Leadership Transition:

Discernment Process for Our Next Rector

Following the departure of the Rev. Nathan Ferrell in September 2024, St. Mary’s embarked on a prayerful discernment process to call our next rector.

This process, guided by the Diocese of Maine, involves gathering input from the parish, defining our mission and needs, and ultimately selecting a spiritual leader to guide our community forward.

Key Milestones

  • September 2024: Vestry appointed Pat Peard and Tricia Wheeler as co-chairs of the Discernment Committee.

  • November 2024: Committee members approved (Penny Dougherty, Rob Kurtz, Betsy Parks-Stamm, Ben Rodgers, Ginny Stelk, Merle Marie Troeger).

  • December 2024 – March 2025: Parish-wide listening sessions and surveys conducted.

  • April 2025: Drafting responses to the Diocesan Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) questionnaire to post the position.

  • Anticipated Timeline: 12–18 months total (targeting late 2025/early 2026 for a new rector).

Listening to Our Parish

The Discernment Committee engaged the congregation through:

  • 5 Adult Listening Sessions (Dec 2024–Mar 2025).

  • 1 Youth Listening Session (Feb 2025).

  • Online Survey (54 responses).

  • Individual interviews with staff, homebound parishioners, and guild leaders.

  • 150+ parishioners participated (50% of active members).

What We Learned:

  • Strong desire for a leader who fosters spiritual growth, inclusivity, and outreach.

  • Emphasis on nurturing youth/family ministries and music tradition.

  • Excitement about St. Mary’s future as a “sacred place of curiosity.”

Transition Updates & Messages

Featured
Discernment Committee Update: Listening, Learning, and Looking Ahead
Discernment Committee Update: Listening, Learning, and Looking Ahead

The St. Mary’s Discernment Committee shares progress on their rector search, with 150 parishioners participating in listening sessions and surveys to shape the parish profile and guide the next chapter of ministry.

What does a Discernment Committee do?
What does a Discernment Committee do?

A Discernment Committee prayerfully guides a parish through the Episcopal Church’s confidential search process to select a new rector, involving congregational input, diocesan collaboration, and careful candidate discernment over 12–18 months.

Deacon Matthew Simpson shares his gratefulness and optimism about the transition
Deacon Matthew Simpson shares his gratefulness and optimism about the transition

Reflect on Deacon Matthew’s call to see the work of the Holy Spirit in our community and give thanks.

Contact the Committee

Have questions or comments? Reach out to the Discernment Committee.

  • Co-Chairs: Pat Peard & Tricia Wheeler

  • Members: Penny Dougherty, Rob Kurtz, Betsy Parks-Stamm, Ben Rodgers, Ginny Stelk, Merle-Marie Troeger

Our Prayer for Discernment

Gracious God, You have blessed our past and You guide our future. We pray You will open our hearts and minds as we discern Your dreams for St. Mary’s and the selection of a new rector. Attune us to Your grace so that we may listen deeply to each other, name carefully our desires, evaluate wisely our needs, and share boldly our hopes. Grant Your tender guidance to all the candidates who may consider this opportunity and especially to the candidate You call to St. Mary’s. And pour out Your wisdom on us all as we ponder again how to proclaim the power of Your love and mercy to each other and the world. AMEN.

Person wearing a black and red plaid jacket, clerical collar, and eyeglasses.

Interim Priest in Charge

The Reverend Jane Milliken Hague serves as Interim Priest in Charge while St. Mary’s searches for a new full-time rector. Reverend Jane began her role on October 15, 2024.