Bishop’s Pastoral Letter Issued

The bishop has released his pastoral letter regarding blessing same-sex unions and ordination of persons in committed same-sex relationships. (Both will be allowed.) Details can be found here.

Sad News

I just learned that Heather Roman, wife of Andy Roman, died yesterday in Florida. There will be a service for Heather at St. Paul’s at a time to be determined with the bishop as officiant. I expect that an official announcement from St. Paul’s will soon be forthcoming.

Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

Is Youth Ministry Killing the Church?

That provocative title is not mine, but the title of a 2010 blog post from Kate Murphy that has received a lot of attention lately in the Episcopal blogosphere. The question seems silly, of course, but Murphy makes an interesting case. Given that St. Paul’s has had a long-time commitment to youth ministry, that case should be given consideration. Her point is that strong youth programs tend to isolate youth in their own ghetto, rather than integrating them into the overall life of the church. When they graduate from high school, young people no longer have a connection to the church. Read her essay and see if you don’t agree with the problem she identifies. Is our youth program on the right track?