Saint Paul's

Just when life seems to be going as planned, something happens to remind us that we are not in charge. My ministry at Saint Paul's Church has been exciting and I had planned to remain at Saint Paul's until retirement, until ...the Bishop called and invited me to be a member of the cabinet.

Saint Paul's is largely to blame for this interruption. The vitality of the church's ministries and the vision with which you are approaching the future is noticed by the conference leadership. Saint Paul's has great lay leadership. I have come to appreciate the commitment and talent of Saint Paul's laity. You are willing to respond to identified needs in the community. Experimentation with worship and program, although rightfully cautious, is always willingly adopted if the best interests of the congregation are at the center. Most importantly, Saint Paul's is a church geared toward the future. It is a church desiring to grow in numbers and grow spiritually. Too often, the clergy leadership is credited with a church's success. Clergy leadership is always important. However, YOU, Saint Paul's, deserve to celebrate YOUR successes. You are living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

I will always mark my years at Saint Paul's as among the best years of my life. I love this church, its people, and the Sarpy County community. Possibly the best part of my move to the cabinet is that I will be the District Superintendent for the Missouri River District and continue to live in Papillion. Instead of one church, I will now have responsibility for sixty churches in the district.

One of the most challenging aspects of my new position will come in two years. The Nebraska Conference will be joined with Kansas West and Kansas East as one Episcopal area. One Bishop will serve all three conferences and Nebraska will not have a resident Bishop. The cabinets of each of the three conferences will be given greater responsibility in the new arrangement.

I have also been invited to sit at the table as the new senior pastor is appointed to Saint Paul's Church. The SPPRC will be meeting to advise the cabinet as to what gifts they would like in the new senior pastor. Saint Paul's Church is one of the best churches in the conference and will be given a high priority in pastoral appointments.

Continuity is important, especially as Saint Paul's moves into the final phase of its building project. The new senior pastor should possess gifts in fund raising and leading construction projects. Retaining Pastor Craig Collins also seems to be important. However, that decision is left to the new senior pastor.

Thank you Saint Paul's for eight great years. You have been my family. Your grace and hospitality have been greatly appreciated. May God bless you as you continue to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!

Dr. Dan