Almighty God, giver of every good gift, look graciously upon St. James’ and so guide the minds and hearts of those who shall work to choose a Rector for this parish. We pray that in time guided by your grace, we may find a faithful pastor, who will come to guide us, shepherd us, and help us as disciples of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thoughts, questions, or concerns for the RSC? Email rectorsearch@stjames.org.
St. James’ Rector Search Committee FAQs
Q: Why is St. James’ looking for a new Rector?
A: Brenda Husson, our Rector of more than 25 years of service, has announced her intention to retire. Please read her letter to the Parish here.
Q: When is Brenda’s last day at St. James’?
A: We are blessed and truly fortunate that, with our Bishop’s support, Brenda will continue as our Rector until such time a new Rector is called.
Q: Will there be a search for a new Rector?
A: Yes. Please read the Wardens’ letter to the parishioners here.
Q: Who’s serving on the Rector Search Committee (RSC)?
A: Please read the Vestry’s announcement here.
Sue Bennett
Richard Brown
Romi Gottfrid
Larry Hunter
Mary Malhotra – Chair
Nancy Murray
Ellie Smith
Waddell Stillman
Bob Stinson
Todd Stockdale
Brad Whitehurst
Catherine Workman
Q: How will St. James’ conduct the search?
A: There are specific steps and guidelines, as outlined by the Episcopal Diocese of New York, that we must follow to mount a successful search. The RSC will be responsible for organizing and conducting the search including screening, interviewing, and ultimately recommending candidates to the Vestry.
Q: What is the scope of the RSC?
A: The committee began the search process on April 26, 2022 and continued with an all-day retreat with the Vestry on April 30. We are in the Listen, Ask and Pray – formation and gathering – phase of the search. The RSC will host an all-parish meeting on May 22 to listen and gather your thoughts and insights that will inform the search for our new Rector. All parishioners are welcome.
In the next phase of the search, the RSC will create a Parish Profile (PP), a snapshot of who we are, including our mission and ministries. The PP will be used to help possible applicants get to know us. We must also prepare a Diocesan document for the Office for Transition Ministry (OTM).
The next phases of the search are:
- Candidate application submission and review
- Determination of the semi-finalist list and conduct interviews with those candidates
- Selection of the finalists for recommendation to the Vestry
- The Vestry will conduct in-person interviews with the finalists and their families and will make the final decision on our new Rector by the Spring of 2023
Q: How can I participate in the search?
A: There will be multiple opportunities to participate in the search. We ask that you attend the all-parish meeting on May 22 in Coburn Hall or via Zoom and to pray for all involved in this search.
Letter from the Rector
February 16, 2022
Letter from the Wardens
February 16, 2022
