Dear Covenant Community:

This is the second letter to the Parish from the Vestry concerning the resignation of Kevin Phillips, and now more importantly our plan for the next several months as we look for a new Interim Rector.

The Vestry met Wednesday night with Bishop David Jones and had a great dialogue about the state of the Parish and the strength of the leadership within our Covenant Community. Bishop Jones said we are a very unique church, filled with leaders, which has allowed a Parish-led church like ours to already begin focusing on the future.

The Vestry has identified some very strong candidates for the Interim Rector position. Before selecting one of these candidates, the Vestry has decided that it would be better for our church, and the individual selected, to spend some time putting together a detailed plan and a job description that will allow them to share the Gospel, continue adult education, provide pastoral care, and strengthen our Youth Program. This will allow the Vestry to evaluate the candidates as well as allow the candidates to evaluate St. David’s.

In the meantime we are asking Father Emmanuel Johnson to share the Gospel and preach to our congregation with the assistance of a strong lay leadership, our ministry leaders, and visiting pastors. Father Johnson is excited about preaching on Sunday and the Family Service will continue to rise to the occasion with the help of our own leaders.

The Vestry plans to call the Interim Rector during the upcoming Advent Season. By allowing this extra time to pray and be deliberate with our selection, we hope to invite that individual with the intention that they may become our Rector at a later date.

Scripture teaches us that, “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purposes.” Through the assurance of our faith in Jesus and his love for us, our Covenant Community will experience this truth. As we stand together, supporting each other in love and service we will discover that “No one stands alone” is a reality, not just a hope.

We are all looking forward to Advent, the fantastic December 7 Advent Festival and coming together as a community to share what God has provided us.

God Bless,
The Vestry
St. David’s Episcopal Church