October 2, 2023

From the Senior Warden

We are now a month from our last service with Mo. Alissa and it is time to get busy on the search for our
next rector! You might be wondering how the process of finding a new rector will happen. The following is
information that should help you understand the process and may answer questions you have.

• PARISH SURVEY - The entire process begins with a parish survey, which is your opportunity to articulate
  what is important to you in your rector and your church. The old paper/pencil survey is a thing of the
  past! At the recommendation of our diocese, St. Peter’s has engaged with HolyCow! Consulting and
  will use their computer survey prepared especially for us. Not computer savvy? Don’t have a computer?
  Don’t worry! We will offer opportunities at church to access the computer survey, with available
  technical help standing by. We will also offer help, as needed, to anyone who needs assistance with
  their survey and is unable to leave their home. Your participation in this parish survey is vital to provide
  a complete and accurate picture of our congregation and culture for rector candidates. The survey
  results will also serve as the blueprint our search committee will follow.

• INTERIM RECTOR - Will we have an interim rector and when? As of this writing, my answer is “Yes, we
  will have an interim rector, but I don’t yet know when.” The diocese is actively working on finding our
  interim rector. I am hopeful he or she is able to join us in the month of November. As soon as I have
  news, I will share it with you.

• PARISH PROFILE - What is a parish profile and when will it be written? A parish profile is the story of
  our church - who we are, what is important to us, what our hopes and dreams are for the future. It is
  typically written during a rector search and is prominently placed on the church website for candidates
  to read. Because the results of our parish survey will be used for the parish profile, the writing of the
  profile will commence once the survey is very near completion. If you are a writer and wish to be part
  of creating the profile, please reach out to a member of the vestry.

• SEARCH COMMITTEE - How will a search committee be formed? The vestry will release an application
  to be completed by anyone interested in being a member of the search committee. We ask that vestry
  and their family members, as well as members of the last search committee not apply. The vestry will
  work on this application prior to our October meeting and will release it to the congregation when our
  work is complete. The work of the Search Committee will not begin until early 2024.

• FINDING CANDIDATES - Once the survey and profile is complete, the diocese will advertise our position
  nationwide through the national church. Additionally, the vestry has opted to advertise the position
  through Episcopal News Service. After the application period has ended, the Bishop’s office will vet the
  candidates and make Bishop to Bishop calls for each qualified candidate. Canon Richard Norman will
  present the qualified candidates to the search committee. The work of the search committee is
  confidential, as is the identity of candidates. The vestry will not be involved with the work of the search
  committee. Once the search committee finalizes their work, they will present their final candidates to
  the vestry.

There is much work ahead but this is also an exciting time in the life of St. Peter’s. Please join me on this
adventure as we continue to Love God and share God’s love with the world.

Blessings to you all,

Patti Booher