St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Yuma, Arizona
Parish Profile 2009

Who We Are

St. Paul's is part of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, California.

We are a committed, Christ-centered parish that values Christian education and formation, instructional preaching, and liturgical worship. A welcoming, multigenerational family with established ministries, diverse music, active youth program and church school. We are a traditional parish with a wide variety of theological views. After weathering a significant split, we are closer, stronger and approach the future with optimism.

We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion in obedience to the teaching of Jesus Christ. What we stand for is most clearly evident in our forms of worship where, through Spiritfilled services with much congregational participation, we seek to give praise and thanks to God in the name of Jesus Christ. We welcome worshippers from every Christian tradition.

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

The 49 congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego reside in San Diego County, Imperial County and Southern Riverside County in California and Yuma County in Arizona. Originally part of the Los Angeles Diocese, the San Diego Diocese was created in 1974. We are a diocese focused on the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ and on building the Kingdom of God.

On November 13, 2004, The Right Reverend James R. Mathes was elected to serve as the fourth bishop of San Diego and was consecrated in March of 2005. More information about Bishop Mathes and the diocese can be found at the diocesan website at www.edsd.org. Through his leadership and the work of a Strategic Planning Committee, the strategic plan was developed which can be found here.

The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts-Schori, previously Bishop of Nevada, is our 26th Presiding Bishop. She is chief pastor to the Episcopal Church's 2.4 million members in 16 countries and 110 dioceses, ecumenical officer, and primate, joining leaders of the other 38 Anglican Provinces in consultation for global good and reconciliation. Jefferts-Schori was elected at the 75th General Convention on June 18, 2006 and invested at Washington National Cathedral on November 4, 2006.

History of St. Paul's

In 1904, Congress authorized the Yuma Reclamation Project which provided for the construction of dams on the Colorado River and irrigation canals for agriculture. These projects greatly increased Yuma's population. To provide a place for worship services in the Episcopal faith, the Episcopal Women's Guild was organized in 1905. There were eight women in the founding group and, in 1906, 1907, and 1908, membership was increased by women whose husbands were connected with the reclamation project or with the expansion of businesses which came as the result of the population increase.

Bishop Kendrick visited in 1906 at the request of the Guild and purchased lots with a one hundred foot frontage on Second Avenue. Sometime later Woodman's Hall on First Avenue was leased for Sunday morning services. Lay readers were appointed by the Bishop, and occasionally a priest was sent down from Phoenix. The Laguna Dam of the Yuma project was completed in 1910 and employees moved to Yuma. This was a prosperous era for the Episcopal Women's Guild, giving them sufficient funds to further the plans for the Episcopal Church in Yuma.

The Reverend George Selby was appointed to organize a new parish for the Episcopal Missionary District and arrived in Yuma. Plans were drawn up by Lawrence Lawson for a church building. The adopted plan called for five stained glass windows. The side windows were of opaque glass. The Guild provided the window above the entrance, the window above the altar and the window to the north which was dedicated to Bishop Kendrick. Mr. Lawson provided the window in the choir, dedicated to his mother who had died when he was a small boy. The church was named St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was dedicated in December of 1909. Services continued in the building at 643 2nd Avenue for fifty-four years. A building fund campaign was begun in March of 1959 with the goal of raising $100,000 for a new, larger church.

The new church was built at 1550 South 14th Avenue on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. F.C. "Frosty" Braden. It was dedicated on Christmas Eve 1961. St. Paul's will celebrate its 100th birthday in October of 2009.

Celebrating 100 Years!

About Yuma, Arizona

Yuma County encompasses 5,522 square miles (similar to the size of the State of Connecticut) in the southwest quadrant of Arizona - bordered by both California and Mexico, accented by ribbons of green fields, desert and rugged mountains.

Nestled in the Yuma, Gila, and Dome valleys, Yuma's dry climate blends pleasant desert sunshine with the cool waters of the Colorado and Gila Rivers.

Our clean air affords a year round 100 mile vista of mountains and desert under glorious sunrises and sunsets and star studded skies. An old Yuma Hotel in the late 1800's boasted a sign, "Free Room & Board every day the Sun doesn't Shine". Ranked by Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in the United States, no wonder many of the people who visit our community return to raise a family, retire in comfort, or simply take advantage of being part of one of America's fastest growing cities.

Yuma is located halfway between Phoenix and San Diego. World class snow skiing is a day's drive to the north and the Sea of Cortez, with its isolated beaches, is only 50 miles to the south. Just under 200,000 people have made Yuma County their home – and love its comfortable, affordable lifestyle. The regions economy thrives on a $1.3 billion high-tech agribusiness industry, a robust winter visitor ("Snowbird") presence, a progressive, modern regional medical facility, expansive retail and hospitality and a growing manufacturing sector. Yuma offers a variety of recreational activities and cultural attractions. Enjoy boating, fishing, hunting or golfing and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants or unique shopping opportunities.

