St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Profile 2008

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Muskegon, Michigan
Parish Profile 2008

Contents
St. Paul’s On a Mission 3
St. Paul’s Yesterday 4
St. Paul’s Today 6
St. Paul’s Tomorrow 11
Beyond St. Paul’s 13
St. Paul’s by the Numbers 18
St. Paul’s Welcomes You! 19
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s On a Mission
W
e understand St. Paul’s to be a “Parish Church” in the classic
Anglican sense of ministering to all the people of the Muskegon
area, regardless of their personal religious affiliation or beliefs. 1
We do this by:
Offering Eucharistic based worship marked by
usage of the Book of Common Prayer and
traditional music. Although our primary
expression is traditional, liturgical material from
other sources may be used for special events or
integrated with regular worship.
Developing a strong, vibrant congregation
nurtured by quality worship and spiritual
formation programs, Christian education,
pastoral care and fellowship activities so as to
empower each person in his or her ministry in
the world.
Offering our facility for appropriate community
events and for usage by non-profit organizations.
Priority is given to events that emphasize the
connection between the arts and faith, address
community concerns, widen educational
opportunities or offer direct services to those in
need in our community.
Supporting outreach centers in the community
whose activities are consistent with our
Baptismal Covenant, which calls us to seek and
serve Christ in all persons and to promote the
dignity of every individual.
In all activities, we proclaim the inclusive love of God for all persons and
invite all persons into a renewed and strengthened relationship with God.
1 The above page of text is the formal mission statement of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s Yesterday
S
t. Paul's Episcopal Church
was born on July 28, 1866!
It was in 1866 that the Rt. Rev.
Samuel Allen McCoskry, first
Episcopal Bishop of Michigan,
made a visit of exploration to
Muskegon and held a service.
The Bishop felt that Muskegon
showed promise and a good field
for missionary effort. Inspired by
his visit, the people of Muskegon
established a church, Articles of
Incorporation were drawn up,
and on July 28, 1866, they were
signed. St. Paul’s was accepted
as a parish at the Diocesan
Convention on June 6, 1867.
On May 19, 1869, lots were
purchased for a church building,
and the cornerstone was laid on
April 22, 1873. It was later
moved closer to the downtown
community, and opening services
were held on December 25,
1873. St. Paul's was the first
The first St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1873-1893.
church to be consecrated in the new Episcopal Diocese of Western
Michigan in 1875.
In 1891, the Rev. Phillip W. Mosher found the parish with healthy
finances and great enthusiasm for building a new church. The current
church site was bought in 1891, and the present church was erected.
The cornerstone was laid on September 29, 1892.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Third Street and
Clay Avenue in downtown Muskegon, across from beautiful Hackley
Park. Our building is an early English Gothic design with a foundation
of Bedford limestone and walls of "Green Bluff" stone from Stony Point,
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Michigan. Our stained glass windows are considered to be some of the
most outstanding in the country, especially the "rose" window over the
entrance with some believed to be Tiffany stained glass. The altar is of
Italian Carrara white marble, consecrated in 1906. In 1920, mosaic tile
work above the altar, a canopy, a reredos, a chancel window and
the carved communion rail were added. The Kelly Brothers of Muskegon,
famous for woodworking, made and installed the current pews. In April
1928, the vestry authorized the purchase of a new organ. The powerful
Austin/Reuter organ was purchased that year and is still in use today.
The church has been
refurbished several times
in the past one hundred
plus years. In 1954, the
Resurrection Chapel was
added, seating fifty and
used mainly for midweek
communion, small
weddings, private prayer
services and church
school services.
Newly constructed St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1893
The Guild Hall and Parlor were refurbished in 2002, the undercroft in
2005, and the church school classrooms redecorated in 2006. In 2007, a
fundraising goal of $120,000 was met for a phased restoration of the
organ.
There is a Columbarium in the undercroft of the sanctuary. In 2005, a
Memorial Garth was created in the courtyard garden. Brass name
plaques note the ashes of those interred at St. Paul’s.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s Today
T
he Parish is currently 2 comprised of 275 individual members,
including children and 108 pledging units. The parish is active and
vibrant, drawing members from the greater Muskegon community. There
are opportunities for members to be involved in lay ministry, music
ministry, outreach, guilds, fundraising and fellowship events.
This ministry includes serving as an acolyte, lector, crucifer or a trained
and licensed Eucharistic Minister.
