The following information concerns Transfigurations on going discussion regarding our rectors search process.
VESTRY NEWS: RECTOR SEARCH UPDATE - PROGRESS - July 12, 2008
We distributed 140 surveys to Transfiguration members and friends. As of today we have received 85 (61% response rate). Of those that we considered weekly attendees we have received 73 –almost a 77% rate, which is a considered a wonderful participation rate for any survey. We thank you and would still encourage all of you that are still working on them to complete them as soon as possible.
We have completed the first stage of the survey analysis, section 3, in which we asked you to identify the ten most important aspects of our new Rectors ministry. The information will be used by prospective applicants to gauge how their strengths match up against our needs and desires. The summary of these results is available in the church office.
The top three characteristics were:The wonderful news is that the results were the same for the members of both of our services. In fact, the two services had similar perspectives on 9 out of the top 10 aspects of a new Rectors ministry.
The Profile committee is generating a “frequently asked questions” document about our Search process that we hope to share with you over the coming weeks. We have completed tabulating all of the verbatim responses (the “extra credit” section seemed to be a big hit!) and we have just begun tabulation of the 40 survey questions. We hope to able to provide an initial overview by the end of the month.
July 21, 2008
PROFILE/SEARCH COMMITTEE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It is our hope to the Parish “in the loop” on how our search process is progressing. From the Sunday announcements, the recent forum, to initial survey result handouts provided at recent Sunday services. The Vestry and Search/Profile committees know that it is never enough and that we probably can’t over communicate with you during this critical time here at Transfiguration. We are focused and are working extremely hard in moving us forward. In our hopes to continue our communications with you, we will be providing a series of
Frequently Asked Questions over the next several weeks to clarify some important aspects of our Search:
1. Who is on the Search Committee? Right now we have focused our efforts on the completion of the Parish Profile document. The Vestry has appointed Doug Vandehey to lead the Search committee when the actual search process is initiated. Right now, Karen Montenegro (current Vestry member) is the Chairwoman of the Profile committee which meets about every two weeks. Current members of the profile committee are: Karen Montenegro (Chairwoman), Linda Hughes (Sr. Warden), John Conway (Jr. Warden), Doug Vandehey, Elaine Vandehey, Howard Sears, Jen Aston and Julie Currier. Christine Nevarez also attends the profile meetings.
2) What is the status of Fr. Ledbetter? As announced a couple of weeks ago, Fr. Ledbetter will become our official interim priest, effective September 1, 2008. This week we sent our signed letter of covenant (signed by both Fr. Ledbetter and your Wardens), which spells out the terms and conditions of his Ministry to our Parish, to Bishop Bruno for his review and final approval.
3) Can Fr. Ledbetter be called as our next Rector? No. Your Wardens and Fr. Ledbetter have reviewed and discussed this issue at great length and they came to the mutual conclusion that he can best serve Transfiguration as a true interim Priest, which allows him the freedom to help us in all aspects of our Parish life, without the stress of having it be seen as a long-term interview
July 28, 2008
4. The survey “Section 3” results, that were distributed last week, appeared to show “Critical Ministry” (as defined) as the most important characteristic for our new priest-is that really our focus? Not necessarily. Parishioners were asked to mark their top ten characteristics (strengths) for our new Rector, without being asked to rank them in order of importance. Critical Ministry was merely included in the “top 10” by the most respondents. The parishioner results detailed in “Section 3” will provide prospective candidates with an insight into our expectations of the strengths and characteristics of our new Rector. As Howard Sears said “figures don’t lie, but they can mislead”!
5. How long will the Search take? The Diocese usually estimates 9-12 months. It is our fervent hope that we will complete our process earlier than that, hopefully by the end of this calendar year!
6.
Where are we in the Search process?
The Parish profile portion of the search is nearing completion. The
written portion is being reviewed by your Wardens and the survey
analysis will be substantially complete by the end of July.
Sections of the parish profile, including the results of the Parish
survey, will be made available over the coming weeks (and eventually
posted on our parish website). As noted above, we hope to be able
to send our requirements to the Diocese sometime in September.
August 1, 2008
7. Who can I turn to if I have unresolved feelings or questions about the changes in our parish over the last year?
You have two clergy persons at Transfiguration that you can speak with—Father Bill and Deacon Christine. Senior Warden Linda Hughes and People’s Warden John Conway are also available. You are encouraged to call us or make an appointment to express your feelings and ask any questions you may have in a pastoral and caring setting. Please contact the church office, 626-445-3340, to obtain contact information.
8. Will the verbatim comments written on the Profile Questionnaires be published?
No. The Profile Committee has determined that, due to the sensitive nature of the comments, they will not be published or made available to parishioners. If anyone would like to discuss the verbatim comments, please contact your wardens, Linda Hughes or
John Conway. August 18, 2008
9. What are the next steps? We let the Diocese know what our needs are based upon the submitted Parish profile. (As previously communicated, the Parish profile is expected to be completed and submitted sometime in September.) The Diocese then assembles a list of candidates who either have expressed an interest or were found in a national computer match. The Search Committee will narrow the list of candidates through written questions, interviews and site visits. Three finalists will be presented to the Vestry. The Vestry makes the final selection and negotiates the calling of our new Rector.
10. Can I submit a name for consideration? Absolutely. Please email your suggestions to Doug Vandehey (Chairman of the Search Committee, at
dvandehey@deloitte.com.
11.
When will the profile be
finished?
A completed profile is
scheduled to be
submitted to the Vestry
on September 18 for
approval. Once reviewed
and approved by the
Vestry it will be sent
to the Diocese.
August 21, 2008
12.
How will the Profile be used during the search? The profile, that we will provide to the Diocese, effectively communicates our needs as a parish. All candidates will review the profile to become acquainted with the Church of the Transfiguration. As noted earlier, the profile will be posted on the Parish website when completed, available for viewing or downloading.
13.
Will we call a female or homosexual priest to be our new rector? All candidates will be considered without regard to their race, gender or sexual orientation. This is our Christian and legal duty.
September 1, 2008
14.
Will there be a forum related to the completed profile work and the upcoming search process?
Yes. A forum will be scheduled for late September or early October.
Parishioners will have the opportunity to see and ask questions
about the profile and will also get an overview as to what lies
ahead in the search process.
15 When do we begin “searching” for our new rector? After approving and submitting the profile to the Diocese, the Vestry will make a decision as to what kind of a search will be conducted. A search could range from local, state-wide to national. We could also choose a “priest-in-charge” model where a priest would be sent to us for one year and at the end of the year the Vestry could decide to extend a call to the “priest-in-charge” as our new rector.
September 22, 2008
16. Has it been sent to the Diocese? Our parish profile will be sent to the Diocese this week.
17. How can I get a copy? Copies of our parish profile may be downloaded from our website at www.transfig.com beginning Sunday, September 28th. Also, beginning Sunday, September 28th, printed copies of the profile will be made available in the church office. It has been requested, that once you have the opportunity to read the profile, you return it to the church office. We hope to keep printing costs down and plan to circulate profile copies throughout the parish for those parishioners wishing to see a printed copy.
18. What if I have questions about the profile? Preceding Father Bill’s forum this Sunday, September 26th, members of the profile committee will be available in Parish Hall to answer any of your questions. We will also have a few copies of the printed profile on hand