Yuma County hosts two prominent Defense Facilities, the US Army Yuma Proving Ground and the Marine Corps Air Station.

When you come to Yuma, meet its people, see the places and things to do, you will be filled with a firm sense that this is an area that anyone could call home.

Mission and Vision of St. Paul's

Core Values

We are Servants of Jesus Christ, putting His love into action by:

• Magnifying God's Name
• Proclaiming God's Word
• Equipping God's People for Ministry
• Caring for God's World
• We are seeking, serving and sharing Christ.

Church Facilities

St. Paul's is located on the corner of 16th Street and14th Avenue about 2 miles west of Interstate 8 on 16th Street. Our campus is approximately 6 acres and contains 3 buildings. We are currently using a little more than 3 acres which includes our parking lot. Long range plans are in development for a new parish hall and classrooms.

The Church Building Includes:

• Sanctuary, choir loft, and narthex that can accommodate over 300 worshippers per service
• Chapel that can accommodate 12 people for intimate services
• Columbarium located in the narthex made up of 4 sections each with 66 niches.
• Rector's office, administrative offices, Acolyte and Choir vesting rooms, and the Sacristy

Two Parish Buildings Containing:

• Multipurpose Room to accommodate the adult forum & other activities and ministries
• Three classrooms
• Youth Room with video equipment
• The Kinsolving Room, named for Arthur Kinsolving, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona. It includes a fellowship room with a kitchen
• Nursery with age appropriate material for infant through kindergarten.

Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass windows at St. Paul's Episcopal Church were created by the Judson Studio of Los Angeles in the early 1970's. Sally Morse, church secretary at the time, related that these windows used up the entire final production of glass from a particular English glass manufacturer. Judson Studio fashioned a number of other windows in our area, including those for Episcopal Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in El Centro, California, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Escondido, California. These windows all exhibit the exquisite artistry in an amazingly thick stained glass. The windows represent the ministry and life of St. Paul. Each window has a specific theme. The whole story proceeds from the power and support of Jesus Christ, who is the subject of the largest of the windows, and whose window provides light for the altar and chancel of the church's sanctuary. Each of the nine smaller windows depicts a scene in the center against a colored background. Every window also has two crosses of varying design in the lower left and right corners. These additional crosses introduce the window's theme and tend to connect the windows with each other.

The windows represent: The Stoning of St. Stephen, Paul in Controversy with the Jewish Law, Paul on His Missionary Journeys, The Conversion of St. Paul, Paul Preaches to the Gentiles, Paul Shipwrecked on the Island of Malta, Paul as Healer, Paul at His Desk, and Paul - the Prisoner for Christ.

There are specific scripture references related to each of the nine windows. Additionally, there is far more detail about each of the windows in a brochure specifically written about them including large photographs. A copy of the brochure may be obtained by contacting the Church Office.

The Chapel Window

The cross in the chapel is designed in the spirit of Mexico, since the Chapel is constructed with mission styling. Unlike the ones in the sanctuary, this window is at eye level. The eleven stained-glass windows at St. Paul's Episcopal Church were donated by members of the parish as memorials and offerings.

The Lighthouse

Immediately adjacent to the church campus is the church-owned "Lighthouse", currently the residence of the Assistant Rector/Youth Minister. In addition to living space there is a full basement, opening to the outside, that accommodates youth activities. The large outdoor deck has one of the best views overlooking the Yuma Valley with its spectacular sunsets. The Lighthouse is also the location for St. Paul's Saturday night Home Group.

Ministries and Parish Life

Active Ministries include:

Acolytes - Youth who serve with the clergy in all services. Acolytes also have their own fundraisers, fun outings, and parties to build teamwork and friendship.

Altar Guild - Responsibilities include the care of vestments,linens, and hangings, filling the candles with oil, and preparing the elements and the altar for Communion.

Carillon Choir (Kid's Choir) - Children from 4-12 years of age are encouraged to learn and enjoy music and occasionally sing during a Sunday service.

Cursillo - This special retreat weekend, held twice a year is for Christians who desire a deeper walk with Jesus.

Daughters of the King - This is a special order for women of the Episcopal Church. Organized in 1885, the Order is dedicated to study, ministry, and especially prayer. Each Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. Saint Paul's Daughters of the King manages a prayer list of about one hundred names.

ECW (Episcopal Church Women) - All women in the Episcopal Church are automatically members, and ECW is a place where women can get together to share fellowship, study, prayer, and service to the church and the community.

Cantebury Bells Choir - This ministry makes beautiful music with its 3 octave set of Schulmerich hand bells.

Lay Readers & Chalice Bearers - Laity participation in the worship service through the reading of the lessons and prayers, and distribution of the communion wine.

St. Cecilia Choir - Teens and adults minister in song and praise to the congregation on Sundays and at special services.

Ushers & Greeters - This important ministry is for anyone who wants to welcome new people and help folks feel at home. We strive to be a welcoming and hospitable church family.

Outreach Ministries

Prayers and Squares - An interfaith outreach ministry of love and service, sewing quilts and prayer squares for people who are suffering from serious sickness, injury, and/or other physical or emotional needs.

