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Letter from Fr. David Perkins
LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW, July 2010
Sometimes language can get in our way. For instance, the term “interim ministry” can imply that not much happens between one rector and another—the church is in a holding pattern, much like an airliner circling before landing or taxiing before takeoff.
Quite the reverse!! For one thing, you are not “between priests.” You now have a priest, moi. My calling is specialized—to lead you through the transition between permanent rectors. This transitional period has profound significance and will impact the life of the church through the next rector’s tenure.
The basic challenges of this period include:
Coming to terms with the parish’s history. Your story is larger than any one rector’s tenure, and we will be updating that story in light of the last rector’s service.
Discovering a new identity and sense of mission. It’s hard to take the time to reflect on who we are and where we’re called to go; we’re too busy doing ministry. This transitional period gives us the chance to do just that.
Helping the leadership to grow and change. Some people need a break from leadership and others need to be involved or reinvolved. The interim rector addresses both those areas.
Strengthening linkages to the denomination. The parish has the chance to see the larger church with fresh eyes and strengthen those linkages—to the diocese and to the larger church.
Establishing a new commitment to engage in mission together with the new priest. During this transitional time, we seek to discern what God is calling St. John’s to be and do while seeking a rector who shares that sense of mission.
We’ve already begun working on these challenges, and they do not happen in linear, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 fashion. They will unfold more or less simultaneously, even when we are focusing on only one or two of them.
In addition, as interim, I am addressing other ministry challenges: caring for those with grief and anger issues regarding the rector’s departure; strengthening the infrastructures of the parish; strengthening the parish’s stewardship and financial lives; team working with lay persons and leaders and staff; and giving attention to the spiritual life of the parish.
St. John’s is not taxiing or circling; we’re on mission. It’s an exciting time; I’m delighted to be sharing this time with you.
Peace,
David Perkins,
Interim Rector
Letter from our Senior Warden Ann Richmond
Growing Things----
Summer is a time for moving slowly, avoiding being out in the hottest times of the day, and trying to stay cool. It may seem as if not much is happening. Those with children in school or education related jobs relax a bit and plan for the upcoming season.
But all the while, all around us, life goes on. Things are growing. Fall will be the harvest.
It may seem that the life of our parish is not moving forward, that we are just waiting. Appearances can be deceiving.
As June and then July go by, ministries continue—Relay for Life, Reading Club summer camp, Vacation Bible School, Twilight Festival, outdoor services, to name but a few. Fr. Perkins gets to know us and bring his expertise to bear in supporting and strengthening us as a community of faith.
Part of our work this summer is preparing the information we will present to potential candidates when we begin the actual search for our next Rector. The parish timeline will need information from everyone and will give a picture of the membership of St. John’s. The Generations video project will help us frame our story in a visual way as well. The product of both of these projects will be used in creating our presentation to candidates. This is very important in helping them know who we are.
If you long for the search process to move faster, jump into either of these projects! Many hands make a good project. There is lots of work to be done!
Meanwhile….
Say your prayers.
Love one another.
Pray for your Vestry and all at St. John’s
Ann Richmond, Sr. Warden
A Note from the Reverend Donna Barr
The Pastoral Care Ministers would like you to know they are available for you anytime, 24x7, when you need us. Whether you or someone you care about is ill, going through a divorce, experiencing depression, struggling with addiction, have a desire to share a Christ-centered relationship, or you just need to talk, we are available to you.
Here is our contact information:
Christy Leaver christyleaver@stjohnsky.com 859 806 9231
Tim Downey timdowney@stjohnsky.com 859 753 0785
Ron Werner-Wilson ronwernerwilson@stjohnsky.com 859 494 8336
Mark Herbert markherbert@stjohnsky.com 502 395 0399
Sarah Sandknop sarah.sandknop@stjohnsky.com 859 433 9337
Rev. Donna Barr donnabarr@stjohnsky.com 859 494 5144
Fr. David Perkins fr.david.perkins@stjohnsky.com 859 533 7217
Donna Barr leads this wonderful ministry and will continue to do so after retiring from St. John’s. Fr. David Perkins also meets with us to teach, supervise and share his experience. We have studied for 2 years under Deacon Donna and have learned so much about the human condition, healing, God’s love, our community of faith, and each other. Please allow us to care for you in your time of need.
