DATE:             November 14, 2009

TO:                  Parish of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

FROM:            The Vestry

RE:                   Important Announcement – Fr Bingham Powell called to be our next Priest-in-Charge!

The vestry has spent many hours in thought and prayer since father Ted announced his upcoming retirement in February.  We have been listening to the parish in many ways, in small groups, individually, and at our parish-wide meeting.  We have reflected on the information gleaned from the discernment processes.  And we have listed for the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The Vestry is pleased to announce that as a result, we have unanimously and wholeheartedly voted to call Father Bingham Powell to be our Priest-in-Charge when Father Ted retires.  Assisting Bishop Sandy Hampton has blessed this call, and Father Bingham has joyfully accepted it.   .

This appointment will be for up to five years and Father Bingham will have the full responsibility and authority of Rector; however Priest-in-Charge is an untenured position.  At any time during the five years, the vestry may call Father Bingham as Rector.  More information regarding the history of our process and the description of this position is available on the table in the Narthex or by emailing our Office Manager, Louise Fortuna, at louise@saint-marys.org.

During the next three months we will be working together to prepare for a successful transition.  Father Bingham will be creating an advisory committee with specific areas of expertise.  And, Bishop John Thornton has offered to increase his time with us to three days a week for a period of time to provide additional support in preaching, pastoral care and office hours as needed.

Also during these next three months, we will be celebrating with Father Ted the ministry that has blossomed under his leadership.  There are many people in the parish who are involved in plans to honor Ted, with a party, gifts and memory book.  The vestry also voted to name Father Ted as Rector Emeritus.  Although his ministry as Rector will end, his ministry with us as a baptized Christian and priest will not.

We have been blessed for many years to have Father Ted as our beloved Rector, and feel that God has truly gifted us with another shepherd that will both lead and support us in our ministries as we build up the body of Christ.

Please join the vestry in welcoming our newly called Priest-in-Charge, Father Bingham Powell.