March 2, 2025: Transition Update from Sr. Warden, Camille Stell
Dear St. John’s Family,
As our church is in a season of transition, we are encouraged to be in a season of spiritual discernment—both as a parish and as individuals. Discernment is the process of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom, listening for the Spirit’s movement in our hearts and our community. It requires patience, prayer, and trust in God’s plan for our future.
I’m reading a book entitled, The Discerning Life: An Invitation to Notice God in Everything by Stephen Maccia. It has been especially helpful to me during this time of transition. As part of this process, we want to update you on the search for our interim rector. The Diocesan Transition Office is currently collecting resumes and expects to have candidates for us to review soon. Please continue to pray for this important step in our journey.
We also invite everyone to a churchwide meeting on March 16, following an abbreviated coffee hour. This will be a time of fellowship, discussion, and shared vision as we continue moving forward together. That morning, we are blessed to welcome Rev. Marion Sprott, who will be leading our 7:45 and 9:30 a.m. services and facilitating a parish-wide discussion on attributes we are searching for in our new rector. We encourage you to attend, meet Rev. Sprott, and take part in the ongoing life of our parish.
Please keep our ministry leaders, staff, vestry, and search committee members in your prayers, asking for wisdom and clarity as they guide our church through this transition. May we all continue to listen for God’s voice as we seek the next faithful steps for St. John’s.
In peace,
Camille Stell, Senior Warden
February 21, 2025: Transition Update from Sr. Warden, Camille Stell
The Vestry met on February 19 to choose the members of the search committee. Below are the members who were appointed:
Parish Representatives
Brent Goodwin
Roxanne Johnson
Elizabeth McDuffie
Stephanie Rogers
Marita Rutko
Ann Van Cleave
Vestry Members
Bob Hill
Kolin Murphy
Joel Perez
Youth Advisory Members
Henry Roberts
Aubrey Shail
We appreciate the many people who volunteered to serve on the committee. We had so many outstanding candidates, it was a difficult decision and one that we took seriously and prayerfully. Please add these individuals to your personal prayer list for wisdom and discernment as they spend the next several months together on mission for St. John’s.
SAVE THE DATE for March 16 – Rev. Marion Sprott of the Diocese Transition Office will be delivering the sermon at the 7:45 and 9:30 AM service. Following the 9:30 AM service, Rev. Sprott will lead a parish-wide meeting to create our Rector Profile to aid us in the search process. We will cancel Tapestry that day so everyone can be a part of the service.
As always, reach out with any questions you might have!
Camille Stell, Sr. Warden
February 9, 2025: Transition Update from Sr. Warden, Camille Stell
Dear St. John’s Family,
As we continue our journey in the search for our next rector, I want to take a moment to encourage and uplift each of you. This past week, we were blessed to have our Bishop Sam Rodman and the Rev. Marion Sprott from the Diocese Transition Office visit with us, offering guidance and clarity on the available paths forward in our interim rector and full-time rector search. It was a meaningful time of discussion and discernment, and we are grateful for the wisdom and support provided from the Diocese.
On Saturday February 8, the Vestry will be gathering in retreat to reflect, pray, and seek God’s direction as we move ahead in this important process. We ask for your prayers—not only for the Vestry but for our entire church family—as we listen for God’s call in this season. We trust that the Holy Spirit is at work among us, guiding us to the right leader for our congregation. At the retreat, we will determine which of several options that were presented to us we will follow. Next week, look for an update here, as well in person as you connect with Vestry members over the week.
Though St. John’s is in a time of contemplation as we say good-bye to Mother Sarah, we are not a church in stagnation. Our mission remains strong, our ministries are vibrant, and our faith continues to be active. St. John’s is moving forward, grounded in the love of Christ and the strength of our community.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness, prayers, and commitment to the life of our church. We walk this path together, with hope and trust in God’s plan for us.
In Christ, Camille Stell, Senior Warden
