Rector Search Update
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Dear St. Luke’s Family,

We have an update on our new Rector search process to share with you. Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the Vestry voted unanimously to accept the consensus recommendation of the Rector Search Committee to suspend the search for six months.

Please know that we consulted extensively with Rob Wright, Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta; Alicia Schuster-Weltner, Chief Operating Officer and Canon to the Ordinary; and Lang Lowrey, our Diocesan search consultant, prior to making this decision. Calling a new rector for St. Luke’s is a mission-critical decision for our parish and for the Diocese of Atlanta. We considered multiple factors, including:
  • Travel limitations and safety concerns of unknown scope and duration
  • Search Committee’s and the Vestry’s need to spend time with candidates in person—beyond video conference meetings
  • Candidates’ commitment to their current parishes and poor timing to consider leaving when their leadership is needed most
At the end of this period, the search committee and the Vestry will reassess circumstances and confer with the diocese on how best to proceed.

The Vestry also voted to extend the tenure of the Reverend Ed Bacon as Interim Rector of St. Luke’s Atlanta. We are truly blessed to have such a gifted clergy leader, and we are grateful to Ed and Hope for their enthusiastic willingness to extend their time with us.  Bishop Wright has approved this interim plan for parish leadership and search suspension.

In addition, the Vestry is focused on our future. We want to stay connected as a church community; we want to expand our outreach to those among us who are in need; and we want to grow. We are considering critical questions, including: what will “church” look like between now and the time we return to holding services in our beautiful sanctuary on Peachtree Street?  And what will worship and community gatherings look like thereafter? We are planning for brighter days at St. Luke’s, and we encourage your continued engagement. Together, we are a stronger community of faith; together we can be a beacon of hope for others; and together we stand as a beloved community in Atlanta.

Peace and Easter Blessings,
Melba Hughes
Senior Warden
Greg Vaughn
Chair, Search Committee
St. Logo and name
‌
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, St. Luke's welcomes you!
Join us online, Facebook and YouTube
for worship, education and fellowship gatherings!
Facebook ‌ Twitter ‌ Instagram ‌