Read Article George Sheats displays the communion paddle he made in order to offer communion in a more distant manner. St Michael’s Episcopal Church in Auburn is planning outdoor services during COVID-19 and Sheats plans to use his paddle in drive-by communion offerings. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal A simple conversation almost 20 years ago led George Sheats to retire early from a well-paying career to pursue the priesthood. Now after almost a decade of training, he is coming full circle and will lead the Auburn church he was attending when his journey began, inspired by his devotion to his Episcopal faith.