July and August 2023 - Parish Notes

Clergy

Jeanne Leinbach, Rector jleinbach@stpauls-church.org

Brandon Ashcraft, Associate Rector bashcraft@stpauls-church.org

Staff

Lois Bell

Handbell Choir Director

Brenda Burton, Controller

Lauren Dockery

Director of Children’s & Youth Min.

Kelsey Ferguson

Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs

Drew Ford, Sexton

Ethan Greenberg, Sexton

Steve Halasz, Sexton

Kevin Jones, Director of Music

Lysa Kenney

Administrative Assistant

Paul McCuen, Sexton

Pam O’Halloran

Director of Operations

David Osburn

Carillonneur

Karel Paukert, Organist

Nathaniel Powell

Director of Communications

Jenni Thomas

Administrative Coordinator

FROM OUR RECTOR

Staff News

The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach

Dear Parish Family,

I am delighted to share the news that the Rev. Patricia Rose will be joining the staff of St. Paul’s on August 1 as an Assistant Rector. Patricia came to us through the search process following the Rev. John Kennedy’s departure. She offers many gifts, including her passion for formation and outreach inspired by the Gospel, her strong pastoral care skills, her collaborative nature, and her calm demeanor. I look forward to you meeting her.

Patricia had a 30-year career in education and communications, in addition to being a Spiritual Director for 17 years, before entering the ordination process. She graduated from Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) in May 2021 and has been the Curate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio, for the past two years. Her time at St. Stephen’s gave her broad exposure to parish ministry, including preaching and presiding, pastoral care, formation, social justice, and hospitality. In addition, Patricia was responsible for worship and ministries at a small parish giving her experience in all administrative, finance, and building needs of a parish as well as experience in initiating new ministries.

My thanks to the Search Committee: Pat Azouri, Brian Gran, Bob Quartell, Liz Richmond, Andrea Turner, and Carla Williams. I am so grateful for their time in reading application materials, watching sermons online, meeting with candidates via Zoom and in person, and much thoughtful discussion.

2747 Fairmount Boulevard

Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106

(216) 932-5815

www.stpauls-church.org

info@stpauls-church.org

Pastoral Care Line: (216) 238-4001

It is my pleasure, also, at this time to announce the Rev. Brandon Ashcraft’s promotion to Associate Rector. Brandon brings many gifts to St. Paul’s. His liturgical skills are among the best. He is both a strong pastoral presence to parishioners as well as a dedicated, creative, and collaborative leader of ministries. With a heart for the Gospel, Brandon has reinvigorated our outreach ministries and engaged parishioners in asylum seeker sponsorship, gun violence prevention, and the full embrace of our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors. It is a privilege and pleasure to serve with Brandon. Please offer him your congratulations!

As previously announced, the Rev. Jessie Dodson’s last day with St. Paul’s is Sunday, July 2. A wonderful opportunity has come her way: she has accepted an offer to be Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Ohio. As described in the job posting, Canon to the Ordinary fosters a healthy and faithful environment to implement the strategic vision of the Bishop and Diocesan leadership. Focusing on collaboration and effective execution, the Canon is a driver of the ministry and life of the diocese, working closely with the Bishop.

Serving with Jessie for the past five years has been an honor and joy. She brings an abundance of warmth to her position, welcoming newcomers and engaging parishioners in the life of this parish. She is an excellent preacher. She is highly motivated, highly organized, creative, and collaborative, all driven by her deep faith in the Gospel. She has been a true colleague in ministry, offering both valued advice and loving compassion. It is hard for me to say goodbye to her. Yet, I am delighted for the opportunity in front of her and so glad she is not leaving the area.

