New spiritual leader for St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

A year and a half after the departure of Rev. Peter DeVeau, West Seattle’s St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church has a new spiritual leader. Here’s the announcement we received today:

Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle announces the appointment of the Reverend Jerry D. (JD) Godwin as spiritual leader of the parish. Rev. Godwin will serve as Priest-in-Charge beginning April 30, 2013 and deliver his first sermon in that capacity on Sunday, May 5, 2013 during services at 8 and 10:15 am. The appointment was made by the Right Reverend Gregory Rickel, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (Province VIII), following selection by the vestry of Saint John the Baptist.

Rev. Godwin has been Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, Texas since 2000, where he led a parish of nearly 2,000 members. As Priest-in-Charge, he will provide spiritual leadership for the congregation and prepare the parish for the process of calling a permanent Rector in three to five years. “What an exciting time we have ahead of us as we join hands in ministry – to discover, more and more, how God is calling us, in the power of the Spirit, to carry on the mission of his Son in our world,” says Rev. Godwin.

The community is invited to meet Rev. Godwin at two special welcoming events:

· Sunday May 5, 2013 – Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 am with luncheon reception following 10:15 service
· Sunday May 19, 2013 – Bishop’s visitation at 8 and 10:15 am with luncheon reception following the 10:15 service.

The church is on the northeast corner of California/Hanford in South Admiral.

furor scribendi April 28, 2013 (10:20 pm)

Welcome to West Seattle, Rev. Godwin!

Bert Rodriguez April 29, 2013 (12:40 pm)

As a long-time member or The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, I can assure all of you at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church are being blessed with one of the very best of spiritual leaders and human beings. It will not take much time for you to realize and appreciate what a gift you’ve received. And no, this is not a paid advertisement, just a heart-felt message.

Bert Rodriguez

Jennifer April 29, 2013 (1:57 pm)

Thanks, Bert! I’ve been listening to Rev Godwin’s sermons on the COT’s website and I am very excited to meet him! I hope you will stop by St John’s and say hello if you are ever in Seattle.

Michael Greenberg April 29, 2013 (8:57 pm)

My family and I moved to West Seattle from Transfiguration (the Fig!) in Dallas this past October. JD is such a wonderful man; a treasure. We are so excited that he followed us to Seattle. The Fig was the hardest thing for us to leave behind. Now the key figure will join us at St. John’s. We love you JD and we welcome you with happy hearts!!

David Huff April 30, 2013 (10:51 am)

As another parishioner, and former vestryman, of Transfiguration, let me add my congratulations to St. John’s for their great good fortune in having J.D. as their new priest in charge. An excellent pastor, liturgist, preacher, and great all-around guy. You’ll soon learn how lucky you are!