On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Bishop Paul Donison announced during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services that after eight years of faithful service to Christ Church Plano, Canon Jonathan and his family have accepted a post as rector of an Anglican church in South Carolina later this summer. Their send-off celebration will be held at the church on Sunday, August 2, and all are invited.
“In the life of our community, the Lord brings people into our midst,” Bishop Paul said. “He raises them up, grows them up, forms them and shapes them—and then sends them out. As deeply sad as I am to see them leave and as much as I wish we could keep them here with us, that is not the Lord’s way. The mission extends. The mission multiplies.”
Pausing through tears, Bishop Paul continued, “I’m so proud of the work and ministry and faithfulness of Jonathan, Rachael, and this family. I’m so excited to see the fruit in the years to come both here and where they’re headed.”
While this transition is an unexpected and sad one for our whole community, Canon Jonathan explained the significance of this decision in light of his family’s sense of call and their longing to be close to home.
“This is a very hard decision for me and Rachael,” Canon Jonathan said. “I want all of you to know that. In fact, when the bishop of this church first reached out to us, I told him that we weren’t interested. But then, as we got to know this church, and as we prayed about it and sought the Lord’s will, it became clear to us that not only was the Lord calling us to this position, but he was answering a prayer of our hearts that we’ve had for a very long time. For the first time in nearly two decades, this will be going home for me. This is the same part of South Carolina where I grew up.”
As this announcement was made over Independence Day weekend, Canon Jonathan noted that the Bailes family has lived in this region of South Carolina since the first ever American Independence Day. Canon Jonathan’s sense of God’s call motivated him to leave 20 years ago, and now that same sense of call brings him and his family back home.
“For many years, we have hoped that this would be a possibility to move back to be near our family,” he said. “And the Lord has answered that. But I want you to know, it has been an unbelievable joy and a huge blessing to be a part of this church family, to serve you as a priest for the last eight years. You will be terribly missed, even as we are excited for this opportunity.”
At the end of the announcement on Sunday, the congregation gave a standing ovation, giving thanks to God for the gift of the Bailes family and honoring them for their love and faithfulness through the years.
We encourage everyone to pray for the Bailes as they begin this next adventure.
