Community Engagement
The mission of Community Engagement is to create a more equitable, loving, and just community in Richmond and beyond.
We do this by:
- empowering followers of Jesus’ Way of Love to strive for justice and peace for all people and our planet;
- telling the truth about our history; and
- serving as advocates for healing and justice to foster God’s Beloved Community.
Please reach out about an area that interests you or a new idea for a ministry that engages the community by contacting the Rev. Gwynn Crichton, Associate Rector for Community Engagement.
To do justice, and
to love kindness, and
to walk humbly
with your God.
~ Micah 6:8
Areas of Focus
Racial Justice and Healing
As we continue to tell the truth about our racial history, we also seek to be repairers of the breach through education, exploration, and advocacy.
Downtown
This ministry encompasses direct service and outreach to and advocacy on behalf of those in need in the greater metropolitan Richmond area.
Education
Building on the legacy of the Micah program, this ministry envisions new ways to support education in East End schools.
Environment
Through this ministry, we seek to be faithful stewards to safeguard the integrity of our planet and to sustain and restore God’s good creation.
Beyond Richmond
This ministry addresses communities outside of the metropolitan Richmond area and is global in scope.
Faith and Action
All five of these ministry areas are supported by the Faith and Action Sunday Forum series.
Learn More About Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Steering Committee supports the diverse ministries that engage communities at St. Paul’s, providing overall strategic direction, stewarding the church’s resources, and building relationships with community partners. The current membership of the Community Engagement Steering Committee, including each person’s “class” (end of three year term):
Dabney Carr (2027)
Rev. Gwynn Crichton, Clergy Lead
Lisa Guthrie (2026)
Sheena Mackenzie, Chairperson (2026)
Steve Otto (2026)
Tom Smith (2026)
Jerry Gilbert, Vestry Liaison (2026)
Valena Dixon (2027)
Anne Hayes (2027)
Joseph James (2027)
Arthur Kellerman (2027)
Members serve for three-year non-renewing terms to generate new perspectives and creativity. New members are nominated in December each year and appointed by the following February. If you are interested in serving on the Community Engagement Steering Committee, please reach out to Rev. Gwynn Crichton, Associate Rector for Community Engagement: (gcrichton@stpaulsrva.org)