Last Words From Dean Penny

Hello St. Paul’s,

What do I say about twelve plus years as your Dean? Really, there is nothing left to say except thank you.

Thank you for calling me to serve this extraordinary, vibrant, open-hearted community.

Thank you for the warm welcome you extended to me when I arrived.

Thank you for the many, many gestures of support and love I have received throughout my time with you.

Thank you for supporting the compassionate initiatives of offering Showers of Blessings and a home for Voices of our City.

Thank you for your patience as we worked on the 20-year project that ultimately became 525 Olive.

Thank you for going along with a multitude of facility projects, including adding over a dozen bathrooms; installing exterior lights to increase our visibility; expanding the Chancel, making the Cathedral fully accessible; living fully into our Cathedral identity by becoming a multi-use space for the wider community; creating a masterplan and building the Music Center as the first phase of that plan; and installing a live streaming and video recording system.

Thank you for supporting the development of Light Up the Cathedral for Pride and Ashes to Go, as we opened our arms ever more widely to the community around us.

Thank you for hanging in there during the lockdown phase of the pandemic and being thoughtful about the protective measures we took.

Thank you for being willing to endure the joyful noise of young children in worship when we installed the Prayground.

Thank you for being a community of warm-hearted, open-minded, faithful followers of Jesus, who understand that Jesus told us to love and welcome everyone, no exceptions.

Thank you for telling me the truth when I needed to hear it.

Thank you for your generosity of spirit, your willingness to have fun, and your determination to be a light in the darkness of our world.

It’s very hard to leave, but I leave you with the joyful knowledge that St. Paul’s is healthy and  flourishing, and that God will guide you through this time of transition.

I can’t wait to see what God has in mind for you next. This has been the best job I ever had, and I will continue to give thanks for you every day as I enter the next chapter of my life.

May God bless you and keep you always.

See you, one more time, on Sunday!

Your sister in Christ,
Penny