The quilts are pieced at the member's homes, then brought to the church to be assembled by the group. The quilts and prayer squares have threads placed into them providing a place to tie a knot into the quilt and to say a prayer for the recipient. The finished quilts are blessed on Sunday and then placed on tables in the courtyard for members of the congregation to tie knots and pray for the recipient.

Over the past five years this ministry has given 715 quilts locally and in many states and other countries. Individual prayer squares have been given to the military and to people who are in need of immediate prayer.

The International Order of St. Luke the Physician - An interdenominational healing ministry, the Order of St. Luke devotes itself to prayer, study, and devotion in order to better communicate Jesus' healing (emotional and physical) to those in need.

The International Order of St. Luke the Physician is an ecumenical ministry of Christian healing, founded in 1932 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Its purpose centers on the healing ministry of Jesus and furthering that ministry in Christ's Church today both through healing services and "hands-on healing prayer."

The Yuma Chapter, headquartered at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, was established in 2000. Training is provided in the ministry of healing prayer through monthly meetings, special courses, and yearly Mission events. These Missions are led by guest speakers providing a time of worship, training, and healing prayer and are open to everyone in the Yuma Community and beyond.

Our current membership includes Christians from a number of Yuma churches where members of the Order provide prayer for physical, emotional and spiritual healing to all who ask.

St. Paul' s Youth Group

This interdenominational ministry seeks to be a fun and safe place to help any teen (grade 6 and up) in the Yuma community. Worship, bible study, concerts, outdoor trips, retreats, and community outreach are all part of the friendships and fun.

Activities and Fellowship

St. Paul's Concert Series

With the installation of the Casavant Pipe organ in 1981, it seemed that this beautiful instrument should be shared with the community and was the impetus for beginning a concert series at St. Paul's.

Under the guidance of music director Betty Rae Norfleet, St. Paul's began providing quality classical music performances. Not only has St. Paul's brought in many professional artists, some world renowned, from outside the community, we have also provided a venue for local talented musicians.

The season consists of eight concerts, one each month on a Sunday afternoon, beginning in October and ending in May. The final concert is a benefit concert in May featuring Yuma's Young Adult Musicians. The proceeds from this concert go to a different charitable organization each year.

The 2008-2009 series was the 25th anniversary season and St. Paul's is looking forward to continuing this exciting program.

Blessing of the Animals

On the Feast of St. Francis, the traditional blessing of the animals is held in the church courtyard.

Home Group

St. Paul's hosts a Saturday Night Home Group for adults and mature teens at the Lighthouse. It is a time to get to know God better with a group of His friends. The group enjoys reflective times of worship, learning in a group setting, praying together, open discussion, and making new friends.

Christian Education

Sunday School

St. Paul's Sunday School runs from early September through mid-May. A single class format increases interaction between the children. Each week a video from the Animated Stories from the Bible Series is shown, and afterwards there is an activity to reinforce the video lesson. Sunday School Directors are Bill and Minerva Peters.

Sunday School for Grownups

The Adult Forum provides an opportunity for continuing Christian education and formation. Through study, lecture and discussion, we learn more about the Bible, encourage good study habits and above all, learn to apply the teaching of scripture to our own lives. The Adult Forum provides a place for us to grow and mature as Christians, to truly learn what it means to "be conformed to the likeness of Christ", to "live and walk in the Spirit", and surrender to God's purpose in calling us to be His children – It can also be Fun!

Bible Study

St. Paul's offers a several Bible Study groups held at various times throughout the year. New students and teachers are always welcome!

St. Paul's Family

Vacation Bible School 2008

"Power Lab"

Children learned about Jesus' miraculous power to be thankful, help others, be brave, live forever, and tell others about God.

Youth and Adult Mission Trip

Las Cruces, New Mexico, July 28-Aug. 3, 2008

Our main goals were to draw closer to God and glorify Him in everything we did, thought and said. Five adults and seven youths participated. We worked with the Dream Center Child Care Center in Las Cruces, and the Apple Tree Educational Center, and Power House Youth Center, both in Truth or Consequences, NM, 75 miles outside of Las Cruces.

St. Paul's Clergy, Staff, & Vestry

Clergy
The Rev. William F. Krieger, Rector
The Rev. Michael Todd, Assistant Rector & Youth Minister
The Rev. Paul Gambling
Pat Underkofler, Deacon

Staff
Leigh Anne Felix, Parish Secretary

Directors of Christian Education
Bill and Minerva Peters

Music Director/Organist
Tom Fletcher

Vestry
Lucy Shipp, Senior Warden
Rob Filbey, Junior Warden
Max Bardo, Treasurer
Linda Hinz, Clerk
Bob Schaal, Stewardship
Ruth Elliott
Eileen Heard
Karen Johnson
Kay Malone
Petra Orta
Bill Peters
Jon Smith
Rochelle Thompson

Click here to download our 2008 Parish Profile