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DIOCESE OF NEWARK - DIOCESAN COUNCIL

Wednesday, May 14, 2003
St. Agnes' Episcopal Church, Little Falls

Approved Minutes of the Meeting


The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003
St. Agnes' Episcopal Church, Little Falls



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

Elected by Districts: Mr. Donald Cairns, The Rev. Kim Capwell, The Rev. Randall Day, Ms. Ann Hirsch, Ms. Naomi Horsky, Ms. Susan Kynor, Mr. Andrew Piccirillo, Ms. Nancy Read, The Rev. William Riker, Mr. Don Roberts, The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler, The Rev. E. Bevan Stanley, The Rev. John F. Stanton, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, The Rev. Paul Walker, Ms. Pat Yankus, The Rev. Denise Yarbrough.

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

Absent: Mr. Steven Boston, The Rev. Lu-Ann Conner, Mr. Daniel deRonde, Mr. Larry Taber.

ECW: Mrs. Doris Mardirosian.

Others Present:: Mr. Alan Bowen, District 10 convener; The Rev. Margaret Gat.; Mrs. Marva Brome.

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

VISIONING THREADS UPDATE - SPIRITUALITY

The meeting opened with Bible Study at 6:45 p.m. and followed by an exercise presented by the Role of Diocesan Council Committee members, The Rev. Bevan Stanley and The Rev. Jack Stanton, on "Spirituality," one of the seven threads identified at the Visioning Convocation 2001. Members of council were asked to answer the question:

What is included in spirituality thread that we do in the diocese?:

-discernment
-worship
-prayer group
-prayer
-educational programs
-meditation
-LEMs
-humor
-spiritual reading
-journeying with God
-conversation
-Bible study
-spiritual reading
-stewardship
-music
-renewal groups
–renewal activities
-Cursillo, etc.
-pastoral care
-spirituality conferences
-fellowship
-devotion
-healing ministry
-silence
-Labyrinth
-theological reflection
-congregational development
-community
-sermons
-daily office
-teaching
-inclusiveness
-ECW
-celebrations
-retreats
-advocacy
-EFM
-Lectio Divina
-Sunday school
-creative congregations
-multi-culturalism
-Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries
-convention
-diocese companionships
-sacramental preparation
-Convent of St. John Baptist
-journaling
-interfaith dialogue
-spiritual direction
-"Fresh Start"
-mission
-UTO
-Interweave
-icons
-Bishop Anand Resource Center
-altar guilds
-Church Periodical Club
-listening
-social justice
-family
-congregational mission statements
-crucifers & acolytes
-North Porch
-J2A
-youth ministries
-CDCs
-confirmation
-grants
-preaching

Conversation continued referring to the list compiled and incorporated the questions: How well do you think the diocese nurtures the spiritual lives of members of our congregations? What do we do best? What could help strengthen us in the area of spirituality?

-the past convention which connected us with other cultures within the diocese, along with the follow up with the posters.
-convention provides about the only opportunity for laity
-openness to diversity (ethnic, cultural, liturgically). This broadens what spirituality is about.
-nurturing exists in congregations.
-financial emphasis on stewardship and proportional giving
-"Celebrating Creative Congregations" and the recent spirituality workshops
-clergy conferences and retreats
-retired clergy members who associated themselves with individual congregations
-continuing education programs

What can Diocesan Council do to help strengthen the nurturing of spirituality in our diocese?

-could events and opportunities for spiritual growth for laity be better communicated?
-subsidize programs or other avenues toward spiritual development through the budget
-continue to improve on issues of clergy wellness, such as continuing education, sabbaticals through convention mandates (clergy are often the focus of spiritual life within for a congregation)
-consider the well being of the congregations; some are in need of healing
-use of districts to build spirituality
-nurturing of congregational leaders, such as the scheduled wardens' conferences
-outside resources to help districts develop fully
-meeting of council members and district conveners
-council could help clarify expectations with district meetings, activities; possible guidelines
-district participation is a volunteer effort, especially for the conveners
-continuing to strengthen "Celebrating Creative Congregations," which will have a tremendously positive impact on individual congregations.

