Meeting Summary December 2010

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island Summary of Meeting of December 14, 2010

The Hon. Scott Avedisian, President, called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm. Other members in attendance were Ms. Caryl Frink, Ms. Frances Gammell-Roach, the Rev. Pamela Mott, Mr. WIlliam Plumb, the Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert and the Rev. Stephanie Shoemaker. The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf was also present for part of the meeting.

1. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bp. Wolf.

2. The Bishop’s time: a.Bishop Wolf updated the members on the hiring of a firm to conduct a feasibility study

concerning the Cathedral Close. The Standing Committee voted unanimously to support this study. b. The Bishop announced that there will be a special gathering of rectors, wardens, and treasurers, organized by the Program & Budget Committee of Diocesan Council, to look at the

financial state of our churches & congregations; Bp. Wolf voiced a need for congregations to realize that they are not alone in facing hard times. Arrangements are pending.

3. The minutes of the Nov. 9, 2010 meeting were accepted.

4. A letter was received from the wardens of All Saints’ Memorial Church, Providence requesting support for a proposal to rent worship space as well as space for other congregational activities to an Hispanic ELCA congregation; there is also hope to “develop collaborative ministry and outreach to the wider community.” This request was positively received; the Chair will communicate the questions of the Standing Committee to the parish with an intent of expediting the process.

5. It is the continuing responsibility of the Standing Committee to fulfill its obligations under Title IV, Ecclesiastical Discipline.

6. It was voted to consent to the Ordination of Michael Pierce Milliken as Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Western Kentucky.

7. It was voted to defer action to the January meeting on the request for consent to the election of the Rev. Daniel H. Martins as Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Springfield.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 4:30 pm in the Higgins Room.

Respectfully Submitted, Caryl Frink, Secretary