Hello, St. Paul’s!
It’s your friendly Seminarian Jen Crompton with a report and one final update for you before I graduate in May. As some of you may know, I worked on a project during our coffee hour throughout Lent to help us go a little deeper with our conversations or find different ways to engage. A rolling whiteboard with the week’s questions is available during each coffee hour. Folks could then write a response and have a conversation about that week’s topic. I would often facilitate a discussion during the coffee hour following the 7:30 am service and then leave the markers available during the 9:30 am service to see how different groups engaged with the content.
While the project is only scheduled to continue for another week or two, I may keep it going through the rest of my time at St. Paul’s because the questions have helped take conversations deeper. I hope that folks will keep the idea going. Asking each other how the sermon moved you or what God might be calling you to let go of this week are always timely questions about our lives. The hope is to keep us curious about one another and God’s movement in the world around us. I believe that those are critical components in building community, that and great coffee! Something St. Paul’s has mastered, in my humble opinion.
I have loved getting to know this community over the last two years. I have loved spending time with you over Zoom, in the chapel live-streaming worship, and being present with you all as we re-gather to continue this faith journey together. Soon, I will graduate and return to my diocese.
The learning and experience I have had with you have meant more to me than any words could ever express. I am a better human for having known you and will absolutely be a better faith leader having been taught by you. Thank you for letting me teach, preach, and worship alongside you for the last two years. You will always have an exceptional place in my heart.
In gratitude,
Jen Crompton
