The Search Process Has Finished!

Update From Vestry and Search Committee - November 20, 2011

The Vestry of Trinity Church Solebury with the recommendation of the Search Committee and the approval of our Bishop is pleased to announce that we have called the Rev. Richard Lee Vinson to be our new rector. Rick comes to us from The Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity in Honolulu. He is expected to start at Trinity on February 1st and conduct his first service on February 5.

Rick is a very gifted leader who brings a unique combination of energy, enthusiasm, humbleness and spirituality to Trinity. From our very first face to face meeting with Rick (which happened via Skype because of the distance), it was clear that he had a special way that could be felt even over the internet.

Rick's enthusiasm and affinity for Trinity were evident from the first minute he set foot on our campus. During his visit, he was able to attend a youth Eucharist where he could see the Trinity spirit in action.

Rick shares his life with his wife Ellen. They have 4 adult children: Michael, Amanda and husband Ross, Rebecca and Taylor. They love what they have seen of Bucks County and have already joined the County Theater.

Because the Diocese enforces a quiet time between rectors, Emory will formally end his interim ministry with us at a celebratory service on Sunday January 8. Ginny Sheay will provide her leadership and care during the remaining part of January.

During this time of transition, please keep Rick, his family, Emory, Tim, Holy Nativity and Trinity Church in your prayers.

A Message from Rick Vinson:

I am called to serve with those who are intentional about being Christ in the world, reconciling the world to God and in so doing, minister Christ's love to a world that has so easily forgotten his love for it.

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, my early ministry was in Virginia and Washington, DC. The last decade has taken me to far off places like South Dakota and Hawai'i. As rewarding as these experiences have been, I now feel a longing to return east. My strongest gifts are preaching, pastoral care, teaching and small group ministry. I have experience with EFM (Education for Ministry), for which I am a mentor, DOCC (Disciples of Christ in Community), Stephen Ministry and other programs of education and Bible study. It is through such that I foster community by sharing God's call and loving presence to all. Developing relationships is what ministry is all about. I have been blessed with the ability to inspire and lead others through my ministry. I am a strong supporter of stewardship education, and of outreach and mission, believing the strength of the church is found in its witness to others in the immediate community and throughout the world.

I am delighted to be called to serve Trinity Solebury. Never have I been so clear as to the working of God in my life than I am through this particular call.

FAQ's

February 5 will be his first Sunday. He officially starts on February 1st. Details for the Celebration of New Ministry are underway.

January 8 will be Emory's final Sunday with us as Interim Rector. All will have a chance to celebrate his ministry at Trinity over the next 6 weeks.

Ginny Sheay will care for us and lead services, including the Adult Confirmation classes, during this time of transition.

Rick and his wife, Ellen, will live in the house next door. Emory and Tim plan to move to their Doylestown home in January. We thank Linda Kenyon for continuing this relationship with us.

Rick and his wife, Ellen, celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on November 19th. They have 4 adult/college-age children: Michael, Amanda and husband Ross, Rebecca and Taylor. Their closest extended family resides in Virginia.

Rick has met with Emory and forged a wonderful friendship right away. They have promised to stay in touch and answer each other's questions along the way. The staff and Rick enjoyed their meeting during his recent visit and look forward to working together.

The Search Committee

The Search Committee would like to let the members of Trinity know how much we enjoyed our time together, and what a spirtual and uplifting process the search has been for all of us. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers during this time.

We were able to work together in a prayerful, thoughtful and business like manner that helps us know we did the best job possible for Trinity. We know that Rick is a talented and unique leader. We also feel clear that God led Rick to us and us to Rick - that this is truly a mutual call and is following God's direction.

The Search Committee would also like to thank the Parish Profile Committee for it's wonderful work which served as our guiding principles during the search process.

Committee members:

The Parish Profile Committee

A confidential survey was the first step in completing our Parish Profile. Your survey input has been a gift to the Parish Profile and Search Committees. We send our heartfelt thanks to all who completed the survey and participated in our listening sessions.

Committee members: