- The following congregations are in some phase of transition (mostly with respect to calling new clergy leadership): St. James, Arlington, currently served by Supply Clergy; St. Thomas & Grace, Brandon, Interim Team, with the Rev. Paul Gratz as Team Leader; St. Paul’s Burlington, the Rev. Laura Bryant, Interim Rector; St. Andrew’s, Colchester, the Rev. Robert Leopold, Interim; St. Luke’s, Fair Haven, Local Ministry Support Team in Formation, the Rev. Richard Brewer, Regular Supply; Christ Church, Island Pond: Supply Clergy; St. Peter’s, Lyndonville: Supply Clergy; Saint Stephen’s, Middlebury, Interim Ministry Team in place with the Rev. Carole Wageman as Team Leader; Saint Mark’s, Newport: The Rev. Jane Butterfield, Interim; Gethsemane, Proctorsville: Supply Clergy; Saint John’s, Randolph: The Rev. Angela Emerson, Interim; Saint Luke’s, St. Albans: Supply Clergy, with some regular support from the Rev. Craig Smith; Saint Andrew’s, St. Johnsbury: Supply Clergy; St. Mark’s, Springfield: The Rev. Martha Dyner and others as regular Supply Clergy; St. Paul’s Windsor, Supply Clergy; St. Mary’s, Wilmington: The Rev. Nicholas Porter, Interim; Saint James, Woodstock: the Rev. Lisa Ransom, Interim
- Michelle Sandul is leaving her employment with the Diocese of Vermont, effective May 10, but will be with us to assist with registration at the Special Electing Convention. She is taking a new administrative position at the UVM Medical Center.
- The Rev. Robert Stulman has been called as Priest in Partnership to serve at Calvary, Underhill, effective May1, 2019.
- I participated in Holy Week and Easter Services at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, beginning with the Taizé liturgy on Holy Monday. The Most Reverend Christopher Coyne, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington co-officiated at this service with me again this year.
- On April 24, I participated in an event in Portland, Maine, honoring Bishop Stephen Lane, of Maine, who is also retiring this year. The Forum titled the Stephen T. Lane Legacy Lecture Series focused on faith voices and the public square, in which Bishop Lane has been engaged. I spoke about the work of Bishops United Against Gun Violence.
- On April 24, I offered Devotions in the Vermont State House of Representatives and was surprised and honored by a Joint Resolution of the Vermont Legislature expressing appreciation for my ministry over these past 18 years. I am very grateful to the Rev. Rick Swanson, President of the Standing Committee, and others for arranging for this honor.
- On April 26, I hosted the Friday Facebook Live Prayer service for Bishops United Against Gun Violence. The livestream was from the Cathedral Chapel, thanks to Maurice Harris.
- I met with the three Candidates for Bishop on Sunday April 28. Three very gifted women, indeed! Well done Bishop Discernment and Nominating Committee.
- I testified at the Sentencing Trial of the Rev. Armand Henault on May 3rd in Superior Court, St. Johnsbury.
- Visitations since our last Council meeting included Sunday visitations with Saint Matthew’s, Enosburg Falls on April 14, Saint Luke’s, Chester on April 28 and Saint Luke, the Beloved Physician, Saranac Lake, NY on May 5. Weekday Visitations included Church of Our Saviour, Killington on May 1 and All Saints, South Burlington on May 8.
- There is considerable work underway at the Bishop’s House under the supervision of David McKay.
- There is a concerted focus on the Electing Convention May 18 with many folks involved and making great contributions.
- Ann and I are trying to pack up one house and prepare our home in Newfane for our move the week of June 10.
Faithfully,
