Patience.

In Genesis 12, Abraham exercised patience after God promised he would be the father of many nations. Finally, when Abraham was 100 (and his wife Sarah was 90 years old), God gave them their son: Isaac. Though it took years of patiently waiting, they received the promise of God.

And like Abraham, we at Grace Church must be patient (… but let’s just hope it doesn’t take 100 months). The search for a new Rector has entered a new phase: “The Wait.”

Your Search Committee has completed all the necessary steps: Gathering your feedback through a parish-wide survey and listening tour; drafting a dozen responses to college-like essay questions; producing a slick 32-page brochure; holding mock interview sessions with priests and consultants from other parishes; and most recently, hanging the proverbial “Help Wanted” sign in the window. In June, Grace Church placed an ad on the Episcopal News Service website. This online portal stands as a daily touchpoint for clergy. The robust job listing area is a “go-to” source for those seeking their next calling.

And calling (or emailing … or texting … ) is what need our next leader to do.

Please take a quiet moment and ask the Lord in prayer to please send us the perfect candidate – God knows who this person is. Now we need God to whisper in their ear and place a new calling on their heart this summer.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

When a candidate does step forward, the Search Committee will activate. Within 48 hours, we plan to vet the candidate and complete the first interview. This will happen behind the scenes using strict confidentiality. With your prayers, we hope to make news soon. In the meantime, we are blessed to have Fr. Brian’s love and dedication at work for us.