October 19, 2006 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Online Editor Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or ©2006 Chestnut Hill Local Winner of One |
New pastor at St. Paul’s sees ‘gateway
to service’
For Reverend E. Clifford Cutler, returning to Philadelphia has been a real ‘homecoming’. After serving for 21 years in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Cutler began his new assignment as pastor at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill earlier this year. A native of Whitemarsh and graduate of Germantown Academy, Cutler served as vicar of St. Luke’s Church in Lower Kensington from 1978-1985. “Now I’m on the other end of Germantown Avenue,” Cutler says with a smile. He loves the location of St. Paul’s and sees its position on the top of the hill as the “gateway to service.” Service is a driving force in Cutler’s work. He firmly believes in the saying, “A church that gives is one that grows.” Cutler boasts of St. Paul’s strong history of service, highlighting their years hosting Northwest Interfaith Hospitality Network for the homeless. He plans to extend their outreach programs to the hungry and homeless ‘right down the street.’ A man of great faith, he is particularly inspired by Saint Paul. “Saint Paul says we all have gifts; it’s just a matter of discovering and using them,” explains Cutler. He views his role as helping people find these gifts. “I try to find things to energize people. I want to match service with the souls and spirits of our community.” A recent parish survey found most parishioners are highly involved in service roles throughout the Chestnut Hill and Philadelphia communities. Cutler was happy to learn that the mission of the church goes far beyond the service opportunities at St. Paul’s. Cutler plans to reach out to his entire congregation and give them opportunities to become more involved. “People won’t grow until they get involved and take a risk of committing to the church and the community.” One of his new programs, ‘Leadership4All,’ offers an opportunity for anyone to come and learn about leadership, the direction of ministry and how he/she might get connected to St. Paul’s. Leadership in ministry, according to Cutler, happens anywhere people are willing to take the risk of moving more deeply in a relationship with God and others. He understands that it is his job to offer these opportunities. “It is important to flatten out our leadership and give permission to get involved.” He acknowledges that this will take time, but he is hopeful that many will respond to the call. “Leadership occurs anywhere along the continuum; it’s not just positions of authority. It has to do with discovering new ways of serving or growing spiritually and bringing energy anew to a community.” This energy can be built through leadership but must first be built by numbers. Cutler has great plans to bring more members to church. Currently Sunday services host about 185, but he plans to increase that number to 250 in the next few years. One avenue to attract more members is to extend the Christian education offered to young parishioners. Rolling up his sleeve and putting on his painting clothes, Cutler got dirty this summer as he helped renovate the church school classrooms. He doubled the number of teachers for the church school whose programs include infants to high schoolers. One of Cutler’s recent accomplishments is the introduction of “Thyra.” This word means ‘door’ or ‘opportunity’ in Greek. The Thyra Course is a program that provides a mystical introduction to the Christian faith and allows participants to explore their spiritual thirst and hunger. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get spiritual answers from contemporary and ancient mystical Christians. Cutler hopes this spiritual process of awakening entices Chestnut Hill area residents to join in reflection. Everyone is invited to these programs. One a more practical front, Cutler will be leading St. Paul’s celebration of 150 years in Chestnut Hill and help plan the future years. “If you look at our past, you will see a strong sense of mission, great music and worship experience as well as a strong sense of community.” The year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary will culminate with a gala on November 4 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and a special service celebration November 5 with Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold. Following the celebration, Cutler will initiate a capital drive to raise funds for deferred maintenance and to restore and renew their property. Cutler calls St. Paul’s the ‘Church of the Angels’ since there are over 50 angels in the church. Cutler hopes these angels will watch over him during what he expects will be his last assignment before he retires in eight to 10 years. While at St. Paul’s, his primary mission is to fill the community with hope. “Hope,” he says, “is like a coiled spring waiting to go. When you have the opportunity to give hope, you have to be ready to watch it go!” For more information on Rev. Cutler and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, go to www.stpaulschestnuthill.org. **** This is the third in a new series of articles by Chestnut Hill writer Paula M. Riley. Each week Riley will profile a business, community or educational leader. |
