Archives ~ Transition & Discernment
Find archived prayers and communication on the clergy process here
October 1, 2021
The Vestry has actively begun the call process as prescribed by the Diocese. In short, this fall we are praying for Advent, celebrating Rev. Nancy, planning to interview and hire an interim rector, and doing preliminary work on the Parish Profile.
More details can be found in a letter from the Vestry found and the Diocese Protocol for a Search Process.
Additionally, you are welcome to contact any Vestry member with questions.
October 8, 2021
Advent's TMC form advertising for the interim rector position is now live on the TMC and DioPA websites.
The Vestry met over zoom with Canon Arlette Benoit Joseph, DioPA's Canon for Transition.
Preliminary conversations with two consultants specializing in transitions were conducted.
The first Celebrating Nancy piece on baptism was published. You can find it here.
October 22, 2021
The Parish Profile Committee is soliciting fairly recent photographs for possible inclusion in the Parish Profile.
Email them to Sally Palic.
An all congregation Envisioning Advent's Future initiative is being organized by the Adult Education Committee using the book Post-Quarantine Church by Thom Rainer.
November 3, 2021
Vestry is reviewing demographic data sent by the DioPA in preparation for a meeting with Bishop Gutierrez and Canons on Sunday.
Profile Committee is reviewing the profile from the last search and is making updates.
Discussions of Advent's future based on the book Post-Pandemic Church have been scheduled for November, December, and January.
November 10, 2021
The vestry met with the bishop and the canon for transition after the confirmation service to discuss the call process.
The vestry interviewed a candidate for interim rector. The DioPA continues to accept applications.
The first discussions about Advent's future based on the book Post-Pandemic Church will begin this week.
November 17, 2021
The Prayer Team's daily prayer initiative is on the website below and will be distributed at church on Sunday.
Imagining Advent's Future conversations began on Tuesday via zoom. Join us in person on Sunday at 9:30 or 11:15, see below.
The Diocese is still accepting applications for interim priest.
December 1, 2021
Canon for Transition, Arlene Benoit Joseph from DioPA met with the vestry.
The vestry voted Sally Palic and Kim Hoeschel co-chairs of the Discernment Committee and approved the Charges to the committees.
The vestry voted Dave Scott, current Rector’s Warden, to assume the role of Senior Warden upon Nancy’s retirement.
December 9, 2021
As Dave Scott announced in church, both interim candidates withdrew their applications.
Please continue to pray for a good and faithful interim.
The final Celebrating Nancy piece reflecting on Nancy's 16 year ministry was published.
Imagining Advent's Future discussions will conclude on January 9th at 9:30 and 11:15 in person, and on January 11th via zoom.
December 21, 2021
This week, we focus on celebrating Christmas and Nancy's last Sunday 12/26 as Advent's rector.
Keep praying daily for all of Advent's parishioners and for Nancy and Ed.
The vestry is making plans for January including launching the survey of the congregation on what we desire for our next rector and commissioning the discernment committee.
December 27, 2021
With the prayers, blessings, well-wishes, and gratitude of the congregation, Rev. Nancy rode off to retirement in Vermont after celebrating her final Eucharist at Advent on December 26th.
Several priests will lead worship until an interim priest is found.
Advent's staff and vestry work together to manage the church, and parishioners fill a multitude of roles to operate the church.
The Discernment Committee will be commissioned at the 10:15 service on January 9th.
Imagining Advent's Future discussions will be held on January 9th at 9:30 and 11:15 in the fellowship hall and on January 11th at 7 via zoom
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87035244685?pwd=KytKTDZjVGo5RzJwaGtVek41NzNsdz09
Meeting ID: 870 3524 4685
Passcode: 742629
January 11, 2022
The Discernment Committee was announced to the congregation and held their first meeting.
In preparation for the parish survey launching 1/24, please think and pray about:
What do you see as the characteristics of the ideal priest?
What does Advent need to accomplish our mission?
Keep praying for a faithful interim and all of Advent's parishioners during this time of transition.
February 4, 2022
We are at a crucial time in the call process as we seek the discernment of all parishioners on the parish survey.
Please complete it soon. Call the church or email [email protected] for a link if needed.
Survey results will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, February 27 after the 10:15 service.
Mark your calendar.
March 4, 2022
The Profile Committee and the Discernment Committee are working to understand and discern God's call to Advent in the survey results, and to integrate the survey results into the parish profile and the job postings.
The survey results were presented to the congregation last Sunday by Holy Cow Consulting.
Please see the summary of the CAT survey results.
The full presentation is available in the church office.
April 1, 2022
With excitement and anticipation, the Episcopal Church of the Advent is currently accepting applications for a full-time rector to be our partner in ministry.
We seek a rector who will be an entrepreneurial priest, a warm and joyful pastor, a spiritually grounded preacher and teacher, a change facilitator, and a strategic leader.
To learn more about Advent and our gifts, challenges, and priorities, please read our Parish Profile below, explore our website, and read our OTM form and TMC form.
If you feel called to enter into discernment with us, your next step is to send your application materials to the Rev. Canon Arlette Benoit Joseph, Canon for Transition Ministry, Diocese of Pennsylvania at [email protected].
Applications are being accepted until June 4, 2022.
Thank you for prayerfully discerning if Advent might be right for you.
May God bless you and your ministry.
May 5, 2022
The Discernment Committee conducted first interviews with two rector candidates this week.
Please pray for wisdom for the DC as they discern if they should continue discernment with the candidates.
Also, please forward the details below to any rectors you know that might be interested in the rector position at Advent.
May 27, 2022
The Discernment Committee has received application materials from six candidates to date with the application period remaining open until June 4.
The Discernment Committee members are reading application materials, watching sermons, interviewing candidates, and prayerfully discerning together.
Please continue to pray that God's wisdom and grace be with all of us.
June 2, 2022
The Discernment Committee has received application materials from eight candidates to date with the application period remaining open until June 4.
Four candidates of the eight have been interviewed thus far.
The Discernment Committee members are reading application materials, watching sermons, interviewing candidates, and prayerfully discerning together.
Please continue to pray that God's wisdom and grace be with all of us.
June 30, 2022
The committee is making progress, although some days that progress feels slow.
We've received applications from 10 candidates--have eliminated some and continue in discernment with others.
The twelve Discernment Committee members are participating faithfully and earnestly.
We really listen to and value each other's thoughts and opinions.
Thank you for your continued prayers as the discernment process continues.