The Rev. Susan Richardson will serve as the next Assistant Minister of Christ Church!

Susan, as many will remember, served with distinction in this position for four years, leaving in 2010. Since that time, she has served two congregations in nearby New Jersey, and now is completing her tenure as the two-year Interim Rector of St. Peter’s Freehold, New Jersey.

Susan is not returning to her former position; rather, she is beginning a new position in a familiar place. Christ Church is different than four years ago, and Susan brings greatly developed skills in pastoral care, congregational development, stewardship, liturgy and music, and parish administration.

In beginning the search for an Assistant Minister, I discerned that both Christ Church and myself would be greatly enriched by a priest of Susan’s maturity and experience, who could truly “hit the ground running,” already known by many. Learning that Susan was open to a new call, I brought together parishioners with whom she had worked previously, and newer members who have joined in the last few years to spend time with her and help me discern if God was calling Susan to serve again at Christ Church. With great enthusiasm and unanimity, they affirmed this call for Susan.

Susan begins June 2, and her first Sunday with us will be Pentecost on June 8. I hope she arrives like a mighty wind and a burning fire, on the wings of the Holy Spirit.

I thank God for all of the blessings bestowed upon Christ Church, including this one!

Timothy Safford

Letter from Susan

Hello, Christ Church Philadelphia!

The Spirit will indeed blow where She wishes, and I can’t imagine more a more joyful breeze than the one that brings us all back together. The energy and imagination around this new possibility hint at new things yet to unfold in our work, things yet to unfold from God’s imagination. I’m moved and proud to see the wonderful things that have continued to flourish in your amazing faith community, remembering the decisions and actions that we all gave so much heart and effort to several years ago.

And I’m grateful to be able to bring my own growth and learnings from recent years back to offer to the clergy, staff, and community I love, as I’ve grown in my own identity and abilities as a priest. I am indebted to Tim, the staff, and the leadership who did such genuine discernment and holy listening with me around this call into the future. The conversations we had gave rise to deeper insights into where we all are, our yearnings, and new possibilities.

I can’t wait to be with you all – see you at Pentecost!

In high hopes,

Susan