St. Michael’s of the Valley

at Rector
Location	Ligonier (Rector)
Date Posted	January 9, 2023
Category	Pittsburgh (Kimberly Karashin)
Job Type	Full Time
Setting	Rural
Compensation	According to diocesan guidelines and commensurate with experience
Diocesan Compensation Info	https://www.episcopalpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ClergyCompGuide2023-Final-1.pdf
Health Benefits	Full Family
Housing	Negotiable
Is there a rectory?	No
Equity Allowance	No
Communicants in Good Standing	210 (pre-pandemic figure)
Average Sunday Attendance	45
Child Population in Church School	Children's Sunday school not yet relaunched following pandemic.
Adult Population in Church School	15 (includes young adults)
Budget	$445,000

Description

Liturgical style and practice

St. Michael’s is a traditional "low church," where worship is held in a simply adorned, colonial style sanctuary. Since the church’s inception, the custom has been that clergy, lay readers, and choir members wear cassocks and surplices as vestments. Worship comes directly from the Book of Common Prayer; only the Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Doxology are sung. Holy Eucharist is celebrated at both Sunday morning services, with Rite I at the early service and Rite II at the later service. Organ and/or piano music is present at both services. Christian education for both children and adults has traditionally been held between services from September through May.

Strengths

A discerning parish, wanting to be led by God in their lives and ministry.
Strongly motivated to deepen their understanding of Scripture.
Broad-thinking, connected, educated, theologically conservative but socially and politically diverse.
Possess a strong financial foundation.
Committed to stewardship and generous with time, talents, and resources.

Challenges

As a result of several significant events in recent years, which included the split in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the COVID pandemic, and a rector approaching retirement, St. Michael’s has lacked the atmosphere of excitement and zeal for doing God’s work that it formerly possessed. The congregation looks forward to pastoral leadership that will invigorate the parish with new energy, enthusiasm, and ideas and help them to activate lay leadership and employ strengths in ways that will move the parish forward.

Comments

St. Michael's is seeking a priest who ...

is eloquent and energetic, empathetic and a good listener;
places a high priority on pastoral care;
honors the traditions of the Episcopal Church, and embraces St. Michael's liturgical style;
will deliver sound and inspiring sermons and teaching, helping the congregation to strengthen its faith;
will embrace and encourage the congregation's outreach efforts;
will support the children's Sunday school program; and
will become an integral part of the St. Michael's community, fostering fellowship at parish gatherings, supporting activities within the parish, and participating in community events, helping St. Michael's to be more visible within the region.

Contact Information