April 28, 2021

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St Paul’s Episcopal Church centers their community around service because they believe that faith calls them to it. Whether it’s donating money to local charities or collecting school supplies for students in need, St Paul’s parishioners serve because they believe that’s what the Bible teaches us.

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“I think at St. Paul's, we do what we do, because we believe that's what Jesus would want us to do,” Father James M. Pevehouse, the head at St Paul’s, said. “So everything we do at St. Paul's has this idea of discipleship, that we have been given so much. And so what we're called to do is go and share that with others.”

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One of St Paul’s main service events each year is a meal held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, which is an opportunity for parishioners to come together and serve those in the Waco community. Normally, they hold this feast in their parish hall, but due to COVID-19, they couldn’t host it at their church. But they did not want to let go of a 30-year-old tradition, so they partnered with Mission Waco and were able to serve even more people than before.

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“[Mission Waco] could actually serve multiple meals instead of just the one time meal that they'd get at St Paul's. And so what St Paul's parishioners did was lean into that and still provide all the food, and we gave all of this food to Mission Waco to prepare,” Father James said. “They were able to actually prepare, I think between three to five full meals with all the food that St Paul's donated to them."

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Because the St Paul’s church has been in Waco since the 1870s, the history of their location and building play a role in their service. The church is located about a block away from the courthouse, which allows them to offer services to those who work near them. 

To give back to the church, they have active work days, which are “periodic days where we gather at the church and work on the grounds and the facilities and great time for fellowship,” Father James said, “but also the time to contribute, taking care of something that we believe we've been entrusted with.”

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On top of fundraisers, service drives, and work days, St Paul’s has a school for kids ranging between 18 months and the sixth grade. Started in the 1950s, this school is based on the pillars of critical thought, worship, service and faith. Despite the school being owned by a church, students are not required to be Christian or participate in daily chapel. 

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“Having a faith is an important part of life, and so as kids grow they are taught to think critically about life and belief, and they see that it's a value.” Father James said. “They come out really solid citizens and make an impact ... wherever they go.”

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St Paul’s serves Waco because that’s what they believe they’re called to do. And while faith has an impact on how they serve, Father James doesn’t want to force his faith onto others, but welcomes those who want a place that feels like home.

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“We don't believe ours is the only way of following Jesus. But it's a way that works for us, and so all are welcome,” Father James said. “We would want anybody to go someplace where they feel fed, and encouraged to live a life following the example of Jesus."