Music Ministry
Our music ministry is
diverse, invigorating, and
an important part of the
worship
services.
Members are involved in
adult and children’s bell
choirs, senior choir, two
children’s choirs, and a
guitar
ensemble.
Frequent opportunities
arise for instrument and
vocal solos. The liturgical
music incorporates a wide
range of styles and
presentations.
Music outreach includes the Feeding the Soul of the City Concerts,
which evolved from a memorial established for a parishioner. These free
noontime concerts are offered to the community and are supported by
individual and corporate donations. St. Paul’s owns a harpsichord, two
grand pianos and an Austin/Reuter organ, which is being rebuilt. Our
music program enriches and supports the worship services.
2 September, 2007
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Outreach
Our Parish supports two
significant programs
within the Muskegon
downtown community.
At Supper House, through
Mission for Area People,
parish members volunteer
to serve meals to the
needy at a local church. A
monthly outreach
donation of $120 per
month is provided to
Supper House. Parish
members also bake
desserts for the program.
Some children from St. Paul's Sunday School program helped fill
300 back packs for children in need at Supper House in August
2007.
The second outreach program is Sacred Suds, a laundry and shower
facility located in the McLaughlin Neighborhood. This program was
conceived by St. Paul’s and is currently chaired by a parish member.
The program has become a focal point for other agencies seeking to go
“beyond charity”. Sacred Suds, in addition to providing laundry and
shower facilities, offers
English as a Second
Language, computer
facilities, a vegetable garden,
and the VITA tax preparation
program for those eligible for
earned income credit. This
year, the tax preparation
program returned over
$130,000 to area residents.
In addition to donating
laundry soap and personal
hygiene items, St. Paul’s
donates $150 per month to
support the agency.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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The Church’s guilds also support community agencies including the
Heifer Project, LOVE, Inc., and the Muskegon Rescue Mission, along with
other county cooperating churches. The parish is a strong supporter of
the United Thank Offering, and the Bishop Whittemore Foundation, and
maintains a food pantry that distributes food and personal hygiene
products to members and people who stop by for help, along with helping
to supply local food distribution agencies.
St. Paul’s provides building space for various civic and charitable
organizations. For example: Kandu Inc. uses our rooms to provide
assistance to persons with disabilities in gaining employment; the
Muskegon Civic Theatre rehearses in our Guild Hall, and a local service
sorority has some of it’s functions here.
Fifth Guild
In addition to meeting for fellowship, Fifth Guild supports the acolyte
program with the purchase of robes, helps pay for the weekly newspaper
ads, and donates funds to support other church needs, including
purchasing Sunday school supplies and Christmas flowers. Fifth Guild
supports outreach, works on luncheons, funeral receptions and conducts
the annual pecan sale. There are presently nineteen active members.
Seventh Guild
Seventh Guild's main project is to take care of the upkeep and needs of
the nursery, including completing the painting of a Noah's Ark mural on
the walls. The guild also helps pay for the newspaper ads, sponsors the
Mother and Child banquet, sponsors the Blessing of the Boats, prepares
box lunches for the Feeding the Soul of the City Concerts and donates to
other church needs and outreach programs. There are presently twenty
one active members.
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
ECW is open to all women of the church. They cater the funeral
luncheons, organize and run the annual Muskegon Art Fair luncheons,
organize potluck lunches for outreach, provide treats for the weekly
coffee hour following Sunday services, help pay for newspaper ads and
support many other parish needs. In 2008, St. Paul’s will host the 127th
Annual Episcopal Church Women’s Diocesan gathering.
Altar Guild
The women and men of the Altar Guild purchase the wine and hosts for
Eucharist, the candles, liquid wax, tapers and wicks. The Guild is
responsible for setting the altar and lecterns weekly, maintaining linens
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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and organizing the altar flower donation schedule. They also help
prepare box lunches for the Feeding the Soul of the City Concerts, pay
for the newspaper ads and contribute to other parish needs and outreach
programs. There are ten to twelve active members.
Fellowship
Parishioners gather in the Guild Hall following the 10:30am service for a
time of fellowship and refreshments. Several times throughout the year,
potluck luncheons are served after services. We have had annual ice
cream socials in the courtyard between the Church and the
education wing, as well. St. Paul’s, has a lay led ministry entitled “Adult
Youth Group”. This group, for people of all ages, singles and couples,
plans activities such as movie nights, game nights and potluck suppers.
