A note from Jeff Mello, St. Paul's Rector-elect!

Just about six months ago, I gathered some paperwork together to send to the Search Committee of St. Paul's.  At the time, of course, I knew St. Paul's only by reputation.  Friends in the Diocese held St. Paul's deep in their hearts and would speak of the joy, the love and the commitment of this community.  I was intrigued.  Something in my heart told me to seal the large manila envelope and place it in the mail.  "A good exercise" I told myself, trying desperately not to get my hopes too high, or to get too attached.  With each passing conversation, however, with each reading of the website, with each phone call and interview, my hopes rose, and I found myself getting quite attached.

And so it went for the next six months.  The more I got to know St. Paul's; through your written materials, on your website, in interviews and lunches with the friends we share, I found myself being pulled into the community of St. Paul's, becoming more and more curious about who you are, increasingly excited about the future of St. Paul's, and humbled by all that you do already.  While my head said "Relax, Jeff!", my heart kept saying, "YES!". 

I believe that this is how God works.  God never sends us a certified letter with carefully laid-out plans, revealing what might be next in our lives.  Instead, God speaks directly to our hearts, through the hearts of those around us.  Today, my heart is so very full as I anticipate becoming your next rector.

I look forward to getting to know each of you over the next months.  I long to hear your stories, how you've come to call St. Paul's your spiritual home, and how God continues to move in your lives.   I welcome your thoughts and your questions.  I hope we'll talk about what's been great about St. Paul's, and what dreams for the future of this amazing place you might have.   

I must extend my thanks to the Search Committee for their tireless efforts, and also my congratulations for creating a process that was thoughtful, transparent, deeply rooted in their love for St. Paul's and full of joy and hope.  I hope you will join me in thanking them for taking on such an incredible task, and for doing it with tremendous grace.

When I asked the Search Committee what brought you all joy, their spontaneous group response was "food!" followed by a warm laugh.  What a great place to start, though.  Sharing meals is at the very heart of our tradition, and a wonderful symbol of who we strive to be as Christians; welcoming everyone to the table, and making sure there is always enough for all.  In that spirit, my family and I look forward to joining you for your Annual Parish Picnic on June 14.

God has amazing things in store for St. Paul's.  I am grateful for the opportunity to join you in discovering what they are!

Wishing you all Abundant Blessings and

Christ's Peace,

Jeff+

(Jeff's call to be the next rector was announced this week at St. Paul's, and at Christ Church, Cambridge, where he currently serves as Assistant Rector. Read more about him in St. Paul's Church Calls New Rector. )

Remembering Dick Wallace

Long time parishioner Dick Wallace died several weeks ago in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he'd been living near his daughter. This Sunday, May 24, we'll remember him during the 10 a.m. service.

St. Paul's Annual Parish

is coming soon-June 14, 10 a.m., at the shelter, Larz Anderson Park. Come enjoy worship, singing, and a cookout-and meet rector-elect Jeff Mello! And remember-the youth group has challenged the rest of us to a kickball game, so be sure you're there to play or to cheer. (8 a.m. service in the Chapel that day, as usual.)

Altar Flower memorials

Flowers for May 24 are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Richard Wallace,  Marjorie Ellis VanScoyoc and William H. (Harry) VanScoyoc.

Sunday, May 24    Seventh Sunday of Easter

            8 a.m.             Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

            9 a.m.             No Church School (Memorial Day weekend)

                                    No Sundays at 9

            10 a.m.           Holy Eucharist in the Church, Memorial for Dick Wallace

             3 p.m.            Piano recital

Sunday, May 31    Pentecost

            8 a.m.             Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

            9 a.m.             Church School

                                    Sundays at 9: Brett Donham, New England church architecture

            10 a.m.           Holy Eucharist in the Church

             3:30 p.m.       Vento Chiaro concert

             7:30 p.m.       CD release concert: Yumiko Matsuoka

Please send your submission for sparks, a column for parishioners to write about things that have sparked insight, new ways of thinking, faith, etc. to Elizabeth Laurencot at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for inclusion in an upcoming Calendar.