St. Paul's Parish Profile 2009

After the retirement of our most recent rector, The Rev. Henry Presler, and before the arrival of our Interim Rector, The Rev. Gary Steber, the vestry of St. Paul’s began the process of calling a new rector with the guidance of our bishops and the staff of the Diocese of North Carolina.

The most visible act was the formation of a five-member parish Discernment Committee, which was charged with developing an every member survey, gathering and organizing the results, and publishing a document available to all members. The survey was available on our web site and in printed form to ensure participation from as many members as possible. The results, also published on our web site, were revealed and discussed fully at a special parish dinner.

During this period and continuing still, the vestry has made it a point to keep members aware of the status of the calling process by regular announcements during Sunday services, through items in our parish newsletter, and in Sunday bulletins.

The vestry then formed a Search Committee of nine members who were charged to develop this Parish Profile and to begin a prayerful and thoughtful process of seeking the person called to live in our community and provide loving pastoral care. Several members of the Discernment Committee were appointed to this committee.

We look to the future with a certain amount of expected anxiety, but with full knowledge that God is watching over our calling process and that there is a priest who will recognize his or her call to our parish family. We believe “all things come of thee O Lord … with God all things are possible.”

In the early 1870’s, the community of Monroe began its recovery from the Civil War and its aftermath. Fourteen Episcopalians met in a parlor and signed a petition asking for the formation of a parish.

During early years, worship services were held in the Presbyterian Church, the Union County Courthouse, and the second floor of a store. The present property was purchased in 1875, and St. Paul’s was admitted to the diocese as the forty-first parish organized in North Carolina. There was a time when the parish reverted to mission status.

Work began on the present church building in 1911, with extensive remodeling between 1919 and 1921. A Parish House was built in 1924. Eight or more priests served in the parish during this early period, and photographs of them and those who followed hang in the hallway outside the priest’s vesting room.

The Rev. Frederick B. Drane became Priest-in-Charge in 1929, and his ministry continued for many years until his retirement. Membership increased and when it became self-supporting, St. Paul’s returned to Parish status. Additions were made to the Parish House and a Sunday School wing, which included the Guild Room, was constructed. In 1958, The Rev. Mr. Drane ended a faithful and active ministry to the congregation of St. Paul’s and to the community.

The Rev. George Peters served as Rector from 1958 to 1963, introducing the use of Eucharistic vestments, a three-year cycle of courses in Christian Education, and an annual Feast of Lights service.

In 1964, The Rev. James King was called to be Rector. It was then that the current Memorial Garden was constructed. He did much to strengthen the life of our church family and the community until his resignation in 1973.

The Rev. Preston Huntley, Jr. became our Rector in 1974. The Centennial of St. Paul’s was celebrated on November 10of that year. Mrs. Virginia Heath compiled a history of the parish for this occasion (The editor acknowledges full credit must be given to her for the contents of this portion of our profile). A new organ was purchased in 1975. After a building fund was established, the old Parish House was razed, and a new Parish Hall and education building were dedicated in 1978. The Rev. Mr. Huntley’s ministry at St. Paul’s ended in 1981.

In 1982, The Rev. Daniel (Dan) Riggall answered a call to be our Rector. He, wife Frances, and son Justin resided in the “new” Rectory, which had been purchased in 1963. Dan is remembered for encouraging many members to serve on diocesan commissions and committees, promoting outreach to the community, and creating a special educational program that featured the works of C. S. Lewis.

The Rev. Henry Presler came to St. Paul’s in 1988 and served until his retirement in 2008. Known as “Father Henry,” he watched over the growth of outreach programs such as Loaves and Fishes, a food bank; Turning Point, a shelter for battered women; food service at the homeless shelter; special church services for persons with disabilities; and regular services for residents of a nearby retirement community. The parish contributed to funds that purchased a new organ and a new roof for our historic church. Through the generosity of the Murrill family, a Victorian era home next door became the Rectory, the cloister was enclosed, and the Guild Room was remodeled. Members gave money to build a new playground. During the last several years, the parish has experienced a delightful growth in the number of young families and a dramatic increase in the number of young children.

