Dear St. Mary's Congregation,


We hope this message finds you well. As we embark on the important journey of finding our next rector, we want to keep you informed and engaged throughout the process. We are entering a new season in the life of this parish, and God has given us everything we need to go forward with faith, hope and love. Our Discernment Committee has begun the initial stages of our work, and we are excited to share our early progress with you.


Introducing the Discernment Committee

Our committee comprises a diverse group of dedicated parishioners (left-to-right in picture): Wayne Dementi & Charmaine Trice (serving as our co-chairs), Marshall Bowden, Celeste Stallings, Ashley Barlow, Peggy Brockenbrough, Kathryn Scott, Seth Schaeffer, Kirkland Hagerty, and Mike Nolan. 


Our Purpose

As stated by the diocese, the purpose of the Discernment Committee is to conduct a methodical and adaptive process to identify a final candidate to recommend to the vestry to be our next rector. We are committed to ensuring that this process is thorough, inclusive, and reflective not only of St. Mary’s culture and values today, but also of our aspirations for the future. 


Where We Are in the Process

We are currently in the planning & preparation phase, which includes:

● Forming our committee

● Engaging in learning and discovery about the current and future needs of our parish

● Developing a report to the vestry that summarizes our findings 

● Crafting the position description for our rector search 


We expect to complete this phase late July, and then transition into a search & interviewing phase. 


How You Can Help Us

Your support is crucial and appreciated. Here’s how you can help:

● Keep our committee in your prayers.

● Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in the process.

● Follow our updates in church notices, emails, and worship announcements.


St. Mary’s is a vibrant community of faith wherein the love of God is revealed and experienced. Through prayerful discernment, and with the support and participation of the congregation, our committee looks forward to calling the next rector to St. Mary’s. 


In faithful service,

Your St. Mary’s Discernment Committee