Dear St. Paul’s family,
Today I have the pleasure of highlighting the young adult ministry of St. Paul’s, comprised of our Gen Z and Millennial congregants. I want to start by thanking all those who participate in this and the wider congregation. The S.P.Y. Club ministry (St. Paul’s Youth Sunday school program) is led by young adults in coordination with Family Ministry Kate Gould, we have two young adults on Chapter, and others participating in things like Altar Guild, the AV ministry, leadership of Stewardship, and previously leading Formation, among other aspects of our common life.
As anyone who is or was a young adult knows, there are a lot of ways to spend our time and a lot of pressures. Some of us are deeply committed to our careers, others are starting or trying to start families, or simply trying to afford life in our beautiful but very expensive corner of the world. The list of priorities goes on, of course. What this means is that young adult ministry can be difficult even for those most dedicated to its success. It goes through fits-and-starts in nearly every congregation over the course of time. The fact that we have this many younger people participating in congregational life is a huge blessing. It also makes us an outlier among Episcopal churches. Good job St. Paul’s!
Initially in my time here, this ministry was purely social, those involved would try to meet once a week for dinner or fellowship at various venues across the city. That still happens occasionally, with a brunch or a holiday party, but the group shifted a little over a year ago, and interest grew in incorporating a young adult Bible study. This became an incorporation of a ministry I had been doing since coming to the diocese via St. Andrew’s, Encinitas. I am deeply blessed that now St. Paul’s has regular attendance of 4-10 of us to this Bible Study, which takes place first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 pm in the offices (barring when there are services, like Tenebrae, or the like). This means the next time we meet is on May 7th.
In the past, when I haven’t been able to lead Bible Study, we have simply cancelled for the evening, but I’m grateful to announce a co-leader and friend who is willing to step in for me when absent. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Brad! Originally from Buffalo, NY, Brad Muldrow moved to California in 2011 to attend the University of San Diego, School of Law. He now serves as a staff attorney for a professional association for mental health providers. Brad has participated in the Young Adult Bible Study since 2019. Thank you so much, Brad, for being willing to lead when I can’t!
If you know a young adult looking for community, don’t be afraid to introduce us!
In hope and joy,
The Reverend Canon Richard Hogue
Those of us in Eucharistic Munistrt are so pleased there is interest in joining our team. Please let Richard know if this very special outreach appeals to you-bringing the cathedral to the community.
Training starts this summer!
Those of us in Eucharistic Ministry are so pleased there is interest in joining our team. Please let Richard know if this very special outreach appeals to you-bringing the cathedral to the community.
Training starts this summer!
l601il