The Latest eRISEN- August 31st 2011

You can view the latest issue of eRISEN, our biweekly email events calendar, at the link below:

eRISEN August 31st 2011 issue

Want to subscribe to the eRISEN mailing list? Want to submit your event? Just visit eRISEN our website

Hurricane Irene Readiness

Diocese of RI,

Here is the latest impact timetable that I have been able to locate for Hurricane Irene;

Projections change, and impact for us is still a couple of days away, so please stay up to date; The Weather Channel has good resources. For local information the channel 10 weather center has coverage.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has issued an advisory which is attached in pdf format and can also be found on the web at http://www.riema.ri.gov/documents/Irene%20preparedness.pdf

In addition to the direct effects of the storm, heavy rains on already saturated ground and the effect of the storm surge on tidal estuaries will likely cause flooding in low-lying areas away from the coast. Those who intend to shelter in place should prepare for the possibility of widespread power outages that could potentially last several days. Those who might need to evacuate might consider keeping a full tank of gas and early evacuation.
Additional preparations are discussed in this advisory document.
As of yet, there has been no indication if or when a state of emergency will be declared or whether there will any mandatory evacuation. The best we can all do is stay informed and use prudent judgment as to weekend activities based on developments.

Other online resources;

PDFs of official evacuation routes
RI Emergency Management home page

For those congregations insured by Church Insurance, I have been in contact with them and they are ready to receive any claims that might arise via the normal claims number, 800-223-5706 or 800-223-5705. Other congregations should be in touch with their particular insurance carrier before the weekend.
The Diocesan office will be closed on Monday and will reopen on Tuesday assuming that conditions allow.
I can be reached by cell if needed, 241-5080

Mr. Tylan Creason
Canon for Program and Administration
The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
275 North Main Street
Providence RI 02903
http://www.episcopalri.org/
401.274.4500 x242

Search & Nomination Committee prepares profile; Transition Committee invites your help

The committees that are managing the transition process to identify, elect and welcome our next bishop are busily working.

In August, the Search & Nomination Committee (see list below) is conducting listening sessions around the diocese to supplement information gathered in the committee’s survey process.

In September, the committee plans to post the Diocesan Profile (www.episcopalrisearch.org). The profile will help potential candidates have a better understanding of the size and nature of the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island. The profile also will specify the skills, characteristics and background we are seeking in our next bishop.

“We are collecting information and looking at other diocesan profiles to come up with the best approach for our document,” says Lora MacFall, chair. “Our profile will contain information about our parishes and clergy, our history, financial trends, our strengths and the challenges we face, what it’s like to live in Rhode Island and, of course, what we seek in a bishop.”

Once the profile is available, the committee will begin accepting both self-nominations and nominations submitted on behalf of candidates.

After reviewing the nominations, the committee will conduct initial interviews using computer-based video technology (Skype). The current schedule calls for these interviews to be completed by the end of the year so that teams can visit candidates in their home parishes early in 2012.

While the Search & Nomination Committee has been working on the profile, the Transition Committee (see list) also has been busy — and is seeking additional help.

Planning is under way and will continue for more than a year for several major diocesan events. The Transition Committee will host meetings, parties, tours and liturgies, all requiring an abundance of hospitality:

• Walkabout (May 2012). The finalist candidates will visit locations around the diocese to meet with members of our congregations.

• Electing Convention (June 2012). Delegates elect the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island.

• Celebration of Bishop Wolf and her ministry with us (September 2012). This is an opportunity to thank Bishop Wolf for her ministry with us and wish her well as she prepares to retire.

• Ordination of the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island (November 2012). The Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, presides at a festive Eucharist and consecrates our new bishop.

“If you are an energetic person with an interest in serving the diocese and would like more information please contact me at transition@episcopalrisearch.org,” says Cathy Iacobucci, chair. “I will work with you to match you with a subcommittee that best suits your interests and your available time.

“On behalf of both committees, Lora and I ask all Episcopalians in the diocese join us in praying that the Spirit guide us in this process,” Iacobucci said. “And please pray that God will send us the leader we need.”

Bishop Search Process: Reflections and Impressions

Today’s post is another in a series of reflections and impressions from members of the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee.

Reflections and Impressions 2
By Cathy G. Iacobucci, chair of the Transition Committee:

O LORD of hosts, *
happy are they who put their trust in you!

Psalm 84: 12
You know how it plays out; someone taps you on the shoulder just as you take a seat in the pew and says “We are looking for people (you!) to serve (labor!) on the such and such committee.” “Oh and by the way, I think you would make a great chairperson.” And so it was when I was asked to apply for a position on the Transition Committee.

Much to my surprise I replied “yes” immediately and then wondered throughout the entire worship service — why? Why did I answer yes and why did I say it without any hesitation?...click here for the full story & more updates at http://www.episcopalrisearch.org/