Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea,
The Vestry and Search Committee wrote to the congregation this past week regarding the status of the search for a new rector and the need to continue the search into the fall. As you know, I gladly accept the invitation to continue as your Interim Rector until the end of 2022. However, because of previous commitments I will be overseeing the congregation during July, August, and part of September by extension, relying on talented clergy and lay staff during that period. During the fall months of September through December, I will be with you two Sundays per month, to preach and teach, and be available infrequently for other sacramental and program functions, including presiding at Vestry meetings. I am gladly retaining the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Geitz as a part-time Associate Priest, and the Rev. Susan Beebe has accepted my invitation to serve as a full-time Interim Vicar for the six-month period period, July – December. Susan will assume oversight of many day-to-day functions of the parish and Elizabeth will continue to assist two Sundays a month and some weekdays, giving focused attention to new member ministries and pastoral care. The Rev. Jeff Beebe will also be available to provide assistance on Sundays and other occasions as need and his time allows. The Rev. Carol Barron will conclude her tenure with us this month. We extend to her our heartfelt gratitude for wonderful service during the previous interim year. Our Deacons, The Revs. Clay Waddell and Cecie Titcomb, also offer regular and valuable assistance, worship leadership, and care to our congregation. Clay will be available to serve most of this summer and regularly during the fall. Cecie will return in October and provide valuable assistance during the remainder of the autumn. We have also expanded the ministries of Laura Manley from half-time to full-time during this interim, asking Laura to oversee all of our work in stewardship and outreach.
As we continue to search, we are enthusiastic and hopeful about both the discernment season ahead and our clergy and staffing plan for the summer and fall, 2022. We ask all of you to keep our search process in your prayers, and we encourage everyone to give their full participation and generosity to the life and ministries of our wonderful congregation
Bob Dannals
Interim Rector