An important first step in the search for a new rector is the creation of the Self Study Committee, a group formerly known as the Profile Committee. By renaming the process, the diocese is calling us to go deeper – to look at who we really are as a parish, not just to provide a "profile," or an outline. The entire parish will be involved in the study, which will result in a document used by the Discernment Committee (formerly known as the Search Committee) to inform their process of looking for a rector who will be a good match for our congregation. All of this is done under the guidance of the vestry.

There are 10 of us on the Self Study Committee: John Arthur and myself, who are overseeing the work, and Diane Strother, Maya Mahue, Lorri Shundich, Gina Shelton, Tom Royer, Judith Lyons, Bill Amlotte, and Tom Rimer—all faithful, gifted, and eager to work on this project. Please feel free to check in with any of us with questions about the process or what we're doing.

The first task is to create a questionnaire to be completed by all parishioners, probably sometime in February. We are also planning a St. A's Day (see above), which we hope many will attend.