Episcopal RI Diocesan News

Bishop Search: Walkabout Videos

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:14:00 +0000

Approximately 400 Episcopalians attended the Walkabout on Saturday May 12th, to meet our nominees for Bishop in preparation for the June 2nd election. It was a bright sunny day at beautiful St. Andrew's school, and there was much excitement in the air about all five of our nominees.
At lunch we all sat around tables or on the plush lawn chatting about the day, and the concensus seemed to be that Rhode Island will have an exciting future, whichever candidate wins. It will be a very hard choice, and that is a wonderfully hopeful problem to have.

If you couln't attend the Walkabout or just want to review what was said, here are some videos from the day:
Plenary session
The Rev. Kurt Dunkle
The Rev. Cathy George
The Rev. Ledlie Laughlin
The Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely
The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

Breakout sessions
The Rev. Kurt Dunkle
The Rev. Cathy George
The Rev. Ledlie Laughlin
The Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely
The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick

Providence Preservation Society to announce the 2012 Endangered Property list at the Cathedral of St. John

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:02:00 +0000

On Tuesday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m., The Providence Preservation Society (PPS) will hold a press conference to announce its 2012 Ten Most Endangered Properties List. The event will take place inside the 1810 Episcopal Cathedral of St. John at 271 North Main Street in Providence. Built by architect John Holden Greene to replace an earlier wood-frame structure, the building was designated as the episcopal seat in 1929. In late April, the Episcopal diocese suspended services at the Cathedral due, in part, to the high cost of maintaining the building. The Cathedral has been on the Most Endangered Properties List every year since 2007.

Significant historic properties can become endangered for various reasons, including deterioration, neglect, insufficient funds for maintenance, adverse public policy, and inappropriate development, which are just some of the threats to our architectural heritage. Since 1994, PPS has sought to bring attention to threatened structures through its Ten Most Endangered Properties List. Recent Lists have reflected the additional threats of continuing recession: foreclosure, low occupancy, and a lagging market.

Each year, PPS compiles a list of the Ten Most Endangered Properties in Providence from nominations made by community members. Most buildings on the annual Lists represent notable aspects of local community life and character. The List’s purpose is to generate interest in, and support for, the preservation of these significant structures; to educate the public about the benefits of historic preservation and the unique architectural resources in our city; and to foster creative collaboration among property owners, developers and other interested parties to bring about positive changes in each property.

The Ten Most Endangered Properties is one of the Providence Preservation Society’s best-known programs. This year’s list is varied, including early twentieth-century commercial buildings, neighborhood landmarks, reminders of industrial heritage, and publicly and privately owned buildings. The listings represent diverse architectural typologies, styles, and periods of history. All of the listed properties offer opportunities for rehabilitation to help preserve the historic fabric of the city.

The press conference will be open to the public, and all are welcome. Please respond to Paul Wackrow at (401) 831-7440 or pwackrow@ppsri.org

The mission of the Providence Preservation Society, founded in 1956, is to improve the quality of life in the city of Providence through historic preservation and enhancement of the built environment.

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:18:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:33:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:27:00 +0000

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.

Job Opening: Diocesan Administrative Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:44:00 +0000

The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is now hiring for the position of Diocesan Administrative Assistant. Our Administrative Assistant of the past 12 years, Gloria Williams, has regrettably announced her retirement. The position is full time with benefits. For more information and the full job description visit our website.

Bishop Search Petition Period Closed

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:47:00 +0000

The petition period for nominating candidates to be the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island closed on March 25th, 2012. No additional candidates were nominated to join the slate of five nominees announced March 10. Learn who the final five candidates are here.

Standing Committee honors the life of Edmund C. Bennett

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:55:00 +0000

Bishop Search: Petition Process Now Open

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:27:00 +0000

The process for nominating candidates by petition to be considered for Bishop of Rhode Island is now open and will continue through 5p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) Sunday, March 25.

