A message from the Wardens: Our new rector begins his ministry

The Rev. Matthew Hanisian

May 30, 2023

Dear Christ Church Community,

We are delighted to share that our new rector, the Reverend Matthew Hanisian, his wife Katie Glover, and their dog Tallulah are now official residents of our Christ Church Rectory! The journey we began together in the fall of 2021 formally concludes this week as Matthew leads us in worship on Sunday, June 4 at both the 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. services.

We are all very eager to welcome and get to know our new rector. And Matthew is also excited to meet us and begin to know us both as individuals and as a church community. To that end, our Transition Committee is planning a series of small group gatherings with Matthew and interested church members that will begin this summer and continue in the fall. All parishioners will be invited to sign up to attend one of these sessions. More details to follow!

Please plan to join us this Sunday, June 4 after the 9:30 a.m. service for a reception to welcome Matthew and Katie. We will also celebrate their arrival on Sunday, June 11 after the 9:30 a.m. service at the annual parish picnic. This year’s picnic will be a particularly festive event held at the Parish House on Maple Street.

We are joyous and grateful for this moment in the life of Christ Church as we welcome our Tenth Rector. Matthew is excited to lead us by walking alongside us as a partner, mentor, and friend, as together we discern God’s call for the future of our church community. We offer our heartfelt thanks for the prayers and support of the entire parish throughout the past year and look forward to this new beginning in our life together at Christ Church.

Sincerely,

Robin Anstaett
Senior Warden

Gary Martin
Junior Warden

A message from Rector-elect Matthew Hanisian

The Rev. Matthew Hanisian

Both Katie and I are excited to be joining the Christ Church parish family, and for me to begin my ministry with you as your tenth rector on June 1. We cannot wait to meet you all and see how God’s Holy Spirit will guide us all into new life and new ministry together. Between now and then, we will celebrate Holy Week, the Day of Resurrection, the Great Fifty Days of Easter and the Feast of Pentecost…lots to celebrate in the life of the church. For now, I wish each of you a blessed Holy Week and a joy-filled Eastertide.

With God’s peace, love, and joy,

Matthew+

A message from the Wardens: Announcing the Tenth Rector of Christ Church

The Rev. Matthew Hanisian

Dear Christ Church Community:

With great joy, we are pleased to announce that we have called a new Rector to Christ Church! The journey we began together in the fall of 2021, with the announcement of Christopher’s retirement, will conclude on June 1 with the arrival of our Rector-Elect, the Reverend Matthew Hanisian and his wife, Katie Glover. After an 11-year career in marketing, Matthew was ordained in 2009 and has been the Rector of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Severna Park, Maryland for the past eight years.

Our Search Committee unanimously recommended Matthew to be our next rector because he is a lifelong follower of Jesus who brings all of the gifts we asked for during our parish discernment process. Matthew brings palpable joy and considerable energy to all aspects of his ministry that is inspiring and contagious. His leadership style is collaborative, personal and relational, and he seeks to create a culture of welcome and invitation. He laughs easily and often, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and incorporates humor into his ministry. He is excited to lead us by walking alongside us as a loving partner, mentor and friend, as together we discern God’s call for the future of Christ Church. In Matthew’s words, “I seek to create a vibrant and growing church where becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and growing in faith are done with joy and love.”

We are enormously grateful for the immeasurable contributions of the Search Committee on behalf of Christ Church during the past fourteen months. In addition, we have been blessed with the experience and collaborative leadership style of our Interim Rector, the Rev. Tom Crittenden. He has honored our traditions, participated with enthusiasm in our ministries and offered new ideas — all to help us prepare for our next rector. Tom and the entire Christ Church staff have made this period of transition a time of renewal and hope for our future. We will have an opportunity to say farewell to Tom in the coming weeks.

Please join us on Sunday, March 19 at 10:45am in the sanctuary to learn more about our Rector-Elect. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the entire parish for your support and prayers throughout the past year and we look forward to beginning a new chapter in our life together at Christ Church.

