St. Thomas' is an unusual and special church. We are 61 per cent gay and lesbian, [yet] we do not identify ourselves as a gay congregation. Many of us are married or in committed partnerships, but [almost half] are single. [Unlike most urban congregations] we are relatively young. [More than half] of us are under 45. [Recently] we have experienced a steady increase in new members who are in their late 20s and early 30s. [And] a growing number of straight people and couples with children have come to our church.

We are a noticeably adult congregation. We have started to address the spiritual needs of [the] growing number of children [who have come as] new families with young children have joined the parish, and existing members are ... adopting children or have had some of their own. The ministry for children at St. Thomas' is still evolving and gets stronger every year.

We are a welcoming congregation that worships in a nontraditional sanctuary. Although we love our liturgy as it is, [we also] desire to explore some of the alternative forms currently in use in the Episcopal Church, Taize services, for example. The music [in our worship] is drawn from all the centuries, ancient to contemporary. Music of the English and American churches dominates, along with the best of the other European traditions. We appreciate and are eager for some music from other traditions.

While we pride ourselves on being a friendly and inclusive parish, we know we can do a better job of welcoming newcomers. [In particular] we feel that we could be doing a better job of providing introductory education to adult newcomers who are unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church.  

We are optimistic about our future under God's guidance. At the same time, we have ambivalent feelings about change. We want to strengthen and preserve the many blessings we enjoy. [Yet some] of our existing members are anxious about the future, wondering if they will continue to feel welcome at St Thomas'. [While] all of us want to create a church community where people from diverse backgrounds feel welcome, supported, understood, and loved, as a congregation we can be hesitant about change. [Even so, we strive] to continue to look outward to find the face of Jesus among our brothers and sisters both within the church and without.

In these thoughtful words, St. Thomas' Parish described her life in the Parish Profile written in 2003, as the Parish was beginning the search for a new rector. "We would like to call someone," the profile said, "who loves and respects us as we are, but who will press us to embrace change and growth and will help us address these positively." I wondered if that could be me. I prayed. Wayne and I talked and came to Washington to walk the labyrinth and sit in the park one night. I applied and interviewed. And, finally, in response to your invitation, I accepted your call, and was honored beyond anything I can express, to begin work as your 8th Rector 28 months ago.