The petition process replaces the former custom of allowing nominations from the floor during the electing convention. The Canons of the Diocese of Rhode Island do not permit nominations from the floor. Opening this process well in advance of the Convention will allow sufficient time to conduct the same kinds of background checks and deep reference checks on petition nominees as were conducted on other applicants. Those checks can identify any legal issues or red flags in a potential nominee’s background.

Complete information about the petition process, including requirements for submitting nominations, is posted on the Petition Process page of www.episcopalrisearch.org.

Video: Bishop Candidates Announced at Convocation 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Lora MacFall, chair of the RI Bishop Search and Nomination Committee, announces the 5 preliminary candidates for the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island. The Diocesan Election will take place June 2nd, 2012.

Diocese of RI Announces Preliminary Slate for Bishop

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:02:00 +0000

The Search and Nomination Committee has selected five priests to stand for election as the 13^th Bishop of Rhode Island. This preliminary slate consists of:

the Rev. Kurt Dunkle, 50, rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Orange Park, Florida (Diocese of Florida)

the Rev. Cathy George, 55, currently on a writing sabbatical; former priest-in-charge, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Dorchester, Massachusetts (Diocese of Massachusetts)

the Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely, 51, dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona (Diocese of Arizona)

the Rev. Ledlie Laughlin, 52, rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Diocese of Pennsylvania)

the Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, 45, rector, Church of the Epiphany, Rumford, Rhode Island (Diocese of Rhode Island)

“The committee members spent 2½ days in discernment with these priests, and I am very excited about what each of them would bring to the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island,” said Lora MacFall, chair of the Search and Nomination Committee. “That weekend was the final step in a nine-month process that was centered in prayer, and respectful listening and conversation.”

That process began with the development of the diocesan profile (www.episcopalrisearch.org/profile/), which described the hopes and challenges of the diocese and outlined the strengths and skills the diocese is seeking in its next bishop.

More than 40 individuals responded to the profile by submitting applications that included answers to four essay questions and an autobiography. The committee interviewed 19 of the applicants by Skype (computer-based video technology) and then visited nine, all of whom then were invited to Rhode Island for the discernment weekend. Following that weekend, the committee agreed on this preliminary slate of five.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday, March 11) and continuing through 5 p.m. on March 25, additional nominees may be added by petition. The transition blog/website (www.episcopalrisearch.org) includes complete information about the requirements for nominations by petition (including signatures from four clergy members who are canonically resident in the Diocese of Rhode Island and four lay people who are delegates to the electing convention in each of the six Rhode Island deaneries).

All the nominees will visit the diocese for a walkabout May 11 – 12, featuring an all-day public event on Saturday, May 12, at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, where they will make remarks and answer questions from lay and clergy attendees.

The 13th Bishop of Rhode Island will be elected at a special diocesan convention on Saturday, June 2, at St. Paul’s Church in Pawtucket. Because the election will occur close in time to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July, church canons provide for the required consents to be sought from the bishops and deputies at General Convention. Subject to obtaining that consent, the bishop-elect will be consecrated at a ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 17, at St. George’s School in Middletown.

For more information, visit the transition blog/website (www.episcopalrisearch.org).

Kony 2012 Viral Video & Our Companion Diocese of Ezo

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:57:00 +0000

In December of 2008, while visiting our Companion Diocese of Ezo in the South Sudan on the Ugandan border, Bishop Wolf and Tom narrowly missed a masscre by Joseph Kony's army of abducted child soldiers, known as the Lord's Resistance Army(LRA). Such attacks have been a regular part of life for Ezo for decades, and many villagers have fled their homes in fear of the LRA,to live like refugees in the cities where numbers can provide some protection. When Bishop John Zawo visited us in 2010 he showed us shocking pictures of the 20-30,000 refugees that have been living for years in cardboard and tarp tents outside the grass hut "city" of Ezo Town.

