev. John H. Griffith (based in Lenoir) ....................... 1926-1928
The Rev. Boston M. Lackey (based in Lenoir) ................... 1929-1950
The Rev. Edwin Rossmaesler ...................................... 1951-1952
The Rev. Manuel Fowler ............................................. 1953-1956
The Rev. Frank E. McKenzie ...................................... 1958-1990
The Rev. Berkley Stathers (Interim rector) ......................... 1990-1992
The Rev. J. Kenneth Asel ............................................ 1992-2003
The Rev. M. Kathryn Rackley (Assistant) ........................ 1999-2001
The Rev. Charles M. Riddle III (Interim rector)................ 2003- 2004
The Rev. Thomas R. Morris ........................................ 2004-2008
The Rev. Pamela C. Webb (Interim rector)........................ 2009-2010
The Rev. Scott Petersen ............................................... 2010-2012
The Rev. John Shields (Interim rector) .......................... 2012-present
The Rev. Dn. Susan Whittington ............................. 2013-present
Visiting or Supply Clergy from 1901-1926
The Rev. Armand DeRosett Mears
The Rev. J. N. Atkins
The Rev. Mr. McCord
The Rev. W. R. Savage
The Rev. Eugene Heald
The Rev. J. B. Sill
The Rev. Frederick Lobdell
The Rev. Edmund Joyner
The Rev. Mr. H. Cary Elwes
PAGE 15
2014 Parish Profile
Buildings & Grounds
T
he two-acre campus of St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church sits atop one of the highest hills in
Wilkesboro, overlooking the Yadkin River valley to
the north and the town of Wilkesboro and the Brushy
Mountains to the south. St. Paul’s campus symbolizes beauty, history and spirituality. It has become a
destination for a variety of
people including artists and
historians.
The original church, which
was consecrated in 1849, is
now called the chapel. It
seats 80 people and is used
for our early Sunday service,
our Wednesday evening service, and other special services. It has a traditional array of stained glass windows,
and the building is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Paul’s modern church
was completed in 1990. It is
a contemporary structure
with striking stained glass behind and on both sides of the altar. Wooden rafters provide a natural look, and beautiful hanging lanterns illuminate the church.
Seating for 260 surrounds the altar on three sides. The railed altar
in the center of the worship space is the focal point.
The chapel and the modern church are connected by a commons
area, which is a gathering place before and after services. Natural
wood, glass, and brick provide a bridge between the old and the
new. Frescoes depicting the life of St. Paul were completed in
2002 by renowned fresco artist Ben Long. The commons and the
chapel are open to the public daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and
there is an audio program about the frescoes available for visitors
to enjoy.
PAGE 16
2014 Parish Profile
At the west end of the church campus is Coventry
Chapel, a consecrated outdoor facility inspired by the
ruins of St. Michael’s
Cathedral in Coventry,
England. It has a brick
perimeter that holds a
Columbarium.
The
floor of Coventry Chapel is cobbled brick,
which includes a fullsize labyrinth that is a
replica of the one in the cathedral in Chartres, France. Coventry Chapel and the labyrinth
were completed in 2000. The outdoor setting provides a naturally beautiful place for services such as Compline, funerals and weddings as well as a place for quiet reflection, meditation, or walking. St. Paul's has a member trained
and certified as a labyrinth facilitator.
St. Paul’s Parish House is just across the street in
front of the chapel. The top floor is a large open area
for gatherings with a kitchen on one side. The downstairs area houses classrooms with a fenced children’s
playground outside. St. Paul’s church offices are located in a white frame house, and a cemetery occupies
the grounds around the facilities.
PAGE 17
2014 Parish Profile
Church Organization & Leadership
Vestry
The members of the Vestry of St. Paul’s consider their work a ministry. Twelve elected
members meet monthly on a schedule determined by the Rector. The members serve three
year terms with four rotating off and four new members elected annually. The Rector leads
the meetings where the members are given opportunities to discuss matters from other
Church committees along with any and all Church business. Any member of the Church
may attend meetings of the Vestry unless personnel issues are discussed.
The Senior Warden assists the Rector, and the Junior Warden works with Building and
Grounds. Other Vestry members act as liaisons to various church committees. The Clerk
of the Vestry and the Treasurer are ex officio members of the Vestry.
Staff
The church staff is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the church and its programs.
Clergy currently serving are the interim rector, the Rev. John Shields, and the Rev. Dn. Susan Whittington. Full time positions are the Christian Education Coordinator, Cindy Hartley, and the Administrative Assistant, Lynne Sturdivant, whose responsibilities also include
