Transition

St. John’s Episcopal Church is in the early phase of a clergy transition. The Rev. Edward Tourangeau, rector of St. John’s since 1991, retired in December 2010. The Rev. Larry Minter of Louisville, Kentucky has been serveing as full-time Interim Rector since February 1, 2011.

In late May 2011 the Vestry formed a Rector Search Committee comprised of the following members: Kelley Bailey, Elizabeth Lloyd Brewer, Sally Byrn (Chair), Mary Campbell, Cresta Cates, Greg McClure (Vestry liaison), Nate Mosier (Vice Chair), Rachael Schexnailder (Vestry liaison), Dennis Sorge, and Amy Van Epps. Meribeth Kussmaul of Crawfordsville, Indiana, was appointed by the Diocese of Indianapolis to serve as Transition/Search Coach.

Interim Rector Larry Minter has served as rector of three churches, including start-up priest of a new urban parish, and as interim rector of two parishes. He has provided leadership to Christian education, stewardship development, and pastoral counseling, among other areas. He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has studied at other seminaries, including Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1988.

Ed Tourangeau is the third longest-serving Rector in the 173-history of St. John’s. Some of the numerous positive changes at St. John’s during his tenure are noted below. Nearly 300 persons attended his final service at St. John’s. The Tourangeaus are moving to Virginia to live closer to their daughter and her family.

Some Milestones at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lafayette
1991 – 2010

The Reverend Edward Tourangeau, Rector

† Developed and implemented a unified long-range planning (“The Master’s Plan”) and building/remodeling effort that resulted in 14,000 square feet of up-to-date space for worship, program, outreach, and offices. Surpassed the $1.2 million “Guided by Providence” campaign goal by more than 25% and loans were retired ahead of schedule.

† Responded to the Rector’s “View from the Big Pew” initiative by improving the integration of children and their families into the full corporate life of the congregation and receiving the gifts they bring. Programming includes Godly Play, ways for children to learn the musical traditions of our way of worship, incorporation of children into our music programs, resources for older youth, a mothers’ support group, and periodic “Parents’ Night Out.”

† Expanded the program staff to three part-time professionals who work intentionally toward meaningful interrelationships of their distinct areas of responsibility (music, Christian formation, youth).

† Expanded the duties of the parish secretary to the current Parish Administrator position with a range of business management responsibilities.

† Added programs for adult study and formation, including an on-going Education for Ministry (EFM) program with two certified mentors.

† Bolstered our outreach ministries, including support for Jubilee Christmas, one of the area’s largest food pantries, Choral Evensongs that yield funds for local nonprofit organizations, and Community Lunch and Family Promise programs, and opening our facilities to other congregations in need of worship space.

† Added a monthly Holy Eucharist service for parishioners of St. John’s and other interested persons residing at the Westminster Village retirement community in West Lafayette.

† Added the 2nd Wednesday noon concert series to the parish’s music ministry.

† Continued to develop the Memorial Garden as a quiet, natural, and welcoming space for the parish as well as the community beyond.

† Grew liturgically by becoming more relaxed and open during worship, creating several powerful and well-received liturgies (national Independence Day, commemoration of St. Cecilia and church music and musicians, and Maundy Thursday), and expanding Prayers of the People to form stronger connections between prayer and daily action.

† Strengthened relations with the diocese through Father Ed’s regular involvement in clergy and deanery events, as clergy co-chair of the Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee in 1995, member of the Diocesan Restructure Task Force, and as chair of the Personnel Policy and Compensation Committee over many years.

† Redecorated the entire nave with professional plaster treatment, paint and detailing, refinishing of all woodwork, new glass panels in all lanterns, and new wiring to each light fixture.

† Added the daily office of Evening Prayer to regular weekday services in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

† Established an “Endowment Committee” (later renamed the “Investment Committee”) answerable to the Vestry for oversight of all parish-invested funds.