Update On Interim Rector Process
At its May meeting, the Vestry decided to
pursue the hiring of a full-time Interim Rector. A committee of the Vestry
was appointed to lead this task. The committee is comprised of the wardens,
Nathan Duncan, Bud Nelson, Mary Lou Parks and Kim Sistrunk. This committee’s
function is only to recommend to the full Vestry candidates for Interim
Rector. The final decision of whom to hire as Interim Rector will rest with
the Vestry, in consultation with the bishop. Note that this committee is not
the Search Committee for a new Rector. That is an entirely separate
undertaking, and appointment of the Search Committee will come later.
The Interim Rector committee has been working closely with the Rev. Canon
David Johnson of the diocesan office to identify available, qualified
priests who might be good matches for All Saints’ interim needs. (The
diocese has responsibility for identifying possible Interim Rector
candidates.) Thus far, two candidates have been submitted by the diocese to
the committee. The committee conducted a formal interview of one candidate,
who has since accepted an interim position in another diocese. The committee
has had preliminary conversations with the other candidate, and further
discussions are needed. While this second candidate would bring strong
experience and capabilities to the Interim Rector position, the committee
hopes to soon have additional candidates to consider as well.
Because the conversations which have been had to this point are very
preliminary, the committee is not yet in a position to share the names of
any candidates. As David Johnson has pointed out to us, confidentiality with
regard to those who offer themselves for consideration is an important
component of the process. The committee and the Vestry are honoring that. We
are likewise honoring our commitment to provide the parish with as much
information as is appropriate to share at any given time. We appreciate the
parish’s patience and understanding in that regard.
Finally, we want to stress that no time table has been set for the hiring of
an Interim Rector. While the Vestry would prefer, of course, to have someone
in place sooner than later, our primary concern is that we put in place the
right person as All Saints’ Interim Rector. That may take a little while,
and if it does, that will be fine. The parish will be in good hands with
Michael and Gene in the meantime.
Please continue to keep the work of the Vestry and the Interim Rector
committee in your prayers.
Faithfully,
Les Alvis, Sr. Warden
Albert White, Jr. Warden
