Vestry members,

It has become apparent that the Vestry is considering eliminating the associate rector position. The signers of this petition strongly urge the Vestry to abandon this plan and keep the associate rector position. The Vestry embarked on a plan several years ago to put the necessary staffing in place to grow the church and meet our goals both inside the parish and in the community. This plan is already showing signs of success. We are on the right track, and the parish is filled with positive energy. Why would we abandon the plan now, just as we have turned the corner?

Trinity is too large a church (and growing) to be handled by one fulltime clergy person. A staffing reduction may result in a short-term financial savings, but will likely inhibit future growth. An understaffed parish in the current climate of nationwide church decline will likely result in a steady decline in membership

Furthermore, having a rector and an associate rector allows the following:

• Diversity of preaching
• Diversity of skills (different staff members bring different skills)
• Level of staffing to meet our internal needs as well as community involvement goals
• Continuity with regard to the high level of youth programming we have become accustomed to over the last few years
• Enhanced pastoral care
• Increased community involvement

Recent surveys and listening sessions have revealed a challenging list of goals, including high quality liturgy, increased community involvement, high-level pastoral care, excellent Christian education, and variety in preaching styles. Trinity needs, at the very minimum, to maintain our current staffing level to satisfy parish needs.