This is FT for a single priest with 5 yrs or less experience (add $500 per year of experience). Clergy with more experience or needing family insurance would need to be part-time. Had a 3/4 time priest so have strong lay capacity but would like a FT priest who lived in or near town.

"We are a relaxed and convivial group who happily greet each other before church and as one member put it, “take coffee hour seriously.” Before Covid we had an 8:00 Eucharist with a solo musician playing dulcimer and a more traditional 10:00 service with choir and organ. As a concession to zoom, we compromised on a single 9:00 service with hymns, but few other musical offerings. As we dig ourselves out of Covid shutdown, we have not gone back to two services as many of our members would prefer. This is an open topic as we have lost our choirmaster to cancer. Our new, young pianist and choir members are eager to rebuild a robust music program. Also, our priest is leaving for health reasons so we are searching for a replacement. The vestry and rest of the community await an opportunity to re-open the two service discussion. Our typical service is rooted in BCP Rite 2 with weekly communion. We have a simple/casual atmosphere. We delight in occasional variety such as “dancing” our pledge cards to the altar or an agape meal Maundy Thursday." (from OTM)

Capable lay leadership with a desire to grow and the capacity to do so. A team focused on this recently created new visiting cards, resumed having greeters at the church door, made plans to interview young families & plans to reach out to folks who did not return after COVID.  Also they want to reopen Sunday school and are discussing ways to increase participation in community events.

Active participation in the life and ministry of the parish by a wide range of members. They have a vestry that works together well.

They added a tech system for the church with two 82” monitors mounted at the front of the nave supported by camera & microphone systems. They host a weekly hybrid service & publication on YouTube.

They also give 10% of their income to outreach.

Like many churches....they need to rebuild the congregation after COVID and grow it beyond where they now are. This is one of our parishes that has the capacity and is located in a community that makes growth a realistic goal.

They need help in engaging members more fully in outreach ministries so it isn't just giving money.

They are a destination church with many members coming from surrounding communities.

They list pastoral care as one of their highest needs along with wanting the priest to be present and visible in the community -- and help connect them to ministries in the community. Their former priest lived an hour's drive away and that left them feeling alone during the week.

Colchester is just 8.5 miles from Burlington which has many colleges and other work opportunities for a spouse.

They are being prudent so they have committed a minimum of $90,000 for salary and benefits. Contact the Transition Officer to discuss finances.

The Rev. Canon Linda L. Grenz

Transition@diovermont.org

413-221-0571