Last October Mary Vargas was elected to a full term on Standing Committee after having served a partial year of an unexpired term. The Committee asked her about running for diocesan office. Mary replied, “I first decided to get more involved in the ‘wider church’ because I felt as though I needed to know more.
“We (The Episcopal Church) are big and complicated. And, as a lay person I felt as though I really didn't know much about what happens outside the walls I am familiar with every Sunday. I also felt that it’s not fair to ‘critique’ from the sidelines. Finally, I felt I had some skills and insight that might be helpful as diocesan and lay leaders come together to work on our future. The last year and a half have been tremendously educational, I have met people from all around the diocese and learned a lot about how we are governed. I have a much fuller perspective about what happens in decision-making throughout the diocese.
“We are in a very interesting time right now. Many see the church as being in a struggle. I see this as a time of tremendous opportunity — to find and support the innovators among us. I think that in periods of uncertainty and ambiguity about how to achieve the next ‘big thing’ we are forced to be the most creative and to live fully into our faith. These sorts of times are not always comfortable, but they are interesting! I would encourage anyone with an appetite for hard work and an open and curious mind to think seriously about getting involved at the diocesan level. It is rewarding, giving you an understanding and appreciation for the larger debate, and it begs you to jump in with both feet to be part of charting the path for the future.”
Now is the time for submitting nominations. The Committee members ask that you pray with them for candidates who will choose to run or graciously accept nomination. In Sunday's reading from Isaiah we heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And the answer is? “Here I am; send me!”
Find descriptions of the offices here.
The online nomination form is available here.
The deadline for receiving nominations is July 20, 2012.