October 22, 2013 Meeting Summary

Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island

Minutes of the Standing Committee Meeting

October 22, 2013

The regular monthly meeting of The Standing Committee was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 4:30 pm in the Higgins Room at Diocesan House, 275 North Main Street, and Providence (note meeting change from the regularly scheduled second Tuesday of the month).

In attendance: The Hon. Scott Avedisian, President of The Standing Committee, The Reverend Mike Coburn, Mr. Jim Kelliher, The Reverend Jennifer Pedrick, Mr. William Plumb, The Reverend Anita Schell-Lambert, Mrs. Grace Swinski

The Right Reverend Nicholas Knisely was also present.

Absent: The Reverend James Bocchino

The meeting opened at 4:33 PM with prayer led by the bishop.

Motion to approve the minutes and minute summary of the September 16, meeting were made. The motion passes.

Moved and seconded, the Standing Committee supports the Bishop’s recommendation to move St. George’s, Central Falls into transitional mission status for a period of 5 years renewable. The motion passes. 

Motion was made and seconded to give the Bishop authority to grant permission, should they petition before the December Standing Committee meeting, for the congregation of St. Paul’s Pawtucket to move to mission status. One abstention. Motion passes.

Council of Advice to the Bishop.

Acknowledgement was made to the outgoing members of the Standing Committee for their dedicated service:  President, The Honorable Scott Avedisian, The Reverend Jennifer Pedrick, and Mr. Jim Kelliher and Ms. Grace Swinksi. Mr. Kelliher and Ms. Swinski leave their terms prematurely to pursue diaconal preparation. The Bishop expressed his gratitude for their support and counsel.

The Standing Committee also gave thanks in the following acclamation: “The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island raises its voice, in concert with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven, in thanksgiving for the state of Holy Matrimony to be entered into this Friday by our friend and colleague Anita Schell-Lambert. We wish her and her beloved, Steve, all the blessings that the God of love can bestow on those who love God and we give thanks for this small, good, divine event."

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM

Respectfully submitted,

The Reverend Anita Schell-Lambert

Secretary