It is with a great deal of pleasure that the Discernment Team and the Vestry announce that The Rev. Paul Allick has been called to be the seventh Rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church.

A little over one year ago, Father Paul Allick came to St. George’s as Priest in Charge.  He was very down to earth and his sermons were easy to listen to  and understand.  It seemed that all of us were almost instantly comfortable with him.  He quietly went about his work which included Gospel Based  Discipleship, feast-day services, teaching, calling on the shut-ins and hospitalized, a joint confirmation class with two other Episcopal churches and facilitating a Newcomer Committee, to name just some of what he has done in his time here.  He showed us how much we can learn from the Book of Common Prayer, and he emphasized the role of the baptized and the laity in the church.  And he encouraged those who weren’t baptized or confirmed to consider taking steps to receive those sacraments which many have already done.

In April of this year, the Discernment Team began its work.  The end result was to be a parish profile outlining who St. George’s is as a parish, where we want to go in the future, and the qualities needed in a rector to lead us into that future.  When the next rector to be preaching, teaching, pastoral care and liturgy.  That made it clear to the Discernment Team and the Vestry that The Rev. Paul Allick was the right choice for our next Rector.  Fr. Paul had been discerning as well and saw the parish profile a few days before the Vestry.  So, when the Vestry called to offer the position to Father Paul on the evening of November 18, he did not hesitate in accepting.

His official installation as Rector will likely take place in the first quarter of 2010.  Details will be provided as they become available.

Paul is a resident of St. Louis Park and has been a priest for 13 years.  He has had a wealth of experience over those 13 years and most recently  served as the interim rector at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church in Wayzata, MN.

Bishop Jelinek and last year’s Vestry were wise in selecting Paul as Priest in Charge.  Our journey with Paul and the discernment process this past year have led to the great blessing of calling him as our next Rector.  Paul is a very spiritual man and we believe he will be a faithful pastor who will care for us and will equip us for our ministries.  Thanks be to God!

Alleluia!

-Kathie Brown, Parish Warden