The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Lexington met on August 18 and continued its discussions and took the following actions:

1)  The Standing Committee is pleased to announce that Search Consultant, The Very Rev. Ron Clingenpeel, has been retained to assist in the process of calling the next Bishop of The Diocese of Lexington.

A search consultant is appointed to assist The Standing Committee during a search for a bishop. Search Consultants are experienced in church affairs, trained in helping/assisting Diocesan Standing Committees to understand and express their objectives, dealing with conflicts that may arise and are knowledgeable in the mechanics and methodology of a bishop search process. The Search Consultant serves as the principle link with The Standing Committee, Interim Bishop, The Nomination Committee and The Transition Committee proving resources and guidance during the interim/transition period and search process. The The Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews from the Office for Pastoral Development at the Episcopal Church Center provided the Standing Committee with a list of individuals who are trained Search Consultants. The Very Rev. Ron Clingenpeel was chosen from this list because of his successful ministry and work experience with dioceses similar to The Diocese of Lexington. The Standing Committee met with The Very Rev. Ron Clingenpeel on Thursday, August 18.

2)  The Standing Committee has contacted Bishops from a short list of retired bishops who are available to serve as our Diocesan Interim Bishop. Interviews are scheduled next week. The Standing Committee intends to call an Interim Bishop as soon as possible.
 
3)  The Standing Committee approved forms that will be available September 1 on the Diocesan website to take names of individuals who would be willing and able to serve on either the Nomination Committee or the Transition Committee for the calling of the next Bishop. The DEADLINE to submit names to serve on either of these committees is SEPTEMBER 14.  Attached hereto are three documents providing detailed information about what is expected of those who serve on the Nomination Committee or the Transition Committee:

     Nomination Committee Functions and Responsibilities

     Nomination Committee Integration of Key Tasks

     Transition Committee Functions and Responsibilities

     If you or someone you know may be called to serve on one of these committees, it is important to carefully read the expectations as part of the discernment.

4)  The Standing Committee worked on a timeline for the search and transition processes. A mandatory retreat for those who will serve on both the Nomination Committee and the Transition Committee will be held in Lexington on September 30 - October 1.
 
5)  The Standing Committee reviewed financial resources available for the Bishop's farewell event and the Bishop's search.
 
6)  The Standing Committee met with Bishop Sauls to address questions regarding those who may be in the process of discernment toward Holy Orders and questions regarding those clergy in our diocese who are entering their third year of ministry of a three year contract.

Chaplain for the Transition

Because the search process is a spiritual endeavor, we find it important that we submit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To that end, The Standing Committee would like to announce to the people of the Diocese of Lexington that The Rev. Christina Brannock-Wanter, Priest in Charge of St. Peter's Church in Paris, Kentucky, has been appointed and has agreed to serve as our Diocesan Chaplain for the Transition.  More information about the Chaplain will be available on the diocesan website.

 

Let us remember to pray.

 

Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the  minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.