St. Paul's Recipient of Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma Congregational Vitality Grant
I am delighted to share that St. Paul's was awarded a 2021 Congregational Vitality Grant from the Diocese of Oklahoma to help support music ministry initiatives at the Cathedral.
This grant, along with personal financial gifts from across the congregation, has allowed us to bring to our staff Joey Ripka, our new Canon Musician Designate. Canon Musician Scott Rabb, set to retire October 1, 2022, will continue as Canon Musician during this transition time, while Joey will focus on the building of a children and youth community chorister program until he assumes the role of Canon Musician upon Scott's retirement. Scott and Joey will collaborate between music traditions and duties over the next year, allowing for a smooth transition between Canon Musicians. This time is a gift for the music program, the congregation, and Scott and Joey. I am excited to see the collaborative genius of Scott and Joey together!
I know it may seem an interesting decision--given that we are behind on our pledges this year (we still need $100,000 to meet our 2021 goal) to bring on another full-time staff member. The grant from the Diocese, personal gifts of support for this music hire, and years of good financial stewardship puts St. Paul's in a place where we can take on the additional financial burden. What Joey will add to St. Paul's, and the enthusiastic support that Scott has for Joey, led the Vestry to decide that the stretch could not compare with what St. Paul's will gain by bringing a world class musician and teacher, who is also gifted with children, to the Cathedral and the larger community. We knew we would have to spend time and dollars in securing a new Canon Musician. I am very grateful that we can spend our resources within our own walls--building a new program and ensuring a smooth transition.
The year 2021 has been a strange one. We have experienced great loss and great joy as a community, and from people to property to finances, this has been a year that we just can't predict. Yes, our pledges are down. But also, yes, so are our expenses. We do have financial needs, but we also have been on the receiving end of great generosity that allows for St. Paul's to continue to grow into our mission. This is the world of donor-directed giving, where there are funds available for specific projects or initiatives, but still a need for the electric bill. Due to the good financial stewardship of the past, we are able to meet the needs of St. Paul’s in a year of uncertainty and make forward looking strategic moves in hiring and programing. As Mainline Churches face decline, St. Paul's has already began to grow and thrive as we adapt to meet the needs of God's beloved children in a 21st Century world.
Looking forward, I am confident we will meet our pledge goal for 2022 as we experience not just the growth and liveliness of the Ripka family among us, but also the growth and liveliness we will experience as we enter into the Fall and get to know, again, what fullness of life and programing is like at St. Paul's. As I said, 2021 is a weird year, but we are a body of faithful and hopeful people; not just for what is to come, but also for what is happening right now.
As always, I, your Wardens, and your Vestry, are available to answer any questions you may have or to listen to any comments or suggestions you wish to make.
With gratitude,
Dean Churchwell+