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Getting To Know You is a returning feature of our Evangelism Ministry. Telling each other our stories is a powerful way to build community
and deepen relationships.
Want to share your story?
Talk with Frosty Owen or Jean Klele
This month's spotlight, focuses on Paul Shane.
Meet Paul: A Journey of Faith and Service at St. Mark’s.
Paul’s story begins in South Carolina, but as part of a military family, his early years were spent abroad, two years in Germany followed by nearly eleven years in England - attending church primarily at All Saints, Newmarket (Church of England). Paul later earned his degree in Hospitality Management and returned to the U.S. in 1988, where his passion for technology led him into the field of Information Technology. That path eventually brought him into the staffing industry, where he’s thrived for over two decades.
After spending 23 years in Atlanta, Georgia, Paul made Richmond his home in 2015. I n August 2016, after exploring several churches in the Richmond area, Paul walked through the doors of St. Mark’s and instantly knew he’d found his spiritual home. It didn’t take long before he was invited to participate in ministry, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his faith journey.
Initially known as a Master of Ceremony (MC), Paul was approached to join this ministry, and without hesitation, Paul said Yes and he embraced it with enthusiasm. It was during the tenure of our interim rector Judy, that St. Mark’s officially dropped the MC name and returned to using the title “Verger” A lay minister who assists clergy in the conduct of public worship.
Intrigued and inspired, Paul began studying the history and responsibilities of Vergers, eventually discovering the Verger’s Guild of the Episcopal Church. In the summer of 2023, Paul enrolled in the Guild’s training course, which required mentorship to complete. Paul approached Benjamin, who graciously agreed to guide him through the year-long process. Paul set a personal goal to finish the course by summer 2024, in time to be certified at the annual Verger’s Guild Conference, held that October in Detroit, Michigan. The conference offered a rich experience of learning, worship, and fellowship, culminating in a grand procession of Vergers at the host church’s morning service. Paul looks forward to attending again in the future.
Most recently, if you attended St. Mark’s rededication service on September 7th, you may have seen Paul officially serving in his Verger role, vested and escorting the procession, at Benjamin’s request.
Paul also assists in other ministries, such as a monthly teller, community dinner cashier, and worship team member. In his spare time, Paul enjoys home improvements, music, movies, concerts, bowling, cooking, and let’s not forget taking care of Maxine.
Curious to learn more? Paul would be delighted to share his journey and answer any questions.
Jean
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