Lay Leadership, alongside the Vestry, at St. Paul’s:
The Parish Ministry Council
St. Paul’s has always been led by faithful members of the lay order of ministry, the largest and most powerful of the four orders of ministry in the Episcopal Church (laity, deacons, priests, bishops).
In these years (the 2020s) of development and revitalization at St. Paul’s, and to help us work together effectively and imagine new ways of doing church, a new group has formed: the Parish Ministry Council, a team of representatives from eight (eventually ten) ministries. They gather monthly and connect in other ways to share ideas, focus on parish-wide mission goals, support one another, and both broaden and deepen lay leadership across the parish.
Please contact Father Stephen at stephen@stpaulseattle.org if you are interested in learning more about the Parish Ministry Council.
Buildings and Grounds Ministry
Daryl Schlick
This team is overseeing the 2023-2025 capital improvement projects; addresses issues of safety and security; tends our gardens; and supports the staff in maintenance and custodial care.
Faith Formation Ministry
Laurel Tallent
This team plans and leads faith-formation activities for all ages, in several modules, both online and in the building.
Intergenerational Ministry
Future Ministry
We are already revitalizing our ministry with children, youth, and families, and will form a specific, new Intergenerational Ministry team in the near future to continue the development of new ministries for older youth (tweens and teens) and seek new ways to cultivate intergenerational fellowship and collaboration.
Liturgy and Music Ministry
Laura Griffin
A revitalized team that previously existed as St. Gregory’s Guild, this ministry serves as an advisory group supporting the Rector and Music Director.
Neighborhood Action Ministry
BJ Ohlweiler
This team steers our mission in the neighborhood, focusing on the three areas of 1) direct action (SPiN wagons and Little Free Pantry); 2) community advocacy; and 3) building relationships with neighborhood individuals and groups.
Newcomers and Membership Ministry
John Sutherland
This team oversees our shared call to invite, greet, orient, and incorporate newcomers; and stay in current contact with all membership, responding to their changing needs.
Parish Life Ministry
Lizann Jones
This team oversees the essential ministry of coffee hour, plans ahead for events and celebrations, and tends to our archives and library as stewards of our parish history.
Pastoral Care Ministry
Kevin Montgomery
Shepherding all who are in need of pastoral care, this team is in close conversation with the rector on the pastoral needs of our community, and leads occasional formation events on the topic of pastoral care.
Small Groups Ministry
Future Ministry
We hope to break new ground at St. Paul’s with the creation of the Small Groups Ministry, working closely with Parish Life and Newcomers/Membership to begin forming small groups for social connection, service rotations, and the incorporation of new members.
Stewardship Ministry
Barbara Potgieter
This team oversees our commitment to multiple dimensions of stewardship, including the stewardship of finances, creation-care, justice and peace (anti-racism and land-acknowledgement efforts), and the time and talents of all members.