06/26/2024
Greetings Members, Friends and Followers,
Below is an article copied from the DiocesanNewsletter. I have additional information after the article:
"St. Nicholas Paradise to do a Congregational Restart
Last November, the leaders of St. Nicholas, Paradise petitioned the 2023 Diocesan Convention to change their status from a Special-Focus Parish to an Organized Mission. This was in response to a dramatic decrease in membership and attendance due to the November 2018 Campfire that destroyed much of the town of Paradise.
Despite the valiant efforts of many, the congregation has struggled to grow. After prayerful consideration, Bishop Megan, in consultation with the Standing Committee and The Very Rev. Tammy Smith-Firestone, Dean of the Alta California Deanery, has decided to suspend worship and fellowship at St. Nicholas for the time being. This process — known as a Congregational Restart, will allow the congregation to regroup and heal. It is the Bishop's intent to bring in a Church Planter to reimagine St. Nicholas.
This decision was shared with the leadership of St. Nicholas in a recent meeting, and in a letter shared with congregants. Bishop Megan will preside at a closing service on Sunday July 14."
Diana Love, with the knowledge of Bishop Megan, has opened her home for Sunday worship and fellowship until the restart gets going. There will be no presiding clergy nor sermon for these services. We will probably alternate between Morning Prayer, Rite II, Ante Communion (the usual Eucarist service but ending at the Sign of Peace), Rite II and Taize' Prayer, per the wishes of the group. The purpose if this is to have Sunday Worship and keep connection between the remaining St. Nicholas Community and to pray for the rebuilding of our congregation when the new church planter is appointed by Bishop Megan. Please keep us in your prayers.
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