Annual Meeting
& Chapter Election

Click Here for Dean Penny’s Remarks on the meeting 

Click Here for the Annual Report

We had an efficient and upbeat annual meeting Sunday (1.23.22) on Zoom. The Dean’s address included a flythrough video of the proposed Masterplan and a look at the plans for outreach and music centers.  You can view the entire meeting in the video to your right or on our YouTube channel.  

Check out Susan Forsburg’s (our resident photographer) year in review on Flickr. CLICK HERE

Here are the highlights:

  • Elected to Chapter: Tonya Chavis, Stacey Klaman, Russ Okihara, and Jim Wright
  • Appointed Dean’s Warden: Justin Lewis
  • Elected People’s Warden: Darien DeLorenzo
  • Awarded the Robinson Cross: Claudia Dixon and Mike Thornburgh
  • Blessings and gratitude for those retiring from Chapter: Dean’s Warden Donna Perdue, Jairus Kleinert, Bob Knight, and Margret Hernandez
Join Annual Meeting on Zoom

CLICK HERE

View Agenda & Annual Report (Click Here)

On January 22, 2023 at 11:45 am, St. Paul’s Cathedral will hold its Annual Parish Meeting in the Great Hall and on Zoom.  All are welcome to attend. If you are eligible to vote in the Chapter election you will receive a packet in the mail in early January, containing nominee information and a ballot. Please complete and return the ballot by mail before January 16. If you believe you are eligible, but you have not received a packet by January 9, please contact the office. Check below for eligibility criteria. 

Our resident photographer Susan Forsburg takes amazing photos for us throughout the year (year after year). Check out 2022’s highlights at our Flickr account (Click Here). 

Thank you Susan!

Voting Eligibility

If you can answer “Yes” to all of the following, you are eligible to vote in this election.

  • Age 16 or older; and
  • Has been baptized with water and in the name of the Trinity; and
  • made a pledge to St. Paul’s general fund on or before June 26, 2022 (ie 210 days before the annual meeting);
  • and has made a good faith effort to make regular payments on the pledge; and
  • has made a pledge for 2023; and
  • you have received Communion at least 3 times since January 2022, or would have received Communion regularly if not prevented by the pandemic.

Annual Budget

On Sunday January 16, 2022 our finance team presented the annual budget at the 9 am forum.  If you didn’t have a chance watch or want to review something they discussed you review it here or on Youtube. 

2023 Chapter Candidates

* Please note that although some candidates have been nominated by third parties, this, however, is not a requirement. 

Watch the “Meet the candidate” forum from January 8, 2023 to hear first hand from our candidates: 

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral. In what ways does the nominee practice his personal ministry?
    David has been attending the cathedral, usually the 8:00 service, for several years, including during the pandemic, attending via Zoom and live-streaming. As Showers of Blessings are returning, he is also returning to help with that ministry. Prior to the pandemic he was part of the health and well-being services provided for the unsheltered at the Episcopal Church Center for the Maundy Thursday foot washing, where he was in charge of the actual foot washing component. He has written 5 icons under the tutelage of Kara Nelson. I have known David since the 1990’s when we both sang in the choir at All Souls’, Point Loma.
  2. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ, Service Others, Welcome All”?
    David expresses his commitment to Christ, the cathedral, and the world, through his regular worship and generosity in giving, and through participation in the ministries of Showers of Blessings and the Diocesan foot washing.
  3. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to Chapter?
    Before retirement, David had a career as a Physician’s Assistant. He took a leadership role in the diocesan foot washing.
  4. Why would the nominee make a good Chapter member?
    David has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Cathedral and its ministry through Sunday worship, pledging, contributing to special projects, and volunteering with Showers of Blessings. His life is grounded in daily spiritual disciplines.
  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?

    I came to St. Paul’s looking for a home church where my family and I could grow in faith. I stayed because I saw how inclusive it is. Faith and community are very important to me. When I speak of community, not only am I talking about the church community but also the community where I live, and work. 

