Letters From the Bishop Nominees: The Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely

Today’s post is the fifth of five this week (one each day, in no particular order) that are “letters to the people of Rhode Island” from the nominees for bishop. Today’s letter is from the Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely, dean of Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Ariz. Keep an eye on www.episcopalrisearch.org for more information.

Dear friends,

 When I read your profile, the most exciting part was the description of the people of the diocese as being “dedicated, big-hearted and fun.” For me, ministry is accomplished fundamentally in community and undergirded by strong, vibrant relationships. A group of Christian people who describe themselves as you do, gives me great hope for the future. My delight was that in meeting the Search & Nomination Committee, the description of you as a talented people was not only not an exaggeration, it didn’t go far enough!

The challenges facing the diocese, the Episcopal Church and all faith communities right now are enormous. What worked well for us 50 years ago is no longer effective. We’re not exactly sure what we’re to do as we move into a new era that many of us were not expecting. The basic models we’ve used to create church communities are financially strained, some of the language we use no longer makes sense and structures that have worked for hundreds of years are failing us. We seem to be living in a moment when a new paradigm for ministry and diocesan life is emerging.

The leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island whom I have met, lay and ordained, have been bright, dedicated, thoughtful and wise. I know that if there were simple answers to the challenges facing the church they would have found them. But there are no simple answers. This is a difficult and sometimes bleak moment in our journey toward the fullness of the reign of God.

If I didn’t believe in the creativity of the Holy Spirit and power of the gathered Christian community to respond, I would lose hope. But I have personally seen again and again the ability of a broad, diverse community of servant leaders to create new wineskins for new times. Our denomination’s history is full of stories of people who have shared the timeless truth of the gospel in new ways and by so doing have reinvigorated the church’s witness.

The church is in a moment its life when I believe we have to commit to “talking with each other for as long as it takes for the ‘real talking’ to begin.” That’s going to require patience. and it’s going to require endurance, tolerance and humor. Those qualities are all present in your voices within the bishop search profile and among the people I have met from the Diocese of Rhode Island.

The physical size of Rhode Island is both its greatest asset and its greatest challenge. By focusing positively on your ability to create a genuine, inclusive and broad Jesus-centered community, I believe you have the best chance of anywhere in the church to find a way forward together. My sense of call to Rhode Island is deeply connected to my desire to help make that happen, and to see where God would lead.

You are daily in my prayers as you discern your own call to your common ministry.

 Nick

Letters from the Bishop Nominees: The Rev. Kurt Dunkle

Today’s post is the fourth of five this week (one each day, in no particular order) that are “letters to the people of Rhode Island” from the nominees for bishop. Today’s letter is from the Rev. Kurt Dunkle, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park, Fla. (near Jacksonville).

To the faithful in Rhode Island:
A week or so ago, we spoke powerful words for the first time in months:

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

It was a joyful reminder of the reality of resurrection after a long, somber season of Lent. Remembering the reality of then; proclaiming the reality of now.

Jesus tried to tell his disciples about this reality many times. But again and again, they did not understand. Even when the faithful women told of the empty tomb, most had to see to be convinced. Resurrection became real only when they saw Jesus. Touched him. Ate with him. Words had to become flesh to be real.

Your profile described the diocese well: roots … tradition … history … richness … decline … concern … transition on all levels. That truth-telling was so appealing. It sparked my interest: Your needs and what I have already done in our diocese and at my parish seem to meet. Yet, I yearned for your words to take on flesh. As with the disciples, only the human touch made that rumor of resurrection live. Meeting with your Search & Nomination Committee members was the start of transforming those words into voices.

Now, as I have gotten to know you, my hunch is being confirmed and something new is coming to light.

First, it is becoming clear that there are real solutions to every one of Rhode Island’s challenges. Really. I know because I have been a part of it happening in my own ordained life. Twice!

For you, a closing cathedral opens the door to the newly imagined. What Christians wouldn’t want a prominent platform for transformational ministry already in place smack in the middle of a capital city? Around the state, available pews mean ready space for the thousands just waiting for the Good News as only the Episcopal Church can engage all our senses to make the story come alive. Moving from “tipping” to tithing becomes real when dry bones take on flesh, and flesh takes on breath, and that breath breathes vision. Remember: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Managing decline in a healthy and positive way may be a valuable and desirable skill, but not for me. I’m not interested in managing decline, however executed. Rather, by getting to know you, I see growth in fallow fields. New people where the emptiness of silence now resides. I see the diocesan seal come alive: the anchor of Christ blooming forth in hope. Hope unfolding in Rhode Island.

