Dear Trinity Parishioners,
We write to you on behalf of the Search Committee to share information about the discernment process we are embarking on together as we seek to call the next Rector of our beloved Trinity. By design, this is an extended process that allows us time to reflect on who we are today, dream about what the future holds, and determine what charisms our next Rector should embody to help lead us into the next stage of our collective journey. A typical search for a parish like Trinity lasts 12 to 18 months.
The initial stage of the discernment process involves gathering information from the congregation. We will start by sending out an online survey called the Congregational Assessment Tool. This detailed survey of roughly 100 questions covers many areas and has been used in successful searches across The Episcopal Church. We expect the survey will be up and running before Thanksgiving and remain open for four weeks.
We will then host a series of Holy Conversations after church on January 5, February 9, and February 23. These conversations will be facilitated by Canon Giulianna Cappelletti Gray from the Diocese. Each conversation will focus on a different topic that is designed to help us gather valuable information to guide the search process. It is important that you participate in the Congregational Assessment Tool as well as the Holy Conversations. The Search Committee is attempting to carry out the will of the congregation through this process, so your voice needs to be heard.
The Committee will use the information gathered through the survey and meetings to develop a Parish Profile that tells the story of our wonderful and dynamic church to clergy who may be interested in joining us. Once published, the profile will be shared online for everyone to enjoy.
Interested clergy will submit their application materials to the Committee, which will then engage in rounds of discernment. Applicants will be interviewed and finalists will be brought on confidential visits to Trinity. The Committee’s work will culminate in a recommendation to Trinity’s vestry, which will then decide whether to extend a call to Trinity’s next Rector.
We recognize that transition periods by their nature can breed anxiety and uncertainty, but they are also important times to reflect, dream, and hope together. We are Trinity, a beacon of God’s light and love in this world. In our church’s history, we have had wonderful Rectors who have helped us to do and be more than we ever thought was possible and, God willing, we will work together to call another.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or other members of the Committee including Lisa Adler, David Bacon, Lillian Cardwell, Deb Cooney, James Cramer, Leigh Ann Hirschman, Vivian Kirklin, Bill Mirola, Ed Stephenson, and Bob Wood. While there are some things, such as information about applicants, that we will not be able to share in order to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the process, we will answer every question that we can. Feel free to contact us at SearchChairs@TrinityChurchIndy.org.
We look forward to walking alongside you in this time of transition and renewal at Trinity.
With Love and Hope,
Search Committee Co-Chairs
Kate Howe and Todd Relue
