A Note from Senior Warden Aaron Wells
I wanted to provide you all with a brief update with respect to the transition we are currently going through as a church. In the last few weeks, members of the Vestry met and considered two options provided by the diocese for how we will go about finding a new rector.
The first option involved an interim rector and appointment of a search committee. Under this option, the interim would likely be with us for 12 to 18 months. There would be no pathway for the interim to become the full-time, permanent rector. The second option was a priest-in-charge to rector route. Under this option, a priest generally serves for up to three years and, at the end of the term, may be invited to accept the call as rector. It is my understanding that there are also several reviews during that three-year period, at which time the church and priest consider whether the relationship is a proper fit. Pursuant to the Canons of the Diocese of East Tennessee, this option involves a Vestry-led search, and there would not be an appointed search committee.
After careful consideration, the Vestry chose to recommend the priest-in-charge option to Bishop Cole. Bishop Cole has accepted that recommendation. The Vestry chose this route for several reasons. First, we are a healthy church. Second, and relatedly, this option will allow us to begin our search more quickly for the person who will hopefully become our next rector. However, please be assured that we will be diligent in our efforts, and we will not make hasty decisions. Third, there were practical considerations, such as the lack of availability of interim clergy, which also influenced the Vestry’s decision-making.
The Vestry will meet again with Canon Michelle Bolt on October 8. This will be an extended meeting in which Canon Bolt will orient the Vestry as to the steps it will need to take in the next few months to attract and identify potential candidates. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that Father John Bonner and Mother Susan Butler have very kindly made significant commitments to St. Peter’s to serve as supply priests during this time of transition.
One thing I know that we will need and will value moving forward is input from the St. Peter’s community. I anticipate that in the coming weeks there will be set dates and times for the Vestry to conduct focus group–style meetings so that we can learn what you are looking for in your next rector. If you’d like to share your thoughts and concerns with me in the meantime, you are welcome to email me at srwarden@stpeters.org.
As a Vestry, we look forward to seeing this process through, and we are confident that at the end of this process, we will have the right person to call as the next rector of St. Peter’s Church.