But, something new is emerging alongside my hunch of fix-ability; there are many things in the diocese that simply need support and love to continue to bloom. From a few days spent touring your diocese “under the radar,” so to speak, it is also clear that so much is well and beautiful. For that, the fertilizer of episcopal love and support is what is needed. It will be exciting to see those flowers continue to bloom, too.

You said in your profile “we are Easter people.” Alleluia! Meeting you furthers my conviction that resurrection is real and ready to be embraced. But, because words can only go so far, I so look forward to meeting more of you. Heck, I want to meet all of you! I hope you are looking forward to meeting me and Cathleen, too.

See you on May 12 at the walkabout!

Blessings,
Kurt+

Letters from the Bishop Nominees: The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

Today’s post is the third of five this week (one each day, in no particular order) that are “letters to the people of Rhode Island” from the nominees for bishop. Today’s letter is from the Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, rector of Church of the Epiphany in Rumford, R.I.

Dear Diocese of Rhode Island,

It is a privilege to be on this journey of discernment and now to be included among the bishop nominees. We have been asked to write about our changing perceptions of the diocese and our sense of call to this ministry. I write from my perspective as a local candidate, having lived and served here since I was called to the priesthood. I have seen the diocese with fresh eyes over the last few years and especially since beginning this discernment for the episcopate. This is partly because I have been cultivating and sharing a vision for diocesan change, with a focus on mission, discipleship, community building and strategy, and I believe this is beginning to take root and grow. My perceptions are changing because our diocese is changing. My perceptions are also changing because personally and professionally I have been growing.

Since entering this process, I have seen several parishes and missions make some bold choices as they have struggled with declining membership and resources. For example, there have been some faithful and difficult discussions among the churches in Cranston. Recently they have each had the courage either to engage their current mission with greater commitment or to explore merger. This is a vulnerable and exciting time for all four of these churches. As someone discerning the office of bishop, I have been able to envision how I could offer guidance, practical wisdom and pastoral care as they move forward. They are grappling with realities and possibilities with which I have experience and great passion. I have led parishes through merger, numerical and spiritual growth, and deepening discipleship. In my parish and in our diocese, I have fostered a vision and commitment to mission. I would be energized by doing the work of encouraging and challenging these congregations to become who God is calling them to be.

At our recent diocesan convocation we shared a wonderful weekend of worship, fellowship and learning. Over the two days ministers from more than 30 parishes contributed ministry in the form of leading worship, offering food and hospitality, or leading workshops. Close to 350 of us were together, and it was a joyful experience of giving and receiving, feeding and being fed. The grace of this continues as new mission ideas, friendships and ministries are emerging. Along with the Mission Task Force, who planned and led this event, I am excited by the possibilities for our future diocesan mission. As a nominee for bishop, I can imagine a diocesan culture where vision is inspired by God and shared by many, and I would like to lead that change.

I have been given so much through this discernment experience so far. Thanks to the members of the diocese for being yourselves, the Search & Nomination Committee members for your substantial ministry and pastoral care, and members of Church of the Epiphany for your love and vision. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family and the presence of God throughout. I look forward to sharing whatever the Holy Spirit will do among and through us.

With gratitude and in Christ,
Jennifer

Letters from the Bishop Nominees: The Rev. Cathy George

Today’s post is the second of five this week (one each day, in no particular order) that are “letters to the people of Rhode Island” from the nominees for bishop. Today’s letter is from the Rev. Cathy George, currently on a writing sabbatical and former priest-in-charge of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dorchester, Mass.

Dear Members of the Diocese of Rhode Island,

I write to you from our home in New Hampshire on a beautiful spring day. The window near my desk is open and birds fill the air with song.

It was a cold Saturday morning in January, following the invitation to continue in your process of discernment, when my husband Michael and I packed a bag and drove to Rhode Island. I lived in Providence and worked at Brown University more than 30 years ago, and have visited the coastal beaches and towns of your state. But this visit was to your parishes. We drove from one parish to another, stepping inside if a door was open, noticing how close or far you are from each other, how many bridges linked you across the water. I prayed for guidance in your parking lots as we stopped in Central Falls and Cumberland; Cranston and Wickford; Portsmouth, Tiverton and Barrington, to name a few. It was a Saturday so most of the doors were locked. I peeked into windows, and prayed for you. By late afternoon we checked into a hotel in Providence and walked to each of the parishes on the east side, up the hill and across the campuses of Brown and RISD. Sunday morning was well below zero, cold and sunny. My prayers continued as I worshipped in several downtown churches, staying for the readings at one, hearing the sermon at another and receiving communion once I arrived at the cathedral. In each place I was warmly welcomed as a visitor and prayed with your communities of faith.

