The Rev. Todd Thomas
We’re excited to share that the Vestry of St. Timothy’s Church in Southeast DC has called the Rev. Todd Thomas, EDOW Missioner for Congregational Vitality as the congregation’s 8th rector. Todd begins his ministry at St. Timothy’s on September 1. His last day on the EDOW staff will be July 31.
We have been anticipating this move for some time. When Todd joined the diocesan staff, he told us that he would gladly serve for 2-3 years, but that his heart was in parish ministry. Last fall he began in earnest his search for a new call, which is when we also reorganized our staffing structure resulting in the call to the Rev. Anne-Marie Jeffery as Canon for Congregational Vitality.
Bishop Mariann writes, “We’re thrilled that Todd will remain in the diocese as part of the clergy team of the South DC Region and that St. Timothy’s has a new rector passionate about congregational vitality. The congregation is poised for a new season of mission and ministry, and Todd will be a faithful, visionary, and Christ-centered leader and partner on the journey.”
“Coming into the Episocpal Diocese of Washington has been a journey of ordination, discovery and growth, and my time with the Bishop’s staff has given me the chance to meet so many in the diocese and to begin what I hope are life-long friendships,” shares Rev. Todd. “I’ve often said in regional gatherings and meetings that this is a great time to be in our diocese, and I still believe that! I cannot wait to see what God will do with our shared ministry and passion at St. Timothy’s, to continue serving in our diocese as a rector, and to keep becoming a Beloved Community in this Episcopal corner of Christ’s church.”
Todd initially joined diocesan staff two years ago as the Missioner for Young Adult and Campus Ministries. As the diocese embarked on the strategic planning process, Todd’s affinity for parish vitality became apparent and his portfolio expanded to include congregational revitalization. After a collaborative development process calling on the talent and wisdom of leaders from across the diocese, Todd introduced the Vital Signs of Parish Health last fall. A key tool for parish vitality, the vital signs can be used as a lens through which parish leaders approach their decision-making process. During the pandemic, Todd convened a weekly online Bible study with young adults in the diocese, providing a pastoral space for deepening faith during the crisis.
Founded in 1944, St. Timothy’s is a landmark in the Hillcrest neighborhood of the District of Columbia. The St. Timothy’s is involved in the life of its community and has served hundreds of families though its Child Development Center over the course of four decades.
St. Timothy’s has been selected as one of the parishes in the first cohort of the Tending Our Soil Thriving Congregations initiative that launches in September.
Bishop Mariann and EDOW’s senior staff are discerning how best to round out diocesan staff leadership as we emerge from the pandemic and will provide an update on the process later this summer.
For now, please join us in congratulating Todd and St. Timothy’s.
