Wednesday, April 12, 2000
Church of the Holy Innocents, West Orange, New Jersey
Approved Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting

Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger; President; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary, Mr. Michael Rehill, Chancellor

Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Alan Bowen; The Rev. John G. Hartnett, Ms. Diane Rhodes; The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler

Elected by Convention: The Rev. Dr. Ellen Barrett; The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss, Ms. Bonnie Magnuson; Ms. Lynn Tyler; The Rev. Richard Wrede

Elected by Districts: The Rev. David Badgely; The Rev. Martin Bagay; The Rev. Kevin P.J. Coffey; Mr. Richard Fifield; The Rev. Susan Fortunato; Ms. Kathy Ganim; Mr. Gerald Harvey; Ms. Ann Hirsch; Ms. Naomi Horsky; The Rev. William Lantz; Ms. Claudette Lewis; Mrs. Doris Mardirosian; Ms. Elizabeth Moss; The Rev. William Parnell; Ms. Susan Schink; Mr. Robert Simmons; The Rev. Mildred J. Solomon; The Rev. Paul Walker; The Rev. Denise Yarbrough

Absent: Mr. Steve Boston; The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke; Mr. Leonard Glenn; The Rev. Kenneth Near; Ms. Joyce Skipper; Ms. Patty Watts; Mr. John Zinn

Others: the Rev. Margaret Gat, Mrs. Clara Horsley, Mr. Michael James, the Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Dr. Louie Crew

Staff: Ms. Susan Robinson

The Rev. Abigail Hamilton, rector, reported the church was built in 1872. The original building, a chapel, was located one mile away and transported to the current site. She introduced the people who provided the meal: Ms. Lucie Walton, Ms. Beverly Wapshare, Ms. Linda Wapshare and Sue MacBeth. Members of Council showed their appreciation for the meal with a round of applause. (Earlier in the evening, a tour of the church's cemetery was led by the Rev. Abigail Hamilton.)

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Bishop Croneberger.

AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda with an addition for a status report on St. Augustine's, Jersey City and the deletion of the report by Sandra Accommando who was ill. The motion was adopted.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the March 1, 2000, meeting with attendance corrections for the Rev. Skip Vilas and the Rev. Scott Hoogerhyde. The motion to accept the minutes was adopted.

EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS: THE RT. REV. JOHN P. CRONEBERGER

Welcomed the Rev. Maggie Gat, the Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton, Dr. Louie Crew, Mr. Michael James, the Rev. Linda Strohmier, and Dean Weber, Esq.

Reported the Standing Committee approved the ordinations to the diaconate for following: Howard Hess, All Saints', Leonia; Jocelyn Irving, Holy Communion, Paterson; Tanya Wallace, Transfiguration, Towaco; Philip Dougharty, All Saints', Hoboken; and Lily DeYoung, Redeemer, Morristown. The ordination service will be on Saturday, June 10; the preacher will be the Rev. Canon Paul Hunt.

Reported that the staff at Episcopal House will participate in the ten-hour anti–racism training in June. Congregations and committees were encouraged to participate in the training.

Announced that the Rev. John Hartnett will chair the Planning Committee of Council, replacing the Rev. Skip Vilas who was retiring from Council.

Reported on his third House of Bishop's meeting last week which provided the opportunity to join twelve colleagues in discussion their roles within their respective dioceses.

Reported that on April 22, a final service will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, West Milford, led by the Bishop and the Canon to the Ordinary.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The February written statement was distributed in the package in the absence of Mr. Zinn who was on vacation. The March and April statements would be distributed for the May meeting.

It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted.

WOMEN'S COMMISSION

The Rev. Margaret Gat, Co-chair of the Commission, reported the commission sought to empower women and men in their ministries within the diocese. The leadership was co-shared by two individuals, currently Maggie and Ms. Fran Trott. Recently, the Rev. Lucy Ann Dure, a commission member, developed a search and discernment tool to assist committees to expand their thinking during the search process for new clergy leadership. The annual fund raising event was held at NJPAC in the early spring, which proceeds were used to retire the commission's pledge for the construction of Episcopal House. The commission was represented on the Coalition for Reproductive Choice, a state-wide organization. Domestic violence was an issue of concern for the commission that led the group to print anti-violence stickers for distribution in all bathrooms of our congregations. A breakfast for clergy women was an annual event held in June.

THE OASIS

The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Kaeton, Missioner to the Oasis, reported the Oasis had completed its first decade with a number of lessons learned. She stated that homophobia was an easy demon to name, but one that could be countered by education. The Oasis developed two programs to educate and raise awareness on homophobia - All Love is of God and Claiming the Promise. A video was under development about homophobia. She posited that sexism was inextricably linked with homophobia, and that there was a deadly link between the "isms" - heterosexism. Diversity and anti-violence training continued in the Oasis with the Rev. Dana Rose. The Oasis was working in collaboration with the Christian Education Commission to develop curriculum on human sexuality for the high school aged youths. Evangelism was a focus, assisting other dioceses to replicate the ministry of the Oasis. The sponsoring congregation directory was published and distributed through many sources, including libraries. The directory provided the opportunity for the congregations to tell their stories and to be listed as a welcoming congregation. Recognizing that the threads of justice and reconciliation were interwoven, work began on reconciliation throughout the church.

