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

Elected by Districts: Ms. Kathleen Ballard, Mr. Daniel deRonde, Ms. Ann Hirsch, Ms. Naomi Horsky, The Rev. Briggett J. Keith, Mr. Nat Nelson, Ms. Nancy Read, The Rev. William Riker, The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler, The Rev. E. Bevan Stanley, The Rev. John F. Stanton, The Rev. Steven Steele, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, Mr. Larry Taber, Ms. Pat Yankus.

Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Steven Boston, Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Paul Williams

Absent: The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Kim Capwell, Mr. Jack Reade, Mr. Don Roberts, The Rev. Paul Walker, Mr. John Zinn,.

ECW: Mrs. Doris Mardirosian.

Others Present: The Rev. Maggie Gat

Staff: The Rev. Canon Paul Hunt, Canon R. Carter Echols, Ms. Susan Robinson.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Bishop Croneberger and opened with prayer by the.

AGENDA

Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda with the addition of a comment from the Technology Committee as prepared. The motion was adopted.

MINUTES

Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of October 9, 2002. The motion to accept the minutes as corrected was adopted.

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

Welcomed the Rev. Maggie Gat, representing the ACTS/VIM Board.

Reported the Standing Committee approved for ordination to the priesthood the following deacons: The Rev. Tim Barrett, The Rev. Beth Glover, The Rev. Helen Harper, The Rev. Ellen Sloan, The Rev. Margaret Tuttle, The Rev. Dean Weber.

Reported on his trip recently ito Minneapolis in preparation for the 74th General Convention when he met with the chairs of committees, commissions, boards and agencies of the national church to look at the agenda and legislative matters that will come before the deputies next year. An interesting sidelight was when the chair of the program, budget and finance committee asked the people that when they return to their dioceses to inquire what steps were being taken for them to journey toward the 21% assessment. This Saturday he will travel to Scottsdale to finalize the canonical changes for Title III.

Announced that Canon R. Carter Echols, the congregational development officer, had been working with interested groups to establish the position of a justice missioner.

Announced the dedication of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Manor was scheduled for Thursday, November 14. This was the third senior resident building sponsored by the diocese.

Reported the recent clergy conference had an attendance of 110 clergy persons. The days gave the clergy important time to be together and discuss how to balance work demands and personal spirituality.

Announced that a Jersey City Area Ministry meeting was held recently to discuss the future of ministry in Jersey City, including St. Augustine's and other efforts. Ms. Nancy Read and the Rev. E. Bevan Stanley represented the Council for those discussions.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The treasurer's report had been inclued in the package. In the absence of Mr. Zinn there was no financial report made to the Council.

ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

The Rev. Maggie Gat reported that the form continued to be fine tuned. The board was working toward encouraging congregations to begin new ministries and weaning repeat requesters to find other sources of funding.

The Rev. Maggie Gat presented the recommendations from the ACTS/VIM Board. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the December meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. (* = capped at $10,000)

AV-02-13 *Boonton, St. John's - Mentor Program
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-15 *Jersey City, Jersey City Episcopal CDC
After School Kids
Motion to fund $4,000: 9 yes.

AV-02-16 *Newark, St. James CDC - Community Organizing
Motion to fund $4,000: 7 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention.

AV-02-17 *Belleville, Christ Church - Care Closet
Motion to fund $2,000: 9 yes.

AV-02-18 Hillsdale, Trinity - Center for Help in Time of Loss
Motion to fund $5,000: 5 yes, 3 opposed with the condition that the letter described below was received before disbursement of funds.
There was concern expressed during the deliberations on the strength of the connection of the program with the church. A statement letter of when the The expenditure for the insurance seemed high and Mr. Pat Hunt will call the program contact to advise them on how to reduce the insurance fee. Mr. Hunt moved that the funding of $5,000 be tied to the receipt of a letter that answers the question of when the vestry approved the program; 5 yes, 3 opposed.

AV-02-19 *Fort Lee, Good Shepherd - Friends for Life
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-21 *East Orange, Christ Church
Learning Information & Access Center
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-22 Dover, St. John's - Kidsavers
Motion to fund $2,600: 7 yes, 1 abstention.

AV-02-23 *Newark, Grace - Youth@Home
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-24 Newark, Diocese of Newark - Bethsaida Team Project
Motion to fund $3,000: 9 yes.

AV-02-25 *Hackensack, Christ Church CDC requested 10,000
Peter's Place Expanded Services
Motion to fund $5,000: 9 yes.

AV-02-26 *Paterson, St. Paul's - Next Steps
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-27 Jersey City, Grace Van Vorst - Performing Arts Series
Motion to fund $4,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-28 Hoboken, All Saints' - Jubilee Youth
Motion to fund $5,000: 9 yes.

