Dear St. Paul’s Family,
This week we celebrate Homecoming, a regathering after the summer and a rededication to mission and ministry. But we haven’t been idle: here are some facts and figures about our cathedral summer.
- Martin Green held two weeks of choir camps, attended by 19 children in all, several of them new recruits. We will hear them at Sunday Evensong services throughout the year.
- Showers of Blessings continued to grow, with over 100 guests signing in at the August Showers plus dozens of volunteers from St. Paul’s, First United Methodist Church, and the neighborhood.
- Some 500 people attended Light Up the Cathedral for Pride, which was well covered by local news media, and about 100 enjoyed the Imperial Court art show the same evening. Our parade contingent had about 120 people from around the diocese and 30 volunteers offered hospitality to parade-goers.
- Our Tuesday organ recitals continued with an average attendance of about 40.
- The concert by the Maryland State Boychoir brought 97 people to the cathedral.
- Over 250 people attended the 16 Summer Socials at parishioners’ homes.
- Our chamber music concerts raising funds for rebuilding the Steinway piano drew between 25 and 60 people to each.
- Over 200 attended the Profession of Vows service for Sister Karla Maria.
- About 400 attended one of our four Sunday services each week, and the weekday services attract 6-12 people each day. Volunteers, both lay and clergy, are crucial to the smooth operation of all our worship services. 35-40 volunteers help to lead our four Sunday services.
- Our live streaming engaged an average of 23 people on Sunday mornings and 16 for Evensong.
- We welcomed about 450 visitors on weekdays while our volunteer docents were on duty.
- Our Tai Chi and Yoga classes attracted about 16 people altogether. Yoga will continue in the Great Hall.
- 32 people of all ages attended the outdoor movie at the end of August.
All in all, we touched and engaged a whole lot of people during what most of us regard as a “slow season” in the church. Add to that our media coverage, including social media engagement, and you can see that we are making a real difference! Thank you to everyone who helps make all this happen.
As we move into the fall season, there are plenty more opportunities to make a difference and get involved. At Homecoming there will be information about all our ministries. The midweek fall formation series starts next week and we will have another season of social gatherings in October and November. Plans for the Sesquicentennial year are gearing up and our Community Space Task Force has begun its discernment about our future service to the community. The Chapter nominating committee is also beginning the annual task of inviting parishioners to consider serving on our governing board.
What might God be calling you to in the season ahead?
Your sister in Christ,
Penny
