SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE

What a difference a day (or two) makes!  Shortly after writing the March Voice update, we began to receive information from the Church Deployment Office and letters of inquiry from interested priests.  Many commented specifically that our ads in “The Living Church” and “Episcopal Life” had intrigued them and many reported that they had enjoyed our wonderful website.  (Thank you David Monyak!  You are a wonderful electronic Ambassador for St. John’s!)  We even received an e-mail from a priest who is not asking to be considered, but who wrote to say he had checked our website, which had impressed him very much.  He wrote to send us encouragement and to let us know that we are in his prayers.

The information about the candidates is astounding!  God has called many amazing men and women to the priesthood.  It is very exciting to think that one of these wonderful people might be our next rector.  “Glory be to God who, by his mighty power within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of.”  Ephesians 3:20

The application period will remain open until April 15.  We have sent essay questions to the present candidates.  The questions ask the candidates about some of your areas of particular interest as revealed in your answers to the survey last fall.  Each candidate will be asked to answer the same questions.  It may take some time for the candidates to answer, as some of the questions touch some of the most difficult issues facing the church today.  When we have received answers from all who are still interested, we will begin the process of review.

As we continue on this path of discernment, please continue to pray for the committee and the candidates that we remain open to the Spirit and listen for the will of God.  Your prayers are our nourishment as we continue on this journey.