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/

The Latest eRISEN events Newsletter- July 28th 2011

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

eRISEN July 28th 2011 issue

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

Bishop Search Survey Deadline Extended. Participate now!

Posted at http://www.episcopalrisearch.org/  by dseifert

DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 7TH
The Diocese of Rhode Island is looking for a new bishop, and we need your help! The Search & Nomination Committee invites your input through a diocesan-wide survey. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by... 
  
Read more and/or take the survey over on the Search Process Blog 
 

ECC Camper Featured on Channel 10!

Austin Hynes came to ECC's Summer camp for the first time this year, and had a blast! He attended on an Adoption RI campership, and afterwards was interviewed by Channel 10's program "Tuesday's Child". Check out this video to hear what he had to say. (He's the one in the baseball cap talking about work projects)

Diocesan Council Approves Funding for Bishop Transition, at No Additional Cost to Parishes

By Dave Seifert, Diocesan Council

At its June meeting, Rhode Island’s Diocesan Council approved funding for a budget to cover expenses related to the nomination and election of the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island. “We are pleased that we have been able to fund this important process without asking our congregations for any additional money,” said the Rev. James Bocchino, vice president of Diocesan Council.

Council budgeted $175,000 for the process, based on this diocese’s experience in the last election as well as the experience of other dioceses that have recently conducted searches. The 2011 diocesan operating budget includes $10,000 for the election process, and an additional $25,000 is in the proposed 2012 diocesan operating budget, but this left a need for approximately $140,000.

Parishes were assessed a share of the cost in Rhode Island’s previous search but Council decided that the remaining $140,000 will not come from the churches. Bocchino explains “We know that many of our congregations face financial challenges. Through their annual apportionment payments, they are contributing to the $35,000 that will be funded from the 2011 and 2012 operating budgets.”

The $140,000 will come instead from a fund that was established to assist with deductible amounts under our former insurance program. Under the current insurance program the fund is no longer needed. As of this summer no further obligations exist, and the Diocesan Council has the authority to designate a new use for the fund.

The Diocesan Council decided that using this fund to avoid assessing parishes is a valuable investment in the future of the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island.

Search Process: Reflections and Impressions

Today’s post is the first of a series of reflections and impressions from members of the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee. Keep an eye on the Bishop Search blog for future installments in this series, and Don't forget to fill out your Search Process Survey before July 31st to make sure your voice is heard in this process!


Reflections and Impressions Part 1
By Lora McFall, Search & Nomination Committee Chair

When asked if I would be interested in serving on the Search & Nomination Committee for the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island, I was flattered and amazed. Several people spoke to me about it and then one mentioned that I needed to fill out an application as soon as possible. As I read the application and thought about the questions, I began to realize that this was something I was interested in doing. That feeling grew, and I have come to learn that I feel quite passionate about it – the importance of this search and its process. That said, one begins to realize what a monumental task is in front of us...

click here for the full story on http://www.episcopalrisearch.org/

VIDEO: Bishop Wolf Opens the Senate with Prayer Today 7/14/11

Follow the link below to watch a C-SPAN video of Bishop Wolf's opening prayer for the Senate this AM. After her prayer Senator Whitehouse and Reed have a few words to say about her ministry with the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, and what we do for this state.

Watch and see. http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300518-1

Share Your Ideas Through Bishop Search Survey

Posted on July 7, 2011 at http://www.episcopalrisearch.org/  by dseifert

The Diocese of Rhode Island is looking for a new bishop, and we need your help! The Search & Nomination Committee invites your input through a diocesan-wide survey. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by July 31...
 
Read more and/or take the survey over on the Search Process Blog
 

Another Projo Article: Bishop Wolf Calls For prayer for the Sudan

Bishop Wolf heads to D.C. to solicit support for South Sudan

By Richard C. Dujardin, Providence Journal Staff Writer
PROVIDENCE — With South Sudan set to become an independent nation Saturday, Rhode Island Episcopal Bishop Geralyn Wolf will go to Washington in coming days to advocate for a renewed effort by the United States to secure peace and security in the troubled region...
 
To read the full PROJO story including Bishop Wolf's call for prayer click here