On April 11 an electronic announcement from our Rector was sent, announcing his plans for retirement. He also made the same announcement at each service on April 12. As he said in that announcement, we on the Vestry are committed to communicating clearly and frequently with the Parish as we move into this transition. The Diocese of Arizona has been very helpful and supportive and will continue to be a great resource for us. There is a prescribed procedure to be followed when a Rector retires, which the Diocese will set out and clarify for us, and we will pass that information on to the parish. Herb Burton, Junior Warden, and I will be making an announcement at each service this coming Sunday, April 19, to share the next steps in this transition process.
Bishop Kirk Stevan Smith will meet with the Vestry in a closed session on Wednesday, April 15, to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Vestry for the parish. This is a closed meeting for Vestry members only. We will update you on Sunday about this meeting.
The Rev. Canon Megan Traquair, Canon to the Ordinary, will be meeting with the Vestry, Commissioners, and Program Staff on Saturday, April 25, to work through the multi-page document of tasks and committees to be formed that deal with all the steps, in order, for a healthy transition. Again, this is a closed meeting for Vestry, Commissioners, and Staff only.
The Wardens will hold monthly Vestry forums to continue to update the parish through this process. The dates will be announced as soon as they are scheduled.
Bishop Smith will hold a forum for the entire Parish on Sunday, May 24, after the 11:15 a.m. service. It will be a light luncheon and Pentecost Birthday celebration (think cake!) from 12:30 to 1 p.m., followed by time with the Bishop from 1 to 2 p.m. This will be an opportunity to hear from him and to ask your questions.
You may reach the Senior and Junior Wardens with questions and concerns at
vestry@stphilipstucson.org.
We the vestry are committed to working through this transition with clarity, communication, and engagement as we continue to work together to do God's work in the world.
--Alison Lee, Senior Warden
You may read the Rector's announcement by clicking
here.