April 24, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
This month has marked the end of a remarkable era for the Church of St. Michael & St. George, and we are grateful to God for the 26 years that Father Archie shared with us. The Church of St. Michael & St. George now enters a season of transition, and we begin by giving thanks to God for His continued faithfulness to this parish. As we look to the months ahead, we do so with confidence in His guidance and with a renewed commitment to the worship and mission of His Church.
Interim Pastor Announcement
We are delighted to share with you that we have appointed an Interim Pastor. Fr. Fred Robinson has served as Rector of three parishes in his career, most recently at The Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida, from 1994-2020. Since his retirement in 2020 he has served as Interim Pastor for two parishes, one in Tampa, Florida, and one in Champaign Illinois. Fr. Robinson was interviewed by members of the Vestry, the congregation at large, and the Bishop. All were impressed with his vast experience leading parishes in both permanent and temporary capacities. He has reviewed and supports our strategic plan, and is excited to shepherd our parish through the coming months. Details are still being finalized, but we look forward to welcoming Fr. Robinson and his wife, Linda, to our community very soon.
New Rector Search Process
Now that we have identified an Interim Pastor, we will begin the process of searching for a new permanent Rector. This process will begin with the formation of a Discernment Team (“Discernment Team” is the name used by the diocese for a pastoral search committee). The Discernment Team will be comprised of members of the Vestry and the parish at large. The Discernment Team will conduct a national search, which will include names proposed by the Bishop, recommendations to the Vestry from other clergy who are familiar with CSMSG, and applicants who express interest through a general posting. We will prioritize finding a candidate who aligns with the values and priorities of CSMSG as defined in our strategic plan.
Throughout the process, we will provide updates on where we stand so that you are aware of our status and progress. We will publish a timeline of milestones monthly, circulated via email, and posted on the bulletin board in the church as you come through the playground entrance.
Communication with the Vestry
To ensure that we are available for all of your questions we have established a new email account for the Vestry: vestry@csmsg.org. We will monitor this inbox regularly and will respond to anyone who solicits our input. Further, any topics brought forward via that email account that may be of interest or benefit to the broader congregation will also be addressed via our regular newsletter.
Other Vestry Priorities
In addition to the search for Interim and permanent Rectors, the Vestry is evaluating and managing the church’s Strategic Plan, support for our many ministries, including the St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School and Infant/Toddler Program, and many other routine matters of church administration. We will continue to provide updates on these topics as they emerge.
Lastly, we thank you for your confidence and faith in us. The members of this Vestry care deeply about our parish and are working diligently each week to support the health and vibrancy of this community. We welcome your continued prayers for this parish and for all who share in its life during this time of transition. We also value your honest feedback and will remain attentive and responsive to your concerns and hopes. Please feel free to reach out to us at the email address listed above, or to any member of the Vestry.
Very sincerely,
Joe Sheehan, Senior Warden
Frankie Eichenberger, Junior Warden
Vestry Members:
Matt Aplington
Abby Castle
Dianne Duncan
Stephen Eisele
Selby Graepel
Bill Jenkins
David Ott
Gale Patterson
Rixey Ruffin
Cathy Sanders
Peter Smith
Will Springer
Lindsey Stokes