Rector Search
The Search for a New Rector
The search for a new rector is a time of reflecting, appreciating the past, and looking to the future. It is also some plain hard work and it takes as long as it takes. While we are adapting the Diocese’s transition process to Ascension and are starting to develop a timeline of tasks, we must keep in our hearts that we are prayerfully on God’s time.
Below is a graphic that gives an overview of the process. Scroll down for the latest updates from the Vestry as the process gets under way.
SATURday, APRIL 12
On Sunday, April 6, the Vestry met with the Rev. Stuart Wright, the Diocese’s Director of Human Resources and Administration and Transitions Minister. We engaged in an informative discussion about the current diocesan process for calling a new rector. Rev. Stuart shared that there are many more parishes in transition than there are priests available; however, Ascension’s location, vitality, and financial stability make us an attractive choice for applicants. During the upcoming weeks, we will develop an overall search process plan and prayerfully determine the type of clergy support we need (including interim priest vs. supply priests) upon Rev. Joan’s retirement. We ask for your continued prayers as we carefully proceed.
Sunday, MARCH 2
Last Thursday, February 27, Senior Warden Jane Alperson and Junior Warden Leticia Read met with The Reverend Stuart Wright, the Diocesan Transition Minister. We learned more about the search process and how it’s been playing out lately across the Diocese.
The next step is for Stuart to meet with the Vestry (which is also the Search Committee). That meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, at 12 pm.
Sunday, FEBRUARY 23
Your wardens will be meeting with The Reverend Stuart Wright, EDOW Transition Minister, on February 27 to receive support and guidance for our rector search process. We will be guided by the EDOW Transition Model document which provides that the vestry is the “search committee.” Check this webpage for updates.
Sunday, FEBRUARY 2
Our beloved rector and deacon have announced their retirement at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 2, 2025. They both have written heartfelt letters to our parish. You can read the letter from Rev. Joan here and the letter from Deacon Terri here. They will be with us through the end of the summer. We know you will join your wardens and vestry as we say “Congratulations and thank you on your creative and wonderful service here at Ascension!”
The week of February 3, 2025, your wardens will contact the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) to receive support and guidance for our upcoming rector search process. We will be guided by the EDOW Transition Model document which provides that the vestry is the “search committee.”
