Greetings in Christ!
I hope this email finds you well and coping as best as possible during this surreal and troubling time.
I’m sure I speak for many when I say that I’ve never missed a group of people like I miss my St. Philip’s family. The staff has done a tremendous job bringing beautiful services right to our living rooms…but I’m eager for the day when we can gather together again!
As you know, a few months ago the Vestry formed a Search Committee to find the next Rector of St. Philip’s. But after our first meeting, it became clear that we weren’t really called to search. We were called to pray. Pray for our parish, pray for each other, and pray for the person who God has already chosen for us. We were also called to listen. Listen to our parish, listen to each other, but most importantly, listen to God. And then, after fervent prayer and patient listening, we were called to discern. In reality, it’s not really a “search process,” but rather a season of discerning. Holy and obedient.
Our recent parish survey spoke to us in a clear, unified voice. Even more than a competent preacher, this parish overwhelmingly believes our next rector needs to be a visionary…one who can chart a strong, dynamic course. Someone with the skills to strengthen our foundation AND envision a bold future that’s Christ-centered and unapologetically Kingdom-focused.
After much prayer and thoughtful discernment, I’m thrilled to say that God has brought us a leader who answers our prayers and fulfills the wants and needs lifted up by this parish.
On behalf of our Senior Warden, Lance Taylor, the Vestry and Search Committee, it’s my honor to announce that we’ve called the Reverend Canon Michael Gilton to be the third Rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.
Michael, who planted St. Paul’s Prosper in 2007, comes to us from the Diocese of Dallas where he was most recently the Canon to the Ordinary. His first Sunday with us will be on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020. He and his wife, Kathleen plan to live in the heart of Frisco and are both excited to be a part of our parish life.
Click here for Fr. Michael’s video greeting!
When we are no longer social distancing, we look forward to formally welcoming the Giltons to the St. Philip’s family. We also look forward to celebrating Fr. Clayton for the incredible leadership he has given and will continue to give as Michael’s partner in ministry. And finally, we look forward to thanking Bishop Stanton for the amazing pastoral support he has shown us over the past 5 months.
But for now, we wait. In these disquieting times, Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:17 bring me much comfort, “For this light, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Beyond these dark clouds is the promise of light and hope. Brothers and sisters, know that you are in my daily prayers. I’m excited to begin this next chapter and eager to see what amazing things God has in store for St. Philip’s.
God bless you,
Stevi McCoy
Chair, Search Committee
