Coffee Cup St Bede v.1

St. Bede's Vestry Meeting
April 5, 2011
6:00 p.m.

Special Meeting of the Vestry with Bishop Vono
April 5, 2011 6:00 p.m.

Present: Father Richard, Ed Nordstrom, Neil Heighberger, Cathy Willmott, Melissa Leehan, Martha Puryear, Jim Derryberry, Judith Beery, Ann McVicar, Rev. Peggy Patterson, Mother Madelynn, Rev. Kim Martinez, Rev. Randy Lutz, Rev. Owen Kunkle, Karen Aubrey, Rev. Dr. Juan Oliver, Bishop Vono, Rev. Daniel Gutierrez, Rev. Kathy McNellis.

Bishop Vono began the meeting with thanking the Vestry for the opportunity to meet with him. He introduced the 2 Canons For The Ordinary that were assisting him- Rev. Daniel Gutierrez and Rev. Kathy McNellis. He then opened the meeting with prayer and scripture readings and meditation. The lessons focused on The Body of Christ and the Bishop emphasized that as Christians we need to deal with adversity collectively.

An explanation of the procedure to be followed was next. An approach called "Appreciative Inquiry (see attached) is to be used. The Bishop cautioned all to "Listen to each other". His concerns are three-fold: 1) for Father Richard's well being. 2) the well being of the Vestry 3) the well being of the parish itself.
He began with the The Discovery Process- "What gives Life" and asked each person to state what they considered at St. Bede's to give them life. All gave their views ranging from Sunday Worship Services, Father Richard's leadership and guidance, the openness and welcoming nature of the congregation, the acceptance, inclusiveness courage and love of the community of St. Bede's, the Spanish Ministry, personal relationships and variety of ministries, the seamless nature of management, diversity of the congregation to the opportunity to think outside the box. Bishop Vono stated that this gave him an idea of a very dynamic Parish which he hears about in his many travels.

The Bishop stated that whenever a clergy retires, change will inevitably come and with that, some fear. People are more anxious with the extended time until Father Murphy's retirement. He then began the second part of the process- Design, the Ideal or What should have happened. Again, people gave their thoughts. Individuals expressed their ideas that included a Parish meeting, more guidance from the Diocese, and the timing not coinciding with the Stewardship Campaign or the survey done at that time. It was expressed that it has been hard on the congregation to sustain an on-going ministry, but also that this was a good time to celebrate Richard's ministry and to have a time before grieving his loss.

At the time of Richard's retirement announcement, there was no protocol in place in the Diocese for such an event. It has now been worked out and Rev. McNellis told of the protocol now in place. (See attached document). Again, comments were heard from the Vestry and Clergy present. It was reiterated that this was a time for saying good-bye and nothing else takes place until Father Murphy's retirement on November 1, 2011. He is the Rector until that time. At that time, or shortly after, a Priest- in - Charge will be named. This person is not eligible for consideration for the Rector position. Candidates for Priest- in- Charge should direct all of their papers to the Diocesan House first for consideration and then they will be forwarded to the Parish. This is to make sure that everything is in order.

Phase 3 of the meeting then began. This was the Dream part- or What might be? Bishop Vono praised Father Murphy for his long and wonderful service to the Diocese. He indicated that although it is ideal for a priest to have a Sabbatical every 7 years, Richard has never had one. After talks with Father Murphy, it has been decided that Father Richard will have a Sabbatical beginning in June or July. This would still give the congregation time to say good bye and honor Father Richard's time with us. Father Richard will inform the Bishop in writing of the content of his Sabbatical.

The time from June/ July until November 1 was discussed. Many were concerned about the money that will be needed to pay both Father Richard's salary and a clergy to conduct services every Sunday. It may be possible that the clergy here now will be willing and able to pick up the burden for some Sundays and help during the week. Since there is time before this happens, Father Richard and the other Clergy can work on coordinating duties before his departure. The time between June/ July and November will be a time for the Parish to gain new life. Bishop Vono stated that we will not lose life, but become stronger. People who have been at St. Bede's for a long time spoke of the many hardships (both financial and other) the Parish has been through and expressed the thought that "We'll make it!"

The meeting concluded with a prayer from Bishop Vono.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Heighberger, Clerk