On Sunday, April 12, our Rector, John Kitagawa, shared with us his good news of retiring. And now, all of us, individually and as a parish, are beginning an exciting and challenging journey, which will involve many tasks and goals. This pilgrimage, if you will, will involve learning more deeply about our parish and who we are as a community and as individuals. This is not simply a task list to complete, but a moving deeper into our faith as we witness the movement of God in our lives.

On Wednesday, April 15, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Kirk Steven Smith, met with the Vestry, Wardens, and Treasurers and described both the replacement process and the support we will get from the Diocese. We were honored and thankful that the bishop drove down from Phoenix to meet with us.

The primary takeaways from the meeting are:

• We should plan on appointing an interim rector, and the bishop will soon supply us with names of candidates. An interim rector is an experienced priest who will help us through the transition and nominating process, but is not a candidate to become the next rector.
• Before John leaves, we should appoint a Nominating Committee (formerly called Search Committee) consisting of 8-12 members who will conduct the search for a new rector.
• We should anticipate that the replacement process may take 18 months, more or less.

As a parish, we offer up our prayers of support and thanksgiving for John and Kathy Kitagawa during their time of transition. And we ask for your prayers as the parish proceeds through our transition.

On Saturday, April 25, the Vestry, Commissioners, and staff met with the Rev. Canon Megan Traquair, Canon to the Ordinary, who led us through the steps involved in saying goodbye to John and Kathy, to hiring an Interim Rector, and finally to issuing a call for our new Rector.  We are very grateful for the information and wisdom that Megan shared with us.  

One of the first items of business is to plan a celebration of John's ministry before his departure. Vestry member Mary Paul has graciously agreed to chair this committee, so you know it will be a good party! If you are interested in helping organize this, please contact Mary.

The Nominating (Search) Committee will be appointed by the Vestry, and will be composed of 8-12 people. This will include 2-3 vestry members and the Senior Warden.

As St. Philippians who are dedicated and informed, you will want to be able to participate and share your thoughts. In October, there will be a series of summits, or forums, where parishioners will come together to answer questions about their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for St. Philip's. This information will be utilized in a creating the parish profile that will be used by the search committee to attract candidates.

Sunday, May 24, is the Bishop's Annual Visitation with us.  Bishop Smith will be meeting with the Children and Family Ministries at 10:15am in the Children's Chapel. All are welcome to attend. At 12:30pm, Bishop Smith will join us in the Galleries for the Pentecostal Lunch and Birthday Celebration, followed by a Question & Answer forum. We look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the transition, please contact the wardens at Vestry@stphilipstucson.org.

May the Holy Spirit guide us and keep us mindful that all things come from God. 

Faithfully yours,
Alison Lee, Senior Warden
Herb Burton, Junior Warden 

A committee has been formed to plan appropriate festivities to celebrate the ministry of the Rev. Canon John Kitagawa among us. His last Sunday with us will be Sunday, June 21, and we will celebrate his ministry liturgically at the morning services and at Coffee Hour.

A party is being planned for Friday, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Music Center and Children's Center Courtyard. It will be a potluck cold supper -- you are invited to bring finger foods, salads, and cold dishes. Soft drinks will be provided, and beer and wine will be available for purchase (proceeds to benefit Habitat for Humanity). Childcare will be provided. Mark your calendars!

A gift committee is forming, headed by Raymond Dewey and Beth Brouillette. We hope to find something to send John into retirement that shows how much we appreciate all he has done for us. If you have suggestions, ideas, or just want to put your two cents in, please contact Beth or Raymond. If you are interested in joining the committee, we would be grateful for your help. Just let us know (Beth: 499-2297; Raymond: 860-917-9693).

A book of letters is being collected to be presented to John. If you would like to contribute a letter, please send or bring it to the church office attn. Stella Lopez. Note that it is important that your letter be on 8.5 x 11 paper and flat (not folded) -- odd sizes of paper or cards do not work well in this type of presentation. Please do so by Sunday, June 14. Thank you!