Update from the Rector!

Update from the Rector

Dear Friends,

I write to share the exciting news that I have entered into an agreement with the Rev. David Johnson to come on board as a part-time priest associate. David is a retired priest with decades of experience in parish ministry and church leadership. He will assist primarily with pastoral responsibilities during the week and will also share in the liturgical and preaching rotations for our Wednesday and Sunday services.

Moving forward, Brad Clark will continue serving as our curate, and Mike Ballard will also continue serving as a priest associate. David will simply provide us with additional clergy support, at least until we are able to conduct a search and extend a call for another full-time associate.

David and his wife, Nora will join us this coming Sunday and will be introduced at the parish brunch and 10:00 a.m. service. I’m thrilled for them to come on board as partners in ministry, and I hope you'll join me in welcoming them warmly into the St. Paul’s family!

Yours in faith and gratitude,

Jody+

A Letter from The Rev. David Johnson

Dear Friends,

I am enthusiastic about joining you for our common ministry on November 1. The Rector, Jody, has been very kind and inviting in encouraging me to join his staff.

The primary focus of my ministry—other than sacramental services—will be pastoral in nature. Years ago, when I was doing my chaplaincy training at University Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, I learned that the key element of pastoral ministry is presence. Whether our visits will be in the hospital, home, office, or a nursing or assisted living facility, I will offer a ministry of presence—with that presence representing the bond we share through Jesus Christ.

One thing I have learned in 37 years of ordained ministry is that I do not know of pastoral needs automatically. So, if you or someone you know is in the hospital or in need of pastoral care, please let the office know.

God bless you all.

David+

Biographical Background for the Rev. David Johnson

The Rev. David Johnson is the retired Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, living in Fairhope, Alabama. In that role, he served as the principal clergy assistant to three Bishops of Mississippi for 16 years.

David is a native Mississippian and a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He was ordained deacon and priest in 1987. Since that time, he has served congregations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in Nashville, Tennessee, and Starkville, Mississippi.

In addition to various national and diocesan church roles, David was an elected deputy to multiple General Conventions of the Episcopal Church. He was also on the national Fresh Start and CREDO faculties, assisting congregations in transition and clergy renewal.

As an avocation, David periodically leads pilgrimages to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iceland, Scotland, Switzerland, Italy, England, and Ireland. His other hobbies include cooking, reading, home-brewing, and walking.

David has been married to the former Nora Knight of Amory, Mississippi since 1974. They are the parents of a daughter, Leigh Rendfrey of Mobile and a son, Chris of Denver, Colorado. They also have two grandsons, who live in Mobile.