In the words of our historian, Mrs. Heath, in the Centennial year of 1974, “St. Paul’s is most fortunate to have had many loyal and devoted communicants through the years. They have labored untiringly for their church. As the present chapter in the history of St. Paul’s unfolds, the memories of a grand past live on and the future of this parish promises to be exciting and for the advancement of the Kingdom of God here on earth.”

Our membership is composed of 350 active baptized members, of which 290 are communicants in good standing, 45 being under age 16. Our average Sunday attendance is as follows:

Sunday Services Average Attendance

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

AND

10:30 Holy Eucharist (Rites I and II, Morning

Prayer on second Sundays) 117

Sunday School (nursery through elementary) 16

Other Services Most Recent Attendance

Christmas Eve (7:30 PM and 11:00 PM) 172

Christmas Day (10:00 AM) 62

Ash Wednesday (7:00 and 10:00 AM, 7:30 PM) 80

Maundy Thursday (7:30 PM) 35

Good Friday (Noon) 15

Easter Vigil (near sundown) 38

Easter Day (8:00, 9:15, and 11:15 AM) 208

Wed. Eucharist (10:00 AM) 27

Thanksgiving Day (10:00 AM) 20

Our congregation is a comfortable mixture of adults over 50 and young families with pre-school and school aged-children. Generally, we are a mixture of “cradle” Episcopalians, those who chose the Episcopal Church 20 to 30 years ago, and those who have only recently discovered our tradition.

Many are life-long residents of Monroe and Union County. Others have been drawn to the area due to the growth and job opportunities generated in the growing Charlotte metropolitan region. A number of us live 10 or more miles away, some in unincorporated areas and others in smaller towns and communities that surround Monroe. Besides a commitment to St. Paul’s, our members are active volunteers in all sectors of the Monroe-Union County area.

Our parish survey responses reflect a strong desire for growth, for financial stability, and for increased community involvement and outreach. “Vibrant” is a word that appears numerous times. Emphasis is placed on expanding the youth and youth programs of the church. People envision an inclusive and unified body with young and old worshipping and working together. While growth is emphasized, there is also the desire to preserve the charm, beauty, and tradition of the church as it exists today, particularly as it relates to the church buildings and grounds. These responses are not a call for change, but for more of a continuation of what St. Paul’s is, but with more members, more youth programs, more outreach programs, and financial security.

Our 135 year-old church with adjacent property is located in the historic district that encompasses parts of downtown Monroe. A Presbyterian church is across the street. Methodist and Baptist churches are a few blocks away. Our buildings include the church proper, the attached Parish Hall, classrooms, choir room, offices, food pantry, cloister, and Guild Room; a Rectory which must be renovated before use; a large adjacent lot with small playground; parking lots. In the late 1990’s a columbarium was added to the memorial garden. The church proper is in good to excellent condition.

The nave features dark wood and windows of stained glass that date to 1911 when the structure was built. All of the windows are memorials to those who have gone before us. It’s constructed in cruciform style with the altar facing the congregation from an apse just beyond the choir. The nave comfortably seats 125. The choir accommodates 25 in facing rows. A sacristy is adjacent to the apse. Our Allen digital organ is only a few years old and although it is not a pipe organ, it is a modern instrument that can sound like one.

Overall, the existing property is suitable for expansion should the parish grow well beyond it current size.

With the exception of this year (2009), our operating budget has been on an even to downward trend, causing the vestry to vigilantly monitor expenses and worry about income. It was fortunate that St. Paul’s could reduce expenditures to maintain the balance. We have an every member canvass each fall.

This year, we were more assertive in promoting good stewardship for God’s work in the parish, the community, the diocese, and the world. We have an increased and balanced budget and have tried to envision how we could best allocate funds to support God’s plan for us.

