Dear ones,
As we approach the end of 2019, I want to let you know about some transitions on my staff that will take place at the end of this year and the beginning of 2020.
First, I am glad to announce that Jennifer Phelps has accepted the position of transition officer. Jen, who filled this position for us as a part-time consultant during mid-2018, is a lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience in areas including patent law and abuse prevention. She is a member of Trinity Church, Indianapolis, and has also been an active leader in the Diocese of Los Angeles. In her new position, Jennifer will work with congregations in transition, support people in discernment for ordained ministry, and oversee our safeguarding programs. Canon Kristin White, to whom she will report, and I will be delighted to welcome her to the staff on January 13.
Two other staff transitions will take place at the end of December. Victoria Hoppes, who has served as Waycross program director and diocesan coordinator of ministries with and for youth since 2016, has announced that she will depart at the end of the year to accept another position. I am grateful to Victoria for her ministry and for the deep commitment to our young people that she has demonstrated during her time in the Diocese of Indianapolis. Please join me in wishing her every blessing as she makes this transition. I will work with leadership to discern how best to staff for diocesan youth ministry. As always, Waycross director, David Ramsey, has my support as we work to see that we have someone new in place well before the summer camp season.
As I announced at diocesan convention, the Rev. John Gedrick will finish his time as resource development officer on my staff at the end of the year, but I am glad to say that he will stay close by as he becomes priest-in-charge at St. James, Vincennes in January. During the early part of 2020, I will convene a small task group to help us to continue to build our strength and capacity in fundraising, and we will reassess the need for staffing in this area as part of that conversation.
Please pray for Jennifer, Victoria and John as they enter this season of change, and for their parts in the mission of God to which we are all called. Thank you for your commitment to our common life.
Faithfully,
Bishop Jennifer