  2. And the parishioners have always been welcoming toward me and I sense the genuineness of the welcome not only toward me but to all others who enter. Paul’s is a very special place.
  3. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how? I attend Forum either in person or zoom currently. I have in the past volunteered for the Showers of Blessings and am looking forward to rejoining that ministry now that it has resumed. Besides Sunday Eucharist, I also attend Evensong.
  4. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why? So many to choose from in which I would have an interest but the one which stands out is the Outreach & Justice. I want to share my faith whether it is by words or by action.  As St. Francis says: “Preach the Gospel and when necessary use words.”  Paul’s has much to offer a broken world.
  5. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)? I enjoy people. I enjoy listening to their stories. I enjoy helping people when I can. I enjoy giving.  I have a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Nebraska as a physician assistant. I served 20 years in the United States Navy first as an enlisted medical corpsman and then upon completion of a two year training program as a physician assistant retiring as Chief Warrant Office 3.  Then I worked for 23 years at Kaiser Permanente in the Primary Care Department, patient care.  When I first entered this career my goal was to fix and as time went by and I became older, I learned to be present to that person sitting across the desk from me.  I had the skills and training to heal a sore or wound but I also learned that I could also be an instrument in the healing of the whole person when I placed myself aside and really listened.  I hope that makes some sense.
  6. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter? Well, my name was put up by someone unknown person. I never would have thought I was qualified to be a member as I had never been on a vestry or Chapter in the past.  So, when this happened I began a discernment wondering what I had to offer and that is what is listed above.  I want to be a part of the continuation of St. Paul’s mission to be inclusive, to welcome all people and support them in their life’s journey.  I believe that where ever I find myself at St. Paul’s I can continue this great work with my fellow parishioners.  Thank-you.

Elected to Chapter:

Lucero Cuarezma-Samano

  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?

    I came to St. Paul’s looking for a home church where my family and I could grow in faith. I stayed because I saw how inclusive it is. Faith and community are very important to me. When I speak of community, not only am I talking about the church community but also the community where I live, and work. 

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?

    I am currently an active member of the Family Ministry which I absolutely love. One of the first major events that I have participated in was the Trunk or Treat. I enjoyed being in charge of the snack booth and are definitely looking forward to next year’s event. 

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?

    I would love to be part of Outreach and Justice. With the church being so passionate about climate change and injustices in the underserved communities I believe I bring in first hand experiences to the church. Living in the community of Mountain View in Southeastern San Diego I have seen how acts of kindness can improve a person’s life. I believe that everyone has the moral responsibility to help in any ways necessary to improve the lives of those who have been most impacted by racial injustices, climate change, education gaps, and poverty. I recently joined the Mountain View Council as the Recording Secretary. I’m really passionate about social justice and being able to serve my community with faith at the forefront.

  4. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?

    As a first generation immigrant in this country I feel that my experiences would enhance the minds of those who have never experienced what Joseph and Mary had to go through when they immigrated to give Jesus the best and safest life they could. They had to hide and live in fear just like my family did. But with faith we were able to persevere and we feel blessed and thankful for that. 

    Working in the medical field I have learned to not only be kind and patient, but also to be empathetic to the persons around me. We don’t know what people are going through and to just be there to give a hand or ear to listen is the most magical thing you can do for a fellow human.

  5. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?           

    I feel that God has given me this opportunity because they know that I have in me the spiritual desire to serve and guide those around me.

What are you most excited about when you think of St. Paul’s in 2023 and beyond?
I’m exited to watch the congregation grow more diverse. I believe that the world of the lord is of different shades of colors and would love see all of this in our church.
   
What one project of ministry or initiative, either existing or potential, would most powerfully reflect our mission statement to Love Christ, Serve Others, and Welcome All?
I believe that there is a lot work to be done in our city in regards to equality. We as a congregation have the opportunity reach communities that continue to be underserved. I would like to walk those streets alongside my brothers and sister from this congregation and make some positive changes.
 
