September Rector Search Update

Your rector search committee has been hard at work these last few weeks, as we formally articulate "Who we are" and "What we seek" in our next rector. This month we are delighted to report that with prayer and hope and vibrant discussion, the Vestry and Search Committee have reached consensus on the responses to the twelve narrative questions posed by the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM). These thoughtfully-reflective responses will now undergo a final review by the Diocese.  The text of the Parish Profile is nearly complete and will be delivered to the Vestry for review this month. Our website is in review by the Diocese at this time, and, a rector compensation plan is in development.

With the change of seasons in the mountain air, we are reminded that change can bring concern, but it can also provide an opportunity for transformation. As we face this time of change, we are mindful that Epiphany is not alone. God has walked beside Epiphany throughout over 100 years of change and challenge. We are comforted in the sure knowledge of the abiding love of a never-changing God who will continue to guide us in this search, and in all things. 

Your Rector Search Committee thanks you for your continued support, prayers, and love! 

The 2023 Rector Search Committee

Aaron Cirzan, John Cardani, Jeff Hall, Jeanette Macauley, Celisa Manly, Kathy Paleski, and Vaughan Winborne

August Rector Search Update

We join you in uplifting prayers for our new rector, who we know is already known to God, and send you this update on our progress in the search. 

This month, the search committee met with the Reverend Canon Anita Braden, who leads the Arizona Diocese Office of Transition Ministry (OTM). The transition ministry supports clergy seeking calls, and churches seeking clergy. Canon Anita will serve as our search consultant. Her assistance is invaluable and invigorating.

The search committee has written a first draft of the Parish Profile. This document provides clergy seeking calls with an overview of our beloved church: its history, ministries, aspirations, and the qualities we seek in our next rector. The Parish Profile will be reviewed by Epiphany’s Vestry and by the Diocese. It is an essential tool in calling our next rector.  

The search committee has also written responses to the Office of Transition Ministry’s narrative questions. This thought-provoking and insightful process focuses our thoughts and prayers on twelve topics that define us as a community. This document is now ready for review by Epiphany’s Vestry.

Lastly, we are grateful to our Treasurer and members of the Finance Committee who have begun to research and prepare a Compensation & Benefits package for the new rector. This is meticulous and detailed work and we want to recognize the skills and gifts of this ministry team.

Throughout this process, we are grounded in prayer and discernment. We firmly believe that God’s guidance is essential in finding the next rector for our parish, and we ask your continued prayers in this journey.

Yours in Christ,

The 2023 Rector Search Committee

Aaron Cirzan, John Cardani, Jeff Hall, Jeanette Macauley, Celisa Manly, Kathy Paleski, and Vaughan Winborne

July Rector Search Update

Thank you for your commitment to pray with us as we embark on our search for our new rector.  Our committee is honored to come before God to seek God's wisdom and ask God's will for the future leader of the Church of the Epiphany.

The search committee met twice this month, and will continue to meet every two weeks throughout the search process.  We will update the congregation regularly on the fourth weekend of every month in the eBast, in announcements, and at the monthly Q&A. Our goal is to bring this topic before God, to build unity through the Holy Spirit, and to walk always in the way of our faith in Jesus.

This month we have analyzed the congregation's hopes and vision for the future as articulated in the Day of Discovery, and outlined this for the Parish Profile. It is a joy to write about our beloved church home, our faithful ministries, and what we seek in our next rector. You bless us with your photos.

Early next month, we will meet with the Reverend Canon Anita Braden, who leads Arizona's Office of Transition Ministry. Canon Anita will support Epiphany throughout our journey.

Thank you for praying with us as we seek wisdom and discernment.

The 2023 Rector Search Committee

Aaron Cirzan, John Cardani, Jeff Hall, Jeanette Macauley, Celisa Manly, Kathy Paleski, and Vaughan Winborne