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Eternal light in St. Paul Sanctuary

Message from Pastor Peter Marty

By Pastor Peter Marty

Q & A Time

What makes you laugh?

Believe it or not, other people laughing makes me laugh. Notice fun and hearty laughs sometime — like our receptionist Jennifer Garvey enjoying a good moment — and you’ll probably start laughing too.

Where are we headed with parking needs at St. Paul?

“In a really good direction,” would be the quick answer. Aggressive plans are underway for design, landscaping, nighttime lighting, and parking lot completion of all our property south of High Street. It cannot happen soon enough. Some inconvenience on several Sundays this summer will be worth it. A team of people is working on the full plan, including easier entrances. If there is any way financially, we’ll look at replacing some wickedly old sidewalks and that car-swallowing alleyway.

How does the eternal light inside the large processional doors burn eternally?

The wax in this gorgeous light gets replaced by our custodial manager. Every seven days, Matt Spencer hauls out a 14-foot ladder to ensure that this sign of Christ’s 24-hour presence in our lives stays lit.

Where does the spiral staircase in our “print shop” (along the main office corridor) go?

The answer to this frequently asked question is NOWHERE. Actually there is a tiny storage room at the top of the spiral that was originally built as a pipe organ chamber back in 1952.

How many dozen donuts are ordered each Sunday?

Ninety (90) dozen. That would include donut holes. It happens to be a valuable ministry of food, third in importance only to Holy Communion and our feeding of hungry people in the community. Donations never keep pace. If you’re in the habit of just eating, do consider eating and contributing when you can.

How are Lowell Michelson, Lorin Darst, and Elizabeth Hiller (our three former resident pastors) doing?

Great. Since leaving St. Paul in July ’08, each of them has flourished in ministry. They’re happy in Wichita, Houston, and Chicago. I talk or correspond periodically with all of them.

What’s next for our current three resident pastors?

Matthew, Heather, and Ann are all looking at next steps, interviewing or aiming to identify next opportunities for ministry. They are with us through July 18.

What is a wish for future St. Paul strength?

I wish that more people would remember this wonderful congregation in their estate planning. Even if one’s kids or grandkids are really special, it is so simple to direct 5%, 50%, or even 1% of one’s estate to such a meaningful cause. It would sure bless our ministry and campus beyond our lifetimes.

Do you miss the Grace Matters radio broadcasts that ended a year ago?

Sure I do. The chance to impact so many people with the Christian message, and to meet so many stimulating guests, is a loss. But I do not miss the weekly commute to Chicago. That fresh time allotment has allowed for some critical breathing space and some new ventures.

How are you feeling about St. Paul right now?

I am actually as excited as at any point in my almost-14 years of ministry here. It’s really true. We just keep entering marvelous new chapters of life. Every morning, I get all juiced up to be with the people and commitments of this place. I happen to believe we have one of the premier congregations in America when it comes to mission fervor, meaningful worship, hospitality joy, facility excellence, and a beautiful grounding in Christ’s grace.

Pastor Peter Marty,

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