STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Somebody needs to get a 10-gallon cowboy hat and a big belt buckle that says “Jesus” for the Rev. Ken Brannon.

Father Ken, as he’s known by his parishioners, is headed to Dallas, Texas.

Brannon has been called to be the vice rector of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas. In that role, he will partner with the Rector to oversee a staff of more than 50 in a congregation of 6,500 members.

He will head leadership committees for Evangelism, Formation, Mission and Outreach, Worship and Pastoral Care.

And he will preach, teach, do pastoral care, hospital visitations, funerals, weddings, baptisms, confirmation and serve as priest-on-call. He will also train parish staff and ensure they achieve set goals. And he will serve as liaison to the Episcopal schools in Dallas, the Church Music Institute, Care Dallas and other groups.

Brannon was named a finalist in the search for a bishop for the Diocese of Maine in Fall 2018.

“Following the Maine election, (my wife) Rachel and I visited the (Dallas) church and we were convinced that my spiritual gifts would be a good fit and that we would be stretched and challenged by this unique opportunity, Brannon said.

Brannon’s last day as Rector of St. Thomas Church will be June 30. He will deliver his last Sunday sermon at the church on June 9, the Day of Pentecost.

“The ending of a Pastoral Relationship,” with Rt. Rev. Brian Thom, the Episcopal Bishop of Idaho, will be that evening at 7 p.m.

Georgia Stewart, the church’s Senior Warden, will assume primary responsibility for worship until a new Rector is found. When she is absent, Rebecca Waycott, a current vestry member, will serve as acting senior warden.

Both Stewart and Waycott will be assisted by Brad Musbach, the junior warden, and other vestry members.

Brannon, who came to Sun Valley from New England, said that his past 12 years in Sun Valley have been among the best in his life—even though he never learned to ski.

“I have learned so much about love, faithfulness, honesty, joy and good humor” from each of the congregants, he said.

Stewart said in a letter to the congregation that Brannon had had an enormous impact on the parish and community.

“He brought dignity to the fundamental ceremonies of our lives and constantly demonstrated his great talent and strength as a pastoral shepherd. Because of his leadership, we are in a strong position to thrive as we search for a new Rector,” she said.

Brannon was not the only one who had an impact on the community. Rachel Brannon served as a counselor and the couple’s two children Lucy and Isaac took the lead in many theatrical productions and singing opportunities with groups like Colla Voce and the B-Tones, in addition to volunteering with organizations like The Advocates Teen ETCs.