AV-02-29 Hasbrouck Heights, St. John the Divine
Care on the Corner
Motion to fund $9,500: 9 yes.

AV-02-30 Newark, Trinity + St. Philip's - Senior Healthy Living
Motion to fund $5,000: 9 yes.

Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $77,000

WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr. Steve Boston, Board member, presented the recommendations. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the December meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted.

WJH-02-29 Cliffside Park, Trinity $8,000 Leaks, Damaged Walls Repairs
The additional information requested (estimates for work completed or invoices detailing the costs, since the work had been completed) had not been submitted. Hence, the application was deferred for future action.

Motion: It was moved that the church reapply in the next granting cycle since the requested information was not submitted. The motion was adopted 10 yes, 1 no. This application will be deferred to the next granting period.

WJH-02-30 Bloomfield/Glen Ridge, Christ Church - Church Furnace
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $6,335: 1 yes, 1 abstention

WJH-02-31 Oradell, Annunciation - Boiler Replacement
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $7,997: 11 yes.

WJH-02-32 Orange, Epiphany - Parking Lot Drainage & Re-paving
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $7,500: 11 yes.

WJH-02-33 Maplewood, St. George's - Boiler Replacement, Egress Imprvmnt
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $10,000 from Fund 1 and $5,000 from Fund 2: 10 yes, 1 abstention.

WJH-02-34 Fort Lee, Good Shepherd - Fire Alarm System
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $6,268: 11 yes.

WJH-02-35 Jersey City, Grace Church Van Vorst
Rectory repairs; sanctuary roof & electrical work;
code compliant kitchen; re-keying; security system
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund: $8,262 from Fund 1 as detailed below and $15,000 conditionally from Fund 2 as described below: 11 yes.

Fund 1: It was determined to fund the following:
Emergency plumbing: $2,166 of $4,337.
Sanctuary electrical work: $4,076 of $8,153.
Furnace repair: $2,020 of $4,040.
After repeated requests for roofing estimates, no additional estimates had been received for the roof repair work.

Fund 2: It was voted to commit $15,000 from Fund 2 for the roof work, provided that the necessary bids be received, reviewed and approved by Mr. Tim Russo within 30 days.

WJH-02-36 Newark, Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral
Church Boiler Replacement
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $16,000: 11 yes.

WJH-02-37 Montclair, Trinity - Roof, furnace, sidewalk replacements
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $13,000 from Fund 1 and $10,000 from Fund 2 for the boiler project: 11 yes.
Motion: It was moved by Mr. Hayes and seconded that up to $10,000 from Fund 2 be designated for the boiler project.

YOUTH VISIONING DIALOGUE

Canon Carter Echols reported on results of the recent Youth Visioning Conference during which 56 people (youths and adults) worked and played together in a process of creating a shared vision of Youth Ministry. Feedback from the council and the districts was much sought. (The report was available on line at www.dioceseofnewark.org/youth/v2002thnx.html and the summary of the work at www.dioceseofnewark.org/youth/v2002notes.pdf.) The priorities identified by the participants were: diocesan wide youth events; communications; improve clergy support; training and networking for youth leaders; money for youth activities; help getting youth involved in parish life; district wide youth event; training programs for youth & training in how to recruit youth; improve music at church liturgies. Council members were asked to reflect on the priorities and provide reaction.

A list of Youth Ministries programming during 2002 was distributed. It included: a youth visioning conference, 9/10-11; Happening #15 and #16; Christophany, 11/15-17; the Diversity Conference, 11;22-23; Nightwatch, 3/28-29; a middle school and high school retreat; confirmation preparation days; diocesan convention pages; national happening event; Episcopal Youth Event every third year.

Comments from Council members on youth ministry included:
- youth want involvement in decision making;
- partnering churches with other churches in different areas;
- service projects, and service projects intergenerationally;
- number of youths involved in the programs versus the money spent;
- diversity representation;
- few churches represented at the visioning conference;
- balance between youth work at the local and diocesan levels;
- some youth groups are willing to collaborate with other local congregations;
- a response in one district had been that the church didn't have a youth group;
- district six churches disconnected when it comes to youth ministry;
- the diocese might be able to offer resources to make local youth groups better;
- what can a vibrant and active local youth group do for the diocese?
- district five plans to bring together at several activities the youths scheduled to be ordained next spring;
- perhaps a youth leader for three of the Jersey City congregations;
- connection between youth ministry and congregational growth.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

Ms. Doris Mardirosian reported the turn out was low for the art show at Calvary Church, Summit. Receipts were very low, too.

