Summary November 2010

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island Summary of Meeting of November 9, 2010

The Rev. William Locke, President, called the meeting to order at 10:35 am at the Providence Art Club. Other members in attendance were the Hon. Scott Avedisian, Ms. Caryl Frink, Ms. Lora MacFall, the Rev. Pamela Mott, the Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, Mr. William Plumb, the Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert and the Rev. Stephanie Shoemaker. The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf joined the meeting at 11:30..

1. The meeting was opened with prayer by Fr. Locke.

2. The new members (WIlliam Plumb and Anita Schell-Lambert) were welcomed and there was a general conversation about the ongoing work of the Standing Committee. Both new members had received the minutes of the prior 2010 meetings.

3. As one of the steps in the process leading to Ordination to the Priesthood, the Standing Committee interviewed Patrick Greene, currently assisting as a transitional Deacon at St. Paul’s Church, Wickford.

4. The minutes of the Oct. 12, 2010 meeting were accepted.

5. The Hon. Scott Avedisian was elected President of the Standing Committee for a one year term. Mrs. Caryl Frink was elected Secretary of the Standing Committee for a one year term.

Heartfelt thanks were extended to Bill Locke who has served as President of the Standing Committee for almost half of his 4 year term and to Lora MacFall who is completing her second term within a 9 year framework.

6. . (Bishop Wolf joined the meeting) The discussion turned to actions of the recent Diocesan Convention that specifically affect the Standing Committee and we began a conversation:

a. Resolution regarding a merger with another Province 1 diocese - There was general discussion and an intent to refer this to the 2015 Task Force at the appropriate time.

b. Resolution regarding publishing summaries of meetings - There was an extended discussion on how to protect the confidentiality of persons, congregations, and situations that come before the Standing Committee and how to continue to serve as a counsel of advice for the Bishop in the light of this resolution. This will be a balancing act and further discussion is definitely needed.

c. The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick was elected to represent the Standing Committee on the reconstituted Mission Task Force.

d. Frances Gammell-Roach was elected to represent the Standing Committee on the 2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning.

7. Bishop Wolf gave her regular report to the Standing Committee: a. The staff is working to comply with the Handicap Accessibility resolution from the 2010

Diocesan Convention; Advent confirmations will be at the Cathedral as this had already been publicized.

b. Because of the new 45 day period for submission of reports requiring action by Convention, the 2011 Diocesan Convention will be in November 2011.

c. The Bishop gave a brief update on congregations needing special attention.

The meeting adjourned for the annual lunch and farewell to members of the Standing Committee

whose term of service has ended.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, December 14, 2010, 4:30 pm in the Higgins Room.

Respectfully Submitted, Caryl Frink, Secretary