And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
~ The Acts of the Apostles 2:42
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be a beacon of hope and love in the community, embracing diversity and spreading the message of Christ's unconditional love to all.
WHAT WE DO
At St. Paul's Church, we are dedicated to serving the community, nurturing spiritual growth, and creating a welcoming space for all to explore and deepen their faith.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our community is inclusive, supportive, and passionate about making a positive impact in Petersburg and beyond. We come together to worship, learn, and serve with joy and compassion.
THE VERY REVEREND SAM SHERIDAN
Father Sam is the 35th Rector of St. Paul's. A Virginia native, he grew up in Sugar Hollow outside Crozet and Charlottesville. He earned his BA from Sewanee and M.Div from Virginia Theological Seminary. In the decade between those two schools he had many jobs, often simultaneously. He served as Floor Manager at Bronzecraft Foundry for Sculpture; Children and Youth Minister at St John's Episcopal in Waynesboro; and Director of Private Events at Keswick Hall and Golf Club among several smaller jobs—mostly in wineries. As a priest, he most recently worked at Immanuel-Church-On-the-Hill in Alexandria.
Fr. Sam is known for preaching that is honest, thoughtful, and rooted in Scripture—sermons that weave together theological depth; Biblical witness; personal storytelling; and a call to compassionate, morally serious living. He is excited to be part of St. Paul’s growing more into a community of welcome, beauty, and spiritual depth, grounded in the hope of the Gospel and committed to faithful service in Petersburg and the world.
He is married to the Reverend Mary Margaret Winn, who also graduated from Sewanee and Virginia Seminary, and who currently serves as Rector of St. John's in Chester. They live with two toddlers and just extraordinarily poorly behaved dogs.
VESTRY
The Vestry of St. Paul's is responsible for the overall governance and management of the church. This group oversees financial matters, property maintenance, and the implementation of church policies. Additionally, they support the clergy in spiritual leadership and work to foster welcoming community for all members. Through their efforts, the Vestry ensures that the mission of St. Paul's is fulfilled effectively and sustainably.
BISHOP SUSAN B. HAYNES
The Diocese of Southern Virginia elected the Rt. Rev. Susan B. Haynes as its 11th Bishop at Special Diocesan Council in Dinwiddie on September 21, 2019. She was ordained and consecrated on February 1, 2020, with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry as chief consecrator.
Haynes is married to the Rev. Thomas Haynes, and they have two adult daughters, Sarah and Avery.
