The Junior Warden, Treasurer, Vestry, Mary Marguerite, Father Kirk and I have been hard at work over the past few weeks discussing and developing an exciting opportunity for St. Peter’s to live into the two Start-Up Start-Over renewal ideals of doing what we do well, better and doing something new.

Since December Father Kirk has been searching for a way to preserve the effective pastoral team that he and Mary Marguerite have been able to provide St. Peter’s over the last six years. As part of this search, Father Kirk heard about a chaplain position at St. Timothy’s Girls’ School in Stevenson, Maryland, which he was invited to interview. He found this opportunity intriguing, but felt very strongly that he was still called to serve at St. Peter’s. He met with Bishops Sutton and Rabb and Bishop Sutton suggested he and Mary Marguerite become co-rectors. This co-equal pastoral relationship would involve splitting the salary and responsibilities of the rector. They will share Sunday services and Feasts, liturgy planning, preaching, pastoral care, weddings, baptisms, funerals and the Thursday Contemplative Prayers Service. In addition they will have their own areas of responsibility. Other than absences for vacation or continuing education, both co-rectors will be at Sunday morning services and there will be a clergy person in the church offices Monday through Friday.

Mary Marguerite has felt privileged to serve at St. Peter’s over the last six years and was thrilled by the idea of continuing her ministry her in an expanded role. Furthermore, the part-time nature of this co-rector position also allows her the opportunity to use her newly earned Ph. D. as a counselor, professor and resource for the diocese.

Mary Marguerite, Father Kirk, the other officers, vestry and I feel strongly that this proposal has many advantages for St. Peters. It will allow us to keep both Mary Marguerite and Father Kirk offering St. Peters the benefits of their combined experience and gifts. This change will bring new energy to St. Peter’s as Father Kirk meets new experiences at St. Timothy’s and Mary Marguerite lives into her larger leadership role at St. Peter’s. It will also create a strong co-equal male and female leadership team where each co-rector can focus his or her attention and energy on specific areas, rather than having one individual spread among all the programs and concerns of our parish. Finally, maintaining two clergy leaders will allow for the development of stronger relationships between parishioners and our two co-rectors.

I know that this may feel like its coming out of left field, but I want to assure you that the vestry, officers and I have asked many, many questions of Father Kirk and Mary Marguerite, and I even met with Bishop Rabb to evaluate this proposal and its benefits and costs for our parish. We all feel that this is the right direction for St. Peter’s, but we know you will have questions and concerns. We want to hear them! There will be an opportunity for you to meet with Mary Marguerite and Father Kirk this Tuesday, June 9th and we will discuss the proposal next Sunday at 9:30. The proposal and a list of frequently asked questions available for you now. Please take the time to read over them and share your thoughts with me, Father Kirk, Mary Marguerite or any of the officers or vestry members. Our contact information is on the website and the back of the bulletin. The vestry has the responsibility to make this kind of decision for the parish, but your input is a crucial part of the process. The vestry will take a final vote on June 23rd.

Yours in Christ,
Anne Pounder
Senior Warden

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Co-Rector Proposal

Senior Warden Statement

Vestry Statement

Co-Rector FAQs