Father Jay is eager to begin his work here, a place he describes as a combination of northern efficiency and southern charm, something he’s been looking for all his life. He is excited about the future of The Church (overall, not just St. Paul’s) and the love and joy it offers.
In his conversations with the search committee, he spoke powerfully of his own call to ministry, how much his time in youth ministry meant to him, and his commitment to mentoring younger clergy even as he is inspired by them. He also spoke about the importance of worship, pastoral care and adaptive organizational leadership that inspires staff.
Father Jay has come to an agreement with our parish to begin his ministry on April 15, with his first Sunday in-person on April 26. There will be many opportunities to get to know Father Jay in the coming months – here are some quick highlights:
- coming from a role as rector at Parish of the Good Shepherd in Newton, MA
- priest for 16+ years
- BBA in International Business, University of Georgia; M.Div, Mercer University; Doctor of Ministry in Scripture and Homiletics, Emory University
- wife Alison and two children, Ella and James
Hear Father Jay talk about our next steps together in this video.
We are grateful to the search committee for a year’s worth of long hours reviewing applicants, interviewing, entertaining, and discerning. We are also grateful to all our clergy and staff, including our interim, bridge, and supply clergy who have allowed us to move into the future gracefully.
This is the starting line. We will be holding a Parish Update meeting on Sunday, March 15 at 12:30 p.m. to share our excitement and first thoughts on how we will welcome our new rector and his family. We’ll also include a quick update on the financial status of the parish, now that we have details on Father Jay’s move to Cary. See you there!
Peace,
Randall Robinson, Sr. Warden, on behalf of St. Paul’s vestry