PARISH PROFILE
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​​WELCOME
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Greetings and blessings!
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St. Paul’s is a vibrant pastoral congregation in the heart of historic Fort Mill, South Carolina — just minutes from metro Charlotte, NC. Over the past decade, our town has blossomed, attracting families who value strong schools, a welcoming community, and easy access to Charlotte’s cultural and professional life.
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At St. Paul’s, we are small but strong in faith. Our parishioners are deeply committed to worship, outreach, and each other. Our Christian Formation programs are growing—especially for children and youth—as we invite more families to discover a place where faith and friendship thrive. Our Missions and Outreach committee supports a variety of local nonprofits with passion and attention to real needs, allowing us to serve God’s people well beyond our church walls.
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THE RECTOR WE SEEK
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In June 2023, our Rector retired after faithfully serving St. Paul’s for 18 ½ years. Since November 2023, we have been blessed with the steady leadership of a gifted Interim Rector, who has steadily guided us as we continue our faith journey. Now, we eagerly look ahead to the next chapter — walking with a permanent Rector who will nurture our growth in spirit, faith, and community.
The Vestry has charged the Search Committee to prayerfully seek a Rector who will:
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Offer compassionate pastoral care, including visiting the homebound.
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Equip and encourage parishioners to grow as lay leaders.
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Inspire and expand our Youth program with creativity and care.
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Welcome and engage people of all ages and stages of life.
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Be active in the wider community and invite new members into our parish family.
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Encourage innovation while cherishing tradition.
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Lead collaboratively and delegate with confidence and trust.
We are seeking a full-time Rector, though we are open to someone called to serve ¾ time (32 hours a week). If you feel called to help us deepen our faith, expand our ministries, and explore new possibilities together, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us at St. Paul’s. With God’s grace, we believe we can grow the gifts God has given us. The best is yet to come!​​​​​​​​​​​
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​​ABOUT THE PARISH
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St. Paul’s is a debt-free parish with deep roots in Fort Mill. Our church first opened in 1959, with the most recent expansion completed in 1992. Nestled on just over nine wooded acres, we enjoy a close-knit community where newcomers quickly feel at home. Our congregation, with an average age of 50, represents a rich mix of ages and backgrounds, united by faith and a shared commitment to service. We take pride in honoring tradition while embracing fresh ideas, offering opportunities for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
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THE CHURCH: WORSHIP, COMMUNITY, & RESOURCES
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We gather joyfully each week to give thanks and worship, learn, and grow together. Our church building provides a beautiful and welcoming space for liturgy, fellowship, and community events. We have a beautiful Prayer Path in the woods beside and behind the church, and a small playground used by our younger members and the neighborhood children.
We support a range of ministries, from Christian Formation for children, Vacation Bible School and youth to lay-led outreach programs that partner with nonprofits across York County, including the Bethel Shelter, Fort Mill Schools Classroom Ready, the Historic Paradise Foundation, the Fort Mill Care Center and Defend the Fatherless. We also support the Education equals Hope mission in Quito, Ecuador. Through these ministries, we live out our mission: Growing in Christ, Serving God’s People.
Our parishioners bring this mission to life in countless ways, volunteering their time, talent and their treasure, supporting and serving in lay leadership roles. They serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Worship Leaders and Eucharistic Visitors, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Lectors, Ushers and Counters. Parishioners also volunteer with our youngest members in Kids Corner and Nursery on Sundays. They use their talents to beautify our grounds, our building interiors and maintain our social media. This year we began having our Youth serve again as Acolytes during the 10:30 service (Rite II, with organ music). We hope to restart our music ministry and our choir in the near future. Our parishioners are the heart of St. Paul’s!​​​​​​​​​​
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​​ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
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Fort Mill is a thriving town located in York County, in upstate South Carolina, part of the Charlotte metropolitan area. It offers the charm of small-town life with the benefits of proximity to a major city. The Fort Mill School District consistently ranks among the best in the state, with top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. Families are drawn here for educational excellence, safe neighborhoods, and a high quality of life.
The town benefits from low property taxes and strong household incomes, making it one of the most prosperous areas in South Carolina. Lancaster County offers even lower property taxes. Nearby colleges include Winthrop University, York Technical College, and the University of South Carolina at Lancaster.
Major hospitals and medical practices are located nearby, including Atrium - Pineville and Novant – Ballantyne. A new Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) hospital is under construction in Indian Land, the neighboring community in Lancaster County. Piedmont Medical Center also has facilities in both Fort Mill and Rock Hill. In addition, Duke University Medical Center and Wake Forest Medical Center are within a three-hour drive.
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Downtown Charlotte, just over 20 miles away, offers world-class cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy easy access to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Concord Padgett Regional Airport (JQF) (serves low-cost carriers Allegiant and Avelo). Professional sports teams include the Carolina Panthers (football), Charlotte Hornets (basketball), Charlotte FC (soccer), Charlotte Checkers (hockey), and the Charlotte Knights (AAA baseball). There is a vibrant arts scene with theaters, museums, and music venues.
Shopping and recreation options are abundant, from SouthPark Mall and numerous retail and outlet malls to a brand new Costco and Target 7 miles from the church. Nearby attractions include the Anne Springs Close Greenway, Carowinds Amusement Park on the NC/SC state line and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Within a few hours’ drive, parishioners can also enjoy both the SC or NC mountains and the SC or NC coast, making Fort Mill a uniquely central and convenient location.​​​
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A CLOSING INVITATION
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St. Paul’s is a welcoming, faith-filled community eager to continue our growth in Christ and serve God’s people. We seek a Rector who will join us in this mission, guiding us with wisdom, patience and good humor, helping us grow our congregation and vision for the future. We invite you to prayerfully consider whether God may be calling you to walk with us in ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
