Vestry Report: Aug. 30
Notes from your Vestry
Friends,
I want to provide an update on what Vestry has been, and is currently, focused on so everyone is fully informed on where we are through the transition process.
We have already seen some significant activity this year! Here are a few highlights:
We celebrated Peter’s legacy at Trinity through the first five months of the year, culminating in an amazing party!
The Vestry worked closely with the Bishop’s office to identify an interim solution. Initially this looked like the only path was going to be a rotation of Supply Priests, but thanks to our collaboration we are able interview and hire Jason as Interim Rector.
The Vestry worked with key Commissions and members of the Staff to ensure we’re structured for the growth and increased excitement we expect to continue to see. This includes the creation of a stand-alone Parish Growth Commission, the combination of the Nurture committee and the Hospitality team into a Parish Life Commission, and the revitalization of the Communications Commission.
Our financial outlook continues to look balanced, and data tells us the congregation is growing with Average Sunday Attendance up +16% through then end of July vs. the same time year ago.
While much of the work above continues, we are moving onto the next phase of the transition. We are delighted to share that Vestry will be working with Dr. Johnathon Carroll over the next few months to prepare us for the start of the formal processes to call our next Rector. Please see Dr. Carroll’s introductory note below, dated August 26th, 2024, which outlines the assistance he will be providing.
I hope all of you are as excited about the future as I am. If you are and you find yourself asking….what can I do to help, I’d ask for you to consider how you can increase your investment in time, talent and treasure.
Nurture will host our Red Door Rally on September 8th where each Commission and Ministry will be sharing specific opportunities to get more involved.
One of the groups there will be Vestry to kickoff November Elections. For those unfamiliar, high level Vestry is responsible for the Church’s strategic direction and financial oversight. If you feel these responsibilities are in your wheelhouse, please check with our outgoing Vestry Members who will be at the RDR to answer questions.
Keep your eye open for events! Nurture will start hosting regular gatherings, we have Blink festivities coming together on 10/19 and we will start to offer Adult Formation opportunities between the re-launched 8AM service and 10AM service. Each of these activities are an effort to tie our community closer together – please join us!
Pledge for 2025 – we will be launching our 2025 Stewardship campaign in October, please prayerfully consider your pledge to enable all of our great work to continue and allow for us to make and even bigger impact in the community and congregation.
I will continue to update you each month with our progress and always happy to answer questions - feel free to find me in the hall or contact me directly.
Josh Mitchell - Senior Warden
A Letter from
Dr. Jonathan Eric Carroll
Dear Trinity Episcopal Church Community,
Greetings! I am writing to introduce myself as your congregational consultant, engaged by your Vestry to work alongside Trinity Church during this important season of transition and growth before you begin the search for your next Rector.
Trinity is going through a period of significant change. Before you begin the search process with The Rev. Canon Amy Chambers Cortright, Canon to the Ordinary of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, the Vestry has wisely chosen to push pause, and to take this opportunity first to reflect, heal, think, pray, and prepare for a bright future.
My role is multifaceted and designed to support your community in several key ways. With you, I will be:
1. Honoring your rich heritage while looking forward with hope
2. Addressing the realities of change and its effects on your congregation
3. Creating opportunities for individual and small-group listening sessions
4. Providing support for those who may have experienced hurt or grief
5. Collaborating with the Vestry on implementing effective leadership models
6. Cultivating a healthy, vibrant congregational culture
To accomplish these goals, I will be present in Covington for one-on-one conversations, Vestry meetings, occasional worship services, and congregational listening sessions. My aim is to ensure that everyone in your community who wishes to participate is heard and valued.
This process is intended to be life-giving, engaging, healing, and theologically rich. The ultimate goal is to help Trinity become an even healthier Episcopal parish, one that has utilized its past experiences in thoughtful ways in order to catapult it – soaring – into the next generation of ministry and community service.
I look forward to meeting with many of you individually and in groups. Your experiences, insights, and hopes for Trinity are crucial to this process. Together, we can build on your strong foundation and create an even more vibrant future for your beloved church. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a conversation, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our one-on-one conversations will be entirely confidential and can occur either in person, by videoconference, or by phone. My first day spent in-person at Trinity and/or in Covington will be Monday, September 9, 2024, but I am available any day at mutually convenient times. Please call or text 270.925.4922 or email jonathanericcarroll@icloud.com to arrange a meeting. I am looking forward to being with you.
Let us embark on this journey together, guided by faith, hope, and love.
Faithfully yours,
Jonathan
Dr. Jonathan Eric Carroll, KLPC, NCPC, NCCE
ACPE Psychotherapist
APPA-Certified Philosophical Practitioner
