Dear People of St. James’,
As you know, for the last several months, we have been in the process of searching for an Associate Rector to expand our St. James’ welcome and our ministries to Spanish-speakers and English-speakers alike. The Vestry and I had hoped that we might have someone in place by June 1. However, it is not exactly easy to find Episcopal bilingual clergy who might be open to moving to Texas, and we are willing to take the time we need to find the right match for the whole community of St. James’ and give them time for transition.
In the meantime, there is much work to be done in our growing community, and so I am delighted to announce to you that The Rev. George Porter will be joining our team for the summer as a Theologian-in-Residence.
Now, that’s a new title at St. James’, and so you may be wondering, “What on earth is a Theologian-in-Residence?” Those of you who work in academia might be familiar with visiting professors, who are not technically part of the faculty, but bring wonderful gifts and skills with them and do important work in a short-term capacity. A Theologian-in-Residence usually has a similar role but in a priestly context. The Rev. George Porter will be joining us as of this Sunday, June 4, and will be with us through the summer. You will see him accompanying The Rev. Jim Harrington with our Spanish-speaking community and joining in worship and in formation within our larger St. James’ community, traveling with our team to the Latino Lay Leadership Conference at Camp Allen.
I hope you will take the time to get to know The Rev. George Porter this summer. My own admiration for his ministry and vision for the work of the Church goes back a number of years to when we met in Costa Rica as that diocese was in the process of electing a bishop. His heart for ministry, his ease in relating to people of different generations and communities in both Spanish and English, and his joyful and generous spirit made a deep impression on me. How wonderful it is that he will be in Austin this summer and that he will be with us!
Here is a brief biography:
A native of Nicaragua, the Rev. George Porter served as the Dean of Saint Mark’s Cathedral Church in the Diocese of Nicaragua, December 27, 2013. Prior to that, Rev. Porter officiated as a Lay Minister at “La Transfiguración” Episcopal Church in Nicaragua, where he was confirmed by Bishop Sturdie Downs. He was vicar to Saint Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church in Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua, for 9 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science while studying theology locally. Later, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and he is currently concluding a Master’s in Theology at Eastern University in Philadelphia.
In addition to his ministry experience, Rev. Porter served as General Coordinator of the Commission of Theological Education for Latin America and the Caribbean, as a member of the Executive Committee representing the Diocese of Nicaragua, Secretary General of the Anglican Church of the Central America Region, and Treasurer of the Episcopal Diocese of Nicaragua church.
Rev. Porter is now in his 25th year dedicated to serving God and God’s people as a lay server and an ordained presbyter. He is the father of two young adults, Stacy Porter and Wilhelm Porter, now living in LA.
Please join me in welcoming Rev. Porter this Sunday!
Rev. Eileen