What is one spiritual routine or discipline that feeds your soul?
I find mindfulness to be very helpful to me, it helps me stay grounded during my busy week.
 
Where have you experienced God in action in your life over the last few years?
I have experienced God in the most important days of my life. This week I received a letter with an appointment to take my Naturalization test. This kind of news show me how God is always by my side. 

Candidate Withdrew

Please do not vote for Jacqualine, this candidate has withdrawn from the election. 

Jacqualine Dyess

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?

    Jacqualine has been involved with the Family Ministry and youth formation since becoming a member of  St. Paul’s about a year and a half ago. She supports Maya, the Family Minister, with the planning and execution of events for youth and Kid’s Crew children. More recently, she has joined the Simpler Living committee. She and her daughter helped with a city wide Ocean Cleanup and she hopes to be able to help plan other events with this ministry in the new year. 

  2. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.”?

    Jacqualine has only been a member of St. Paul’s for the last 18 months, yet she has already become involved with the ministries where she would like to make a significant impact. She tries to be another friendly face in the “pray ground” each Sunday so that newcomer parents can feel welcome in that space and perhaps return for more worship and other events organized by the Family Ministry.

  3. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?

    Jacqualine’s educational background and prior career in university settings have given her vast experience working with and among diverse groups of people and on various committees. She is an effective communicator and mediator whether in small or larger groups and also has experience with planning events and teaching/mentoring youth and adults.

  4. Why would the nominee would make a good Chapter member?

    Jacqualine is a responsible, dedicated individual that would diligently apply herself to the task of Chapter member. She is curious and as a relative newcomer might be able to bring some fresh perspective to the committee meetings. She would also be able to act as liaison between the ministries she is currently serving on and the rest of the Chapter members.

  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?
    I first came to St. Paul’s during the Christmas season of 2019 and I was so happy to participate in the holiday Eucharist with my family, but it was not until after the pandemic in 2021 when I decided to come to St. Paul’s every week and eventually become a member of the church. I had been confirmed as an Episcopalian many years earlier with another congregation here in San Diego, but it was my deep desire that my daughter be baptized and grow in her faith that initially brought me back to church. I continued attending because my daughter and I felt so welcomed by many in the congregation, in particular the Family Minister Maya. Things just naturally progressed to where almost immediately we were attending each Sunday and going to various events as well as Kids Crew every week.

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?
    Since I began attending with my school age daughter, I immediately became involved with the Family Ministry as she and I began to explore our faith. She was baptized at St. Paul’s about a year ago and I have continued my support of the Family Ministry program as I love helping our Family Minister, Maya, and the children of this community. I have helped with the planning and execution of various events such as the annual Trunk or Treat, a pizza making party, and an intergenerational Eucharist/ bread baking event. More recently I have become involved with the Simpler Living committee and I am planning to help with the coordination of events in the coming year.

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?
    I would most want to be a Chapter Liaison for the ministries in which I am already active, such as Simpler Living and Family Ministry, however, if I were restricted to the above list, I would want to help with Music and Arts.

  4. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?
    I believe I am both a very effective communicator and mediator in committee settings. I gained much of this experience while I was in graduate school pursuing my PhD in Italian Literature and Language and as a faculty member in three different educational settings. In my fifteen years as a college instructor, I worked on both campus wide and departmental committees very frequently to improve conditions for both the faculty and students of these institutions. My years of teaching have also made me quite comfortable leading discussions and presenting information or training to diverse groups of people. These are qualities which I believe would be put to good use in Chapter meetings and in the various ministries the Chapter members support.

  5. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?
    I would like to deepen my connection to the wonderful community I have had the pleasure of getting to know over the past year and a half. If some of my individual qualities can help as St. Paul’s Cathedral makes important decisions affecting the future of the Church’s mission, then I want to make myself available to do so. I know that I will learn a great deal and grow in my faith from this experience of service.

