Building a New Leadership Structure at St. Paul’s in 2023:
The Parish Ministry Council
St. Paul’s has always been led by faithful members of the lay order of ministry, the largest and most powerful of the four orders of ministry in the Episcopal Church (laity, deacons, priests, bishops).
As we continue to emerge strongly from the pandemic and begin a new era of development and revitalization at St. Paul’s, and to help us work together effectively and imagine new ways of doing church, a new group is forming: the Parish Ministry Council, a team of representatives from seven (eventually ten) ministries. They will gather monthly and connect in other ways to share ideas, focus on parish-wide mission goals, support one another, and both broaden and deepen lay leadership across the parish.
Please contact Father Stephen at stephen@stpaulseattle.org if you are interested in learning more about the Parish Ministry Council.
Buildings and Grounds Ministry
This team will oversee the 2023/2024 capital improvement projects; address issues of safety and security; tend our gardens; and support the staff in maintenance and custodial care.
Faith Formation Ministry
This team will focus on faith formation activities for all ages, particularly on Wednesday evenings and Sunday after mass.
Intergenerational Ministry
Beginning with the revitalization of our children’s ministry, this team will develop new ministries for older youth (tweens and teens) and seek new ways to cultivate intergenerational fellowship and collaboration.
Liturgy and Music Ministry
A revitalized team that previously existed as St. Gregory’s Guild, this ministry will serve as an advisory group supporting the rector and organist/choirmaster.
Neighborhood Action Ministry
This team will steer our mission in the neighborhood, focusing on the three areas of 1) direct action (SPiN wagons, Little Free Pantry, and Honey Buckets); 2) community advocacy; and 3) building relationships with neighborhood individuals and groups.
Newcomers and Membership Ministry
This team will oversee our shared call to invite, greet, orient, and incorporate newcomers; and stay in current contact with all membership, responding to their changing needs.
Parish Life Ministry
This team will oversee the essential ministry of coffee hour, plan ahead for events and celebrations, and tend to our archives and library as stewards of our parish history.
Pastoral Care Ministry
Shepherding all who are in need of pastoral care, this team will be in close conversation with the rector on the pastoral needs of our community, and lead occasional formation events on the topic of pastoral care.
Small Groups Ministry
We hope to break new ground at St. Paul’s with the creation of the Small Groups Ministry, working closely with Parish Life and Newcomers/Membership to begin forming small groups for social connection, service rotations, and the incorporation of new members.
Stewardship Ministry
This team will continue our commitment to multiple dimensions of stewardship, including the stewardship of finances, creation-care, justice and peace (anti-racism and land-acknowledgement efforts), and the time and talents of all members.