As we move forward with new hires, we have the opportunity to reassign clergy responsibilities in order to meet the needs of parishioners and provide assisting clergy with the opportunity to broaden their skills and experiences. Rev. Brandon will continue to have oversight for liturgy. In addition, he will be the Chaplain to Children and Youth, which includes Confirmation, Baptism coordination, children and youth participation in liturgy, and pastoral care to families with children and youth. Brandon stepped in to lead Confirmation this spring after Rev. John’s departure. Already we see his gifts in engaging with the youth. Rev. Patricia will have oversight for Adult Formation and Outreach. She has a passion for helping parishioners grow in their faith and is excited about the connections between Formation and Outreach. With Rev. Jessie’s departure, we have an open clergy position. This Assistant Rector will have oversight for our Newcomer, Engagement, Hospitality, and Pastoral Care ministries. I will keep you up to date as this search progresses.

Much to celebrate! Please let me know if you have any questions. In Christ,

Jeanne+

Cover Photos

This issues cover photos are from our Combined Pentecost Worship Service and Party. Do you have a photo to share? Send them to Nathaniel, and you just might see them here, on social media, or around the building: npowell@stpauls-church.org

A Fond Farewell

The Rev. Jessie Gutgsell Dodson

Dear St. Paul’s community,

It’s with profound gratitude, sadness, and joy that I write to tell you I have accepted the call to serve as Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Ohio. This is not a move I could have imagined even a few months ago, and yet as it appeared on the horizon, I realized it was a position that called to me deeply. As many of you know, I have served as chair of the Bishop Coadjutor Transition Committee since March of 2022, and the work begun there planted the seeds for further and deeper ministry within this Diocese. Through that ministry, I got to know our new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly, and felt a call to serve alongside her as she continues this transition into her role as our bishop.

To say the past five years of shared ministry have been full feels like an understatement. The relationships we have forged with one another — the weddings and funerals officiated, baptisms administered, fellowship shared — it is all too much to quantify. In serving you, I found a well of deep joy and energy. It was while serving with you that my own personal life shifted immensely, too. When I arrived as your priest, it was just Joe and me. We leave you now as a family of four, having been loved and supported by you through the growth of our family.

All of this partnership and ministry wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous colleagues and staff I have been privileged to work with over the years here. Principally, that included Jeanne, who led our staff and congregation with “unity, constancy, and peace.” I have loved working alongside the assisting clergy and staff as well, who have been not only delightful collaborators in ministry but also my friends.

While I will grieve my departure from you, I am also aware that one of the great gifts of this new call is that it’s not truly a “goodbye.” Joe, Abe, Bax, and I will continue to live in Shaker Heights. No doubt we’ll see you around town! My role as one of your parish priests will shift, but now I will serve you in a new and broader way as your Canon to the Ordinary. As I enter this diocesan leadership position, I will carry the love we have for one another with me. I will hold the lessons we’ve learned about what it means to be church today, especially as we continue re-forming in the wake of COVID. I am excited to join Bishop Anne’s staff, following her joyful, faith-filled vision into the next chapter of this diocese. What a joy it is to know we’ll get to live into that future still together.

Thank you for the gift of being your priest.

Peace,

Jessie+

Jessie will begin her next call on August 1. If you would like to contact Jessie in her new position as Canon to the Ordinary, you can reach her at jdodson@dohio.org

From Our Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly

Dear beloved at St. Paul’s,

Throughout the transition process, I, along with the rest of the diocese, was able to witness the Rev. Jessie Gutgsell Dodson’s generous spirit, incredible ability to navigate complex situations, deep faith, and abiding commitment to the Diocese of Ohio. Through this witness of her gifts, and prayerful discernment, she is one of several people I encouraged to apply to a Canon position when I posted the openings. Each person who interviewed her affirmed her call as a Canon to the Ordinary.

