Jordan Paul
EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.
The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: A desire to know God and be in relationship with him.
This week’s conversation is with Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer, Jordan Paul.
Jordan Paul
How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
A little over one year.
How did you find your way to Saint Philip’s?
My fiance, Peggy Rowe, was raised as a Roman Catholic but wanted to explore other churches. I’d been wrestling with religion for awhile so thought that joining her in the search would be a great opportunity. We visited Saint Philip’s online, then attended in person…and never left.
How would you describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
I find it very welcoming. And, theologically there are boundaries but within those parameters is freedom to reach my own conclusions.
What about Saint Philip’s drew you in?
Initially, it was the combination of the music and liturgy. Both felt familiar from my time at the (Catholic) University of Portland where I earned my undergraduate degree, and sang in the choir.
Over time, though, my connection to the people in this community and my formation experience have been most meaningful.
Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I wasn’t. Neither of my parents is religious and it was something that I was left to figure out on my own.
You were baptized last Easter. What prompted that?
If I’m honest, I have to admit that I believed in something beyond myself for quite awhile—but didn’t want to. I softened my stance a bit when I was at the University of Portland and sang in the choir. But after I left that setting, I was able to avoid thinking about it.
Peggy helped me finally accept that church is important to me. I pushed that away for a long time—and then decided not to. That’s when I began to consider being baptized.
What’s changed since being baptized?
For some, getting baptized might mean they no longer have to think about their faith. For me, it’s the opposite: I’m spurred to think about my faith—what it means and how do I live into it—even more than before.
How did you meet people in the parish?
The first thing I joined was the Feeding Ministries. Savannah Merchant is on that team (as well as volunteering with the children in the Atrium) and I knew her from law school, so that was an immediate connection. I also attended Mosaic on Wednesday evenings. The combination of those two activities introduced me to a nice range of people across ages and interests.
What volunteer activities are you involved in?
I’m part of a hospitality team for Mosaic (on Wednesday evenings). That sounds fancy; what I really do is help clean up after dinner!
And beginning this coming week, I’ll be a formation leader for senior youth.
What do you do professionally?
I’m a contract analyst at the University of Arizona for the Health Sciences department. I negotiate agreements that involve clinical research so trials can be run.
What do you like about the work?
I appreciate that I help facilitate research that can potentially make a difference in many people’s lives.
How do you refresh yourself?
One thing that’s a nice escape is to play Dungeons & Dragons. It’s a hybrid between writing a story, playing a game, and hanging out with friends—all three things I love to do.
What is something you’re especially proud of?
My first job after graduating from law school was community education work related to landlord/tenant law. It was important work and very fulfilling despite how frustrating it was because of current laws.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m much more talkative than I appear initially!