The Rev. Jared L. Jones, associate rector for pastoral care at All Saints, Winter Park, has accepted God’s call to be the next rector of Holy Cross, Sanford, and will begin on Dec. 1.

“My goal at Holy Cross is solving the problem of people not coming to church,” he explained. “Being tied up in church is one more thing among lots of things to do. Church is a fourth priority. People realize it is important to come back to church, but they are busy. They mean to return to church, but something else gets in the way, and the church is being replaced by priorities No. 2 and No. 3.

“A way forward is to make church a deeply restful, analog worship,” he said. “The music is played on real instruments. We sing from real hymnals. We hold a real Book of Common Prayer as we follow the service. All of this provides a sense of rest. I want to offer refreshment to a busy world.

“I’m all about The Comfortable Words,” Jones added. “The First Comfortable Word, found in Matthew 11:28 (ESV), ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,’ rings true today.”

The newly appointed rector is looking forward to being part of a historic parish. “I grew up in a nondenominational church plant,” he said. “Holy Cross is 150 years old. One of our vestry members is a third-generation vestry member. That’s exciting!”

“I will miss the people,” he said of leaving his post at All Saints. “They have been encouraging, kind and supportive of my family.”

Before Jones accepted the position at All Saints, he was the head chaplain at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Upper School in Melbourne, where he was ordained as an Episcopal priest in a 2019 chapel service. He came to HTEA from Orangewood Presbyterian Church and Christian School in Maitland, where he was director of student ministries. He has held several roles as a teaching assistant and student ministry assistant at churches in Georgia and Central Florida. In 2015, he co-authored Live Free, a student devotional.

Jones holds a bachelor of science in biblical studies from Liberty University and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. He pursued ordination with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida for one year and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from RTS.

His father was a pastor, and ministry has always been a part of his life. “Early in college, I began to feel called to pursue ministry as a vocation,” he said. “This call mainly centered around my love for scripture and the teaching and preaching ministry of the church.” He and his wife, Sarah, have five children: Penelope, Silas, Winnie, Goldie and Opal, born on Oct. 11.

Michael Vernon, Search Committee head at Holy Cross, knew early on that Jones was the top candidate. “When we first met Jared, we saw that he was filled with graciousness, humbleness and enthusiasm,” he said. “He celebrated the Eucharist and gave a wonderful sermon. We knew he was the next rector of Holy Cross, Sanford.”

The Very Rev. Stu Shelby, rector of All Saints, Winter Park, agrees with the Search Committee’s assessment of Jones. “His passion for Christ’s gospel is expressed in a deep, abiding pastoral commitment to the parish of Holy Cross and the people of Sanford,” he said. “We are grateful for his ministry among us in the parish. I am grateful for his friendship and leadership among the clergy.”

His Celebration of a New Ministry service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10, with the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb presiding.

Jones hopes to be at Holy Cross for many years. “I look forward to putting down roots and finding a spot to serve under Bishop Holcomb,” he said. “I can’t wait to see where the diocese is going.”