You know firsthand how extraordinary she is and understand how she will be a tremendous gift to the diocese on the bishop’s staff. I understand how difficult it is when clergy we deeply love follow the Holy Spirit to a new call. I know Jessie is excited to be able to remain connected with St. Paul’s in a new way with this position. One of the charisms of St. Paul’s is that you have, for generations, raised up clergy to be leaders in the wider church, and I know that Jeanne finds joy in mentoring clergy. Now it is my turn on behalf of the entire diocese to thank you for your ministry of forming leaders. I’m working with your rector, Jeanne, to help identify a new associate to be formed in your midst, and I look forward to rescheduling my visit so I can see you soon.

God’s Peace, +Anne

The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly Bishop Coadjutor The

Episcopal Diocese of Ohio

Reimagining St. Martin’s Chapel

Pam O'Halloran

The Vestry has approved the plan to remove the pews in St. Martin’s Chapel and to replace them with sturdy wooden chairs. The primary purpose of this change is to enhance our worship offerings while maintaining the sacredness and architectural integrity of the space.

The chairs will be stained to match the color of the existing pews and will have upholstered seats and solid wood backs. The chairs are connecting which will keep them in straight lines and, for most purposes, they will be set up in the same configuration as the current pews. The chairs will have hymnal racks on the seat backs and comfortable kneelers attached to the back legs which can be raised and lowered. The current plan is for the “modesty rail” at the front of the chapel to remain in place. Movable low wood cabinets will be constructed and placed where the current back pews are now and will hold prayer books, hymnals, nametags, and ushering needs.

The chairs have been ordered and are expected to be delivered in the late fall. In the meantime, plans are underway for repairing the slate floor once the pews are removed and for finding alternative uses for the pews. Unfortunately, storage of the pews will not be possible. Some of the chapel pews will be repurposed within the building. For the remaining, we are exploring options for selling or donating them to another church or to make them available to St. Paul’s parishioners to purchase for a small fee. Pews can be shortened to any length and still retain both end caps. If you have interest in purchasing a pew, please contact Pam O’Halloran: pohalloran@stpauls-church.org or (216) 238-4008.

Process and Timeline

November 2022 • Clergy and staff discuss renovations to the space

January 2023

• Group meetings of 7:45 a.m. congregation representatives, house committee members, parish architects, clergy, and staff to receive input and feedback on the project

• Presentation to Vestry — Proposal unanimously approved

• Presentation to Annual Meeting

March 2023 • Conversation with the congregation (open to all)

January-July 2023 • Fundraise for an estimated $50,000 in fees via the Capital Campaign

June 2023 • Order chairs

October-November 2023 • Remove pews, repair floors, and “install” new chairs; Bless the space

Reimagining St. Martin’s Chapel

The photos above show Sauder Worship Seating chairs similar to what we will purchase. Our chairs will be stained to match our current pews. The seat cushions will be made of green fabric, complementary to the tile flooring of the space. The chairs we purchase will not have cushions on the back.

The photos above depict St. Martin’s Chapel in its original state, without pews.

Parish Calendar

Parish Notes Event Submissions

Submissions may be emailed to Nathaniel Powell, Director of Communications: npowell@stpaulschurch.org. Submissions must include a Title (max 50 to 60 characters), a date (optional), a description (max 500 characters, links are exempt), and a photo/graphic or suggestion for a photo/graphic (minimum 1080px x 1080px). If more room is needed, submissions may include an additional 250 to 300 words which will be linked to and published on our website.

Worship

Summer Worship

From Sunday, June 4 to Sunday, September 3

Our summer worship schedule runs from Sunday, June 4, and ends on September 3

7:45 a.m. • Our service in St. Martin’s Chapel will continue.

9 a.m. • Our service moves outdoors to the East lawn, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, worship will take place in the nave.

10:30 a.m. • Our late morning service in the nave moves from 11:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will be livestreamed at www.stpaulschurch.org/Live

Bluegrass Holy Eucharist

The Forest City String Band will accompany our 9 a.m. Holy Eucharist services on July 9 and August 13.

Holy Hiking

Saturday, July 15, 9:30 a.m.

