Dear Sisters and Brothers,
As shared with you in November, there have been transitions in the Bishop’s Office that bring new protocols and points of contact for transition ministries, diocesan liturgies, and stewardship. We encourage you to review the information below carefully, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate contacts with any questions.
Transition Ministries
I have chosen not to replace the Canon for Congregational Development/Transition Officer at this time. Instead, I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Transition Ministry Team who will work closely with the Rev. Cn. Landon Moore.
Cn. Moore will serve as the initial point of contact for parishes in transition. Members of the Transition Ministry Team will work with congregations to ensure a smooth and effective transition process during clergy vacancies.
The Transition Ministry Team is composed of three senior clergy: the Rev. Cecily Broderick-Guerra, the Rev. Joanne Izzo, and the Very Rev. Gideon L.K. Pollach. This team will function under my leadership and act as my representative to the wardens and vestry, collaborating closely with the Rev. Cn. Landon Moore.
Key Contacts and Their Roles in Transitions and Related Ministries
The Rev. Cn Landon Moore, canon for vocations and congregations, will serve as the primary point of contact and manage administrative tasks related to clergy transitions, including Letters of Agreement, securing search consultants, finding interim clergy, etc.
Ms. Pamela Gravesande will provide support to Cn. Moore and continue to serve as the administrator to the Commission on Ministry, communicating with aspirants, postulants, candidates, and the Standing Committee.
The Rev. Claire Woodley will continue to work with consultants and interims-in-training. She will also continue as consultant for congregations engaging in the Open Doors New Futures initiative, which she has developed with my encouragement and full support.
Please visit the transition ministry page on our website for more information: www.dioceseli.org/transitions.
Diocesan Liturgies
As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure consistency and support for liturgical planning across the diocese, I am pleased to announce that the Rev. Dan Ade and the Rev. Mark Kowalewski will serve as Liturgy Coordinators for all diocesan services taking place outside of the Cathedral.
This includes liturgies for episcopal visitations with Bishop Wolf, Bishop Franklin, or me, as well as rector installations, celebrations of new ministries, and other diocesan services at which a bishop will preside.
The Bishop’s Office will remain the main point of contact: bishopsoffice@dioceseli.org.
Once you have scheduled your visitation or other liturgical event with my office, we ask that you submit your draft bulletin at least three weeks in advance to bishopsoffice@dioceseli.org. If your parish does not have a bulletin prepared or are unsure where to begin, we will provide a skeleton bulletin with the intended service for your consideration. We will remain in conversation with you to finalize the liturgy, and once completed, it will be submitted to me or the overseeing bishop so that we can review and prepare for the liturgy in advance.
While maintaining communication is essential, this process is designed to respect the integrity of parish worship life. We will not interfere with parish liturgical practices unless a situation is deemed egregious.
This transition in liturgical coordination reflects our commitment to streamlined communication and preparation, fostering meaningful and seamless worship experiences.
Stewardship and Capital Campaign
Arthur Scully and Neal Watkins from Carter Global will continue to support the bishop’s office and parishes in the One Mission Capital Campaign. Additionally, they will provide assistance to parishes on matters related to stewardship. Camlyn Gravesande, the finance administrator, will remain the primary point of contact and coordinator.
If you or your parish need assistance with your annual stewardship campaign or developing stewardship towards future vision and goals, please contact Camlyn at cgravesande@dioceseli.org. She will be happy to assist you in setting up a conversation with Neal and Arthur.