Susan (Sue) Kelly

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?
    Member for over 60 years: presently in Choir and Schola:, regular at Morning Prayer: 3rd year EfM student, Kneelers Committee, monthly Foyer Group for well over 25 years, and occasional attendee of Women Togerher.
  1. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.”?
    During the years I have attended at St Paul’s, it and I have continued to grow in understanding and support of our church and ommunity and all those who are in it.

    Personally, I have served as a Vestry Associate, as a Vestry and Chapter member, been a delegate to our Diocesan Convention, taught Sunday school, led the Youth Group, worked in the Thrift Shop, and served a term as Vice President and President of the Women of St Paul’s, and been a volunteer driver for the Manor. I have gone on missions to serve Navajoland (light construction) and Haiti (Rx dispensing on Medical Mission) . I have been to, sponsored,  and worked  Cursillo,  and “grouped” weekly for 30+ years. I have served on a Search Committee and Discernment for Ministry.

  1. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?
    I was self-employed in a variety of areas (handyman, elder and child care,light financial management,etc) since college  after finding biological research did not suit me.   I also spent ten years ordering for a local clothing manufacturer.
  1. Why would the nominee would make a good Chapter member?
    I can bring historical perspective and common sense. I have a strong interest in seeing and creating the next phase of our mission to be, and bring, Christ in to the world.
  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?

    My family came to St. Paul’s in the mid-1950s, as a good transition for growth for all of us from our previous denomination. I found St. Paul’s continued to meet my spiritual needs most of my life and remained a source of knowledge and support during times of personal and social change.

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?

    I am now an active choir member and am in my third year of EFM.  I am a regular zoom attendee of morning prayer most weekdays, and am a 20+ year member of a foyer group meeting once a month, and try to attend Women Together.

    (In the past, I have been a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, member of Vestry and Chapter, and am a past president of the Women of St. Paul’s, and I have gone on missions to Haiti.)

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)?  Why?

    Music and Arts would be my first choice because of my active choir membership and work on the Kneeler Project.

  4. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?

  5. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?

    I think my historical perspective and willingness to look for fresh and innovative solutions would be an attribute to the work of the Chapter.

Allen Mutchler

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?

    I began attending St. Paul’s Cathedral in 2017 at the baptism of my daughter.  I officially joined the church the following Easter.  I try to attend regularly, but sometimes get pulled away by family obligations.   My faith is very personal to me, and I often to solace with personal pray and in recognition of how God has watched over me and has time and time again shown his love for me.    As my daughter brought me back into faith, a lot of my personal ministry is to her by teaching her to love Christ and know that God loves her.  I also try to live my life in a way to reflects God’s love for me through my actions and through caring for others.

  2. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.”? 

    My love for Christ has been bumpy in the past to say the least, but I have found that while in the past I have walked away from Him, He has always stayed and loved me.  Through this I try to show his love to others, I am open to others about my relationship with God and am always willing to tell my story.  

    I work in a service model, by working in higher education, I serve the needs of my students in everything that I do.  I help them whenever possible to achieve their goals and to show them that no matter what I support them as individuals.   I also donate to causes that support the love of others and Christ.

    Welcoming all, especially in a church setting, is very important to me.  As a gay father, the welcoming of St. Paul’s helped bring me back to Christ.  There are may aspects in life that I do not understand.  Cultural differences as well as different personalities and beliefs, but I have come to realize that I do not need to understand something to respect the person and their belief system.  We are all children of God, no matter what, and it is the relationship that brings us together as a world.

  3. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?

    I believe that my understanding of the business world, what it takes for an organization to be successful as well as my customer service skills will be useful to the Chapter.   I am a very logical person and use logic in making decisions.  I think that my ability to separate my emotions and look at decisions from a logical perspective would be helpful in this leadership role.  

    In addition, I hold a Master of Business Administration as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.  I think that these skills could be used in the Cathedral as a Chapter member.  I have also worked in a records management capacity as Registrar at a College or in the Registrar’s Office since 2007.  The ability to find and recognize trends in data will also be a skill set that will be valuable in reviewing concerns that the Cathedral has.