Lace up your hiking boots to explore our local parks with our church community. We’ll pause mid-way through our hike to share in a brief service of Morning Prayer, overlooking God’s creation. Hikes will take place on July 15 and August 26. For more details and to RSVP, contact Rev. Jeanne: jleinbach@ stpauls-church.org.

All hikes begin at 9:30 a.m.

July 15 • Cuyahoga County National Park

Ledges Trail

Trail rating: Moderate

August 26 • West Creek Reservation

Skyline Overlook and Lookout Ridge Loop

Trail rating: Moderate (but short!)

Christian Formation

Holy Land Pilgrimage

Register by Friday, August 25

Making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land can be a life-changing experience. Some of the holiest places in the world are concentrated in this tiny sliver of land situated between the desert and the sea and spending time where three of the world’s great religions were founded can deepen our understanding and touch our very souls. Join Rev. Jeanne on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February 2024. Learn more and register by going to our website: www.stpauls-church. org/HolyLand24

Contemplative Prayer

Join fellow seekers and spiritual pilgrims at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Chapel of the Cross for a holy hour of Contemplative Prayer (also called Christian Meditation) and reflection. The virtual group will continue to meet on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. on Zoom. To express interest or learn more, contact Dave Rodney (rodney.dave@gmail.com) or Laurie Rodney (lauriewsr@gmail.com).

Bible Study Summer Break

Please note that our Bible Study will observe a summer break beginning on May 25. We look forward to resuming our studies together on September 14, at 9 a.m.

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team is available for all parish pastoral needs. If you or someone you love needs pastoral care, call us at (216) 238-4001.

Opportunities to Care for Each Other

Being part of a church community means we’re given a chance to offer care to one another in times of need. Here are two great ways to seek and offer care: Transportation Ministry: Help parishioners by providing rides to church events, doctor visits, and other appointments.

Meal Ministry: Prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal to a church member experiencing a short-term transition or difficulty.

Contact Rev. Jeanne to sign-up and learn more: jleinbach@stpauls-church.org

Outreach

Summer Habitat Opportunities

St. Paul’s is participating in the Faith Build with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. There are lots of different ways to get involved. First up is the Walk/Run/Mosey at Edgewater Park on July 8 — it’s family-friendly, donut-friendly, and dog friendly! We’ll have work days on July 27 and August 26, and there are jobs for those with no building skills and those familiar with power tools. There will also be a general neighborhood spruce-up day on September 9. We hope you can join in on one or more of these dates. Please contact Kathy Hogg (khogg75@gmail.com) to get on the St. Paul’s Habitat email list or any questions.

EDWINS La Bastille

Saturday, July 15

Please support our EDWINS Ministry partnership as they launch their largest fundraiser of the year, La Bastille, on July 15. You can donate 1-2 bottles of wine for their silent auction. You can also volunteer to help set up the event and check in patrons. This will earn you access to the event and warm feelings from the contribution of time and the summer weather! You can also consider buying a ticket to attend the event. We would love to see the St. Paul’s Parish Community well represented there. Details for purchases are on the EDWINS website: edwinsrestaurant.org/labastille.

Loaves and Fishes

Second Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., and Fourth Mondays, 5:30 p.m.

The Loaves and Fishes ministry serves two meals a month at local homeless shelters. All interested in preparing food or serving our guests may email Jeff and Carol Spero: cjmspero@gmail.com.

GCC Get Out the Vote

Ohio is holding a special election on Tuesday, August 8, with only one issue on the ballot, a proposal that would change the rules for enacting new constitutional amendments, Issue 1. Because voter turnout is typically low for an August election, Greater Cleveland Congregations, of which St. Paul's is a founding member, is asking all members of its congregations to vote in this important election. Vote-By-Mail applications are available in the Narthex and near every entrance of St. Paul's or may be downloaded using this link or QR code: tinyurl. com/BOEVotebymail. The deadline to register to vote is July 10. Early inperson voting starts July 11.

