Good People of Saint Margaret’s,
As we begin this new calendar year together, I thought it appropriate to write to you and update you on our 2012 budget. At our annual meeting this past December, I shared with you that we were close to our goal of an operating budget that would allow for the hiring of a second full time priest. Given our growth and our move to three worship services last week, this additional clergy position is vital to the continued health and vitality of Saint Margaret’s. After much prayer as a congregation, tireless work of the vestry, and widespread generosity of the entire parish, we are moving forward with the search process for an additional priest.
I have formed an advisory committee that will serve to assist me in identifying qualified candidates for the position of Assistant to the Rector for Family Ministry. This committee will be commissioned at the 9am service on January 22nd, and their task will be to present me with candidates who meet the needs of our church and whose gifts uniquely fit the needs of our parish. From those candidates, and with the approval of the bishop, it is my hope to call a priest that will begin their service at Saint Margaret’s by August 1st.
I am asking that each of you intentionally pray for Saint Margaret’s, the advisory committee, and the candidates during our search process. I believe that God has already called someone to join us in our shared ministry. By our prayers, and submission to the whispering of the Holy Spirit, I believe that God will open the door to the one whom He has already chosen for us.
Let me lastly thank each if you for your faithfulness and generosity. Without your incredible response, none of this is possible. Without God, we can achieve nothing. Let us continue to submit ourselves to worship, to prayer, and to listening to the Holy Spirit. By His guidance may we always seek to do His will in all of our endeavors.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Todd+