keeping the financial records. Part time employees are the choir director, Carla Bowers, the
organist, Ramona Curtis, and the sexton, Roosevelt Carlton.
Sunday Servants
St. Paul’s is blessed with a large group of members who actively participate in Sunday services. Lay readers, chalice bearers, lectors, oblation bearers, readers of the Prayers of the
People, ushers, greeters, and communion bread bakers are scheduled on a monthly basis.
Their schedules along with those of the Altar Guild, acolytes, nursery workers, and parish
house hosts are printed in The Epistle, St. Paul’s monthly newsletter. The Sunday Servants’
Ministries are coordinated by a volunteer. Training for these positions is provided by the
Rector and other qualified members of the congregation.
Communication
St. Paul’s seeks to communicate well with members via a weekly email St. Paul’s Cares,
The Epistle, and information on our website (http://www. stpaulwilkesboro.org). Paper
copies of The Epistle are mailed to members who do not have email.
PAGE 18
2014 Parish Profile
Stewardship & Finances
S
t. Paul’s takes our commitment to financial well-being seriously. The operation and
maintenance of our facilities, employment of professionals, and support of the causes to
which we commit our financial resources require careful fiscal management.
Listed below are our Total Pledge Income (TPI), Total Income (TI), and Total Expenses
(TE) over the last five years.
Year
TPI
TI
TE
2009
$340,173
$377,435
$375,615
2010
$301,036
$357,322
$332,769
2011
$326,987
$373,948
$330,350
2012
$318,334
$357,035
$401,781*
2013
$280,173
$344,131
$375,983*
The rector’s salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The salary range
starts at $70,000 plus pension and insurance.
*Expenses include the previous rector’s severance and the interim rector’s salary package.
PAGE 19
2014 Parish Profile
The Diocese of Western North Carolina
“Walk in the way, widen the walls, wake up the world.”
S
t. Paul’s Wilkesboro is in the Diocese of Western North Carolina (http://
www.diocesewnc.org), which is comprised of over 15,000 members in the 28 westernmost counties in North Carolina. The Diocese consists of 65 year-round congregations, 4
summer chapels, 2 conference centers (Lake Logan Episcopal Center and Valle Crucis), Deerfied Retirement Community, and Christ
School. The Diocese offers many opportunities for involvement
from both clergy and lay people. Young and old alike enjoy Lake
Logan and Valle Crucis with their pristine beauty and outdoor activities, and both can be used for retreats. Camp Henry, our diocesan camp, is held each summer at Lake Logan. In addition we are
blessed with Kanuga Conference Center, which serves many local,
regional, and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our
cathedral is the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville near Biltmore
Village. Our bishop is the Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor whose office is
located at 900 CentrePark Drive in Asheville.
Relationship with the Diocese
Our parish participates in Acolyte Festivals at Kanuga as well as
the annual festival at the National Cathedral. We have our parish
retreats at Valle Crucis each year, and we encourage our parishioners to support and use the other facilities and activities that the Diocese offers. Several parish members serve on diocesan boards. St.
Paul’s has been consistent in support of the Diocese financially and
was a major donor to the Thomas Merton Hermitage and landscaping at Valle Crucis in honor of former rector The Rev. Frank
and Martha McKenzie.
PAGE 20
2014 Parish Profile
Rector Profile
W
PAGE 21
e envision a rector who:

Shares our key organizational values of openness and
inclusiveness;

Has thought-provoking, inspiring sermons and can relate
insight from the Bible to our lives;

Is a competent administrator experienced in and comfortable with using a facilitative leadership style;

Will care for our people and their needs through prayer
and pastoral care;

Is a good worship leader in a parish that enjoys a wonderful music tradition and varieties of liturgies and services;

Is an effective communicator in written and verbal form;

Is open to walking with us on our journeys, exploring
avenues for spiritual growth, respecting our differences;

Provides leadership in developing age-appropriate
Christian education programs and learning opportunities;

Values outreach and community service as ways to live
out our mission;

Will be an active participant in diocesan affairs and keep
the parish informed concerning issues at the diocesan and
national church levels.
2014 Parish Profile
How to Apply
T
o apply, please send to the Rev. Canon Jim Pritchett
(by email only at [email protected]):
1. A letter of interest addressed to the Discernment Committee
2. Your resume
3. A copy of your OTM Portfolio
You should hear from Canon Pritchett in a week or so. If you do not, please follow
up with a phone call at 828-450-7500.
PAGE 22
2014 Parish Profile