Emmanuel's Rector Transition & Search Process
When the Rev. Daniel W. Eckman, Jr. (Emmanuel's former Rector) announced his retirement in the Spring of 2011, we began a transition process that we pray will culminate with the call of a new Rector by June of this year. Below is a timeline of events to help the parish understand what has happened to date and what comes next in the search process, along with a list of frequently asked questions and answers associated with a Rector search. We'll update the timeline as the process moves forward. Please check this page, the parish newsletter and bulletin for periodic updates on the progress of the Rector search.
What's Happened So Far?
March thru April 5, 2013 - Our call for a new rector was posted by the Diocese and in response, we received over two dozen applicants from interested candidates throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area and the country. As they came in, the entire Search Committee reviewed each of the applicants' submittals in confidence. Throughout this timeframe, we also advised the Vestry and the congregation on how things were progressing with the search. Our posting officially closed at midnight on April 5 and, as a result, we are no longer accepting applications for our Rector position.
February 2013 - The Search Committee completed the draft of the parish profile and open letter to rector candidates, which had been reviewed by the Vestry and earlier this month received final approval by the Diocese for posting our call for a new rector. Members of the Committee also assisted in the construction and rollout of the new Emmanuel website. Search-related materials were made available for interested candidates and congregants to review by clicking on the various navigation tabs to the left of this page.
Summer and Fall 2012 - The Search Committee has begun its work with the prime focus this summer being the development of a draft parish profile for Emmanuel. The profile will be an on-line narrative of who Emmanuel is, our strengths and challenges, as well as list the gifts and experience we seek in a new rector. In addition, the profile will contain information about the history of Emmanuel, the demographics of the congregation, our outreach efforts, stewardship, worship and financial condition, along with information about the surrounding community and the City of Alexandria.
April 2012 - The Search Committee was organized and commissioned, consisting of 11 members of the parish. They include: Lola Beggs and Bob Carragher (co-chairs), Ruth Bilodeau, Joe Dresen, Geoff Frank, Steve Hartell, Susan Nealon, Anne Seville, Molly Watson, Nancy Dupree and Sarah Orndorff (both Vestry liaisons).
February 2012 - The Vestry decided the structure of the Search Committee. The Vestry decided that the Search Committee will ideally consist of six to seven members, plus two liaisons from the Vestry who will have a voice but no vote on the committee. The goal is to have a committee that represents our congregation and is balanced in terms of age and gender.
September 14, 2011 - Interim Rector, the Rev. Martha Wallace, began her service with Emmanuel.
What's Next in the Process?
Now that the posting has closed for our call, the Search Committee will be analyzing the materials submitted by all the candidates and, once completed and discussed within the Committee, will be reaching out to a number of them to explore further their interest in Emmanuel. It is our hope to narrow down the number of candidates to a handful by early May, with the hope of making a final selection of our new Rector (in consultation with the Vestry) by the end of May - God willing.
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A Prayer for the Congregation in Search of Ordained Leadership
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose ordained leadership for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Book of Common Prayer, page 818
