Weekly Eucharist, Rite II

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Windsor and St. Thomas Episcopal church in Ahoskie, North Carolina are seeking a new Rector.

“The first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” The same-named St. Thomas’ Episcopal Churches in Ahoskie and Windsor, North Carolina, respectively, are first and last alphabetically in the Diocese of East Carolina but sit close to each other and share many connections. They look to strengthen these connections by also sharing a Priest-in-Charge. The parishes are individual but complementary, and the members of each seek to continue their missions of service and outreach with a new, shared Priest.

Membership in the parishes comes from surrounding areas as well as the individual towns of Ahoskie and Windsor. The churches are 22 miles apart. Ahoskie (approximate population 4,600) is in Hertford County (which sits on the NC/VA border), and Windsor (approximate population 3,500) is in Bertie County (directly south of Hertford). Both counties are part of a region rich in history and natural resources. Hertford County is defined by two rivers, and Windsor is on the Cashie River, with Albemarle Sound near and the Outer Banks a bit farther in the region. Both counties can look to a colonial past (with recent discoveries linking Roanoke Colony to Bertie) while the parishes look to their now-connected futures. Both St. Thomases are multigenerational with children in each and with members from professions as well as family-owned and operated businesses, and they know that the rich heritage for their churches will grow and continue in this new arrangement.

Both Ahoskie and Windsor are lovely small towns set amidst agricultural fields, hunting, fishing, and resort opportunities. Both counties offer events and programs that emphasize local history, and Hertford County boasts both a private university and community college. Ahoskie and Windsor both have hospitals and clinics that provide excellent medical care.

St. Thomas’ Ahoskie has a strong presence in its community in terms of outreach with an individual Blessing Box, a history of offering community meals, and a shared ministry at the Ahoskie Food Pantry.  Likewise, St.Thomas’ Windsor is well known in its immediate community with its Opportunity Shoppe (a resale shop for clothing and household items) and Good Shepherd Food Pantry.

The position will especially fit a priest who feels a call to shared ministry and/or enjoys the benefits of a small-town atmosphere with outdoor activities in a temperate climate of mild winters and lovely summers, as well as any clergy seeking friendly and supportive congregations. The Priest-in-Charge will provide services for both churches and split time at both sites and in both communities. The Vestries will be flexible with the priest and each other to enable the priest to attend to pastoral emergencies and care as needed. Together, the two churches will provide a full-time compensation package, competitive in value and benefits. Although they do not intend to merge, the churches may join forces for outreach projects and/or events. Naturally, the Vestries of these two communities are actively involved in the leadership of the parishes; neither is a “the priest does everything” situation. They seek ordained leadership to walk them through the facets of their lives.

Location

To apply please send resume, OTM profile, and cover letter to:

Rev. Canon Stephanie Allen: slallen@diocese-eastcarolina.org