JERSEY CITY - ST. AUGUSTINE'S

Ms. Claudette Lewis reported that the Jersey City Planning Board approved the plans for St. Augustine's and the architect was working on the final drawing. It was anticipated that bids would be sought by summertime.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

Mrs. Clara Horsley, ECW President, thanked people who attended the World of Women service that affirmed the ministries of women. A fund-raising theater party was held at NJPAC which funds would help underwrite the costs of the ECW delegates to Triennium. The annual ingathering was scheduled for May 18. The latest edition of the newsletter had the list of candidates standing for election with the organization, but unfortunately no candidate was standing for election as president.

WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD PROCEDURES

Mr. Michael James, Chair of the Ward J. Herbert Fund, presented recommended changes for the board's operation that included establishing an executive committee, increasing the granting periods to three from two, expanding the board size as approved by Convention, and continuing to identify congregational properties for assessments.

The new members of the board were presented as Mr. Robert Simmons, Christ, East Orange; the Rev. Robert Schiesler, St. Luke's, Montclair; the Rev. David Badgely St. Mary's, Haledon; and Ms. Elizabeth Moss, St. John's, Dover.

The Rev. Skip Vilas moved the approval of the recommendations and the names of the new members of the board. The motion was seconded and adopted.

The recommended changes were as follows:

Executive Committee:

An executive committee of the Ward J. Herbert Fund to be established with a membership of five persons: Michael James, William Heick, Walter Jahrling, Tim Russo and Michael Francaviglia; the latter as the bishop's current designee to the board. Term limits for the committee were not decided at this time.

The executive committee members
• will respond to emergency calls for repairs from mission congregations, making the initial site visits, determining the problem, selecting the solution, and spending the funds necessary to correct the problem. The emergency funding limited to $5,000 per granting period.
• will follow up with the congregations on the successful conclusion of the repair work
• will be available for emergency calls
• will have the authority to fund within limits determined by the board
• will present funding options to complete the projects, such as loans

Change in Funding Cycles:

The Ward J. Herbert Fund would move to three funding periods from two. The grant submission deadlines and payout dates would be: February 15 submit date with payout in June after ratification by Diocesan Council; May 15 submit date with payout in September after Diocesan Council ratification; and, September 15 submit date with payout in December after Diocesan Council ratification. Increased number of applications were anticipated over the next several years. Concern expressed with the additional number of meetings.

Deadline dates:

Applications received after the deadline dates of February 15, May 15, and September 15 (or at the end of the business day of Monday, if the 15th falls on a Saturday or Sunday) will be handled in the next granting cycle. This does not cover emergency situations that will fall under the authority of the Executive Committee.

Expanded Board Size:

The convention adopted the restructure resolution which increased the membership to 18, consisting of 11 members (4 clergy and 7 lay) elected by Diocesan Council, of which not less than four shall be members of the Diocesan Council, the Standing Committee or the Board of the Episcopal Capital Loan Fund ("ECLF"); 5 members (2 clergy and 3 lay) appointed by the Bishop; a member of the Diocesan staff designated by the Bishop; and the Diocesan Property Manager.

The following persons were recommended for membership to the Board:
Class of 2001 (lay): ; Class of 2002 (lay), (clergy); Class of 2003 (lay), (clergy)

CANTERBURY VILLAGE BOARD ELECTIONS

Ms. Diane Rhodes, Canterbury Village Trustee, moved the following Trustees to the Class of 2002: Mrs. Marjorie Christie, Christ, Ridgewood; Mrs. Clara Horsley, Christ, East Orange; The Rev. Al Jousset, Christ, Ridgewood; Ms. Diane Mayo, Christ, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge; Mr. Larry Taber, Grace, Madison, and the Rev. E. Bevan Stanley, for the class of 2000; and the slate of officers: Mr. Tim Carpenter, President; Ms. Diane Rhodes, Vice President; Mr. Richard Haines, Treasurer; Mr. Stephen Bartholomew, Asst. Treasurer; and Ms. Hope Lampe, Secretary. The motion was seconded and adopted.

Ms. Rhodes described the facility and the services that are provided to the residents. The residents were able to live full lives that met their needs. The facility was small – can handle thirty-eight residents. The facility operated on a tight margin.

ELECTRIC DEREGULATION

The Rev. Skip Vilas presented a report and resolutions regarding electric deregulation and the selection of "Green-E" certified blend of renewable electricity. Discussions had been held with the Diocese of New Jersey and the Roman Catholic dioceses about forming an aggregation that will take the lead in creating a market for renewable energy in the state. Partners for Environmental Quality was negotiating prices; hence, details of pricing and qualities were not included in the resolutions until negotiations completed. "Green-E" has to have 50% renewable electricity and no nuclear power.

