Oriental is known as the sailing capital of NC. It's location on the inter-coastal waterway  where the Neuse River widens into the Pamlico Sound provides beautiful vistas and places for boating from large motor and sail boats to kayaks and small crafts. Pamlico County has three sides that are on the water. The beautiful location as well as the quaint community of Oriental has attracted many people to live in Pamlico County - primarily as retirees. The main industries in Pamlico County are agriculture and fishing. The local people in Pamlico County are often poor and in need of assistance. St. Thomas has a strong outreach committee that works to support the community through financial contributions as well as organizing the congregation in efforts such as making baskets of toiletries for migrant farm workers, food baskets for the needy at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as well as providing Christmas gifts for the children in Pamlico County. The church is involved with a number of nonprofit organizations such as Hope Clinic, Fishes and Loaves (food pantry), Habitat for Humanity, Heartworks (provides after school care and day care), Pamlico Musical Society, and the Coastal Women's Shelter.

Our community faces the challenge of a rapidly aging congregation. In our small town as well as our congregation, many of our youth graduated and moved on to more urban locations. The pristine, relatively remote waterfront environment of Oriental attracts retirees, who arrive in their 50's and 60's, childfree. In recent years, there appears to be a slow increase in young families locating in Oriental. Incorporating them into faith communities is a related challenge.  Recurring hurricanes are a continuing threat for coastal waterfront communities such as ours. In times of hurricane trauma, this is a challenge. A challenge of our particular parish is expanding involvement and leadership beyond the same few people. Such expansion is currently occurring and needs sensitive support and encouragement.

We need a priest with kind enthusiasm based on her/his groundedness and confidence in the empathetic, all-compassing Love of God. Such enthusiasm should be reflected in friendliness, positivity and genuine interest in all people, as well as sincerity in conducting worship and teaching. By inclusively and enthusiastically communicating God's Love, the priest can involve and inspire others to be compassionate. This is in accord with Bishop Curry's "Jesus Movement".

Be sure to check out the church's website at www.stthomas-oriental.org

Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of East Carolina.

Please contact the Rev'd Michael Singer, Interim Transition Ministry Officer if you have any questions in the discernment process at msinger@diocese-eastcarolina.org or you may contact my assistant Hannah Jarman at hjarman@diocese-eastcarolina.org.