Budgeted expenditures for the year ending 2009 will be $228,417. Expenditures will vary, depending to a large degree on our success in calling a new Rector. Parish outreach funds are generated throughout the year by special projects and fund raisers. A formal budget document is available:

St. Paul’s income will be generated primarily from pledges of $225,000 with the remainder coming from un-pledged and unplanned contributions, for a total income of $228,600.

The church maintains several smaller funds, not in the operating budget, that are supported by memorial gifts and other donations from parish members. These funds are designated for the following areas among others: Altar Guild, Choir, Memorial Garden, building and grounds, and Columbarium. Some of these funds reside in the Foundation for the Carolinas, where the principal generates a small amount of interest each quarter.

The Vestry recently established a Charitable Gifts Committee, which has produced a brochure that promotes planned giving and the creation of an endowment. The committee will sponsor planned giving activities and seminars.

Day-to-day operations require dedicated individuals who support a full time Rector. Part-time employees include a secretary and an organist/choir director. Self-employed persons are contracted to clean our buildings and maintain the grounds. Weekly volunteers include a Sunday School director, a treasurer, and a bookkeeper.

In the survey conducted by the Discernment Committee, parishioners agreed the following four goals were the most important to accomplish in the next two to three years.

2. Increase the size of the congregation by 25% through 2013, as a measure of average attendance

Relating directly to the above four goals, parishioners were asked how the next priest should be involved in support of the goals. They concluded:

1. The priest should assist the vestry in establishing a realistic budget based on actual giving with committees that report to the vestry on a regular basis. Establish a procedural manual to help define committees.

2. The priest should be recognized locally as the head of St. Paul’s by being involved in the community and promoting a presence at the local university. The priest needs to examine existing programs, strengthening the ones deemed to meet the needs of our parish and developing new programs where there is a deficit. An emphasis on family and family support was indicated as a powerful tool in increasing membership.

3. The priest will help develop a committee structure that is open to all parishioners, using established guidelines regarding tenure on each committee. The priest should use quality communication skills, have an open door policy, and support any programs that nurture/heal a fractured parish. The priest should avoid polarizing the parish on issues of the National Church and help bridge/repair differences within the congregation.

4. The priest should initially be involved in ALL FACETS of Christian education programs for all age groups. He should groom individuals to teach and lead Christian education programs until the church desires or can afford to hire an outside director. Establish bible study for young and old and develop adult forums or teaching series, which may include guest speakers. Develop and participate in a youth group that extends its reach beyond St. Paul’s walls while continuing to teach the traditions of the church.

From a List of 16 pastoral skill areas, the survey asked parishioners to identify and rank the four most important and then list the duties the priest would perform to support those skills. Responses were weighted by ranking.

1. Preaching: Ability to preach with clarity and to make the Gospel relevant to people’s lives.

2. Spiritual Guidance: Ability to lead and encourage others in the formation and development of a deeper spiritual life.

3. Pastoral Care: Ability to care for people so that they are nurtured and equipped for growth within the community of faith.

4. Youth Work: Ability to inspire youth and incorporate them into the full life and ministry of the church.

Following up on the above four skill areas, associated tasks were assigned to each skill.

The survey also asked parishioners to describe the leadership style desired of the next priest. Here is a synopsis:

The leadership style of our next priest that would be most effective is one that UNIFIES and is governed by CARE and COMPASSION. People are seeking a priest who leads by example, who will attract young people, who is energetic, and who will care for young and old alike. He or she must possess a strong ability to bring people together, to be reconciliatory, to attract new members (particularly the young) while maintaining the traditional values and beliefs of St. Paul’s.

Worship is central to the life of St. Paul’s. Our services come directly from the Book of Common Prayer and honor the traditional relationship that exists between Word and Sacrament. Holy Eucharist Rite 1 is held at 8:00 with no music. The 10:30 service is both Holy Eucharist Rites 1 and 2 with Morning Prayer Rite 1 on second Sundays. The 10:30 service is supported by an outstanding organist and choir. Lay persons participate as acolytes, crucifers, lectors, chalice bearers, and ushers.

Traditionally, the church has offered a Eucharistic service at 10:00 AM on Wednesdays.