THE ROLE OF COUNCIL

Bishop Croneberger introduced the members of the committee, The Rev. Jack Stanton, Ms. Pat Yankus, Ms. Doris Mardirosian and the Rev. Bill Riker, and shared with the Council his priorities for the work of Council:

1) Lead the programmatic planning process of the diocese (council's canonical responsibility), following the Threads from the Visioning Convocation, and specifically taking into account this diocese's need for an urban/suburban strategy.

2) Develop and implement strategy for mission congregations in the diocese and assume the responsibilities currently performed by the Department of Missions.

3) Develop and implement ways to assist the Districts in their Vision and their work. The districts provide ways for ministry beyond the congregations.

4) Encourage partnerships between congregations within the diocese looking especially at partnerships between congregations with differing gifts and/or ministry environments (e.g. urban/suburban partnerships).

5) Recommend goals and criteria for a partner relationship with another diocese and explore possible relationship with dioceses currently looking for a companion. The recommendation needs specific items to be considered. Wants to appoint a committee prior to convention and wants some of the members from council to be part of that committee. Possibly a relationship with an Hispanic diocese.

6) Analyze the committees, commissions and task forces currently working in the diocese and make recommendations about how to improve our system.

The Rev. Jack Stanton, Ms. Pat Yankus, Ms. Doris Mardirosian and the Rev. Bill Riker, committee members, explained the committee's recommended procedure for organizing itself to work on the bishop's priorities. Any other ideas for council priorities can be presented in writing to the committee or to the council at any time. The committee sees responsibility for the planning process as the overall purpose for council. The committee will undertake the understanding of the diocesan committees and commissions. The council members will take on the other four items in an orderly fashion. At tonight's meeting, the committee will organize a discussion of the DOM and the Companion Diocese. At the December meeting, there will be a discussion on district strategies and parish partners.

The Rev. Canon Paul Hunt commented on the transition of the DOM. The DOM had developed a reputation that wasn't stellar in the past and it would not be transformed easily even with a new bishop. A separately elected and incorporated body that included members with personal reasons for membership was not a worth model. The DOM had carried a heavy responsibility with property issues for the missions. The property responsibilities were shifted to the Ward J. Herbert Fund Board. The chancellor and committee on constitution and canons will review the canons for revision for convention 2004. Elections had been suspended for the DOM because of the planned transition and membership was at eleven people. The most vital role for the DOM had been the liaison system; each member had a relationship with the DOM congregations. The system was productive because of the personal relationships that developed. The DOM had diocesan budget support for mission support and some debt service.

The committee facilitated the discussion of the DOM and Companion Diocese using the "world café" methodology.

DISTRICTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

The District 10 event scheduled for Saturday, November 17 was cancelled.

Mr. Steve Boston reminded members to work on getting their district information posted on the web site. The process was simple and anyone can be trained.

The Rev. Jack Stanton reported that district nine planned a visioning conference for next spring.

Ms. Kathleen Ballard reported that district five would host a conference with Mr. Fred Morsell, who portrays Frederick Douglass, next March 23, 2003 at Trinity, Montclair.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. with prayer by the the Rev. Steven Steele.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary

The next meeting date is Wednesday, December 18, 2002, St. Agnes', Little Falls.

Congregational Growth and Development Fund
Commitments through 10/31/02

I CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH GRANTS

Boonton, St. John's
Grant support to foster a new Associate Rector position for St. John's and to provide pastoral care to Native Americans at Good Shepherd, Ringwood. $2,000

Chester, Messiah
Dollar for dollar matching support for new Adult Day Care Ministry connected to congregational development goals.
Up to $20,000 for Capital up to $80,000 for program over 2 years

Dover, St. John's
Grant support for plan to support Hispanic Ministry and replicate the population of the community in which it is located. $19,000

Hope, St. Luke's
Grant support for comprehensive Parish Renewal Program that includes: worship, outreach, children's youth ministry and stewardship. $54,352 over 2 years.

Tenafly, Atonement
Grant support for comprehensive children's music and worship program and efforts to incorporate new families into the parish. $42,000 over 3 years.

II MINISTRY TRAINING GRANTS

Church Development Institute
Grant to underwrite costs for participation in two year training program for up to 25 clergy and lay leaders from the Diocese of Newark
$22,800 over 2 years

Hispanic Ministry Grant
Grant to support five-diocese initiative to develop ministry training for indigenous people. $4,000

III SUPPORT FOR DIOCESAN MISSIONS

One year support to make possible the Department of Missions 2002 Strategy. In 2003, Bishop Croneberger will be asking the Department to replenish these funds if possible so they can be made available for other congregations.

St. John's, Hasbrouck Heights $14,000 Newark Area Ministry $26,000
Good Shepherd, Ringwood $60,000 Good Shepherd, Wantage $10,000
St. Mark's, West Orange $20,000

IV DISTRICT INITIATIVES
District 10 seed money for College Ministry Initiative at Ramapo College $5,000



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