Summary, March 8, 2011

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island

Summary of Meeting of March 8, 2011

The Hon. Scott Avedisian, President, called the meeting to order at 4:35 pm at Diocesan House Other members in attendance were Ms. Caryl Frink, Ms. Frances Gammell-Roach, 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 was present for part of the meeting,

Present for the discussion on the proposed merger of their congregations were Mr. John Donahue, the Rev. Judith Mitchell, Mr. Tom Gregory and Ms. Diane Donahue from St. Matthew’s Church, Barrington and Mr. Dan Pacheco and the Rev, Richard Shippee from St. Mark’s Church, Riverside.

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

2. Bishop Wolf spoke highly of the recent Convocation and how well she thought it served as the vehicle for the announcement of her coming retirement.

3.. The minutes of the February 8, 2011 meeting were approved.

4. A loan of $35,000 to Trinity Church, North Scituate from the Revolving Loan Fund of the Diocese was approved.

5.. The guests from St. Mark’s Church, Riverside and St. Matthew’s Church, Barrington were introduced and there was a lengthy discussion of a potential merger between these congregations. The Standing Committee approved a formal conversation between St. Mark’s and St. Matthew’s and authorized them to work together to prepare a formal plan of merger.

6. There was communication from the Commission on Ministry coordinating future interviews for candidacy and/or ordination.

7. The Standing Committee will meet on March 15th with the Diocesan Council and the Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews of the Office of Pastoral Support to begin the process that will eventually lead to the election of the next bishop of RI.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:02 pm.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 4:00 pm at St. Luke’s Church, East Greenwich.

Respectfully Submitted,

Caryl Frink, Secretary