Sincerely,

Robin Anstaett
Senior Warden

Gary Martin
Junior Warden

Rector Search Committee Annual Report

The Rector Search Committee was commissioned at the Annual Meeting in January 2022, and we organized the first committee meeting in February. Over the past 11 months, the group has worked through the following process:

1. Parish Self-Study (March - May)
   - Distribution and analysis of the parish survey - 208 responses
   - Small group discussions - over 110 parishioners participated in 13 small group discussions

2. Parish Profile (June - July)
   - Developed a 45-page description of the parish to present to the rector candidates
   - Profile approved by the Vestry and diocese (August)
   - The full profile can be viewed online

3. Candidate Application Process (August - October)
   - Posting on the diocesan website and the national Episcopal News Service’s job board
   - Committee members and parishioners also reached out to many friends of Christ Church to inform them of the search and solicit names
   - Candidate applications received

4. Discernment process (September - present)
   - Review of submitted application materials
   - 90-minute Zoom interviews
   - Committee members visit candidates’ parishes
   - Finalists visit Christ Church Winnetka (projected February 2023)

Throughout the process, we have been encouraged by the quality of the candidates. We will be working through the last phases of the search process over the next few months and hope to recommend a candidate to the Vestry by the end of the first quarter 2023. We will continue to offer regular updates to the congregation on our search process over the next few months.

Members of the Rector Search Committee:

Phil Adams
Melanie Cody
Will Dorsey
Julie Flood
Dan George
Carrie Healy
Jerry Hufton
Lisa Kerpan
Phil Krone
Gordon Montgomery
Bill Newlands
Elizabeth Parkinson
Candy Pyle
Patrick Rooney
Laura Zung

Faithfully submitted,

Lisa Bradner and Chris Cahill
Co-Chairs

An update from the Rector Search Committee

The Parish Profile was published in mid-August, and we're pleased to report that the diocese has begun receiving applications. The rector search committee will begin to review candidates' written application materials shortly and schedule meetings with candidates via Zoom video conference. After the initial Zoom conversations, the committee will meet with a select group of candidates in person.

As we begin this process of mutual discernment, please know that committee members are not at liberty to share the number of applicants or their names with the parish. We know this is hard -- both for the parish and for the members of the rector search committee -- but it's important that the details about candidates be held in close confidence.

What can members of the parish do to help?
The application process will remain open for a few more weeks, so please let us know of any priests you think may be a good fit for us. Contact Chris Cahill and Lisa Bradner, Co-Chairs of the Rector Search Committee, via email or reach out and invite them to review our Parish Profile.

The Parish Profile is now live!

Our Parish Profile has been posted on the Diocese of Chicago’s website and a link to the profile will soon be posted on The Episcopal Church’s website as well. Our search for a new rector is now public!

You can view the job posting on the Diocese of Chicago’s website here.

The Search Committee will soon start to receive applications, and will begin a detailed process to identify the candidates we will enter into mutual discernment with. At this point, we are on schedule to call a rector in early 2023. In the meantime, we are grateful to have the Rev. Tom Crittenden to lead us through this time of preparation and transition.

How can you help?
If any parishioner knows of an experienced priest who might be a good candidate, please pass your information along to Chris Cahill and Lisa Bradner, Co-Chairs of the Rector Search Committee, at rectorsearch@christchurchwinnetka.org. You and your personal network can play a valuable role in our search process!

An update from the co-chairs of the Search Committee

On June 15, we shared an overview of the small group findings with the parish. Over 110 parishioners and staff attended a total of 13 group sessions, an outstanding turnout. Thank you for being so generous with your time. The feedback helped us understand more fully what the parish is looking for in our next rector and our hopes and dreams for the future of Christ Church. The full presentation is available to read in the church office. 

We are now finalizing our Parish Profile which is the initial way we communicate to potential candidates who we are and what we are looking for in our next rector. The Parish Profile will be complete by the end of July and live on our website soon afterward. At that point, we will be ready to officially post the position and begin to accept applications from candidates. You can see the full search timeline here.

We will continue to provide updates as we work through the search process. Thank you for your continued input and support.

Lisa Bradner and Chris Cahill
Search Committee Co-Chairs

Listening Sessions presentation moved to Zoom

Important Update: Please join the Search Committee on Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

In order to make it possible for everyone to attend during this very busy time of year, the presentation of the findings from the Small Group Listening Sessions that were conducted in May has been moved to Zoom.  

Please join the Search Committee Wednesday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to hear what the parish had to say about our hopes and desires for our next rector and the future of Christ Church.

Zoom link >>

Over 100 parishioners participated in 15 listening sessions to provide valuable input into the search process. This feedback will be critical to the next step in the search process — the Parish Profile, which will be posted to the website in the next few weeks.

More information about the search process can be found here. Or contact Lisa Bradner or Chris Cahill, Co-Chairs of the Search Committee.

Thank you to all who participated in the Rector Search Listening Sessions

The Rector Search Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the small group listening sessions. We had over 100 participants who shared their thoughts about the future of Christ Church and the qualities they think are most important in our next rector. This input will be used by the committee as they put together the Parish Profile, a detailed document that tells the story of who we are and helps prospective candidates discern whether they feel called to be our next rector.