Now, an organization called Invisible Children is using social media to raise awareness of Joseph Kony's LRA, and have released a video to introduce the world to the man. Their focus is on the plight of the 30,000 plus children who have been abducted into Joseph Kony's army and raised on a brutal diet of murder, mutilation, and bloodshed. The number of people displaced and lives lost are hard to count, but much higher.

In the last 4 days a shocking 35 million people have watched this 30 minute video. If you haven't seen this important video yet, watch all 30 minutes. It may change the way policy decisions are made in this country, and could mean a world of difference in the lives of our friends in Ezo.

In May of 2011 Bishop Wolf herself met with policy makers in D.C. to campaign for aid to Ezo and the S. Sudan. As their 20 year civil war with the North Sudan came to a close,LRA's sieges have continued. Bishop John Zawo and others even believe that the North Sudan is helping arm and fund the LRA's attacks, even today.

Pray for our brothers and sisters in Ezo, many of whom have lost loved ones, homes, herds and crops to the LRA. Pray as well for the generation Joseph Kony has kidnapped for his army. Watch the video below.

For More info on the LRA and Invisible Children check out these articles:

Bishop Search: Petition Process and the Walkabout

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Two items highlight the latest news from the Rhode Island bishop transition process:

The process for nominating candidates by petition will open March 11.
The “walkabout” for final nominees will be highlighted by an all-day event May 12 at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington.

Petition Process to Open March 11th

The process for nominating candidates by petition to be considered for bishop will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 11, and continue through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 25 (all times Eastern Standard Time).

The petition process replaces the former custom of allowing nominations from the floor during the electing convention. The Canons of the Diocese of Rhode Island do not permit nominations from the floor. Opening this process well in advance of the convention will allow the Search & Nomination Committee sufficient time to conduct the same kinds of background checks and deep reference checks on petition nominees as were conducted on other applicants. Those checks can identify any legal issues or red flags in a candidate’s background.

All application packets from petition candidates must be sent in to the Search & Nomination Committee both electronically via email and in hard-copy form via postal mail. Application packets must include:

Completed Petition Candidate Application Form with attached answers to four essay questions;
Signed Petition Signatures Form for each of the six Rhode Island deaneries, with a total of 48 signatures; for each of the six deaneries petition candidates will need signatures from:

four clergy members who are canonically resident in the Diocese of Rhode Island; and
four lay people who are delegates to the electing convention

Curriculum vitae/resume;
Updated Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) Form;
Signed Consent and Authorization of a Petition Candidate Form;
500-word maximum autobiographical statement;
List of all bishops served under, with contact information;
Two recent photographs of the petition candidate: one head-and-shoulders portrait, and one showing the candidate participating in a church-related activity. (Electronic versions of photos must be in .jpg format for the emailed application packet; hard copies of photos are optional for the printed packet); and
Completed Petition Candidate Reference Forms and letters of reference from three references, to be sent in separately by the references. More information about the petition process will be posted on the transition blog/website (www.episcopalrisearch.org) when the process opens.

The Walkabout

Details are being confirmed for the “walkabout” of bishop nominees that will take place May 11 and May 12.

On May 11, nominees will meet with Bishop Wolf and then tour at least part of the state, with “shepherds” from the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee as their guides. On that evening, Emmanuel Church in Newport will host a private dinner for the nominees and their spouses, and members of the Search & Nomination, Transition and Oversight Committees.

On Saturday, May 12, all clergy and laypeople (and especially delegates to the electing convention) are invited to participate in an all-day event at St. Andrew’s School in Barrington. More specifics about time and format will be posted on the transition blog/website (www.episcopalrisearch.org) as the event approaches.

Bishop Search: Reflection and Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Today’s post is another in a series of reflections and impressions from members of the Search & Nomination Committee and Transition Committee. This post is from Grace Swinski, a member of the Transition Committee and a member of St. Paul’s, Pawtucket. For more information visit www.episcopalrisearch.org

Transition, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, means movement, passage or change from one position. This, my friends, is so true. I have been honored to serve on this committee with an interesting group of Episcopalians who hail from all over the state. The beginning stages of this group have been extremely interesting and a lot of fun. I have always enjoyed meeting others from the diocese who have the passion to be involved.