AGENDA

Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as prepared with the deletion of the election of Rutherford Senior Manor Trustees. The motion was adopted.

MINUTES

Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of April 9, 2003. The motion to accept the minutes was adopted.

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

Welcomed the Rev. Margaret Gat, Mr. Alan Bowen and Mrs. Marva Brome.

Announced that the Voice garnered seven Polly Bond awards at the recent Episcopal Communicators' Conference.

Reviewed the structure of the provinces and reported on the recent synod of Province 2 held last week in Latham, New York. The national church funded coordinators for each of the provinces. The coordinators for Province 2 were the Rev. David Badgley and Ms. Chris Badgely. On the triennium year, the synod was held for the deputies elected to General Convention in order to prepare for the General Convention. During the other two years, meetings and conferences were held for ministry network representatives and educational purposes. The synod elected Mr. Kim Byham, All Saints', Hoboken, to the Executive Council; Mr. Michael Rehill as Vice President; and Bishop Croneberger to the Provincial Court.

Reported that next week, two events were scheduled: clergy day at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries; and, a wardens' reception which was the first of planned activities on the training of wardens.

Announced that Canon Hunt would participate in a week-long program to be a trainer for "Fresh Start" programs in other dioceses.

Reported that discussions continued on the plans by NJ Transit for the construction on the extension of the Newark subway system.

Explained that the staff formulated a policy regarding dissemination of regarding health issues and other pastoral issues within the diocese. This was in an attempt to be appropriate and considerate when it comes to the release such information. Information and facts will be shared with the wider community when permission was given by the people directly involved.

Reported that the Rev. Steven Steele, former Council member, was diagnosed with lung cancer and was undergoing treatment.

Regarding Mrs. Croneberger, the health problem was identified as neurological in nature and tests were underway.

DISTRICT ACTIVITIES REPORTS

District representatives reported on activities, programs and planning within their districts.

District 5: The Rev. Paul Walker reported on a recent district dinner; the time was used for social interaction and to determine the direction and work of the district. Turnout, spirit and energy were evident.

District 3: The Rev. Bill Riker reported on the pre-confirmation event of a pot luck supper, which drew the community and the confirmands closer together.

District 1: The Rev. Kim Capwell and Mr. Andrew Piccarillo reported on the recent meeting and the planned "Summer Plunge" at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries on Sunday, June 8. The stations of the cross went well.

District 9: Mr. Don Cairns reported the district members collected items for Seamen's Church Institute and spent the day there.

District 10: Ms. Pat Yankus reported on the college ministry program being developed for Ramapo College.

District 4: The Rev. Bevan Stanley reported the district met for dinner at Grace, Madison and then joined with a local presbyterian church for remembrance of the Holocaust.

District 8: The Rev. Randall Day reported the district was developing a church growth program for use by all congregations within the district.

Ms. Susan Robinson, Communications Director, reminded members to send their district news and photographs to the Voice.

DISTRICT 10 SPENDING REPORT

Mr. Alan Bowen, District 10 convener, presented a spending request on behalf of the district. The request was to underwrite the costs for a district pre-confirmation preparation activity scheduled for May 31 and June 1. The program will focus on diversity and include the participation of Mr. Van Arrington, founder of "Teach My People." The amount requested was $1,184 (honorarium, $500; hotel and travel, $284; meals for participants, $400).

Motion: It was moved by Ms. Pat Yankus, seconded and adopted that the funds in the amount of $1,184 be approved for District 10.

COUNCIL TASK FORCE REPORTS

Task Force representatives presented status reports.

Committee on Missions: The Rev. Canon Paul Hunt reported the committee met recently, and focused on a common understanding of how the canons classified the congregations.

The Companion Diocese Committee: The Rev. Robert Schiesler reported the committee was discussing the theology and expectations of the relationship and would report at the June meeting.

