In the spring of 2009, our rector of 27 years, The Rev. Ralph R. Warren, Jr., retired and The Rev. Dr. Perry Fuller came to Bethesda-by-the-Sea as interim rector. After a year of intense reflection under Father Fuller's leadership, the Vestry appointed a twelve-member committee to lead the search for a "settled" rector. The Rector Search Committee has been working diligently since June 2010 on the discernment process involved in finding a new rector.

During the first phase of the search, the committee developed a parish-wide questionnaire to determine who we are as a congregation, what we want to become, and what sort of rector will best suit our needs. After analyzing the survey results and considering comments received from parishioners, the committee produced the parish and rector profiles which can be found on this webpage.

In September 2010, the committee began the second phase of the search process by advertising through print and internet publications that Bethesda was officially accepting applications for the position of rector. Additionally, we invited more than 100 clergy to apply. All fall the search team reviewed applications, conducted telephone conferences with the most qualified candidates, and called references.

The Rector Search Committee has now completed all initial reviews of applicants and is entering the third phase of the search. The candidates who best fit Bethesda's needs have been identified, and committee representatives will soon visit these candidates' home parishes. Once these visits are completed, a few top candidates will be invited to visit Bethesda for further interviews.

While the committee is getting to know the applicants, these candidates are simultaneously learning about our parish to determine if Bethesda would be a good fit for their talents. This phase in the search process is a critical one for both the Rector Search Committee and the candidates. Please continue to keep Bethesda and our search process in your prayers.