Some Notes on the Pastoral Transition Process
from The Rev. Sarah Phelps
If you haven’t already, you may soon start wondering, “What happens next for St. John’s?”
Well, first we will figure out a way to celebrate our ministry together before I depart the week of February 2. There will be a leave-taking liturgy which we’ll celebrate as one community gathered at worship at 9:30 am on Feb 2 (no 7:45 or 11:15 Tapestry services that day). It’s the first Sunday of the month (Hot Dog Sunday!), so as far as I know there will be hotdogs after worship (love it!!), and I’d bet on cake, too, because that’s how we do things around here.
Next, the Vestry will meet with the Transition Ministry Officer of our diocese, The Rev. Marion Sprott. Marion, Bishop Sam Rodman, and his Canon, Catherine Massey, will assist our (just elected) Senior Warden, Camille Stell, and Vestry throughout this pastoral transition. In the short-term, lay and clergy preachers will be scheduled to support Fr. Mawethu in preaching and presiding at our three Sunday services until interim ministry leadership is in place to cover all the pastoral and administrative needs of the parish until a new rector is called. During the first month or two of the transition, a process for calling a new rector will be determined by the Vestry and Bishop Rodman. All of this will be shared with the parish as there is new information to share.
In the Episcopal Church, the Senior Warden steps in as the “ecclesiastical authority” of the parish whenever there is a rector vacancy or absence (like a sabbatical or parental leave.) If/when an interim rector is called, then the interim rector assumes that authority until a settled rector is called. Camille Stell is a superb leader with a wealth of professional experience as well as prior church leadership experience, and there are several other former Senior Wardens both on our current Vestry and in the wider parish who will be there to support her.
Some may wonder if our Associate Rector, Fr. Mawethu Ncaca, may be considered for either the interim rector or rector position. It is not our regular practice in the Episcopal Church for priests to be considered for such roles in the parish they are currently serving as an Associate or Assistant, but it is not unheard of either. This is a question that is entirely up to Bishop Rodman to resolve in consultation with our Vestry.
This is all the information I can think of to share with you at this time about “what’s next.” If you have any concerns at this time, please feel free to contact me (SarahP@stjohnswf.org) through February 2 and/or Camille Stell (camille.stell@gmail.com) in the coming weeks and months.
Please keep all your parish and diocesan leaders, and the ministry of St. John’s, in your prayers!
