Dean Letter: Sabbatical

Dear St. Paul’s family, This week I will give thanks to God for my first six years of ministry with you. This is without a doubt the best job I’ve ever had, and of course it’s much more than a job. One of the many reasons I am grateful is that our church recognizes that … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Audio Video System

Dear St. Paul’s family,   It’s been almost three years since our outstanding, state-of-the-art broadcasting system went live. This was a remarkably generous gift from a parishioner. If you are new to our community you might not realize that the little, black, coffee-can-like objects high up on some of the columns in the nave are … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Worship Glossary: Where Am I?

Dear St. Paul’s family, Do you know the name of the place where we gather for worship? Of course, the overall name of our church is The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, but each part of the church space has its own particular name, in the peculiar tradition of the Church that demands specialized words … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Dean’s Comments, Annual Meeting

2019 was a historic year on several counts: We brought our expenses into line with our revenue. We completed the sale that had been in the plan for nearly 20 years. We celebrated our Sesquicentennial, culminating in the Gala and the transformation of our space. Looking back over the first six years of my tenure … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Cathedral Day

Dear St. Paul’s family, Happy Cathedral Day! Every year we celebrate Cathedral Day and our patronal festival on the Sunday nearest to January 25, the Conversion of St. Paul. Someone recently asked me, what does it mean to be a cathedral? A cathedral is a church where the bishop of the diocese has his or … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: The Pray-Ground

Dear St. Paul’s family, You may have noticed a new feature in the northern aisle of the cathedral, near the Christmas Tree: this is our new and exciting Pray-Ground, an experimental soft and welcoming space for young children and their parents. Our Children, Youth, and Family leadership team has developed this new approach in tandem … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Civil Conversations

Dear St. Paul’s family, I don’t think anyone will dispute the fact that we are living in a time when the social fabric of our society is being stressed and torn by disagreement. Not long ago it was possible to disagree over any number of topics and remain in relationship. But in the USA today … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Pledge Ingathering Sunday

Dear St. Paul’s family, This fall’s series of socials has been wonderful. About 100 of you attended one of the three gatherings, and it was very clear how much cathedral people enjoy being together. I was glad to share my own excitement about where we are, with the construction well under way, the staff safely … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Quiet Advent

Dear St. Paul’s family, In a couple of weeks we will come to the beginning of a new church year and the Advent season will be upon us. Conveniently for the makers of Advent calendars, the season actually starts on December 1 this year. (That is Thanksgiving weekend, in case you are wondering). It’s been … READ MORE…

Dean Letter: Finance and Transparency

Dear St. Paul’s family, I want to share with you some information about our cathedral finances. While money is rarely a favorite topic of conversation in the church, it is crucial that we manage your gifts in a responsible manner and that we practice transparency. Our accounting practices have come a long way in the … READ MORE…