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Commission On Ministry (COM)

“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” Frederick Buechner

We are all called to ministry by virtue of our Baptism. God gives us each gifts and a community of believers to help us discern those gifts. God’s gifts often take time to unfold as we develop and hone the skills needed to make the best use of them. They may not always bring us happiness, which is fleeting, but when we use them fully, we feel a joy within our soul. We know that we are living into what God calls us to be and to do. When we apply those gifts to “the world’s greatest need,” as Dr. Buechner says, we are living into our vocation.

The Commission On Ministry, affectionately known as COM, is an important part of the community of discernment. It is established by Title III of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, which addresses the ministry of all baptized persons. It requires that each Diocese create a Commission on Ministry consisting of priests, deacons, and laypersons to provide advice and assistance to the Bishop In:

  • the implementation of Title III of the Canons,
  • the determination of present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons,
  • and in the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment of readiness therefor. (Title III, Section 2).

In the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, the Bishop serves, by virtue of her office, as Commission President. The Archdeacon for Deacons also serves by virtue of her office. Six laypersons and six clergy members round out the roster, serving in staggered 3-year terms. The Standing Committee, which is responsible for certifying the readiness of candidates for ordination, assigns a liaison to the COM. The liaison has voice, but no vote on matters that come before the Commission.

COM meets monthly and conducts a winter retreat for Postulants and Candidates.  Other formation and discernment opportunities, in collaboration with the Stevenson School for Ministry and others, are in development. The Vice Presidents of the Commission meet with Bishop Scanlan on a regular basis to plan agendas and schedule interviews with people in discernment.  Members of the Commission serve as Companions in Discernment for nominees, postulants, and candidates as they make their way through the ordination process.

Membership

Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
The Commission on Ministry Members are as follows:

Ex Officio Members

The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan, President
The Episcopal Diocese
P.O. Box 11937, Harrisburg, PA 17108
888-236-5959               Cell: 860-866-7412

The Ven. Jane Miron, Archdeacon for Deacons
Deacon St. Thomas, Lancaster

Clergy Members

(in order of alphabetical order)

The Rev. Dr. Richard C. Bauer
Rector, St. Edward’s, Lancaster
Term Ending: 2026

The Rev. John Harwood
Rector, St. Mark’s, Lewistown
Term Ending: 2024

The Rev. Barbara Hutchinson, Vice President
Rector, St. Andrew’s, Shippensburg
Term Ending: 2025

The Rev. Jim Jenkins, Deacon
Rector, St. Paul’s, Bloomsburg
Term Ending: 2025

The Rev. Amanda Knouse
Rector, St. John’s Lancaster
Term Ending: 2024

The Rev. Sarah L. Weedon
Rector, St. Andrew’s, Lewisburg
Term Ending: 2026

Lay Members

(in order of alphabetical order)

Mr. William Lord
Member: St. John’s, Carlisle
Term Ending: 2025

Ms. Mary Novello, Vice President
Member: Mt. Calvary, Camp Hill
Term Ending: 2024

Mr. Christyan Seay
Member: St. Paul’s, Harrisburg
Term Ending: 2024

Dr. Mary Beth Williams
St. John’s, Lancaster
Term Ending: 2026

Dr. Judith Wubah
Member: St. James, Lancaster
Term Ending: 2026

Road to Ordained Leadership

Resources

Press Releases

For the most recent COM press release, click here.

Quick Links to forms needed for the Discernment Process and Other Information

Contact

For specific questions regarding the Ordination process, please contact Nichol Free, nfree@diocesecpa.org with the Bishop’s office. Our internal documents are being revised and will be posted when the work is complete.

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