Our Search for a New Rector
It’s been a while since we’ve gone through the process of searching for a new rector here at St. Philip’s, and many may be unfamiliar with how this process works in the Episcopal Church. We want to keep the congregation updated on what the interim period will look like as we say goodbye to Fr. Mike and begin to imagine what God has in store for us in our next rector.
Below you will find an outline of the many steps involved in searching and calling for a new rector. The process is designed to be intentional and discerning for everyone in the church. While a committee will oversee this process, the involvement of the entire congregation is essential. And we will have the support and guidance of our Diocese throughout the process, especially Bishop David Read and Archdeacon Mike Besson. At this time we are at the very beginning of our search process journey. The overall process for calling a new rector could take 8 to 12 months.
Although this can be an unsettling time for churches, it is an ideal time to reflect on the needs of St. Philip’s in a new rector. Times have changed, people have changed, and the church has changed. We will keep you informed as this process progresses. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
— Sharon Carson, Sr. Warden
Updates from the Senior Warden
Dear Church Family,
We invite you to participate in our Parish Life Survey—a valuable opportunity for every member of St. Philips to share their insights, experiences, and hopes for our church community. Whether you have been with us for many years or have just joined, your perspective is important in helping us understand what makes our parish vibrant and where we can grow together.
The survey covers a wide range of topics, including your satisfaction with current programs, ideas for new initiatives, stewardship, evangelization, and more. It also asks about your background and involvement, allowing us to appreciate the unique diversity within our parish family. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping our pastoral plans, ensuring they reflect the needs and aspirations of everyone who calls St. Philips their spiritual home.
Additionally, your responses will help us create a comprehensive Parish Profile, which will be shared with prospective priests to give them a true sense of who we are as a community. Thank you for taking the time to help us build a stronger, more welcoming parish for all.
To make it as easy as possible for everyone to participate, the survey will be offered both online and on paper. You can complete the survey using your phone or computer. The online link will be shared in our weekly e-newsletter for the next three weeks. It will also be posted on the church website, and we will email it directly to everyone whose email address we have on file.
Your privacy is important to us. The survey is designed to be anonymous, so your responses cannot be traced back to you. If more than one person in your household would like to fill out the survey using the same device, that’s absolutely fine. We do ask, however, that each person only complete the survey once.
For those who prefer a paper version, printed surveys will be available at the back of the church each week and in the church office. Completed paper surveys can be returned to the collection box in the office, dropped off at the back of the church, or mailed to the church.
Please return your completed survey to the office by Monday, September 15, 2025. Thank you for helping us gather your valuable feedback!
We’ll be sharing the survey results at our Parish Profile Workshop, scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, right after the 10:30 service. Please mark your calendars and keep an eye on the newsletter and service sheets for more details as the date approaches. We look forward to seeing you there!
Lory Zimmerman,
Search Committee Chair
Dear Church Family,
We are delighted to share some wonderful news about the progress of our search committee. The response from the congregation has been truly inspiring—so much so that, with the encouragement of Mike Besson, we have expanded the committee from our original plan of 7–9 members to a total of eleven. This enthusiastic participation is a testament to the love and commitment within our community. After thoughtful conversations, prayer, and consultation with the vestry, we have invited a group of dedicated individuals to serve on the search committee. Some volunteered, while others were nominated by fellow parishioners who recognized their gifts and willingness to serve. Each member brings a unique perspective and set of talents, and we are confident that their collective wisdom will guide us well in this important work. We are pleased to announce the members of the search committee:
Blaine Bennett
Jared Capt
Sharron Carnes
Hanna Case
Charlie Downing
Camile DuBose
Barbara Edwards
Randy Harris
Bill Ed Kolinek
Jennifer Silos
Throughout this process, we have felt the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and we trust that it will continue as we move forward together. We are deeply grateful to these individuals for their willingness to serve and for the time and energy they will devote to this process. The committee will be officially commissioned at both the 8:00 am and 10:30 am services on Sunday,
September 7th. We hope you will join us in supporting them as they begin their work. The next step in our journey is to create a parish profile, which will help us discern our hopes and needs as a church. This will include opportunities for everyone to participate, including individual surveys and a church-wide workshop. Please keep an eye out for more information in our weekly newsletter and in the inserts found in the pew sheet at church. We ask for your continued prayers for St. Philip’s and for the search process. If you have any
questions or thoughts to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us or to a member of the vestry. Thank you for your ongoing support and faith as we move forward together.
God’s peace,
Sharon Carson, Senior Warden
Lory Zimmerman, Search Committee Chair
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
We made it through our last Sunday with Father Mike and Cyndy. Such a bittersweet time. Hearts broken to see them go, yet so happy for them in their new adventures. Then this past Sunday, morning prayer. It’s summer and no priest – I expected a very small gathering, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Both the early and late service had good attendance, and I felt one of the strongest senses of church family I have ever felt.
We are 
all anxious to get the process started in our search for a new shepherd. After consulting with the vestry, Lory Zimmerman has been asked and has accepted the role of chairman of the search committee. Lory recently served on the search committee for our new suffragan bishop and has also recently retired. Thus, she has experience and time to devote to the process. Not only that, she is a faithful, steady, and thoughtful servant, and will lead the committee with an open mind and ear turned to God.
Work will now begin forming the search committee. The senior warden and search committee chair work together, in consultation with the vestry, to form the committee. Many have come forward willing to serve on the committee, and many names have been submitted by others. We will strive to form the most diverse committee possible, anywhere from seven to nine members.
Please keep the search process and those involved in your prayers.
God’s peace,
Sharon Carson
Senior Warden
St. Philip’s Family,
We have good news! During our search process for a new rector, the Rev. Bob Counselman will be our interim priest! Father Bob now serves as a supply priest for two congregations, and is committed to them through the end of June. He needs and deserves a break between the end of June and beginning as our interim; consequently, his first Sunday with us will be July 20th.
At this time, we plan to celebrate the eucharist with a supply priest on June 29th, our first Sunday without Father Mike, and morning prayer July 6th and July 13th. However, please watch for developments in the newsletter as we begin this journey.
God’s peace,
Sharon Carson
Senior Warden