New pastors are flocking to La Jolla churches.
The La Jolla Presbyterian Church, St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church and All Hallows Church will all welcome new leaders this summer.
After combing the nation for a year, La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave., selected Reverend Paul Cunningham to pastor the congregation.
Cunningham was selected from 130 candidates. He met the church’s primary mandates that he be a Christ-centered preacher with a love for worship and music, and a “heart” for people of all ages.
Cunningham perceives his mission as two-fold: to welcome the lost and outcast into the church, and to equip members in ministry.
“I was really excited about the potential for that church and the impact that it’s had in La Jolla and in the community around it,” Cunningham said of his initial impressions of La Jolla Presbyterian.
Cunningham believes that the Holy Spirit is calling him to La Jolla, despite having to leave his ministry in Lubbock, Texas, where he served as senior pastor at a Presbyterian church for eight years.
In Lubbock, Cunningham regularly met with fellow pastors to pray and he hopes for a similar opportunity in La Jolla.
He will preach his first sermon on Sunday, Aug. 20.
St. James by-the-Sea, 743 Prospect St., chose Randal Gardner from 28 applicants to lead the Episcopal church. Randal has served as a rector for 18 years, and holds both a master’s and doctorate of Divinity.
Members of the calling committee tasked with selecting the new rector said that Gardner exceeded their “walk-on-water” qualities. These attributes include “loving God and people, a collaborative style, able to work with all ages, good preacher and teacher, pastoral in outlook, leader in diocese and community, good self care, supporter of liturgical music and, of course, being humble.
Gardner will journey from his current home in Seattle to San Diego. He was unavailable for an interview with the Village News.
St. James is also embarking on a strategic mission to strengthen its Christian education efforts in teaching children, youth and adults.
The new Father at All Hallows Church, 6602 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, will rekindle old memories for some.
Father Jerry O’Donnell served as an associate pastor at All Hallows in the late 1970s. O’Donnell founded the Church of Saint Luke in El Cajon, where he has ministered for 21 years.
“Many of the old parishioners remember him and are very pleased and excited to have him back as our pastor,” said Anita Gholson, the parish secretary.
O’Donnell also could not be reached.
For more information about the churches, call (858) 454-0713 (La Jolla Presbyterian Church); (858) 459-3421 (St. James by-the-Sea); or (858) 459-2975 (All Hallows Church).