Fellowship

Newcomer Garden Tour and Reception

Thursday, July 6, 6 p.m.

All newcomers to St. Paul’s (those who’ve joined in the past two years or so) are invited to a tour of our beautiful church gardens on Thursday, July 6, at 6 p.m. Our garden guild, The Lay Weeders, will lead us around the grounds. We’ll finish up by sharing appetizers and drinks in the Courtyard. For more details and to RSVP, contact Rev. Jeanne: jleinbach@stpauls-church.org

Ice Cream Social

Friday, July 21, 6:30 p.m.

The Women’s Council is delighted to invite you, your family, friends, and neighbors to a summer favorite, the Ice Cream Social, held on the front lawn on Friday, July 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy visiting with others while enjoying frozen treats and grilled hot dogs and not dogs with all the fixings. Jungle Terry returns to showcase an interactive menagerie of animals. Music entertainment will feature local talents. Kids, bring your trikes and bikes to decorate for the Bike Parade and peddle around the church in style. The event is free, but a free-will offering will be collected to support the event.

Bellwether Together

August 18-20

Register by July 18

Our annual all-parish fellowship retreat, Bellwether Together, is back. Relax with your family and church friends this August 18-20. Participate in an epic cooking competition, ride the tractor wagon for a farm tour, hike along the Vermillion River, swim in the pond, and make s’mores! You’ll love the farm-fresh meals and cozy accommodations, which range from hotel-style single and double retreat rooms to cabins with comfortable bunk beds that can house up to ten people. Our Diocesan camp and retreat center, Bellwether Farm, is fully accessible, and program options are designed for all ages and stages of life. Learn more and register by visiting our website: www.stpauls-church.org/retreat23.

Music and Art

Carillon Concert

Sunday, July 2, 11:30 a.m.

On Sunday, July 2, following the 10 a.m. combined worship service, our David Osburn will present an Independence Day-themed concert on the recently enlarged St. Paul’s carillon. David will delight us with the same program that he will play at St. Christopher’s by-the-River in Gates Mills on July 4 — an annual event he has played for 32 years. The concert will include many patriotic favorites, such as “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and more.

Summer Music

We are grateful to our song leaders and pianists for their musical leadership at summer 9 a.m. services: Jason Chance, Kelsey Ferguson, Lois Bell, Cindy Gamble, Kathy Jo Gutsgell, and Jocelyn Keck. For 10:30 a.m. services this summer throughout the remainder of July, we are grateful to have a quartet of singers from the Senior Choir leading congregational hymns, service music, psalmody, and anthems.

2025 Salisbury Cathedral Trip

July 17-28, 2025

St. Paul’s Youth and Senior Choirs are planning a pilgrimage and choral residency to Salisbury Cathedral, U.K., in July 2025. The trip will be open to members and friends of the parish as well as choir members. For a general introduction to the trip, please visit: www.stpauls-church.org/ Salisbury2025. For more information on the trip, please contact Kevin Jones at kjones@stpauls-church.org.

In the Diocese

Listening Sessions

Multiple Dates and Locations

To build and deepen relationships in the diocese and with the Bishop and Bishop’s staff, Bishop Anne is inviting everyone in the diocese to join her in participating in Listening Sessions this summer. We will be able to have facilitated discussions and table conversations about the vision for the diocese and how the Bishop and her staff can support congregations in living out their missions. We will take the information we learn from these sessions and use it for discussion at Diocesan Convention in November. You are welcome to attend whichever session works best for you. Sessions are about two hours. The closest dates and locations to St. Paul's are:

Thursday, August 10, 6:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s, 18001 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio

Saturday, August 12, 9:30 a.m. at Christ Church, 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio

To RSVP and find another date and location that works best for you, visit the Diocese's website: www.dohio.org/ listening-sessions.

stpauls-church.org

@stpaulscle • (216) 932-5815