July 14, 2020
Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends of St. Thomas Episcopal Church,
I am writing to share the wonderful news that the Vestry has voted unanimously to call the Rev. M. Jonah Kendall as the 4th Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and that he has accepted that call! Jonah’s first Sunday with us will be September 20, 2020. Weather dependent, this service will take place in “the field” just down the street from St. Thomas.
For the past twelve years, Jonah has been the Rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Durham, NC. During the discernment process, the Vestry found Jonah to be an engaging preacher and an inspired leader, and was deeply struck by the joy that Jonah brings to his ministry. The Search Committee, when they recommended Jonah, described him as earnest, personable, adaptable, thoughtful and insightful as well as warm, centered and approachable. Many of you may remember Jonah from the summer of 2018 when he brought his family to Sun Valley and served as a guest priest on several Sundays.
Originally from the New York Metro area, Jonah is the son of an Episcopal priest and found connection in the community of the Episcopal Church at a young age. He received his BA from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York and his Master of Divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York City in 2001. Early in his career he served as a curate at the Church of the Holy Trinity in New York City and later as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Harrison, NY for 4 years. During his tenure at St. Philip’s, he grew the average Sunday attendance by 26% and increased total giving and pledges through the Stewardship program, which he sees as a central ministry of the church. He also enjoys community outreach, teaching and engaging with people of all ages.
Jonah’s Ministry Affirmation
“I seek to help others grow in the knowledge and love of God, by assisting them to discover the gifts God has given them and by nurturing them in the use of those talents in ministry for the Church and world.”
Jonah’s wife, Caty, is a studio artist and teacher with a Master's degree in the arts. She loves the outdoors. They have two daughters, Beau (6) and Scout (12).
We, as a congregation, must acknowledge the incredible debt of gratitude we owe to Chair, Heather Black, and the other members of the Search Committee – Tom Archie, Gretchen Boe, David Caldwell, LeeAnne Linderman, Sylvia Miller, Sara Pettit, Sabrina Roblin, Ann Scales and Sandor Szombathy - for their tireless work over the past year.
The Vestry is excited and eager to begin this next chapter in our parish life together. We know that with Jonah as our rector, St. Thomas will continue to thrive and fulfill our mission as a Village Church providing comfort, peace, succor and spiritual inspiration to all while pursuing our Core Values.
Thanks be to God!
Rebecca Waycott
Senior Warden
