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NEWS

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Your Go-To Hub for Vestry Updates

Here you’ll find the latest communications and an archive of letters from the Vestry, along with other key updates to help keep our community informed and connected. Check back regularly for new posts and stay in the loop with what’s happening behind the scenes at St. Luke’s.

Latest Update

Vestry Newsletter | August 2025

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the inaugural Vestry Newsletter! The purpose of this monthly publication is to keep parishioners updated every step of the way as we work together through this period of transition to identify a new rector. We will also share other important information with you as it relates to staffing and clergy updates.

 

Transition Updates

 

St. Luke’s Search Committee Members Announced

We’re very proud to announce the members of St. Luke’s Search Committee. This diverse team of lay leaders will commit to a dedicated period that includes: gathering parish feedback and information; engaging in deep discernment about St. Luke’s future; networking and interviewing candidates, and ultimately recommending finalists to the Vestry.

Please join me in thanking them for their service to this important process:

    • Drew Putt, Chair
    • Jodi Black
    • Lindley Cole
    • Caroline Fooshee
    • John Earles
    • David Gillon
    • Lala Halsema
    • Scott Inman
    • Kate Kennedy
    • Mary Kyle
    • Louis McLeod
    • Jason O’Rouke
    • Adelaide Steedley
    • Carrie Teegardin
    • Deneta Sells, Senior Warden – ex officio

 

Rev. Joe Rose to leave St. Luke’s

As many of you have heard or read, Rev. Joe Rose and his wife, Heidi Rose, will be leaving our parish for a new home in Connecticut. Joe has accepted a call to be the next rector at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Stamford. Heidi’s last day as Director of Operations will be August 21, and Joe’s last day is September 14.

While the news is surprising, it also comes with deep gratitude for Joe’s ministry and Heidi’s support of St. Luke’s. Stay tuned for details on a parish gathering to thank and celebrate the Roses in the coming weeks.

 

New Committee Formed to Support Hiring and Additional Staff Transitions

The Vestry has formed a committee to analyze our staffing roles and recruit candidates for the most immediate needs, including liturgical and administrative assistance and facilities management.

We continue to work closely with the Bishop’s office on all next steps to ensure a healthy transition.

 

Interim Rector Candidates Identified

We’re pleased to share that the Vestry is in conversation with two strong candidates for Interim Rector and has begun the discernment process.

 We hope to share more by the end of the month.

 

Extending Appreciation to All Staff & Clergy:

We’re very grateful for our dedicated clergy, assisting priests, and preachers whose hearts, minds, and hands will be especially full in the weeks ahead. Please join us in sending them your love and appreciation.

In moments of transition, I pray to be reminded of God’s presence. I urge us all to do the same. God is here. God has been—and will continue to be—faithful to St. Luke’s Atlanta.

 

In Christ, with faith and hope,
Deneta Sells, Senior Warden