Our Rector St Philip The Deacon Transition Team News Page
We are less than a year away from one of the most significant events in the history of our Parish: the retirement of Rev. Mother Alcena Boozer. She recently notified the Diocese of her intent to retire effective June 1, 2010, with her last last Sunday being Pentecost, May 23, 2010.
The St Philip Transition Team was formed in early 2007 with the Mission of preparing the Parish for the retirement of Mother Alcena and the selection of her successor. Coordinator of the Team is Bob Belcher. Other members include Gail Thompson, Karen Kroll, Vivian Childs,
Paula Webb, Michael Montgomery, Roberta Recken, Pat Dickerson, Nick Wickliff, Mary Sue Renfrow, Betty Smith and advisors Mother Alcena and Deacon Sally. They meet on the 4th Saturday of every month at 2 PM and report progress to the Parish on a regular basis. The process began with a discussion of what people in our Parish consider to be “life-giving”, what we consider to be our mission, purpose, and values, and what our goals are for the Parish under our next Rector. This information—drawn from responses during the “Appreciative Inquiry” at the Annual Parish Meeting formed the basis of the profile that can be seen in the Parish Hall.
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Transition Committee Update as of 8/14/2009
St. Philip is developing its Legacy Wall in Father Lee Owen Stone Parish Hall. It will recognize and honor our historic members and heritage, and make our legacy visible and viable now and in our future. The Committee is coordinating a parish plan of three parts:
· Memories and stories – recorded by a Legacy People Team doing interviews, audio-tape and group conversations about our hall of fame people, families and events.
· Our church history – a rich and detailed draft version will be available this fall.
· The Legacy Wall display – our unique heritage and people in written, graphic and inspiring form.
Our “Bridge Generation”, children of historic families and today’s seniors, is expected to energize the Legacy People Team with their special understanding and views.
We invite and appeal to parish members and friends to deepen our Legacy with your stories, pictures and related information. A fall parish conversation will explore Legacy findings. The Committee also expects to offer possibilities for St. Philip’s future and new leadership before Mother Alcena Boozer’s retirement in late spring, 2010.
For additional information, please contact any Committee member: Gail Thompson, Karen Kroll, Paula Webb, Michael Montgomery, Vivian Childs, Roberta Recken, Nick Wickliff, Mary Sue Renfrow, Pat Dickerson, and Bob Belcher. Our advisors are Mother Alcena and Deacon Sally Lambert.
Following are Frequently Asked Questions and the Answers about the Transition and Search process.
1. What is a Transition Committee?
The Transition Committee exists as an "umbrella" committee that oversees the entire transition process from the announcement of a rector's leaving through the first year of a new rector. The Transition Committee is also charged by the Vestry to develop a parish profile, including how the parish sees its future and goals.
2. What is a Search Committee?
The Search Committee works with the Deployment Officer of the Diocese to advertise for and screen candidates, interview candidates and recommend candidates to the Vestry for selection of one as the next Rector.
3. Who serves on the Search Committee?
Active, pledging members, regular in attendance make good candidates for a Search Committee. Search Committees reflect the demographics and nature of the parish. They are diversified by age, gender, race, areas of parish life and ministries.
4. What are the Vestry's responsibilities during transition?
The Wardens and Vestry are responsible for day-to-day parish life and administration. The Vestry contracts with a consultant, the interim rector and the new rector. The Vestry also charges the Search Committee with its tasks.
5. How is an exit interview used?
An exit interview with a departing rector (or interim rector) is conducted by a consultant. The insights gained from this interview are helpful to the bishop and the vestry in considering the ministry of the parish, its life, its strengths and challenges.
6. Why have an Interim Rector and what does an Interim Rector do?
The Bishop's Office will assist the vestry in the selection of Interim Rectors. A letter of agreement will be written and signed by the vestry and the interim rector. It is important to welcome the interim rector in a special way.
The interim rector provides the leadership necessary to maintain stability during the period of transition. A key task is to help the congregation complete its disengagement from previous chapters in its life as it begins the self-study related to the search process.
Specific tasks are decided with the vestry and may include helping the Transition Team and parish come to terms with its history and relationships with previous clergy; discovering the congregation's special identity, what God is calling it to be in the future; dealing with shifts in leadership roles that naturally evolve in times of transition, allowing new leaders to come to the fore constructively; renewing relationships with the diocese, so that each may be a more effective resource and support to the other; and building commitment to the leadership of the new rector in order to be prepared to move into the future with openness to new possibilities.
7. Why do interims take so long?
During the interim period the Wardens and Vestry are responsible for the day to day operation of the parish. Lay leadership is very important during this time. The interim time allows a healthy transition and effective ministry while a congregation seeks a new priest. The interim period allows the congregation time to look at themselves during a self study; to separate from the leadership of the departing rector; to strengthen and inform lay leadership; to clarify mission and direction; to find a priest to lead the congregation in that mission and direction.
The temptation at this stage is to want to rush through the interim period. This is unwise for several reasons. The tasks that need to be accomplished during the interim period, which must be completed by lay leadership takes time. The need for self-examination and reflection requires time in order to be insightful and beneficial. When a vestry tries to hurry the interim period, the result is often unsatisfactory. And realistically, it is difficult to attract competent interim rectors for time periods of less than one year.
8. How do we say "good-bye" to the previous rector?
St Philip the Deacon encourages the rector to take time and make the effort to achieve a sense of closure with parishioners. We will plan a celebration of ministry event and will provide an opportunity for parishioners to express their feelings over the departure of the rector. Good leave-taking is beneficial to the spiritual and emotional health of the congregation and the departing rector.
9. How do we welcome a new Rector?
The Transition Committee will develop a Plan including "get acquainted" sessions for the rector and members of the parish. The Vestry and the new Rector will work together with the Bishop to plan a Celebration of New Ministry Service. Events and gatherings will be scheduled to welcome the new Rector into the life of the congregation. The Transition Committee and Vestry will create a support group for the new Rector for the first year or so. We will engage outside resources as necessary for a successful entry.
A Prayer for a Diocesan Time of Transition
Almighty God, we pray that the power of Christ’s love may be present in our lives as we, the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon, enter a time of prayerful discernment and transition to new leadership. May the Holy Spirit illumine the hearts and minds of those who have the responsibility to lead us as we prepare to build on the vision that is before us. Let not the prospect of change be an occasion for fear and confusion, but rather a time to build trust and increase understanding that Christ’s love may be made known between us and among us that your will may be done. Amen.
—The Rev. Alcena Boozer, rector, St. Philip the Deacon, Portland, and former member of the Standing Committee
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For more information, talk with Transition Chair Bob Belcher or Senior Warden Gail Thompson.
Check this Page for Updates and current news on the Transition, Planning and Events.