This update to the Vine Street congregation about our Ministerial Transition process contains continuing good news! Since the previous report earlier in April from the Ministerial Transition Team, important progress has been made as we make plans to put in place our ministerial leadership team that will assume their responsibilities when Thomas retires at the end of May. The Administrative Council, at its meeting on April 23rd, unanimously approved the recommendation from the Ministerial Transition Team that Vine Street call Margie Quinn to be our Lead Minister during the six-month transition period beginning in June. This period could be extended if needed. The Administrative Council also unanimously approved the recommendation that Wesley King be called to be our Part-Time Associate Minister during this same period of time. Wesley was ordained as a Disciples pastor at Vine Street. Many of you may recall the times he has preached at Vine Street and may also know him through his many leadership roles in Nashville. As required in our Vine Street by-laws, the authority to call and hire our ministers rests with the congregation. Accordingly, the Administrative Council will formally call a congregational meeting to be held immediately after worship on Sunday, May 18th, where a vote will be taken on each of these two ministerial calls. Prior to that meeting, background information will be sent out so that we can become better acquainted with Wesley and grow even further in our partnership with Margie.
Throughout the process of bringing Margie and Wesley to the congregation for selection as our ministers through this upcoming interim period, the Transition Team has continued to experience the excitement and hope shared by everyone about the future of Vine Street and our witness in the lives of others. Margie and Wesley have shared joyfully in this vision and we are delighted to present them to the congregation for approval as our interim ministerial leadership team!
The Ministerial Transition Team
Abi Flowers, Chair, Administrative Council
Lydia Grubb, Chair-elect of the Administrative Council
Ed Cole, Chair, Board of Elders
Betsy von Dohlen, Chair, Personnel Committee
Erica Hayden, Member of the Congregation
Stephen Moseley, Member of the Congregation
Jack Wallace, Member of the Congregation