Discernment Committee Update
July 7, 2025
The Discernment Committee has been busy and we have the following progress to report:
- The full Committee has met 7 times through June.
- The Chair & Vice Chair met with Diocesan Director of Transition
- The Diocesan Director of Transition met with Full Committee in June
- We spent weeks developing and drafting the Parish Survey
- Our Parish Survey is now in production and preparation for distribution
Coming Soon:
The Parish Survey will be mailed to the St. Matthias’ Family in mid July!!!
A word about our Parish Survey:
- We are looking for your observations
- We value your feedback
- We hope to receive your views for the future of our Parish
- We want to hear your voice
Please watch your mail and when you receive your Survey, We ask that you prayerfully consider the questions, complete the survey, and return it by 4:00 pm on August 7th, 2025.
May 12, 2025
Since their appointment by the Vestry, the members of the St. Matthias’ Discernment Committee have met 4 times, beginning with its inaugural meeting on March 24th. The Committee is using The Reverend Mary Thorpe’s book pertaining to parish transitions On the Emmaus Road as our guide. Using the “Emmaus” transition process, we will learn from our history as a parish, assess our current ministry focus, and discern where God is leading us in the future - and, ultimately seek God’s guidance in the call of our next shepherd and spiritual leader.
As we are walking through the transition process, our Committee has approached several milestones in our short time together.
First, we have written our Discernment Prayer, which we ask to be prayed at all worship services and gatherings across the parish, throughout our transition.
Currently, we are developing a parish-wide survey instrument to enlist the thoughts and observations of all parishioners. Assembling such a far-reaching document takes quite a bit of time; but we are working diligently to complete it. We will meet again this month to continue this work and hope to have a report on the survey’s status soon.
There are many other research and logistical goals to address and meet over the coming months. Each goal is important in its own way, and we will work toward timely completion by following our transition process.
The Discernment Committee will update you on our progress as we reach critical milestones, and as we are able to share information. As you know, as we undergo certain work, confidentiality will be paramount.
Throughout our work, we ask that you keep St. Matthias’ Church, its Vestry, the people and our Discernment Committee in your prayers.
Donald C. Williams
Chairman
St. Matthias’ Discernment Committee
Members of the St. Matthias’ Discernment Committee
Martin Beekman
Michelle Henry
Veronica Kirkland
Rick Kolster, Vice Chair
Tom Napier
Herbert Norman
Marcia Oglesby
Tim Pearrell
Scott Vollmer
Donald C. Williams, Chair
Parish Discernment Prayer
Gracious God, we are grateful for the blessings bestowed upon St. Matthias' Episcopal Church that have laid the foundation for us and our Parish. We pray for Your guidance with open hearts and minds. Grant the Discernment Committee the wisdom, faith, and trust in Your will. Be with us as we seek a shepherd who will be a strong spiritual leader for our congregation, and to help us to share Christ's light in our world. In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.