All Christ Church parishioners are invited to hear a presentation about what we learned in the listening sessions. Please join us Sunday, June 12 at 10:45 a.m. in the Lea Room at the Church on the Hill.

Questions? Contact Jerry Hufton or Patrick Rooney

A message from the Wardens: Announcing our Interim Rector

The Vestry and Wardens are pleased to announce that we have called the Rev. Francis Thomas (Tom) Crittenden to be our Interim Rector. Tom will begin his ministry with us on July 18th and will reside in the rectory until we call our new, full-time rector.

Tom is currently completing a year-long interim with All Saints’ Church, Virginia Beach. This marks Tom’s third congregation for whom he has served as interim rector. Prior to committing to interim ministry, Tom’s most recent experiences were as the Rector of Grace Church in Lexington, Virginia for ten years and the Rector of Holy Comforter Church in Tallahassee, Florida for 13 years. Tom earned his Master of Divinity at The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, California and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin.

While we considered several candidates, we were drawn to Tom as the best candidate for Christ Church during our transition from Christopher’s time with us to our next rector. Tom has a wealth of parish leadership experience from his 38 years of ordained ministry. Perhaps most important for us at this time is his interim rector experience; we will be the fourth parish in which he has served in this role and the beneficiary of all that comes from his being formally trained for interim ministry. It is clear from our conversations with Tom that he will work collaboratively with our staff and vestry to lead the church through this short, but important, time in our life together. He will intentionally honor our traditions and culture, endeavor to offer insights and ideas based on his experiences, and help us prepare for our next rector in a calm and thoughtful manner.

Tom and his wife, Christi, have three young adult children and a middle school daughter, Sarah. Christi is the director of a private elementary school in Staunton, Virginia. She and Sarah hope to visit Tom and Christ Church several times during his interim.

We are delighted that Tom has accepted our call and look forward to welcoming him to Christ Church and Winnetka in July!

Molly Hufton & Robin Anstaett

Sign up to attend a Rector Search Listening Session

The CAT (Congregation Assessment Tool) survey is just the first step in discerning what we’re looking for in our next rector and our hopes and dreams for the future. Every member of the Christ Church community is invited to take part in small group listening sessions, whether or not they completed the CAT survey. This is a very meaningful way for everyone to actively participate in the search process, so make sure your voice is heard!

There are 13 listening sessions between May 9 and May 25. Each session is limited to ten participants and is scheduled to last about an hour. You will need to sign up via Signup Genius to attend. Nine listening sessions are open to all parishioners, three of which will take place via Zoom. Three additional listening sessions are designated for members of the choir, parents of young children, and youth members, respectively.

Listening Sessions Schedule

Listening Sessions open to all parishioners

Monday, May 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Lea Room

Tuesday, May 10, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. via ZOOM*

Saturday, May 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Parish House Library

Saturday, May 14, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Parish House Library

Sunday, May 15, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m. in the Lea Room

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Lea Room

Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. via ZOOM*

Saturday, May 21, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Parish House Library

Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. via ZOOM*

Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Lea Room

*A Zoom link will be sent by email to parishioners who sign up for these sessions.

Listening Session for adult choir members

Sunday, May 15, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., Choir Stalls

Listening Session for parents of young children

Sunday, May 15, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., McClain Room

Listening Session for youth

Sunday, May 15, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m., Youth Group Room

Location note: The Lea and McClain Rooms are located upstairs in Church House at the Church on the Hill, 784 Sheridan Road. The Parish House Library is located in the parish office building at 470 Maple Street.

Questions? Contact Jerry Hufton or Patrick Rooney

CAT survey results are in!

Please join the Search Committee for a presentation of the CAT (Congregation Assessment Tool) Survey results Sunday, May 1 at 10:45 a.m. (immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service) in the McClain Room at the Church on the Hill (784 Sheridan Road, Winnetka). All interested parishioners are invited to hear what the parish had to say about our challenges and aspirations for the future, and what we are looking for in a new rector. There will be an opportunity to ask questions, and to learn about the next step in the Search process – the Small Group Listening Sessions.

If you want to hear the presentation but aren’t able to attend in person, please join us by Zoom.

Zoom link >>

Download a PDF of the presentation >>

Questions? Contact Phil Adams or Gordon Montgomery

A message from the co-chairs of the Search Committee

Dear Christ Church Family,

Our search committee has begun the work of finding the next Rector of Christ Church. While we cannot hope to replace Christopher Powell, our mission is to identify the right person to build on Christopher’s legacy while leading us into the future knowing that the needs and demands of our parish will continue to shift over time.

