Rector Transition

About the Discernment Process

In February, the Rev. Dr. Clarke French was appointed Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter’s Church, and we are currently in a period of discernment. The Discernment Committee is holding a series of discernment conversations to gather input from the parish.

To attend a discernment conversation, please send an email to [email protected] with the date you’d prefer. One of the committee co-chairs will confirm your participation at a particular session and will forward Zoom information if appropriate. Please let us know if you will need childcare for in-person sessions.

Each Discernment Conversation will be about one hour long. Here is a schedule:

10 AM Sunday, April 14 at the Parish House, child care provided
7 PM Monday, April 15 via Zoom
12:30 PM Wednesday, April 17 at the Parish House for Sages and others
11:30 AM Saturday, April 20 at the Parish House – childcare provided
10 AM & 12:30 PM Sunday, April 21 at the Parish House – childcare provided
7:30 PM Tuesday, April 23 via Zoom

Before attending a Discernment Conversation, please read the Parish Profile and consider the questions listed below.

Where do you see Clarke’s strengths and experience are aligned/not aligned with the “what we seek” within each pillar of the Parish Profile? (Welcome & Belonging, Connection & Engagement, Healing & Repair, Direction & Discernment)
What other information, if any, do you think the Discernment Committee should learn about Clarke?
What other sharing from you seems relevant for our discernment about Clarke?

Discernment Prayer

Holy and immortal God, who has blessed and sustained us through the years, we stand before you at a time of transition in the life of St. Peter’s Church. We seek your guidance and help to lead us in the direction that will help us fulfill the life-giving ministry of your Church. Protect us from seeking our own will and all that prevents us from following where you may lead. Instill in us a right spirit of love and acceptance. Lead us to a faithful priest and pastor who will care for us and equip us for our ministries. And when we have discerned your will for us, give us the strength and courage to accept it and the resources to accomplish it. All this we ask in the name of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Further Details

If you have any questions about St. Peter’s Church Philadelphia or the rector transition, please contact Rector’s Warden Jay Newlin at [email protected].