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Discernment Process – FAQ’s
June 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Discernment Process Updates FAQ's, Parish Discernment Process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
June 2009
1. Why does St. Peters’ need a new Rector?
After years of service, our current Rector, Rev. Sarah Belknap has announced her desire to retire, thus the need for a new Rector.
2. When will St. Peters’ have a new Rector?
The Vestry is hoping to have called the new Rector in early 2010. The discernment process often takes 18 months from beginning to end.
3. Who will lead St. Peters’ in the absence of a Rector?
Normally, the Vestry and the Wardens are responsible for the business of St. Peters’. The Vestry is preparing to maintain our current programs and encourage new opportunities as well. The spiritual leader will be an Interim Priest.
4. What is an Interim Priest?
An Interim Priest is a clergy member who feels called to the service of assisting congregations through the transition period between Rectors. Their authority is the same as a Rector’s in spiritual matters and it is not customary that this individual be a candidate for the Rector position.
5. Who decides who the next Rector will be?
Many minds and hearts go into calling the individual who will be St. Peters’ next Rector. The Vestry will make the final call, with the approval of the Diocese, to the individual discerned to be our next Rector. What the Vestry is tasked to do is to discern who best represents the desires of all of us for the good of the whole.
6. How do I stay informed?
St. Peters website has the information as it becomes available. The Epistle, the announcements which accompany the worship materials on Sundays, and the bulletin board in the hall from the church to the parish hall all have information for you. Watch for the ship logo.
7. What are the steps in discerning St. Peters’ next Rector?
Reverend Sarah has announced her retirement. Los Angeles Diocese Deployment Office has met with the Vestry and provided resources and guidelines for our process. The Vestry has studied the procedures for calling a Rector and committed to the spiritual process of discernment. The Vestry called a group of parishioners to discern our Parish profile. This group is the Self Study Committee. We began to participate when we completed the survey they provided. The Self Study Committee has elicited your further input at the March 29th all parish workshop. The Vestry has discerned that we will conduct a Limited Search process. The Los Angeles Deployment Office reviews all interested candidates and presents St. Peters with candidates who best match our profile. The Vestry has considered the characteristics and skill sets required for the Discernment Committee and has called ten members to carry out the Limited Search process. The Discernment Committee presents three (3) final candidates to the Vestry. The Vestry, with approval from Diocese, calls the next Rector.
8. What is a “Limited Search”?
The Vestry limits the geographic area by designating the specific Dioceses which the National Church Deployment Office will post to our Profile.