This trip helped me get to know you and it allowed me to see what it is that God has given me that I have to offer you as your bishop. God has blessed me with experiences that match what you seek in a leader. In rural New Hampshire, a summer parish was nearly closed when I led the devoted people as an effective and compassionate pastor helping them open their doors, change how they did things, and invite others to their church. In an affluent suburb of Boston, I exercised visionary leadership through strong communication skills, and a passionate love for preaching relevant to people’s lives. With compassion I led our parish through change, spiritual growth and a sizable building project. We faced conflict together and deepened our maturity in faith as we learned to listen, compromise and laugh together. With hearts set on mission, we entered partnerships in the inner city, which led to my call to Dorchester. There, strengthening the role of lay leaders, I forged a future for ministry in neighborhoods living the gospel, offering food to the hungry, a playground for children and summer school for kids.

God has shaped me into a visionary leader who builds collaborative teams, welcomes change, is peaceful in the midst of conflict, prayerful and decisive in strategy, dependent upon Jesus, and enjoys the blessings of life.

Thank you for the generosity of your prayers as you faithfully prepare for the election of your 13th Bishop. I look forward to meeting you on May 12.

In faith,
The Reverend Cathy H George

Letters from the Bishop Nominees: The Rev. Ledlie Laughlin

If you’ve read all the posted information about the five nominees for 13th Bishop of Rhode Island and still want more, you don’t have to wait for the May 12th Walkabout. Visit this blog each day for the next five days to read letters from the bishop nominees to the people of Rhode Island. Each day will feature a different nominee, in no particular order. Today’s letter is from the Rev. Ledlie Laughlin, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

What do I see in the Diocese of Rhode Island? Potential: enormous potential. To realize that potential, you and your next bishop will need to do some essential work together.

In time spent with you, I experience a mix of feelings and perspectives. With some, I sense tentativeness – as if you’re not quite sure of where you’re headed. Some feel isolated. Some are experiencing significant loss – through circumstances in the parish, the economy or in other aspects of life – and feel demoralized or in pain. I find some filled with the passion of the Spirit, even energized. Some are hungry to proclaim the Gospel in creative ways and engage the wider community in works of justice and mercy. All of you – children, adults and seniors; small congregations and large – are valuable contributors to our work together.

As a whole, the Diocese feels a bit disjointed, even fractured; you are not functioning as a healthy body. This is not a judgment but an observation. Tentativeness and disjointedness are familiar to me; I recognize these from my own Diocese of Pennsylvania. Building upon my years of leadership here, it leads me to propose a particular course of action.

If elected, what would be my first steps? I want to meet you – each of you, to listen. I want to hear your dreams, your struggles, the challenges you see, to understand how you are putting your faith into practice. Why? In order to begin a relationship and lay a foundation of trust, to honor who you are, to thank you, to celebrate the gifts God has given you and to renew the fabric of our diocesan community. Our Church is facing hard choices but also opportunities for growth. Be not afraid. If we walk together as fellow members of one body of Christ, we can support one another and live with hope.

To grow in health, we will need to gain clarity around key ministries such as the Cathedral, Episcopal Conference Center and Episcopal Charities, and articulate a vision for how these extraordinary assets can best serve our people and our mission. How will we sort this out? Together. In prayer. Speaking truth. As people of God. Building justice in our community. With these decisions, we can honor the vital legacy of earlier generations and embark upon new ways of “being the church”!

As health in the body is renewed, I see a Diocese ready for adventure. I see the mission of the Church carried out in unique ways by all of us, as we respond to the needs of others in our community. I see us encouraging and supporting one another, seeking exciting ways to share the love of Christ. As the heart and hands of the body of Christ, I see the Diocese of Rhode Island becoming a beacon of light and hope to a needy world. I would love to be with you as a part of this body.

