Dear Friends,
I wanted to take some time to update everyone on where we are on our journey through the transition process. With the help of our Bishop and her staff, your Wardens and Vestry have been able accomplish a lot in a short period of time.
As you know, our Interim Rector, the Rev. Dr. Stephen Applegate celebrated his first worship service with us on Sunday, October 1st. It is almost unheard of to secure an Interim Rector only two weeks after your former Rector began a new journey, down a different path, but here we are, and we have been so grateful to welcome Stephen and his wife Terry into our Trinity community.
A few weeks ago, we were able to engage a search consultant, the Rev. Aaron Gerlach who was recommended and approved by the Bishop. Aaron will work with the search committee to help them accomplish the tasks that they need to complete in order to begin a formal search for a new Rector. Aaron will also serve as the principal link with the Bishop and transition officer in providing resources and guidance during the interim period and search process.
This leads me to talk to you about our search committee. For the past month your Wardens and Vestry have talked about the members of our congregation, looking at age range, participation, and length of time at Trinity. It is with great thought and discernment that we have chosen an eight-member team of people that will make up the search committee to find a new rector for our Trinity community.
Let us welcome the following members of our congregation who have accepted the call to serve on the search committee.
Trinity Search Committee:
Karen Keune – Chair
Gail Abood
Mary Beroske
Angie Carriker
Mark Dublliek
LaVonda Jossett
Allen Santiago
Sue Smitley
Gracious and loving God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Guide the Search Committee, Vestry, and people of Trinity Church through this time of transition and discernment. We pray that your Holy Spirit continues to open our hearts and minds to new opportunities and ideas; so that we may follow where you lead — knowing that Jesus walks with us each step of the way.
Empower each and every member of our Search Committee to use their gifts for ministry to the fullest; to share their thoughts openly and honestly; to respect the opinions of others; and to encourage humility, patience, and joy.
Finally, instill in all the people of Trinity Church a glorious vision of the future; that, guided by your Holy Spirit, we may be united in love — with warm hearts, enlightened minds and open arms — so that we may gladly accomplish the mission to which you are calling us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
– adapted from Christ Church-Winnetka, IL
Peace,
Donna Steppe
Senior Warden