Obviously, this is not a simple task nor one that we take lightly. The Rector search process we are following is guided by the diocese in terms of steps and best practices, customized to reflect the specific needs and desires of our congregation, and led by a committee of 17 parishioners. We are committed to finding the candidate who best reflects the will of the parish and can balance the importance of our traditions with our need to continue to evolve for the future. The search process is lengthy and robust so to prepare the parish for this we want to share with you a little of what to expect and how to make sure your voice is heard.

There are multiple steps to the process that begin with a parish-wide CAT (Congregational Assessment Tool) survey and small group discussions. Based on that input from the congregation, we write and post our parish profile, review applicants, and ultimately work with the vestry to call the right person to Christ Church. Within the bounds of protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the process, we will keep the congregation informed so you know how things are progressing.

You play a crucial role in this discernment process. In our first step, we ask that every parishioner fill out the CAT survey. The survey is critical to helping the search committee discern the will of the parish. It measures, according to all of you, how our church is faring, the characteristics and practices you believe to be most important, and your wishes for the future of Christ Church. Following the fielding of the CAT survey we will commission a series of small group discussions. These groups are also a place where you can express your wishes and concerns, dive deeper into issues that may not have been fully captured by the survey tool, and share with the search committee and your fellow parishioners all you hope and dream for the future of the church.

Many of you may have taken the CAT survey in the past but we ask that you please take it again. The last two years have brought unprecedented changes to how, where and when we worship and mean that the data of the past may not accurately reflect our current and future needs.

In the next two weeks you will receive an invitation to fill out the survey. You will also see communications from the search and transition teams added to our website and to our weekly email communication. We thank you in advance for your support of this important work, and we look forward to working together to make sure that the Christ Church community continues to thrive today and in the future.

Sincerely,

Lisa Bradner and Chris Cahill
Search Committee Co-chairs

We want to hear from you!

Dear Fellow Parishioners:

The Rector Search Committee wants to hear from you! Our process is underway, and we are inviting everyone in the Christ Church community to participate in an online survey. The results will give us a clear picture of who we are as a church, what we’re looking for in our next rector, and our hopes and dreams for the future of Christ Church.  

We will be using the same Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT) we used during our search for a new rector in 2011 and for strategic planning in 2015. Many of the questions will be familiar, which will allow us to see how Christ Church has grown and changed over time.

This is a particularly important time in the life of our parish, and we need your input to help us discern who is called to be our next rector.

Who is invited to participate?
The CAT survey is open to every active member of the Christ Church community, including:

               • anyone who attends a worship service at Christ Church, either regularly or occasionally

               • anyone who is actively involved in a Christ Church program or ministry

               • anyone who would like to become more actively involved at Christ Church in the future

               • youth (ages 16 and up)

How do I get started?
Next week, you will receive a link to the Christ Church CAT by email. The survey will take about 20 or 30 minutes to complete. Every member of your family is encouraged to complete the survey so please be sure to share it across your family, including those 16 and older. Please also know that your responses are completely anonymous. The survey will be online from Monday, March 21st through Friday, April 8th.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the Rector Search Committee.

Thank you, 

Rector Search Committee

An update from the Wardens

Dear Christ Church Friends,

Since commissioning our Search and Transition Committees 6 weeks ago, much progress has been made in defining and preparing for the next chapter of our life together. The Transition Committee has chosen the dates May 21st and 22nd for our joyous celebration of Christopher’s ministry and life with us. The Search Committee is moving forward on the first step of the discernment process, the parish-wide survey, an important step we invite all to participate in.

The Vestry will continue to support our staff and lay leaders so that our programs and ministries remain strong during this transition. The Vestry is also responsible for hiring an Interim Rector, a priest who is trained especially for leading parishes who are in the process of searching for a new rector. The Diocese will support our efforts as we seek to have an Interim Rector in place shortly after Christopher’s departure.

We ask for your prayers, support and thoughtful participation during this exciting time at Christ Church. We will communicate with you regularly and welcome your comments or questions.

Molly Hufton                                      Robin Anstaett
Senior Warden                                   Junior Warden

Rector Search Committee Prayer

Gracious and loving God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Guide the Search Committee, Vestry, and people of Christ Church through this time of transition and discernment. We pray that your Holy Spirit continues to open our hearts and minds to new opportunities and ideas; so that we may follow where you lead — knowing that Jesus Christ walks with us each step of the way.

Empower each and every member of our Search Committee to use their gifts for ministry to the fullest; to share their thoughts openly and honestly; to respect the opinions of others; and to encourage humility, patience, and joy.

Finally, instill in all the people of Christ Church a glorious vision of the future; that, guided by your Holy Spirit, we may be united in love — with warm hearts, enlightened minds and open arms — so that we may gladly accomplish the mission to which you are calling us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.