Committees and Commissions: The Rev. Dean Weber reported the committee met and developed a questionnaire that will be sent to all committees, commissions and task forces. This will help the Diocesan Council to ascertain the relationship of all groups to the diocese.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Mr. John Zinn reported progress was made in the collection of the 2002 pledges and would probably meet the expectations. For 2003, a budget review process had started. Early projections suggested that income would not be significantly different than budgeted. A negative trend in expenses was the cost of heat for Episcopal House. The budget committee will meet in early June and the full report will be provided to the June 11 meeting.

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

ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

The Rev. Maggie Gat presented the recommendations from the ACTS/VIM Board.


Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted.

AV-03-01 Wantage, Good Shepherd - Friendly Fridays requested $3,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $2,900: 12 yes.

AV-03-02 East Orange, Christ - LIAC (tutoring program) requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $6,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-03 Hillsdale, Holy Trinity - Center for Help in Time of Loss requested 10,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $3,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-04 Boonton, St. John's - Community Summer Program requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $7,000: 11 yes, 1 abstention.

AV-03-06 Newark, Grace Church - Homework Club requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $7,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-07 Newark, AIDS Resource Ctr - Prevention Education requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $8,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-08 Newark, Newark School of Theology requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $4,700: 12 yes.

AV-03-09 Hackensack, Christ Church requested 10,000*
Peter's Place Expanded Services: Safe Haven, Next Steps
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 2 abstentions.
Motion to fund $6,000: 10 yes, 2 abstentions.

AV-03-10 Union City, Grace Church - Outreach Summer Project requested 7,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $6,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-11 Jersey City, Grace Van Vorst requested 10,000*
Young Artists-in-training Summer Program
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $5,600: 12 yes.

AV-03-12 Newark, St. James CDC - Housing Resource Center requested 10,000*
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $3,000: 12 yes.

AV-03-13 Jersey City, Jersey City Episcopal CDC requested 10,000*
Senior Center for Healthy Living
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $2,600: 11 yes, 1 abstention.

AV-03-14 Jersey City, St. Paul's - Summer Program requested 11,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes.
Motion to fund $7,000: 12 yes.

Total recommendation to Diocesan Council: $68,800
(*capped at $10,000)

WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

The Rev. Robert Schiesler and The Rev. Paul Walker, Board members, presented the recommendations.

Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted.

WJH-03-01 Cliffside Park, Trinity - Repairs to leak damage requested $8,000
This request will be held over into the next granting cycle.

WJH-03-02 Montvale, St. Paul's - Boiler replacement (church) requested 5,225
Motion to fund: 15 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $5,225: 15 yes, 1 abstention.

WJH-03-03 Towaco, Transfiguration - Church gutter replacements requested 870
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $870: 16 yes.

WJH-03-04 Bloomfield, Christ Church requested 13,212
Electrical service upgrade; new alarm system; sidewalk repair
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $7,000: 16 yes.

WJH-03-05 Newark, Grace Church requested 18,924
Boiler replacement (church); leak repair and leak damage
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $13,736: 16 yes.

WJH-03-06 West Orange, Holy Trinity - Rectory renovations requested 10,000
Motion to fund: 16 no.
There was general discomfort with granting funds to pay off the obligation of an ECLF loan. The funds for the project were made available to them through the mechanism available to the board, namely, the ECLF loan.

WJH-03-07 Glen Rock, All Saints' - Rectory repairs and renovations removed earlier

WJH-03-08 Union City, Grace Church requested 1,350
Replace church heating pipes and radiators
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $1,350: 16 yes.

WJH-03-09 Hasbrouck Heights, St. John the Divine requested 11,925
Electrical service upgrade; fire alarm system; parish hall exterior door
Motion to fund from Fund 2: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $5,000 from Fund 2: 16 yes.

WJH-03-10 Nutley, Grace Church - Vent and vent fan for rectory requested 437
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $437: 16 yes.

WJH-03-11 Kearny, Trinity requested 4,382
Roof work on church, parish hall, rectory; parish hall fire alarm system
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $4,382

WJH-03-12 Oakland, St. Alban's - Repair termite damage requested 28,000
Motion to fund: 16 yes.
Motion to fund $15,000: 16 yes.
The eligible work covered under the 50/50 guidelines amounted to $30,000; meaning a possible grant of $15,000.