May the Peace of the Christ be with you!
– Ledlie

Spring RISEN Magazine Released, on Bishop Nominees & Transition

The Spring 2012 issue of RISEN Magazine has been released! Look for it in your mailboxes or read it online below. This very important issue includes a series of feature articles that were developed by the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee as part of the transition communication process. They include the following:

• A column from Lora MacFall, chair of the Search & Nomination Committee, reflecting on her experiences as chair of that committee.
• Background information about all five nominees, taken from materials they submitted in the application process.
• An article about the May 12 walkabout event, written by Tranistions Communication coordinator Dave Seifert,  with assistance from members of the Transition Committee.
• An article about the June 2 electing convention, written by the Rev. Casey Shobe, rector of St. Peter's-by-the-Sea, Narragansett

The final article in this package, also by Dave Seifert, is not directly focused on any of the nominees or events, and was written before the slate was determined. This article ("No Easy Answers in Leadership Transitions") talks about the fact that change — as the diocese is undergoing now — is never easy and quotes two external consultants about how taking a broad view and gaining insight from outside perspectives often can be helpful during periods of change.

Send any questions or comments about the articles to news@episcopalrisearch.org

Can't load the Magazine widget below? View a PDF at www.episcopalri.org/RISENMagazine

Diocesan Youth Take Part in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine

At Midnight on Friday, March 23 twenty-five young RI Episcopalians began a 30-hour fast to raise awareness and funds to help the hungry of this world.  As of this writing, their efforts have raised almost $7,000 in pledges which will be sent to World Vision to support children in the Horn of Africa. This fantastic endeavor will feed over 230 children for a period of 30 days.

Saturday at noon these youth from St. Luke’s in East Greenwich, St. John’s in Barrington, St. George's in Central Falls, and St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea in Narragansett began arriving at Christ Church in Westerly, the host parish for the event.  Another group of Diocesan youth met in Newport. 

At Christ Church Westerly they spent the day engaging in activities to raise their awareness of the reality of poverty and hunger which affects so many young people. The youths made a large banner proclaiming, “We will overcome hunger.”  Each youth placed a painted handprint on the banner signifying that our hands are the hands God uses to do his work in the world.

At 8:00 p.m. the Rev. Jim Bocchino celebrated Holy Eucharist with Mrs. Caryl Frink providing music for the service.  The Eucharistic table was covered with an altar cloth painted by the youth.  In place of a homily they were asked to reflect on and share how this experience was impacting their lives, and how it might continue to do so.  A movie was watched and all retired to their cots and sleeping bags. 

On Sunday morning they awakened to a breakfast of pancakes, fresh fruit and juice provided by the Christ Church Men’s club. 

Those taking part in the fast were:

From St. George's Central Falls: Jose Santos

From St. John's, Barrington: John Cavanaugh, Liz Pavant, Cassidy Costa, Chris Ray, Casey Turgeon, Abigail Ray, Julia Piper and chaperones Donna Casanova, Greg Piper and Tristan Tavares

From St. Peter’s-by-the-Sea: Lea Nelligan, Kathryn Casey, Megan O’Neill, Matt O’Neil and chaperone Linda O’Neill

From St. Luke’s, East Greenwich: Julia Godwell, Amber Perez, Irena Sparhawk and chaperone Balmore Alvarez ;

From Christ Church, Westerly: Kevin Knowles, Nate Cherenzia, Lexie Galluci, Joe Cherenzia, Maggie Spano, Annalise Roy, Greg Holt, Ashley Kiss, Peter Kelmelis, Grace Dunham, Heather Chipperfield and chaperones Rebecca Cherenzia, Judy Kelmelis, Trené Galluci, and the Rev. Jim Bocchino  

Shirley Andrews, Chris Ogley, Wendy Walsh, Mary Bonville and Emily Knowles from Christ Church served as nurses and activity leaders.

Bishop Wolf on NPR

Yesterday NPR aired a story on RI church closures across denominations. Listen to the podcast to hear Bishop Wolf and other Rhode Island church leaders speak on the issue.

A rising tide of church closures By FLO JONIC (2012-04-03)PROVIDENCE, RI (WRNI) - On a recent Sunday fewer than 50 people attended the 10:30 service at the Cathedral of St. John in Providence. Overhead, the ceiling paint was peeling in multiple places. Two large windows were boarded over. The Cathedral has only 130 regular members and a staggering repair bill. Those two factors more than anything else have prompted its closure, says Episcopal Bishop Geralyn Wolf...

The bells of St. John's Cathedral aren't the first to be silenced in Rhode Island and they won't be the last...

Read or listen to the full NPR Article and Podcast.