A Letter From the Rector

 November 24, 2025

Dear People of St. Paul’s,

I write today with important news. After much prayer and discernment, and many conversations with Barbara and our family, the time has come for me to announce my retirement as rector of St. Paul’s. Honoring a promise made to our past and present wardens to offer a full year’s notice, my last Sunday will be November 22, 2026, the Feast of Christ the King.

This decision was not an easy one. Serving as your rector has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest joys and blessings of my life. By God’s grace, these years have been rich in faith, friendship, and shared ministry. Everything that came before my time at St. Paul’s feels, in many ways, like preparation for what we have been able to do together here. As I approach my 65th birthday, I can honestly say that this has truly been the work of a lifetime — and an amazing journey of grace.

Even as I look toward retirement, I want to emphasize that our journey together is not over. We have an entire liturgical year ahead of us — a year to celebrate, to deepen our faith, and to continue shining as a light in the world to the glory of God. There is much still to do, and I am eager to walk this next season with you in gratitude and hope. As we begin this time of transition, I pray that we remain a community grounded in thanksgiving for all that has been, confident in the Spirit’s leading, and hopeful for the future that God is preparing for St. Paul’s.



Blessings, 

Oran

A Letter From the Wardens

November 24, 2025

Dear Fellow Parishioners,



We must begin by acknowledging that the news of Oran's retirement saddens us. It is hard to envision the life of our wonderful parish without his steady, compassionate leadership. At the same time, we want to express our deep gratitude for his remarkable tenure and ministry at St. Paul's.

Since Oran arrived in 1999, we have experienced amazing growth. Our congregation has tripled in size; we have achieved financial stability that supports robust programming to all our constituents; our endowment has grown to a level that assures long-term support for our church's ministries and future needs; nearly every corner of our property has been renewed; and our outreach to the Alexandria community and beyond has flourished - our celebration of the 25th anniversary of Lazarus Ministry is but one example. Just as important as these objective accomplishments is the undeniable fact that we have grown together as a strong and inclusive community of faith under Oran's stewardship and that of the exceptional staff he has assembled. We feel richly blessed to have been on this journey with the Warder family.

We write today to assure you that plans for a thoughtful and successful transition are already underway. We are committed to a transparent, mission-driven process that actively seeks your input. As details unfold, we will keep you regularly informed. In the months ahead, there will be time to reflect on our goals as a congregation and to celebrate Oran's extraordinary ministry among us.

We know you join us in wishing Oran and Barbara every blessing for the next exciting chapter in their lives. As always, we are grateful for your continued support.



With warm regards in this season of Thanksgiving,

Eleanor Long, Senior Warden

Bruce Hedman, Junior Warden