Dear Heavenly Father, Please guide us with your wisdom and be with us as we begin to look for a new rector. Grant us patience and grace as a congregation, so that we may be unified in this time of transition. As our parish changes, grant us the courage and openness that we need to stay true to ourselves, while keeping you present in all that we do. All this we ask in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
With the guidance of the Diocese of Western Mass and Bishop Douglas Fisher, our parish will search together for our next leader. St. John’s is blessed with a loving and committed congregation, one full of community spirit and a love for God, a congregation who will embrace this transition period as a time of reflection. The search process outlined below is a linear one, with each step requiring time and consideration. We invite every member of the St. John’s family to join us on this journey.
Questions? Please be in touch.
Nancy Harvin, Senior Warden srwarden@stjohnsnorthampton.org
Lynne Imre, Junior Warden Lynne.Imre@gmail.com
Barbara Kellum, Chair of the Search Committee bkellum@smith.edu
The Parish Profile Committee began its work by sifting through and analyzing themes, trends and anonymous comments in the parish-wide survey completed in the Fall of 2019. In listening mode, they went out into the congregation interviewing a wide range of church members one on one or in small groups. The committee sponsored an afternoon holiday tea to gather more responses in a larger group setting. Church members were asked to offer written reflections on their personal experiences at St. John’s and their perspectives on the life of the community. Many contributed and their voices have been woven throughout the profile text. The committee decided on a newspaper format to be the best vehicle for capturing numerous perspectives and for highlighting the diversity of ministries, projects and small groups that comprise the multi-faceted corporate life of our church. In reading the “Good News” from St. John’s, we hope that you find yourself informed, challenged and inspired. The Addendum to the Parish Profile was created in February 2021 after the search was paused for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and OTM profile to The Rev. Dr. Richard Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary at rsimpson@diocesewma.org
Parish Profile Committee
Catherine Linberg, chair
Judson Brown
Ruth Henderson Hewitt
Priscilla Lane
Maddy Leone
Jennifer Carpenter Reid, vestry liaison
February 2021: Addendum added to parish profile, search relaunched.
April 2020 - Search Postponed: "After many discussions on April 2, the Vestry has postponed the search until we are in a gentler time, most likely the fall. Julianne Buenting’s eagerness to remain with us for the foreseeable future, along with the Diocese’s willingness to let her and us extend her time with us, makes it possible for us to remain together with a trusted pastor and leader in challenging and unsettling times." - Nancy Harvin, Sr. Warden
March 2020: Parish Profile completed, approved by Bishop; Rich Simpson presents profile at bi-annual conference.
October 2019 – February 2020: Active period of the Parish Profile Committee.
October 12, 2019: Committees and Vestry met with Rich Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary, for interpretation of the Congregational Assessment Tool.
September 2019: Parish completed the Congregational Assessment Tool, a resource designed to bring forth each parishioner’s thoughts about St. John’s and its future, and in particular its future rector.
We are excited to announce that the nomination period is over, Parish Profile and Search Committees have been assembled! We are pleased to announce the following people who were approved by the Vestry to serve as members of the Parish Profile and Search committees as we look for the next permanent rector of St. John's. Our gratitude to everyone who nominated so many qualified people for consideration.
Parish Profile Committee
Catherine Linberg, chair
Judson Brown
Ruth Henderson Hewitt
Priscilla Lane
Maddy Leone
Jennifer Carpenter Reid, vestry liaison
Search Committee
Barbara Kellum, Chair
Tamsin Jones Farmer
Jonathan Gosnell, vestry liaison
Gwendolyn Green
MaryAnna Ham
Tommy Hart
Greg Macdonald
Allyson Spencer-Bunch
Lee Tonet
Composition of the Search Committee
The search committee is made up of a diverse group who are equipped for the responsibility of assessing the knowledge, ability and skills of the candidates. Nominations and volunteers for the committee were given careful consideration, because balance of the committee is so crucial to the search process, not all nominees or volunteers may may have been appointed, we are so grateful to all who came forth in this process. Outcome: Selection of the right candidate to be Rector of St. John’s. This outcome may not be achieved in the ideal timeline. It is essential to get it right and to take as long as required to identify the right person.
We heartily invite all members of the parish to complete the nomination form. (closed)
Search Committee
Barbara Kellum, Chair
Tamsin Jones Farmer
Jonathan Gosnell, vestry liaison
Gwendolyn Green
MaryAnna Ham
Tommy Hart
Greg Macdonald
Allyson Spencer-Bunch
Lee Tonet