The Election

Bishop-Elect

See the May/June 2009 issue of South Dakota ChurchNews for additional information on Fr. Tarrant.

	Name:	John T. Tarrant
	Current Position:	Rector, Trinity Church Pierre, South Dakota
	Date of Birth:	February 17, 1952
	Place of Birth:	Kansas City, Missouri
	Family:	Patricia Tarrant, Spouse 11 adult children in blended family
	Education:	B.A. – Michigan State University, Political Science, 1974 M.Div. –  Virginia Theological Seminary, 1983
	Ordination:	Deacon,  June 11, 1983, Diocese of Western Michigan Priest, February 11, 1984, Diocese of Western Massachusetts

Consent for the Election will be sought from the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies at General Convention in Anaheim, July 7-17, 2009.

Save the date!  YOU are needed for the October 31st consecration of our new bishop!
    Plan to attend--better yet--plan to participate, when the 10th Bishop of South Dakota is consecrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, All Hallows Eve at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Many are needed to help with the service, to be led by Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, and attended by an estimated 2000 to 3000 people.  The Rev. George Parmeter of Grace Church, Huron, has been named ceremonialist for the service, meaning he has the responsibility of organizing the liturgy according to the protocols of the national church.

"We want broad representation from the entire diocese," says Father Parmeter, "but we especially want a strong youth presence. This is a rare opportunity to be involved in a very moving, important event in the life of the Church. We hope many individuals step forward to help celebrate the beginning of this exciting next phase." 

Those who can help are asked to submit their names as soon as possible and no later than July 1 to Father Parmeter. All names need to be submitted far in advance to the national church, which will prepare the order of service. Here's what's needed:

1. A banner from each congregation, with a designated person to carry it. Also, a stand in which to place the banner.
2. Eleven processional crosses (with stands), and 11 youth acolytes to carry them, with representation from each deanery
3. Twenty-two torches (with stands) and 22 youth acolytes to carry them, with representation from each deanery.
4. Two altar acolytes
5. Sixteen ushers, two from each deanery
6. 2-4 oblation bearers
7. Vergers
8. Choir members--lots of them!
9. Volunteers to set up and tear down the worship space
10. Communion vessels and linens

All participants in the service (including choir members) will wear vestments from their home congregations, and absolutely all items should be clearly marked so they may be returned to their rightful homes.

If you can help in any of these areas, please send your name directly to Father Parmeter at graceepiscopal@q.com, at 605-352-3096, or at PO Box 1361, Huron, SD 57350.