  4. Why would the nominee make a good Chapter member?

    I believe that I would make a good Chapter Member, because of my ability to listen to others, take in their concerns, analyze the data and make decisions based of evidence.  My love for Christ will help guide me and will help me to continue to serve him through working with the Chapter at St. Paul’s Cathedral.  

  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?

    What brought me to St. Paul’s starting in 1998, I was engaged to get married, and that engagement ended for reasons, other than my sexuality.  At this time, I was in college and was planning to go to seminary to become a Southern Baptist Preacher after I finished my undergraduate degree.  After my relationship ended, I know I was attracted to men, and I decided to go on a real date with a guy for the first time.  On my way home that night, it was the first time that I could admit to myself that I was gay.

    This realization brought my world crumbling down around me.  I know that if I was going to be my authentic self, I could not be a minister in the Southern Baptist Church.  At that time, I didn’t know there was such a thing as an affirming church.   Instead of looking for a church that would accept me, I did the opposite and I turned my back on God.  For the next 19 years, I spent my life looking for faith.  For years I considered myself either desist or a pagan, even joining a gay pagan group for several years.

    At the beginning of 2016 my partner, now husband, found out that we were going to be fathers.   In August 2016 we welcomed Micaela into our lives.  My husband was raised Catholic and wanted our daughter to be baptized.  I was not in favor of this but decided to not pick a fight over it, so I went along.   He found St. Paul’s as a church that would baptize our daughter. I remember, when meeting with the church prior to her baptism, thinking this was only going to be one day in my life, and then I could get back to normal and wouldn’t have to go to church again.   I also, remember thinking that even though St. Paul’s was open to baptizing our child, they were probably just as judgmental as the church I grew up in regarding gay people.

    That Sunday, my life changed again.  The welcome embrace we got from the Cathedral showed my God’s love again.  I remember telling my husband during that service that I wanted to come back and start attending St. Paul’s, and that is what we did.  A few months later, Jeff gave a sermon that showed me that even though almost 20 years ago, I had walked away from Christ, he never walked away from me.  That next Easter, I wasconfirmed into the church, and have been attending ever since.  I realized that Christ had used my daughter to bring me back to him through St. Paul’s.  The welcoming, loving environment of the Church is why I joined the cathedral and why I will continue to serve him through St. Paul’s in any manor He choices.

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?
    I am involved in the Children’s Ministry by having my daughter attend events, in addition, I have participated in Trunk or Treat for the last three years.   In addition, prior to COVID I was involved in the LGBTQIA+ ministry and would like to help get that ministry back up and going.  I also participate in marching with St. Paul’s in the Pride Parade this year.  I believe that St. Paul’s is in a unique position to serve the LGBTQIA+ community in San Diego.  As a chapter member, one of my goals would be to help expand this ministry and to expand this ministry.  As a liberal Christian, I believe that it is the job of excepting churches to do more to show the LGBTQIA+ community that God loves them, as they are, and Christ died for all, not just those that fit into the box that most evangelical churches have created.
  1. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?
    My personal life has brought me to a point where I feel I would be most useful working with Outreach & Justice.  I believe that the “Church” has moved away from true outreach & justice and has moved to more of a condemning and judgmental entity.  In working with Outreach & Justice, I feel that I could be a small piece in helping correct this and help the world realize that God is a God of love, not a god of hate.  Working for justice for immigrants, the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underserved communities is how I hope to continue to show how God loves me to others.

    In addition, growing up in an evangelical church, I understand the importance of outreach, and not the outreach of except Christ or go the hell, but the outreach of, God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you through Christ.  Showing others that Christianity is not about escaping hell, but it is about building a relationship with a loving heavenly father who wants to love you and wants to be a part of all of our lives.
  1. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?
    I will bring over two decades of leadership to the Chapter, including customer service, and a belief that we are all on this earth to serve others through Christ.  I have held leadership positions in both retail and higher education.  In addition, I know what it is like to walk away from the church and to find that beacon, which to me was St. Paul’s, that leads you back into a loving relationship with Christ.

