Encouraging news from the bishop search team
A satisfactory number of diverse candidates have applied and interviews are beginning. We’ve secured the location for the ordination and consecration of our next bishop. We’ve gotten the date locked down on Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s calendar. Locations are set for meet-and-greet sessions with the bishop candidates.
These are just a few significant accomplishments by the two committees charged with recruiting candidates for and organizing the transition to the new shepherd of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
For the bishop search committee—16 members tasked with developing the diocesan profile, soliciting applicants, vetting candidates and presenting a slate—the process has entered the late innings. Chairwoman Debbie Nelson Linck said the search committee has sifted the written applications through a “prayerful, thoughtful and intentional process.” That included a systematic review of the traits—including compassion, energy, pastoral leadership and conflict resolution skills—each prospect would bring to the diocese.
Linck said the committee pushed back its application deadline two weeks because as the first deadline approached, no one had applied. As it turns out, the would-be bishops were simply waiting till the last minute to return their applications. The committee was ultimately very happy with the interest the diocese received.
“We got a sufficient number of diverse applications, which is really what we were looking for and what we're pleased with," Linck said. The final deadline was June 21.
Her committee is now pressing toward the next milestone: After a series of interviews by video call—interviews that are starting now—a smaller cohort of prospects will come to St. Louis Sept. 16-19 for a retreat with the search committee and other diocesan officers. Two days after that, the search committee presents its final slate to the Standing Committee of the diocese.
Transitioning to the Bishop's transition
Meanwhile a second committee has ramped up the work of the transition to the new bishop. The transition committee is charged with hitting all the milestones after the slate of bishop candidates is finalized. That includes planning the election at the diocesan convention, celebrating the ministry of Bishop George Wayne Smith and preparing for the installation, consecration and ordination of the new bishop.
Locking down that date and location was the transition committee’s top priority. The diocese will welcome its 11th bishop on April 25, 2020, in a ceremony at St. Stanislaus Kostka Polish Catholic Parish in St. Louis.
The independent parish is led by Fr. Marek Bozek, who is in discernment to become a priest in the Episcopal Church. The church shares grounds with the Polish Heritage Center, which will host a celebration reception the day of the new bishop’s ordination.
Additional updates

• The location of four regional meet-and-greet sessions from Nov. 4-7 are set. These sessions give members of the diocese a chance to meet and hear from each candidate for bishop prior to the election at the diocesan convention Nov. 22-23. These meet-and-greets—often referred to as “walkabouts”—will be at St. Timothy’s Creve Coeur; Trinity Central West End; Calvary Columbia; and Christ Church Cape Girardeau. Stay tuned for specific dates and times for each session.
• The Rev. Paul A. Metzler, a semiretired Episcopal priest in St. Louis, has agreed to serve as chaplain to the final candidates. He is the link for these prospective bishops between the search and transition committees.
• Watch for fundraising messages from the transition committee soon. The committee is offering the opportunity for diocesan members to contribute to gifts of gratitude for the ministry of Bishop George Wayne Smith and his wife Debra.
• A website about the bishop search is available. Check it out at diocesemo.org/bishop-search. It includes a timeline, the diocesan profile and more.

I want to let you in on a little secret.  On Saturday morning, a member of our altar guild goes into the neighborhood looking for weeds.  She's on a search for the ones that are growing in abandoned lots, and freneticaly blooming along privacy fences by dumpsters.  The ones that everyone disregards because they "don't belong".  They aren't in a mown yard, they shouldn't grow in the pavement cracks. But that doesn't mean they aren't beautiful and worthy before God.  
Carol brings them into the sanctuary. She places them on either side of the altar and, dare we say, she restores them to their proper privilege - God's own creation whole and redeemed.  It's not to say that they were ever not God's creation. It's not to say that they weren't beautiful before. But they needed someone to see them. To name their worthiness for the house of God.  
Isn't it just the same way with us?  We are beautiful. We are precious treasures to God. Yet so often we belittle ourselves, even making choices that leave us next to the dumpters of life.  All of us need someone to pick us up and help us get back to our rightful place.  That, beloved, is the work of the church.  
                                                                                                     -- Pastor Rebecca

If you know of an organization or group in need of meeting or event space, please refer them to Pastor Rebecca or me. (Members of St. Paul’s may also use the space for private parties at a discounted “member” rate.) In addition, we plan for St. Paul’s to be used as a wedding venue for people outside the parish, and guidelines (including fees) are in the works. Income from the use of our facilities will help offset the cost of insurance, maintenance and utilities.
Building maintenance and planning have continued this spring, much of it behind the scenes. With the help of Vestry member and Facilities Management Team member Vernon Brown, working with Junior Warden Justin Vitale and Pastor Rebecca, the Rectory has been issued an occupancy permit and is ready for our new Youth Minister, Tilton Yokely, to move in.
Like the rest of our facilities, we’ll leverage the Rectory as a ministry tool for our “Outside In” vision. Tilton will receive rent as part of his compensation, and St. Paul’s will receive his time and talent as our new Youth Minister and 1/3 of the utilities. This won’t have a negative impact on St. Paul’s budget. In fact, it will actually help St. Paul’s financially, because Tilton will bring a roommate who will pay rent and an additional 1/3 of the utilities to St. Paul’s. This income will be used to help offset the costs of maintaining and insuring the building. (In addition to the maintenance and repairs Vernon just made to meet code for occupancy, the rectory was recently tuck pointed, and earlier this year a new roof was put on.) 
​

 We are going to begin a new way of sharing the peace during the service. It's called Rock - Peace - Together.  Think of it as another way of playing Rock - Paper -Scissors.  Whoever extends a hand for a handshake gets a handshake.  Whoever spreads arms out for a hug, shifts to a handshake if a handshake is offered instead.  No exceptions.
Here's why:
Every Sunday, Episcopal Services have a mid-point. It's a place in the service, right after we've prayed where we are invited to share the peace. That sharing of the peace is a sacramental moment of reconciliation. We've been reconciled to God through prayer and confession; now we are invited to extend that restoration with each other.  That's why we say, "Peace be with you." We wish each other the wholesome, healing life that peace with God and Neighbor offers.
But this moment of sharing the "Peace" can bring anxiety, discomfort and even harm when it's not done thoughtfully. Some of our sisters and brothers feel intense anxiety when having to interact with others verbally, and physically - even a handshake might be difficult. Some people who sit in our pews each Sunday have experienced trauma - possibly sexual trauma. At some point, they experienced uninvited interaction at the most intimate level - perhaps from a stranger, but often not. Perhaps most importantly, forcing children to hug us can be harmful.  We need to be treating the children in our congregation with special care so that they are not being taught to receive unwanted touch from adults.  Respecting children's body language is important.
By practicing Rock-Peace-Together, we are opening ourselves to true reconciliation and peace. We will be able to allow everyone to trust St. Paul's as a safe and welcoming place of love and recognition.  That's Gospel hope! ​