Retirement of Sue Spring
Sue Spring, Diocesan Administrator, has advised the Standing Committee of her decision to retire effective August 31, 2021. She has taken this decision jointly with her husband, Dave, who will retire from the State of Illinois on the same date.
Sue’s service as Diocesan Administrator began more than 18 years ago. During the ensuing years, she has served the Diocese faithfully and professionally, handling all duties originally assigned to the position as well at taking on additional responsibilities as the need arose. To those who know her well, her services have seemed to be indispensable. For matters extending from the handling of medical insurance, the processing of other human resources issues, the maintenance of records on ordination and the ordained, the planning and organization of Synod, the maintenance of the Diocesan Center, and the execution of a variety of administrative tasks, Sue has been always at the ready, applying her superb organizational skills in every area.
Despite dealing with serious health issues recently, Sue has remained a steady presence in the Diocesan office. Throughout the COVID pandemic she has been in the office to handle and channel whatever matters came to the Diocese’s administrative center, being a faithful presence in a trying time.
Beyond handling all of her work in the most professional manner, she has always been one with a willing ear, listening to concerns of the clergy and people of the Diocese and helping in every way possible. For this, and for many other things, we owe her a debt of gratitude.
A reception is being planned in Sue’s honor in connection with this year’s Synod banquet on Friday, October 15. We also ask that, as occasions present themselves, you join us in taking an opportunity to give her a personal thank you and wish her a long and happy retirement with her husband and family.
Standing Committee Membership Update
It is with sincere regret that we announce the acceptance of the Reverend Beth Maynard’s resignation as a member and President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Springfield effective July 26. Mother Beth, who serves as Rector of Emmanuel Memorial, Champaign, informed us of her intention to resign on July 12 in order to allow her to better attend to the needs of her father who is afflicted with Lewy-body dementia. The Standing Committee expresses its deepest thanks to Mother Beth, and she has our heartfelt support and prayers.
Upon acceptance of the above resignation, the Reverend Ben Hankinson of St. Andrew’s, Edwardsville, was elected President, and the Reverend Shawn Denney of St. Luke’s, Springfield, was elected Secretary. To fill the remaining two months of the unexpired term, the Standing Committee elected the Very Reverend Andrew Hook of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Springfield. Thank you to Father Andy for his willingness to serve.
We ask your prayers for Mother Beth and her family, as well as the ongoing work of ministry of the Standing Committee and the Diocese of Springfield as a whole.
Welcome to Bishop Lambert & Invitation to Clergy of the North
The Standing Committee is excited to welcome Bishop Paul Lambert to the Diocese for the week of August 16. Bishop Lambert, who is our Assisting Bishop during the episcopal transition process, will be spending the week meeting with various leaders as we begin the process of getting to know one another. This will include time spent with Diocesan staff, visits to area churches and sites, being a guest for Diocesan Council, and joining the Cathedral of St. Paul for services on August 22.
In addition to all the above, we would like to invite the clergy in the Northeastern, Northern, and Northwestern Deaneries to a gathering with Bishop Lambert on Thursday, August 19. Time together will begin with the 12:15 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral followed by a time with Bishop Lambert until about 3 p.m. A simple lunch will be provided. A similar gathering is in the works for the clergy of the southern deaneries in September.
Mark Dirksen to become Interim Diocesan Administrator
The Standing Committee is pleased to announce the hiring of Mark Dirksen as Interim Diocesan Administrator to help facilitate the work of the Diocese until such time as the 12th Bishop of Springfield is able to establish their own staff. We are blessed to have at hand a person with the appropriate skills and a wide range of experiences to fill the position while our Bishop Search continues.
Mark was Deputy for Administration in the Diocese of Rhode Island under Bishop Geralyn Wolf from 1999 to 2004. In addition to making all arrangements for their annual Convention he was responsible for all diocesan communications and Secretary for the financial committees. In that latter role he designed and implemented a three-year diocesan budget. Additional experience includes time with Marshall University, Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, as a licensed realtor, and as a Director of Music, Organist, and Choir Director of churches, choirs, and schools in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Illinois.
Mark is married to Mother Beth Maynard, and he is also the youngest son of Richard Wayne Dirksen of the Washington National Cathedral, the first lay Precentor in the Anglican Communion and well-known for his several entries in The Hymnal 1982. Mark is a member of the American Guild of Organists and a graduate of Education for Ministry. Mark’s long experience as a churchman will, we hope, make for a smooth passage in the months ahead.
Mark will begin work on August 16 and be in the Springfield office Mondays and Thursdays or by appointment. He will be available by phone and email during all regular business hours. Welcome, Mark!
The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore our defense, and make us know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
