The Rector Search Committee is committed to sharing our progress on a regular basis with the Bethesda community. Much has been accomplished since our last communication. We have finished the first task on the diagram below and have been busy working on the “self-study” portion. We are about to begin the next portion, “develop parish profile.”

The CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool) was completed by 395 parishioners, excellent participation – thank you! The results have been analyzed by the Diocese’s consultant, Holy Cow! who has briefed both the Vestry and the Search Committee on the findings.

The Search Committee has also met with diocesan staff to learn about the process recommended by the Diocese for search processes and the diocesan resources available to us. They will be partnering with us and advising us throughout the entire process.

Now we begin working towards producing some important resources which become central to describing the parish and our needs for rector candidates. Our first task is to complete our Parish Profile. Members of the committee have accepted assignments to update the twelve sections of the Parish Profile. Each of us will use input from our fellow search committee members, other parishioners, church clergy and staff, and other resources to rewrite our sections of the profile. It will be reviewed by the Vestry and Canon Roberson before it is finalized.

The next step will be to produce an OTM (Office for Transition Ministry) Profile which follows a specific format defined by the Episcopal Church and seeks to describe Bethesda and our needs using a standard format and a series of short essays. Again, members of the congregation may be asked to help provide input and perspective to complete these.

More updates will follow regularly. We ask you to give your support to the committee’s work when asked, and to keep this important work of this committee in your prayers.

 Rector Search Committee