    From an educational viewpoint, I have a firm understanding of both education and business.  I have a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology, as well as a Master of Business Administration.  I have also completed all the course requirements of a Doctorate in Education, Higher Education Leadership, but dropped out during the dissertation process, but the amount of time, it was taking away from me being able to raise my daughter.

    To me, family is the most important part of my life, and that includes all the members of my St. Paul’s family, and my whole family in Christ.

  2. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?

    Honestly, I had not thought about taking more of a leadership role at St. Paul’s until I got the call telling me that I was nominated to run for Chapter Member.  I have thought several times about how I could give back to St. Paul’s for what it has done for me and my family, and how I could get move involved with the church.   When I got the call, I said this is one way for me to give back.  I believe that God wants me to use the abilities that he has given me over the years in this capacity, to help St. Paul’s grow and reach more people, especially younger people and people that the church has left behind.  Serving on Chapter will give me a voice in the Church that I love and will help me show others that Christ welcomes you, no matter who you are.  Being a gay father, serving a chapter will help me understand more the church that my daughter is growing up in.

Roberta Price

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?

    I primarily am involved in Cathedral activity through Sunday service. Because we live in East County, I do not regularly attend Cathedral activities outside Sunday service, but I do attend occasional events.

    I practice ministry with local volunteer work at my neighborhood food bank, and through stewardship of Creation. I actively work to promote positive environmental impacts through personal action.

  1. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.”?

    I love Christ through my personal relationship, and I try to incorporate His instruction in my behavior to others. I try to welcome relationships with other people, on a casual or extended basis, by recognizing the divinity in them. It is continuing work, and I often do not meet my own standards, but I continue. I serve others through my weekly attendance at the local food bank, contributions to the food bank from my work with my mother’s resale shop, and similar work to optimize connecting people with too much and people who can use the surplus. I work to welcome all in all my relationships with people, but especially in my work as a substitute teacher. Meeting students and encouraging relationships with them and between them is one of the best parts of my job.

  2. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?

    Professionally, I was trained as a librarian, and that training helps me to make connections between disparate groups and needs. I hope that ability especially could be useful to Chapter. I am a good listener, and think deeply about questions before suggesting an answer (sometimes to the consternation of my family). Thinking deeply about questions often brings me answers that are unusual, but they are often beneficially innovative. 

  1. Why would the nominee make a good Chapter member?

    I hope my varied experiences would help bring perspective to Chapter, and I hope my thoughtful listening will help uncover solutions to questions that otherwise might be overlooked.

  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?
    Our family originally came to St. Paul’s for a celebration of St. George’s Day. After attending that service several years, and losing comfort from the church our children grew up in, we started attending St. Paul’s regularly. I love the inclusion of all people at St. Paul’s, and the effort made by the clergy to represent a variety of different identity groups into the service. I love holiday services that are bilingual, to make all members of the congregation welcome and participatory. I love the emphasis on the love of Christ, and the ongoing reminders that His words are our guiding principles, not tradition. But I return to St. Paul’s over and over because I feel welcome as I am, and I do not need to hide parts of myself in order to me a member of the body here.

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?
    I primarily attend only Sunday services. I had been a member of the Simpler Living Committee, but I have stepped away from that since my responsibilities as a substitute teacher increased during Covid, and I have not yet returned to that ministry. I hope to in the future, but I am still trying to keep life balanced and simple at home. I also participate annually in Ashes To Go.

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?
    I would most like to participate in Outreach and Justice. I am moved by the gap between the overabundance experienced by so many people, and the deprivation experienced by so many more. I would like to work through the Cathedral to meet some of the needs of our city.
  1. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?
    My education as a librarian helps me to make connections between disparate concepts. I am good at finding resources for distributing donations, for example.

