Who will take care of the day-to-day, week-to-week operations of the parish?
Much of the operational “business” of the church is already managed by other staff or vestry members in collaboration with the laity of the parish, so most day-to-day activities of the parish should continue without disruption — as it should be!
In the absence of a rector (in other traditions, the “senior pastor”), the following responsibilities shift to the wardens, in the order of their seniority (that is, Senior, then Junior Warden):
ensuring that St. John’s has sufficient preachers/presiders to support our regular worship services
presiding over the work and meetings of the Vestry, Ministry RoundTable, and their associated committees and teams
overseeing the search process and call of a (potential) interim rector, and later a new rector (with support and direction from our diocese)
providing general oversight of staff and other parish leaders
making final decisions about building usage as questions arise, in keeping with the Canons (governing rules) of our diocese
There will be some changes, however, especially in the area of worship planning. Here’s a brief summary of who will take on various aspects of planning previously led by Mother Sarah, all under the direction of the wardens:
scheduling preachers/presiders to lead the parish in worship (Fr. Mawethu Ncaca)
oversight of liturgical planning (Fr. Mawethu Ncaca)
Tapestry coordination/planning (Karole Badgley, collaboratively with Tapestry participants and Fr. Mawethu)
crafting the “Prayers of the People” (Lois Sauer)
Many thanks to all of these good folks who have offered extra time and leadership to ensure that the worship life of St. John’s continues to flourish.
If you are unsure about who is ultimately the “decision-maker” regarding a matter of concern to you, please email Camille Stell and copy Barbara Kwiatek. Between the two of them, they should be able to either make a decision or steer you to the person or body who will!