Resolved, that the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark commends to the diocesan administration the work towards developing an aggregation of religious congregations in New Jersey for the purposes of purchasing clean electric energy under the State's new policy of deregulation of the electric industry; and, be it further

Resolved, that the Diocesan Council urges the administrative office to join through "Partners for Environmental Quality, Inc." with the Diocese of New Jersey and other religious bodies that are working together to create a market for "Green Energy" in the state of New Jersey; and, be it further

Resolved, that the Episcopal Diocese of Newark purchase for its own use and commend to its congregations and households the purchase of electric energy that is the least harmful to the health of our citizens of New Jersey.

The motion was seconded and adopted.

ECUMENICAL ROUNDTABLE ON SCIENCE, RELIGION & FAITH

The Rev. Skip Vilas reported that the Rev. Eric Hinds has been appointed as the new chair of the Science and Theology Committee.

He distributed a written report on the recent meeting of the Ecumenical Roundtable on Science, Technology and the Church in Canada and the US held on March 25, 2000. A resolution would be before General Convention to authorize the Working Group on Science, Technology and Faith to develop adult education materials for congregations which would examine critical issues in and dialogue about science and technology within the framework of Christian theology and ethics.

DIOCESAN WEB SITE POLICY

Mr. Michael Francaviglia, member of the Technology Committee, presented the following web site policy for ratification:

The Episcopal Diocese of Newark established the web site www.dioceseofnewark.org to facilitate communication and sharing of information within the diocese and among our churches and beyond. As this web site contains contents of a religious nature and serves as a medium for evangelism, a protocol must be established to cover its usage and contents. It is important to remember that www.dioceseofnewark.org is an extension of our diocese and a direct reflection on us as stewards of God's service and Word.

The Episcopal Church is a firm supporter of the First Amendment which guarantees the right to free speech, however certain contents and usage of the web site may be inconsistent with the site's intent and considered inappropriate. Such uses include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

1. Activities that are illegal or fraudulent.
2. Use that inaccurately implies endorsement or approval of sponsorship by the Diocese of Newark.
3. Use that can be confused with official communication of the Diocese of Newark.
4. Advertising of any commercial services.
5. Activities that violate diocesan and parish/mission members' privacy.
6. Harassment.

The Diocese of Newark is not responsible for content it does not directly post to its web site or contents of those sites linked through www.dioceseofnewark.org (such as local parish or affiliated organization web sites). The Diocese reserves the right to remove content or links violating any portion of this policy.

At the point where contents of a sensitive nature must be restricted, the Diocese reserves the right to restrict access to these portions. Therefore, the Diocese may, at any point in time, restrict access to any portion of the web site to any or all parties publicly accessing www.dioceseofnewark.org.

The Diocese of Newark reserves the right to discontinue any or all online services at any time or to revise the terms or content of this policy.

The policy was moved, seconded and adopted.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS

The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss reported the various CDC's in the diocese have been invited to meet to discuss their work and their roles for ministry within the diocese. There will be two days when all of the CDC's will be invited for discussion. As an example, he noted that through the efforts of Episcopal Community Development in the south ward of Newark quite a number of housing units were constructed. This raised the questions of how do you minister to people who have moved into the area and how do you maintain the relationship with the diocese? How do these entities that were birthed by ECD stay within the diocese? There was new energy in the CDC movement along with much diversity and high potential for ministry.

STEERING COMMITTEE - RESOLUTION OF THANKS FOR SERVICE

Mr. Robert Simmons moved the following resolution of thanks for Mr. Rupert Cole, retiring Diocesan employee:

Resolved, that the Diocesan Council recognizes with great appreciation the steadfast dedication and commitment demonstrated by Rupert Cole during his seventeen years of employment with the Diocese of Newark; and, be it further

Resolved, that the Diocesan Council acknowledges with sadness the decision by Rupert to retire to Florida along with his wife, Blossom, to begin a new chapter in their lives; and, be it further

Resolved, that the Diocesan Council wishes Rupert and his family the best of success in their new venture and sends them off with love and gratitude.

The motion was seconded and adopted.

STEERING COMMITTEE - CONGREGATIONAL VISITS

Ms. Susan Schink reported that at the next meeting of Council assignments for the congregational visits will be made.

INCARNATION, WEST MILFORD

The Rev. Linda Strohmier reported that the communities of West Milford and Ringwood worked closely on the Highlands CDC, but the worshiping life at Church of the Incarnation, West Milford had declined deeply. The final service will be held on April 22. The few remaining people will worship at Good Shepherd, Ringwood. The buildings of West Milford will continue to be used for the CDC work and the training programs. The property will be called the Episcopal Mission in the Highlands.

ST. PETER'S, ROCHELLE PARK

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Barrett reported that the last worship service for St. Peter's, Rochelle Park, will take place on Sunday, May 30. The buildings will not be sold, at this time. The remaining members will worship at Atonement, Fair Lawn. Interestingly, St. Peter's was the founding church for Atonement.

The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Martin Bagay.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary


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