  2. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?
    I love the work of St. Paul’s and I want to help the Cathedral continue to serve our community, through outreach and through internal growth. The Cathedral has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to examine itself for areas that need correction and areas that need growth. Work that is difficult, such as Sacred Ground, is faced directly. Inclusion of all members of our community, including children, is demonstrated in the development of the Pray Ground and other activities.

    My previous church was in decline when I left. They were unable to find enough people to serve on the Boards of Deacons and Elders, and they were unable to meet the needs of all members of their immediate community as a result. I wish to serve on Chapter because I have seen the effects of diminishing participation, and I want to be a part of St. Paul’s continuing growth.

Blair Shamel

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?
    Blair attends most services, is a Lay Reader, participates in the St. Paul Players group, is friendly to all. Plus, he brings Mia to church! In his life separate from St. Paul’s, Blair has actively worked with diocesan priorities such as The Bishop’s School, Camp Stevens, RefugeeNet. From Day 1 at The Cathedral, he has tried to integrate into the broad church community.  While he is a suburban, white cis straight male, he has become friends with many in the broad, wonderful mélange that is St. Paul’s.  He is not afraid to ask questions of others, learn about and help others.
  2. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.
    Blair’s philosophy is to try to run his life according to what Christ would have us do.  That does not always align with all dogmatic, often historically biased tenets if the broad Christian tradition.  He spends a great deal of his time helping others.  He spent 5 years caring for an aged, retired priest and his wife.  He has mentored several young people (including a few at St. Paul’s) on educational and career decisions.  He volunteers with RefugeeNet, helping to connect them to resources for professional development and for sending kids to Camp.  In his professional life, he helps companies bring new products to cancer patients.  He also works with men who have been diagnosed with prostate and other cancers to help them understand diagnosis, care, and treatment decisions. (pro bono).
  3. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?
    Blair has been a vestry member at least 4 times, at 2 different Episcopal Churches over the past 40 years. He was a member of the Board of Trustees The Bishop School for 6 years and Camp Stevens for at least 10.  He co-led the search for a new Executive Director at the Camp resulting in the hiring of Beth Bojarsky. He has served on multiple diocesan committees. These experiences have helped him understand how to oversee the management of church-based non-profit organizations.
  4. Why would the nominee make a good Chapter member?
    Blair would bring a new, creative, objective, yet informed view of the church.   His experience as a businessman, 45+ -year Episcopalian, father of an Episcopal priest/theologian, a vestry person or leader in several parishes and in church-based non-profits will inform his decisions and input.
  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay? I had come to St. Paul’s several times over the years for special occasions.  E.g. the ordination of my son, Andy to the diaconate and then to priest, the consecration of bishops, baptisms, meetings, etc.  I knew and appreciated the music program.  Cindy and I had previously been very active members of Trinity E.C. in Escondido. We lived in Poway at the time.  We then relocated to Scripps Ranch.  Neither of us wanted to continue traveling to Escondido. My wife wanted another small, neighborhood style church. For at least f few years I wanted a large church with great music great clergy and that did not have need of my leadership. She found St. Timothy’s in Rancho Peñasquitos. I found everything I wanted and more at St. Paul’s and plan to stay!  Oh, and they let me bring my dog Mia to church.  That is very special to me!

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?
    I have worked closely with Katherine Bom at St. Luke’s and with Jen Jow at St. Paul’s. My primary work has been to be the buyer for clothes and equipment fort refugee children who are going to swim camp and/or to Camp Stevens. I have also helped provide support for their educational program, as have others at St. Paul’s.  I attend as many events as possible (living 30 minutes away can make this a challenge!) I also am a regular member of the Trinity Players cast.  I participate in many of their “radio plays”. It has been a bit difficult to plug-in to many of the programs at St. Paul’s because of my location 30 minutes away.

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?
    I am most drawn to outreach and justice. I have worked with the Boy Scouts, Camp Stevens and with Refugee Net for many years.  I am passionate about supporting/ helping the underserved around us.

