On Sunday, June 7, the Reverend Cynthia Hubbard of the Diocesan Office of Transition Ministry will be our guest celebrant. During the 10AM service, Cynthia will formally commission the Search Committee with the task of recruiting a new rector to St. Mary’s. Following the 10AM service will be a parish-wide meeting in the parish hall, led by Cynthia and assisted by Search Committee Chair Vivian Brocard, formally beginning the search process.
Cynthia was very specific that parish youth of about ages ten and up are encouraged to attend. Child care will be provided during the meeting for younger children. And ALL can enjoy the brunch that will be provided by the Vestry.
Cynthia provided us with the following information about the parish meeting:
“We have found that using [this method] as the basis for the transition process helps a parish focus on who they are at their best and thus helps them to clarify the direction in which God may be calling them to move. In Frederick Buechner’s words, ‘The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s hunger meet.’ Appreciative Inquiry uncovers that true purpose which is life-giving both to the parish as well as to the people within the parish and in the surrounding community. “This will be a parish wide event. The process works by means of one-on-one conversations with time to feed back and reflect on what we are hearing about the parish –what is unique, where your passions are and what is life-giving. This process yields much more helpful information about the parish than any kind of survey or questionnaire and will help discern the best person for you to call in terms of someone who will have the gifts and passions you need to partner with you as you move forward.”
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