During the Lenten season, the group meets weekly at a local fish fry
followed by either a movie or a play. Future events include an in-house
gourmet cooking presentation, featuring a local set of credentialed chefs.
Fund Raising Events
St. Paul’s hosts a variety of fundraising events, all of which are another
opportunity for fellowship. Profits from these events are contributed to
capital projects, outreach ministries and operating ministries. Some
examples of these include:
Setting the Scene Dinner and Silent Auction, a sell-out event hosted
every two years featuring themed table settings, a catered dinner and
treasures to bid on.
Victorian Tea, a holiday event hosted every two years featuring the
Guild Hall decorated in Victorian style.
Art Fair Luncheon, an annual fundraiser which augments the local
Summer Celebration Art Fair, held directly across from St. Paul’s in
Hackley Park. The ECW provides a variety of donated baked goods,
punch, coffee and barbeque sandwiches that have become a well
known lunch stop for artists and shoppers.
Treasure Sale, held in conjunction with the Art Fair Luncheon. Lots of
nice white elephant items, collectibles and antiques are sold to the
community.
Blessing of the Boats, a unique annual event made possible by one of
our parishioners who owns a local cruise ship. The Port City Princess
offers dinner cruises on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. Our
rector presides over this popular lunch cruise and blesses many local
boats in celebration of the start of the boating season.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Education
Sunday school at St. Paul’s reflects our growth and enthusiasm. We
have thirty-eight preschool through middle school students and four
teachers. The youngest children’s program is the Montessori-based
Godly Play. The middle and older students use Seasons of the Spirit, a
lectionary-based curriculum. Our classes are held in our newly painted
and carpeted classrooms from 10:15 to 11:15, when the children rejoin
the general congregation for Holy Communion.
In August 2007, seven new youth acolytes were trained, joining our
seven veteran youth and adult acolytes. We view this and other lay
ministry roles as an important aspect of our education program for youth
and adults.
Throughout the year, our rector offers programs such as faith formation
and Lenten bible study. The faith formation class welcomes adults and
youth who are seeking baptism and/or membership in the Episcopal
Church as well as existing members and friends of St. Paul’s to join
together for learning, faith formation, fellowship, and sharing.
Pastoral Care
Our pastoral care, under the direction of Deacon Lily Marx and the
rector, involves members of the parish who are trained to visit, send
cards and telephone parishioners in need. Some Pastoral Care members
are licensed to bring the Eucharist to the homebound. Additionally,
through the shawl ministry, shawls made by parish members are blessed
by the rector and taken to those who are ill or in need of emotional
comfort in time of crisis. The rector provides pastoral care to members at
hospitals, care facilities, member homes and St. Paul’s.
Worship
We offer two services on Sundays. At 8:00 am, we gather to celebrate the
Eucharist using Rite I of the Book of Common Prayer. At 10:30 am, the
Eucharist is celebrated with full musical accompaniment using Rite II or
other rites. On some occasions, incense and banners are used in the
processional and recessional. Additionally, the Eucharist is celebrated
on Wednesdays at noon in the Resurrection Chapel. All Baptized
persons are invited to join us at God’s Table. A supervised nursery is
available for children ages 0-3 years. Older children are welcome to
participate in our Christian education program if they wish. St. Paul’s
Church is wheelchair accessible; with an elevator allowing access to all
levels of the Church.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s Tomorrow
The Rector We Seek
St. Paul's Parish is in a transitional neighborhood. We have a diverse
congregation comprised of professional, managerial, white collar and
working class people.
We are looking for an individual who will “shepherd the flock” by being a
confidential, spiritual minister of the people.
We are having discussions on how we can better encourage and reach
out to newcomers at St. Pauls. We would like a priest that will work with
us to build new evangelism programs and increase membership, or “draw
the flock”.
She or he should be a skillful personnel manager with good
communication skills that interacts well with people of all ages.
We wish to continue our existing outreach ministries while working with
a new priest to explore opportunities for growth in our ministry program.
We enthusiastically look forward to calling a priest who will join our
family, lead and inspire us to a deeper spiritual understanding of what
God has called us to do.
Building Youth Ministry
St. Paul’s intends to build youth programs, especially for youth ages 12 –
18. Our younger children enjoy a wonderful youth fellowship on
Wednesdays and Sundays, most notably in the area of the parish music
department, participating in junior choir and bell choir. The younger
children’s programs are also well developed by an outstanding Christian
Education and Faith Formation Team. We launched a youth ministry
program for middle and high school youth in September 2007 with a
planning retreat at a local camp. Worship, discussions, recreation and
planning for the 2007-2008 year were on the agenda. Youth from the
four parishes of Muskegon county are participating.