There are so many new terms to learn. I mean what is a “walkabout”? Does one prepare for a consecration or ordination? The first few months (we have been meeting since June), we have been in a holding pattern on places and dates. But as the winter progresses so has the excitement of actual site visits for some of the events. I have been on some wonderful field trips to see some wonderful Episcopal places in our small but beautiful state. The committee is trying to be thoughtful about finding venues in each part of the state.

The walkabout is basically a Q&A session with the candidates for bishop. All congregations and delegates are invited to attend. We had been looking at many churches to see which had space. One afternoon I was driving to a church in question to see if the space would work for this event. I went with blind faith and hoped that the church would be open, but if not at least I would peer in the windows to get a basic idea.

When I arrived at the church, at first it looked like only the Holy Spirit was home. But as I went to the rear of the building I noticed a car parked near a door. I knocked and, yes, it was answered!! A lovely gentleman opened the door. He and two other were finishing up their day’s ministry of working in the “coat closet.” With great pleasure they told me about their ministry there — how they give all items free to people in need. I was also given a tour of the space and saw all the exciting things happening in the church. I explained to them about the process of transition and how this was an exciting time. As I was listening to their stories about the “closet” I couldn’t help but think about the transitions they help people with each day.

Items have been posted about the places of some events, and I hope all will stay as planned. I look forward to the coming months and working with my committee and helping the new bishop transition in Rhode Island

Edmund C. Bennett, Diocesan Chancellor, Passes Away

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:32:00 +0000

[2/28/2012] Last night, Edmund C. Bennett, Chancellor of the Diocese of Rhode Island for over forty years, died of an aggressive genetically based form of acute leukemia. Six weeks ago Ed was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for a series of tests and was diagnosed.

Earlier yesterday evening Bishop Wolf sent out a message stating that Ed had requested privacy early on in his illness, but that the time to ask for prayers had come. She wrote:

"he has not responded to treatment and is now in the intensive care unit. In consultation with Missy, his wife, I ask for your prayers as his doctors attempt yet another treatment...

Throughout these weeks, I have visited Ed, when medically possible, talked with Missy, exchanged emails and telephone calls and offered up many prayers. I share this with profound sadness, as Ed has served all of us with extraordinary generosity, wisdom, and integrity. I write this through tears."

His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at S. Stephen’s Church, 114 George Street, Providence. His wife, Carole Ann "Missy" Bennett, invites all to attend.

Ed and Missy Bennett met at our own ECC summer camp in High School, and have been integrally involved in the ministries and administrations of the Diocese of Rhode Island for the majority of their lives. Please keep Missy, as well as their children and grandchildren, in your prayers.

"Remember thy servant Edmund, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto all thy people: Open to him the gates of larger life, that he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom. Amen"

The Latest eRISEN - February 27th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:03:00 +0000

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

eRISEN: 2/27/2012 issue

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

Three Things that Excite Me About Convocation

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:27:00 +0000

From the Mission Task Force Blog
by The Rev'd Peter Lane, Interim Rector
St David's on-the-Hill, Cranston

Register online for Convocation by March 2nd

The first is having the chance to see Sara Miles again. I was part of a convocation she facilitated two years ago in the Diocese of Olympia. Ms. Miles is dynamic, provocative (in the best sense of that word) and passionate about her ministry. I’m glad to have the chance to see her again, and to have my friends and colleagues here in the Diocese of Rhode Island meet and work with her as well. Get ready to be inspired.

The second thing that excites me about Convocation is the energy and enthusiasm I’m picking up every time I talk with someone about our focus of feeding hungers in our lives. People are quite literally hungry for ways to get involved in feeding ministries. I think the Mission Task Force has really tapped into a vital concern in our parishes across the diocese, and folks are ready to both learn how they can help and to bring that message back to their congregations. Get ready to be involved.

