RECTOR PROFILE     
             
St. Paul’s, Cambria, is seeking a full time rector who has the vision, the qualifications and the energy to lead us forward in our faith journey.  Our current Rector Donna Ross will retire at the end of January, 2005, after ably serving our congregation for nine years.

In January 2004 Donna began serving as President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of El Camino Real, during which time the diocese has been searching for a new bishop.  Due to this major commitment, she asked our vestry for, and was granted, a new contract with St. Paul’s, where she would work only one-quarter time.  This new schedule put a good deal of responsibility on the Vestry and the congregation.  However, St. Paul’s has always been a parish that is capable of self-government, and we are doing well.

Our new rector should be an inspiring preacher and teacher, whose sermons are based on the Scripture lessons, relate to our everyday lives, and challenge us.  Our congregation is well educated, listens attentively and often asks for a copy of the sermon.  We have been blessed with outstanding sermons and thought-provoking discussion classes; we wish this to continue.

The rector who is right for St. Paul’s will model faith and faithfulness, and provide spiritual growth and leadership.  We desire someone who respects the historic, rich traditions of the Episcopal Church but at the same time will be open to new ideas and new interpretations of theology and Scripture.  We are a liturgically centered church and are drawn to the beauty of the Book of Common Prayer.  Yet we are informal in style and enjoy change, such as our current use of the New Zealand Prayer Book for our intercessory prayers and Taize chants as part of our Sunday morning music.

St. Paul’s is a small church in a small community.  Because news travels quickly, it is important to have a rector who exercises discretion and respects confidences.  We also want someone with good interpersonal skills, who is open to the input of others and responsive to constructive criticism.  Being able to delegate effectively is also important.  Due to the age of our members, someone who is able to offer support in times of illness or grief is essential.  Our parish is like an extended family.  There is a warmth and friendliness and caring for each other that draws one into a sense of belonging, and this is one of our greatest strengths.

Our members, when asked what they would like to see the same in five years, responded that it was important that our loving congregation continue the feeling of family and concern for one another, as well as the world around us.  This is evident in the many and varied outreach ministries in which we are involved.  Community outreach, both financial and physical, is extremely important to our parishioners.  As stated in our Parish Profile, our outreach efforts, for a small church, are rather amazing.  Most members are involved in lay ministries and church organizations.  We need a rector who will encourage and lead us in continuing this important work, as well as take an active role in the local community.

When asked what they would like to see different at St. Paul’s five years from now, most parishioners wanted growth: new families, more youth, with Sunday School as needed, and more diversity in age and ethnicity. (A bilingual priest, who speaks Spanish as well as English, could be an asset).

As stated earlier, we are a parish of mostly older people, ranging in age from fifty to ninety, with a few younger (including one Search Committee member in her twenties).  We need someone who will lead us into our vision of St. Paul’s future…helping us attract people who are not currently drawn to our church.  We want a rector who is “hands on,” who will reach out to individuals within the parish and the community, and who will help make our church a magnet for new and diverse people --one where people will want to worship.  It is fine for us to feel a sense of contentment within our congregation, but we want to share what we think is so wonderful with more people, and we seek someone who will help us do this.

Our diocese voted for the ordination of the Rev. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire as the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church.  While there are members of the parish who struggle with this issue, we continue to be an open-minded congregation.

There will be a great deal of support here for a new rector.  Members of this parish, when asked to help, usually say YES.   We feel our rector certainly needs to have an understanding of administrative matters and oversee them; but he or she should not be in charge or responsible for doing it all.  Here at St. Paul’s we have a skilled part-time church administrator.  For the past year and a half we have had a vocational deacon serving us who has enriched our parish life.  Recently a newly retired Lutheran pastor joined our congregation, and he has been available to assist where needed.  Also, a retired Episcopal priest is a member here.

It may sound as if we are looking for a priest who can walk on water…and turn water into wine…but, of course, we know that we all are human.    
We pray for a rector and priest who will embrace our vision of St. Paul’s future and join us in helping to spread Jesus Christ’s gospel of love to the community.
We offer the person who fills our needs the suggested diocesan salary and benefits.  There is no rectory.