From our Rector's Warden, Barbara Thomson:
Last week I wrote to you in Field Notes about how I wished to be “more forthcoming with our candidate's name” during this process. This week, I am thrilled and full of joy to welcome The Rev. James H. Littrell as our new Interim Rector at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philadelphia!
You may remember Jim Littrell as our “Missioner Priest” earlier this year. We are excited and delighted to announce that he will join us as our Interim Rector on November 27, the First Sunday of Advent. This begins a new chapter in St. Martin’s history and is the next step of our sacred journey together.
We are grateful for all the work of our “interim-interim” clergy, including The Rev. Laura Palmer and The Rev. Callie Swanlund. We are also very appreciative for the support of the Diocese of Pennsylvania who have helped us through this time. We offer our thanks to our Bishop, The Rt. Reverend Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez; The Rev. Canon Arlette D. Benoit Joseph; Canon Doug Horner; The Rev. Canon Kirk Berlenbach; and The Rev. Canon Shawn Wamsley. The Rev. Canon Arlette helped us identify our priorities and to be relentless with our prayers for progress and understanding during this transition.
With the grace of God, we have arrived in a joyful and fun place that will allow St. Martin’s to continue its missions and ministries as we move to the next phase of our discernment process for a new permanent Rector. Jim will keep us grounded and growing during this time with a wonderful balance of understanding and cheerfulness.
I am grateful to our Staff, Vestry, and all our volunteers, who have all helped keep St. Martin’s missions and values at the forefront of what we do and who we are. I think of this time together as a pilgrimage and I will continue to pray and work with you as your Rector’s Warden in the many facets of life at St. Martin’s.
As the weather cools, and we look forward to the holidays, stop by St. Martin’s for a chat with Jim, coffee with our staff, or to enjoy a hot chocolate by the fire in the Houston Room with your friends. All are welcome at St. Martin’s.
With hope, faith, and gratitude,
Barbara Thomson Rector’s Warden | 
