The Rev. W. Robert Abstein II served as a guest preacher for our 75th Anniversary Preaching Series at 8:45am in the Nave.  

The Rev. W. Robert Abstein II served faithfully as the 8th Rector of St. George’s from 1994-2004.  Originally hailing from Florida, Bob completed his undergraduate studies at Florida State University and earned both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Sewanee: The University of the South.  Under his leadership, the vestry set a new vision for this parish around 5 core ministry areas and built a new commission structure which empowered lay ministry leaders and paved the way for growth in all areas of ministry at St. George’s. He has served in numerous leadership roles throughout our denomination, including with Episcopal Relief and Development and the Diocese of Tennessee.

After retiring from his calling to full-time parish ministry, Bob has been active around the diocese as a supply priest and has also become a published author. His book, Standing in the Breach: A Priest’s Reflection on Faith, is a collection of poems and meditations that reflect the struggles and joys of the Christian life.  We are so delighted to welcome him back to St. George’s as we reflect on God’s calling for this parish. In fact, we are still asking ourselves these same words he wrote to the parish in 1999, “What good works are we being called to perform for the sake of the Kingdom of God?”