St. Thomas Episcopal Church is the Episcopal presence in Pamlico County, on the inter-coastal waterway. It serves the people of Oriental, Bayboro, Merritt, Florence, Arapahoe, Minnesott Beach, Stonewall, Alliance, Grantsboro as well as those dotted all over the county. Most of the members have come from other areas although there are a few members who are native residents. A large percentage of the church membership has come to Pamlico County to retire and many of those members are involved in the community through the church as well as area non-profit organizations. The church membership is a diverse group which brings prior experiences from many churches and thus enriches the life of the church. In addition, because many of the church members are singles or couples with family elsewhere, there are strong bonds between members. The members are open to liturgical changes because they are used to differences among themselves.

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, child free. In recent years, there appears to be a slow increase of young families locating to Oriental. Incorporating them into faith communities is a related challenge.
Recurring hurricanes are a continuing threat for our 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.