Letter of Appreciation and Announcement Regarding the Canon for Ordinations

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I announce the retirement of the Rev. Canon Jim Beavers from his role as Canon for Ordinations in our Diocese. While he is stepping down from this diocesan responsibility, he will continue faithfully in his ministry as Rector of Christ Church Anglican, Orange, VA, and we give thanks that his wisdom and leadership will continue to bless both parish and diocese.

For the last 4½ years, Canon Jim has served our ordinands, clergy, and diocesan leadership with dedication, pastoral sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to the formation of faithful ministers. Throughout his tenure, he consistently emphasized three foundational qualities that every ordinand should cultivate:

•   Humility: reminding future clergy that ministry is first and foremost a calling to serve Christ and His Church rather than oneself.

•   Character Development: encouraging ordinands to pursue integrity, emotional maturity, and Christlike leadership, recognizing that who we are is as important as what we do.

•   Prayer: continually pointing candidates toward a deep and disciplined life of prayer as the indispensable source of spiritual strength and faithfulness in ministry.

These principles have shaped our clergy in recent years and provide a template for the development of future clergy. They also will remain an enduring part of his legacy among us.

On behalf of the Diocese, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Canon Jim for his wise counsel and devoted leadership. We pray God's richest blessings upon him and Anne as he continues his ministry as Rector and enters this new season of service.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Canon Brian VanderWel as our new Canon for Ordinations. After prayerful consideration and consultation, I have appointed him to oversee and guide the discernment, formation, and ordination processes within the Diocese.

Canon Brian brings significant pastoral experience and a deep commitment to raising up clergy for effective Anglican ministry. He is the Rector of Christ Church, Accokeek, MD where he has served for the past 19 years. I am confident that his wisdom, prayerfulness and administrative acumen will aid greatly in the preparation of future generations of ordained leaders.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Canon Jim for his service and in welcoming Canon Brian as he assumes this important responsibility.

May God continue to strengthen and guide us as we seek to raise up leaders who are humble, prayerful, and formed in Christlike character for the work of His Kingdom.

Faithfully in Christ,