Our view of the key attributes of our new priest:

As a part of the process to find a new priest, St. Andrew’s Vestry was asked to provide detailed responses to various questions describing our parish. One of the questions asked us to describe the gifts and skills essential to the future leaders of our worshipping community. (Our formal submission to the Diocese had to be narrowed down to only four 1 or 2-word phrases.) In discussing those skills and gifts we viewed as the most important, the Vestry narrowed down our list to these key considerations.

- Collaborative visionary

- Compassionate leader

- Effective communicator

- Inclusive community

- Passionate motivator

- Relationship builder

This narrative summarizes our collective thinking:

In order to continue St. Andrew’s positive momentum and growth, future leaders should have these gifts as they care for their church community and reach out with compassion and vision to the world around us. Future leaders must have a passion for relationship building and spiritual growth, taking the life of Jesus into the streets and into the congregation; meeting and motivating people where they are; advocating for and supporting them when they struggle, when they fail, and when they flourish. Compassion unites us as a community, defines us, and gives us the vision for our church life.

The initial brainstorming efforts of the Vestry included additional output regarding our wish list of potential skills and gifts for our future leader and these are listed below.

• Adaptable

• Creative

• Decisive

• Enlightening sermons

• Go-getter

• Good steward

• Growth mindset

• Innovative mentor (teacher)

• Intellectually curious

• Interlocutor

• Networker

• Optimistic

• Social

• Strategic planner

• Thought-provoking

• Well-rounded

While the combination of both lists is not intended to be exhaustive, the Vestry plans to consider these and other items in the search for our next Priest.

For additional information, potential candidates can contact our Senior Warden, Rhea Dignam:

(telephone or text) 917-710-1360, or

via email: rhea.dignam@gmail.com.