Ms. Marie Bagwell has accepted the position of part-time Interim Administrative Team Secretary. She begins orientation this week at the Close, Monday through Wednesday. Next week she begins her regular hours Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Her extension is #116. Please join us in welcoming her.

Standing Committee has appointed the Rev. John Scannell to fill the empty position on the Legacy Health Systems Board. He begins his work with a Legacy retreat this weekend. We are thankful that he has accepted this position.

In another action, the Very Rev. Hollinshead “Lin” Knight, member of the Interim Administrative Team, has been appointed by Standing Committee as Secretary of the Corporation of the Diocese of Oregon. He has recently become canonically resident in our diocese. In this position he presides at Diocesan Council meetings and serves as Secretary of Convention.

As we begin our process toward the election of a new diocesan bishop, the national church’s Office of Pastoral Development will confer with Standing Committee on May 27th. From that point, Standing Committee will develop the electing process. Part of that process is a time of discernment about our diocese. The Rev. Rob Voyle has agreed to lead us through an Appreciative Inquiry process that builds upon the work apparent in Holy Conversations and our Vision Statement. In the next months, you’ll be hearing about and offered an opportunity to participate in this endeavor.

Arlene Ullman, member of the Interim Administrative Team, is bridging the work of Standing Committee and the Convention Planning Committee. Convention 2008 offers us a wonderful time to come together thoughtfully and prayerfully about our common mission and goals.

Please keep Bishop Itty and his family, our Assisting Bishop Sandy Hampton and his wife, Mari, and our diocese in your prayers.