The Diocesan Youth Coordinator is helping with our goal of building
programs for the older youth. The Coordinator is available upon request
and has a staff to enhance individual parish youth programs as well as
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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diocesan programs, where teens of the diocese come together to build
community and become a larger part of the church, beyond parish
boundaries.
Combined Ministries
St. Paul’s is part of a conversation with the three other Episcopal
parishes in the Muskegon region. The goal is to build more of an
Episcopal presence in the Muskegon area, combining the resources of
the four parishes. St. Paul’s also supports various ecumenical gatherings
with local Lutheran churches, the United Church of Christ congregation
and Temple B’Nai Israel. Combined worship activities may be planned on
occasions such as Thanksgiving, Epiphany Service of Prayer for
Christian Unity, Easter Vigil and Ascension. The Episcopal parishes from
the Deanery convene to pray and discuss the agenda of the annual
convention with regard to canonical changes or resolutions requiring a
vote. The Deanery also hosts combined Confirmation services and other
events that help build a sense of community within the diocese.
Futures Fund
Rather than have a fundraising goal
limited both in time and amount, the
St. Paul’s Futures Fund was
established in 2006 as an ongoing,
long-term financial commitment to the
restoration and maintenance of the
physical structures of St. Paul’s
church.
Our Structure
The parishioners of St. Paul’s are
blessed with a beautiful and historic
structure. Along with this blessing
comes the responsibility to preserve
and restore the facility and its
contents. With a cornerstone first laid
in 1892, St. Paul’s is showing its age,
Organ Restoration Begins!
both inside and out. We are presently
investigating options for refurbishing our worship space and are now
restoring the 1928 organ. The organ is the largest in the Muskegon area,
and consists of four manuals and fifty three ranks of pipes. The leather
bellows will be repaired and the original wiring will be replaced with new
solid state electronics. We are thankful for the successful fundraising
efforts, along with funds from a bequest that made this project possible.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Beyond St. Paul’s
O
ur church is located within the historic downtown area of Muskegon
on the beautiful western coast of Michigan. On the shoreline of
Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan, Muskegon offers many attractions
for visitors and those considering relocation.
Activities and Attractions
During the summer we enjoy
boating, sports fishing, state
parks with trails through
wooded dunes and miles of
sandy beaches for strolling and
swimming. Extensive bike
trails connect the downtown
Pere Marquette Beach with the
cities of Montague and Hart to
the north. Our Summer
Celebration attracts nationally
recognized artists for over a
week of music concerts,
parades and other events Lake Michigan from Muskegon State Park Beach
annually. Other festivals
include the Irish Music Festival, Unity Christian Music Festival, and
Muskegon Fiesta Sabor Latino.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Cross Country Ski
Trail
During the winter months, the
Muskegon Winter Sports
Complex offers lighted crosscountry
skiing trails, an ice
skating rink, snowshoeing and
one of only four Olympic luge
runs in the United States.
Two hours North of Muskegon,
Crystal Mountain offers 45
downhill ski runs.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Throughout the year,
Muskegon’s Frauenthal
Theater, the Muskegon
Museum of Art, the
Muskegon Civic Theater,
and the Muskegon County
Museum, to name a few,
enrich us with the
performing and visual arts.
The West Shore Symphony
Orchestra is an
approximately 65 member
group that performs an
annual concert series.
Frauenthal Theatre, Dowtown Muskegon
Professional Sports
Muskegon is also home to a professional hockey team, The Muskegon
Fury. The LC Walker Arena, in Muskegon, hosts the Fury and is the
premiere event facility along the area shoreline. During the off season for
hockey, the arena is home to concerts, the circus, conventions, and, new
to the arena, The Muskegon Thunder of the Great Lakes Indoor Football
League.
Nearby Cities
The city of Grand Rapids is a 45 minute drive to the east of Muskegon.
Grand Rapids includes an abundance of big city amenities, from retail
stores, to restaurants, to entertainment. Grand Rapids serves as a West
Michigan hub for conventions, major events, concerts and an
international airport.
A 2½ hour trip on the Lake
Express Ferry links Muskegon to
the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
from mid-April to end of October.
