April 22, 2026

Dear Fellow Parishioners:

We are writing to share details about the formation of a Discernment Committee as we seek to call a new rector to St. Paul’s. The Committee will serve as a bridge between the congregation, the Diocese, and potential candidates. The Committee’s charge is to conduct a thoughtful, methodical, and inclusive process to identify and recommend to the Vestry one finalist to serve as the next rector of St. Paul’s.

As you know, we followed a Diocesan-recommended process for selecting the committee and invited all parishioners who felt called to this service to nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. As a result, we received over 40 nominations. Without exception, it was a group of highly capable individuals willing to serve our parish in this important capacity.

On Monday night, the vestry met to finalize committee selection, and each vestry member had an equal voice in the decision. As we considered nominees, we prayerfully weighed the overall balance of the committee alongside individual qualifications. Needless to say, it was a difficult choice.

It is with pleasure that we announce our Discernment Committee: 

We are also forming a Youth Panel, chaired by Charlotte Rutter, to provide our youth with an opportunity to be involved in the transition process. 

Throughout the summer and fall, the Discernment Committee will gather input from parishioners through a survey and conversations to understand the hopes, needs, and values of the St. Paul’s community. Your input will inform the creation of a parish profile and guide the careful review and interview of candidates.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 17. The Rev. Will Dickinson, Diocesan Minister for Transition, will discuss our rector transition process at the Adult Forum at 10:00 a.m. He and the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone will commission the Discernment Committee at the 11:00 a.m. service.

We will continue to provide regular updates as this important work unfolds and ask for your prayers and engagement as we move forward together.

Faithfully,