There are three services on Easter Day, two on Christmas Eve, and a 10:00 AM service on Christmas Day. Other services include Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Thanksgiving Day, and Independence Day.

We are blessed with a growing number of young families with young children. Sunday School is offered to elementary and pre-schoolers. A nursery is provided on Sundays. Appropriate educational opportunities for youth and children of all ages and adults have been identified as parish goals for the future. Our children come to Sunday services at the offertory and share the Holy Communion with us.

St. Paul’s sponsors an annual Vacation Bible School, which is well attended by the children and grandchildren of its members as well as children from the community.

Inquirers classes are held prior to the Easter Season and before the Bishop’s annual visit.

St. Paul’s believes that fellowship among members strengthens and supports the Christian life. The vestry has supported a program of monthly suppers and/or pot luck gatherings. Usually they recognize and support causes such as outreach projects or celebrate a day such as Shrove Tuesday, or the beginning of the Christmas season. Pot lunch luncheons are held frequently for special occasions such as the annual parish meeting and the Bishop’s visit. Annually, parish volunteers cater a Senior Dinner and serve a Senior Tea to recognize our members age 55 and above.

Annually, a traditional Parish Retreat weekend is held in the mountains of western North Carolina.

The ECW holds an annual Food Fair each year. The money received from sales of church-made chow-chow and other food items goes to fund special projects and outreach to the community. The ECW also provides food for members who are ill and receptions in the Parish Hall after the funeral of a parishioner.

St. Paul’s has a rich history of supporting outreach to the community and the world. It was at St. Paul’s that Turning Point, a program to protect battered women, was born. The Loaves and Fishes food pantry is housed here and has fed thousands of needy people since the 1980’s. In 2008, the Sunday School sponsored the Heifer Project, raising substantial funds to purchase animals for needy persons around the world. The parish supports the local Literacy Council, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Cotton Street Commons, Homeless Shelter, Boy Scouts, Martin Luther King, Jr., Committee, and Red Cross among other local non-profit community agencies.

St. Paul’s is located in the historic district in the town of Monroe, one of a number of smaller towns that fall within the Charlotte, NC metropolitan area. It is the county seat of Union County, and is one of the fastest growing counties in the state and nation. The county population is approximately 155,000; and the city of Monroe is estimated to have a population of 37,000. The Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical area houses more than 2.2 million people.

The mountains are three hours away. Beaches can be reached in four hours or less.

There are ample opportunities for cultural and educational enrichment in the region. Locally, there’s Wingate University. Other nearby universities and colleges include the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Queens University, Johnson C. Smith University, Johnson and Wales University, South Piedmont Community College, and Central Piedmont Community College.

Monroe and Union County enjoy college and community theatrical events, concerts, festivals, seminars, college and local athletic events, and nearby museums.

The Union County Public Schools, while crowded in some areas, get high marks. Many have been recognized state-wide for their excellence. Private and charter schools are accessible.

The Bobcats of the NBA and the Panthers of the NFL play in outstanding venues in Charlotte, where there is ample access to theater, opera, and museums.

Union County and Monroe are served by a regional business airport, while nearby Charlotte-Douglas International provides access to the world via most major airlines.

The city and county are served by two major daily newspapers: the Monroe Enquirer-Journal and the Charlotte Observer. There are numerous weekly and community newspapers.

Local cable service and TV stations represent all major network and entertainment channels. All local government bodies and chambers of commerce have web sites that are easy to access.

Based on our parish survey, this profile has outlined our goals, hopes, and dreams for calling a rector who will be God’s choice for St. Paul’s –a priest who will, among other things, inspire us, work with us and provide pastoral care, spiritual guidance, preaching with clarity to make the Gospel relevant to us, and be an advocate for our children and young people.

The editor is grateful for the use of Mrs. Virginia Heath’s history of St. Paul’s Church and is thankful for the organizational help received from reviewing the Parish Profile of St. Thomas’ Church in Sanford. Thanks also for the work of St. Paul’s Discernment Committee, which forms the base content of this document.