Chicago is a 3½ hour drive south,
and Detroit is a 3½ hour drive
east.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Education
Muskegon supports a range of private and public schools. There are a
dozen public school districts throughout the county offering programs for
pre-school, adult and K-12 students.
The community’s most
recent investment in
research and education is
the Michigan Alternative &
Renewable Energy Center
(MAREC). A joint venture of
the Michigan Economic
Development Corp., the City
of Muskegon and Grand
Valley State University,
MAREC is helping to
establish West Michigan as
a leader in the application
of alternative energy
technologies.
Michigan Alternative & Renewable Energy Center
Baker College of Muskegon offers two and four-year degrees as well as an
MBA program. Muskegon Community College is a two year college with
traditional transfer opportunities, as well as on site facilities for earning
a bachelors or masters degree through its partnership with six
universities.
Within the Muskegon-Grand Rapids-Holland triangle are the campuses
of Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Aquinas
College, Grand Rapids Community College, Calvin College, Calvin
Theological Seminary, Cornerstone College, Hope College, Davenport
University, Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University, and
Cooley Law School.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Cost of Living
For the past 3 years,
millions of dollars have
been invested in
downtown Muskegon as
part of a vision to create a
model
waterfront
community. We have seen
extensive renovation of
historic homes. Downtown
streets have been
reinvigorated with a new
look attracting many new
businesses.
Hackley Park, Downtown Muskegon
A tax free downtown Renaissance Zone has encouraged the
redevelopment of the former Muskegon Boilerworks into homes and
workspace. The former Shaw-Walker warehouse now features lofts with
Muskegon Lake views incorporating unique architectural elements of the
original building.
Despite the unprecedented
construction, the average
price of residential and
commercial property remains
well below that of many
communities in the state and
nation.
WaterMark Center & Lofts
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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Statistics
Population (2005) Muskegon County 175,554
Muskegon City 40,105
Income (2005) Median Family Household $50,075
Median Hourly Wage $13.33
Mean Hourly Wage $16.41
Mean Annual Salary $34,134
Climate Average Jan High/Low Temp 30F/17F
Average July High/Low Temp 80F/60F
Annual Rainfall 33”
Annual Snowfall 106”
Unemployment 6.5% ( March 2007 )
Home ownership 77%
Cost of Living Index Muskegon County 81.8
National Average 99.52
Major Employers
ADAC Automotive
Alcoa
CWC Textron
Dana Corporation
Eagle Alloy
Hackley Hospital
Hayes Lammerz
Holland USA
Johnson Technology
Knoll, Inc.
L-3 Communications
Meijer
Mercy General Health Partners
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon Correctional Facility
Muskegon County
Muskegon Public Schools
Plumbs
Port City Group
Sun Chemical Corporation
Yale Lift-Tech
Transportation
Muskegon County Airport offers Midwest flights to Milwaukee and
Northwest to Chicago and Detroit. The Muskegon Area Transit Service
(MATS) runs daily throughout the Greater Muskegon area.
Major highways include US 31, I-96, M-120, M-46, M-37.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s by the Numbers
S
t. Paul’s is growing, and our numbers show it! During the last three
years attendance has grown 8.5% 3 and receipts have grown 4% 4 . This
is despite a relatively poor Michigan economy and a net drop in the
Michigan population.
The average combined 5
weekly attendance in 2006
was 125 with 2007
increasing to 128.
Our Christian Education
program for children is
growing. The number of
children enrolled in Sunday
school has grown from 33
in 2006/7 to 43 in 2007/8.
We have 12 children in our Wednesday after-school music program.
We have 275 communicants 6 in good standing and 108 “pledging units”.
Our annual receipts
show a steady increase
over the last 6 years. The
projected receipts for
2007 are $300,000.
In 2006, special services
included 12 baptisms
and confirmations, 4
weddings and 20
funerals.
3 Period 2004-2006
4 Period 2004-2006
5 Wednesday noon, Sunday 8am and Sunday 10:30am
6 Including children
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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St. Paul’s Welcomes You!
We are diverse! We are inclusive! We are welcoming!
For current news and additional information please visit our web site,
www.stpaulsmuskegon.org. Our web site includes a downloadable copy of our monthly
newsletter, The Epistle, our latest calendar and a gallery of photos offering views of St.
Paul’s and some of the programs occuring throughout the year. If you have any
questions please contact our search committee at search@stpaulsmuskegon.org.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church · 1006 Third Street Muskegon, MI 49440 · (231) 722-2112
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