The third thing that really excites me is re-discovering that wonderful truth about God’s economy – “give and you will receive”. Every time I’ve had the chance to offer a hand up to someone – a bag of groceries, a hearty meal, a roof over their head, hope for a better tomorrow – I come away realizing how deeply I’ve been blessed by the chance to help. Its part of the wild and wonderful way God operates. The more I give away, the richer I feel, the more I empty myself, the fuller I am. Get ready to revel in God’s abundance.

Don’t forget that every parish has been invited to bring a display about feeding ministries going on in your parish – food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens, nutrition programs – whatever is feeding people in your community, come and share with the rest of us so that we might learn from you and be inspired to go and do likewise.

For more information and to register visit www.episcopalri.org/convocation

RI Clergy giving out Ashes to Go

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:23:00 +0000

Clergy distribute 'ashes to go' at train station in Providence
The Providence Journal

February 22, 2012 10:32 am

By Richard C. Dujardin

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- "Ashes to go. I love it."
That was the reaction of an Amtrak policeman when he saw a pair of clergy distribute ashes on the foreheads of passers-by outside Providence's train station early Wednesday.. read the full PROJO Article here

RI Episcopalians' Random Acts of Kindness Inspire ECF Article

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Feeding Others – And Ourselves
by Nancy Davidge on February 16, 2012

...The iTunes gift card on my desk prompted a memory: The random acts of kindness inspired by Bishop Wolf of Rhode Island which I read about in the Winter 2012 issue of RISEN Magazine.

"At Diocesan Convention in November Bishop Wolf gave each attendee a Stop and Shop gift card and asked them to match it and give the cards away to someone in need. She exhorted us all to give generously and joyously; to someone we meet along the way, or to ourselves if we really need it. Now, doing random acts of kindness, in person, is far beyond the comfort zone of some. But generous and loving giving at the prompt of the Holy Spirit can be a gift to your own heart as well as the recipient. It can be a powerful experience. We asked for your stories of how you gave your card away and what it felt like."

These stories are a powerful witness. They share the anxiety related to how to decide who to give the card to – and a fear of inadvertently offending as well as consideration of the ‘safe’ option of donating the cards to an organization and letting someone else determine who would get the cards... Read the full article here

Cathedral of St. John to Suspend Services

noreply@blogger.com (The Episcopal Diocese of RI) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:41:00 +0000

The Episcopal Cathedral of Saint John in Providence, Rhode Island announces today that due to dwindling financial resources, worship and pastoral services will be suspended after April 22nd, 2012.

The St. John’s building at 271 North Main will retain its status as the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. A Cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop, the central place of pastoral and teaching ministries for all Episcopal churches in that diocese.

“The Cathedral congregation has experienced serious financial difficulty, and a decision was made to suspend services for now,” said The Rt. Rev. David Joslin, Acting Dean of the Cathedral of St. John. “This decision, of course, was not made lightly or quickly. And additionally, it does not permanently close the Cathedral; it only ceases the usual Sunday services and pastoral care,” he said.

The Acting Dean remarked that this financial situation has been evolving for many years, and has now come to the place where it needs to be addressed.

Members of the Cathedral congregation are being welcomed to join Grace Church on Westminster Street in Providence, or any of the 52 Episcopal churches in Rhode Island. There are six other Episcopal churches located in Providence alone.

The Cathedral of Saint John, which was established as King’s Chapel in 1722, has been a continuing center for worship and outreach for 290 years. In 1794, the name of the church was changed to Saint John, and in 1929, the church became the official seat of the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, receiving its designation as the Cathedral of Saint John.

The last Holy Eucharist for the Cathedral congregation will be held on Sunday April 22nd at 9:30 AM, followed by a time to celebrate St. John’s many years of service to God, to the Providence community, and to the Diocese of Rhode Island.