July 5, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

I am writing with the wonderful news that we have completed the search for our new Rector. The Vestry voted last Thursday night to call The Reverend Peter Mayer to be the next Rector of St. Margaret's Church, and he has enthusiastically accepted our call.

Peter is presently the Rector of Emmanuel Church in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he has been serving for the past five years .) Emmanuel Church, a small but growing parish, is located in an area that is currently struggling economically. A few days ago I received a gracious note from the Chairman of the Search Committee that called Peter to Emmanuel. He stated that “Peter has done a remarkable job, not only in church growth, but also in the spiritual depth of our church. On a more personal level, Peter has been an inspiration to both the more senior members of our church as well as new and younger families that have become part of our parish community since his arrival five years ago. His ability to relate to all ages and all backgrounds has been remarkable.”

The Search Committee outlines some of the reasons for their initial interest in Peter. “Attendance at Emmanuel Church had grown 58% in the previous four years and he had initiated a capital campaign to enlarge the educational spaces. Peter’s spiritual journey has demonstrated to him that God is present with us, even when it seems that there is no love present. His strong awareness of God in our lives has led him to provide hope to people in his congregation, even though their community is struggling within a very difficult economic environment. The Committee then interviewed Peter over the phone where the questions focused on his views on conducting the worship service, on managing growth, and on his relationship with the staff and lay leadership. Once again, Peter’s responses impressed the Committee in that his responses demonstrated overwhelming commitment to pastoral care. The group that visited Emmanuel found an energetic and engaged congregation that was supportive of each other and welcoming.”

In the Diocese of Rhode Island, Peter is Chair of the Commission on Congregational Development and President of the Clergy Association. Peter first spent four years as the Associate Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.. He graduated from Providence College and received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

Peter and his wife Allison have a daughter, Sarah (3) and a son, Allen (2 months.)

We are grateful for the fine efforts of our Search Committee. Under the leadership of Mike Loney, and with the assistance of our consultant, The Reverend Bruce McPherson, the Committee members began meeting last August. They unselfishly committed long hours and hard work, in some weeks meeting nearly every weeknight, until they completed their task. We all owe them a well-deserved vote of thanks for their efforts and accomplishment.

I know that all of us look forward to welcoming Peter and his family to our St. Margaret’s community in mid-September, and will help in making them feel at home.

Faithfully yours,

Bud Billups, Senior Warden

Picture Caption: Peter with his wife  Allison and daughter Sarah at Easter.

Allen was born just two months ago. You can read more about Peter and even listen to his sermons online at www.emmanuelri.org