  4. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?
    In my “prior life” at Trinity, I was a member of their vestry 4 times and Senior Warden twice.  I led the process that brought The Rev. Meg Decker to the church when it was in great peril. I also led the Community Outreach/Marketing efforts and served as church photographer.I also served 6 years on the Board of The Bishop School, over 10 years on the Board of Advisors for Camp Stevens, co-chaired the Executive Director Search committee when Canon Peter Bergstrom retired, and participated on various Diocesan Committees under Bishops Hughes and Mathes. I am a medical scientist by training and have worked in the marketing and senior management end of the biotech industry for many years. I am good at understanding and translating to others difficult scientific and medical topics. I am also good at making tough but honest decisions about business issues such as strategy, budgets and personnel.

  5. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?
    I have been told I am a good leader. I know how to use my experience across many fields to help solve problems. Unfortunately, at Trinity I was called into leadership even when I was no longer in a leadership role. Trinity also lost focus on how to position themselves to best serve the community. Honestly, I burned out. I needed a new environment and a few years off from active roles in leadership.  In my 3+ years at St. Paul’s I have found an excellent community of like-minded people who are moving forward with vision. I want to be part of setting that vision and seeing it through.  It is time to jump back in if I am needed.

Paul Teyssier

  1. Please describe the nominee’s involvement with and affinity for the Cathedral? In what other ways does the nominee practice his/her personal ministry?

    I do not recall the date, but I began attending regularly about a week before Scott Richardson became Dean. I have been a lecturer at Sunday Eucharist since a few years after that. I also am connected to the community in knowing many of the other attendees at the 10:30 Sunday Eucharist. I got to know many of the clergy who celebrated the weekday noon Eucharist by attending often years ago.

  1. How does this person live out the Cathedral’s mission to “Love Christ. Serve Others.  Welcome All.”?

    I participate at the Eucharist and other activities at the Cathedral, I allow myself to be influenced by the example of the extraordinary people who attend here, and I do my best to apply in my everyday life what I have absorbed, consciously and unconsciously.

  2. What professional and personal skills would the nominee contribute to the Chapter?

    As a lawyer for many years, I have worked to develop skills in oral and written communication, solving problems, and reaching consensus. 

  1. Why would the nominee make a good Chapter member?

    I love the Cathedral and the people here and I want to work with others to make what the Cathedral can offer to the widest and most diverse communities. Thank you for considering my application.

  1. What brought you to St. Paul’s Cathedral and why did you stay?
    I had wanted to unify my earliest experience of religion in the Roman Catholic Church with my meditation practice of many years. After many years away from Christianity, when I was finally ready to try returning, I attended various Catholic parishes, then attended a conservative Episcopal parish, and finally came to St. Paul’s. I stayed because of the extraordinary people here, the ritual and music, and because I found here a way to unify my experience in various religious and meditation-based traditions, and love the open-mindedness and open-heartedness that find here in abundance. I love the diversity of the parishioners. St. Paul’s is “how I always wanted church to be.”

  2. With what activities or ministries have you been involved and how?
    I am a regular attendee at Sunday 10:30 Eucharist, and am privileged to be allowed to serve as a lector.

  3. To which strategic goal area would you most want to be a Chapter Liaison (Cathedral for the City, Community, Formation, Music & Arts, Outreach & Justice, or Worship)? Why?
    Worship, because of its extraordinary beauty and transformative power; Outreach & Justice, because I want to learn what I can do to help communities and society, and have the guidance and help of others in doing it
  1. What attributes and gifts do you bring to the ministry of Chapter (please include any pertinent educational, professional or community experience)?
    As a lawyer for many years, I have worked to develop skills in oral and written communication, solving problems, and reaching consensus. Also, I have served in the past on the board of trustees of an incorporated meditation center and also was involved in its administration in other, less formal capacities.

  2. Why do you feel called to serve on Chapter?
    I want to make what the Cathedral has to offer and could offer to as many people as practicable in whatever forms may be effective.

Thank you FOR YOUR PLEDGE!

Because of you, we can continue to serve as a center of transformative love, faith and service!

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