The timeline graphic shows the key milestones in our search process, together with our progress so far.

After working hard for the last 14 months, the Profile & Search Committee has now completed their work! They have screened our applicant field down to 2 finalist candidates, whose names were presented to the Vestry on February 2nd. Our grateful thanks for their hard work. Now it is up to the Vestry to complete the task and call our new Rector.

The Search Process began in December 2010 with the forming of our Profile & Search Committee (PSC). After some preparatory work in January and February, the committee kicked into high gear in March, conducting a demographic survey and two Parish Town Meetings. PSC members also met individually with parishioners unable to participate in the Town Hall meetings.

In order to understand the collective opinion of the congregation, all parishioners were asked 4 questions:

1. What are we doing as a congregation that works for you?
2. What other things would you like to see this congregation do that we are not doing?
3. What kinds of things could this congregation do to expand our outreach into the larger community?
4. What are some of the attributes that our new rector will need to lead the congregation toward what you have identified?

We are happy to report that over 75% of our parishioners responded, either personally or via group discussion at one of the Town Meetings.

From May through July, the PSC focused on preparing the application package, including the Parish Profile, application questions and financial analysis. The Profile was approved by the PSC on July 7th and subsequently by the Vestry at their meeting on July 20th, and by the Diocese on August 2nd. The remainder of the application package was approved by the diocese on August 10th, clearing the way for us to begin accepting applications.

Our application window was open from August 10 through October 15. A total of 21 candidates submitted applications, from which the PSC selected 6 candidates for interview.

Telephone interviews began on Nov 4th, from which 4 finalists were selected for in-person interview. Site visits were completed in January, and the list of final candidates was presented to the Vestry on February 2nd. The Vestry will then invite these candidates to St. Bart's for final interview in the February/March timeframe.

As we navigate this process, its important to know that we are not alone. We are receiving excellent help from the diocese; especially from Canon Michael Barlowe, Canon for Congregational Ministries, whose responsibilities on behalf of the Bishop include helping parishes through this process.

Your Prayers

Your prayers are asked for all of us as we continue together on this journey. With God's help, together we will travel and together we will reach our destination.

The Process

God has already chosen our new Rector!

What we have to do is to discern the plans that God has for the future of our parish, and ensure that this message is communicated clearly and widely such that the priest chosen by God as our new Rector hears God's call to come here.

The timeline on the right describes the search process in some detail. Additional information is available here.

To summarize, our journey begins with the creation of a Parish Profile which describes who we are as a community and the qualities we are looking for in a new rector. This document is then supplied to the Diocese and the National Church which advertise our position widely. Applicants for the position are then screened by the PSC which selects a small number of candidates for interview by the Vestry who will make the final selection.

Throughout this process we will be guided by the Diocese who will assist with training, identification and screening of candidates, and will advise the PSC and Vestry as appropriate in all stages of the process.