Total recommendation to diocesan council: $48,000

DIOCESAN OUTREACH COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

Ms. Pat Yankus, Committee Chair, presented the recommendations on behalf of the committee. Since 1999, the committee had received requests in two categories; international outreach and domestic outreach. For 2003 there were $20,000 available for international outreach and $138,400 for domestic outreach. The committee requested that beginning with 2003 the Council give final approval at the May meeting for the recommendations, rather than doing a month hold-over as was done with the recommendations from ACTS/VIM and Ward J. Herbert. The recommendations are made available to Council members prior to the meeting. For the individual organizations this particular time of year found many in great financial need. The organizations needed the money in some cases to meet payroll. Additionally, there had never been an appeal by any of the requesting groups to a decision by the Outreach Committee.

Motion: It was moved by Ms. Pat Yankus that the vote on the recommendations and the vote on the disbursement of funds happen concurrently this evening. The motion was seconded.

During discussion, The Rev. Jack Stanton raised his concern that the members hadn't sufficient time to review the requests in light of the Visioning Convocation threads. He was mindful though past years did not see appeals or that cash flow problems existed for many of the organizations, but he expressed concern that this action might become a precedent that will be considered for ACTS/VIM and Ward J. Herbert Fund recommendations.

The Rev. William Riker recommended an amendment that recommendations from the Outreach Committee be provided seven days before the date of the Council meeting. The motion was seconded. There was a lively and full discussion on the amendment.

The chair ruled that with the adoption of the amendment it will effect the original motion to approve the recommendations brought before the Council this evening.

The amendment was withdrawn by the movers.

Mr. Zinn urged the adoption of the motion for the immediate release of the funds. Four of the organizations were in dire need of the money in order to meet payroll this week. For future years, the Outreach Committee could begin its work earlier in the year, perhaps in February.

The original motion allowing for the immediate release of the funds was adopted.

Motion: Ms. Pat Yankus moved, and it was seconded and adopted that the recommendations from the Outreach Committee as provided below be ratified. The motion was adopted.

In the international category, the committee received three requests. The requests and the committee's recommendations are as follows:

1. Good Shepherd Home for Children, Cameroon – a request for $20,000 in funding to complete the purchase of a home for street children whose parents have died of Aids or other diseases in Cameroon, West Africa - Recommended funding - $8,000

2 Diocese of West Buganda (Uganda)/Church of the Epiphany in Allendale – a request
for $10,000 to support an economic development project in organic farming. - Recommended funding - $5,000

3. St. Peter's CSI English Medium School (India)/St. Peter's Church, Morristown, St. Alban's Church, Oakland – a request for $10,000 towards the first phase of the expansion of a school.
- Recommended funding - $7,000

In the domestic category, the committee received 15 requests that totaled $185,625. The requests and the recommendations are as follows:

1. St. John's CDC, Boonton, NJ – a request for $12,000 to help fund a summer day camp for the children of low-income families. - Recommended funding - $12,000

2. Grace Church, Newark, NJ – a request for $9,000 for an after school program for youth living in public housing in inner city Newark. - Recommended funding - $9,000

3. The AIDS Resource Center at St. Barnabas, Newark, NJ – a request for $20,000 for a program to assist congregations to provide a welcoming environment and pastoral care to those living with AIDS. - Recommended funding - $20,000

4. St. Paul's CDC, Paterson, NJ – a request for $35,000 to fund a case management position for the CDC's men's shelter and food pantry programs. - Recommended funding - $20,000

5. Grace Church, Van Vorst, Jersey City, NJ – a request for $20,000 to replace a main sewer line and install plumbing and fixtures to provide laundry and rest room facilities for 75 or more homeless people. - Recommended funding – No funding is recommended, the committee believes that the congregation needs to develop a comprehensive plan for its ministry to the homeless.

6. Apostles' House, Newark, NJ – a request for $5,000 for general operating support for this organization which provides services to families in need in Newark. - Recommended funding - $5,000

7. St. James CDC, Newark, NJ – a request for $15,000 for general operating support for this CDC which is working to revitalize the lower Broadway section of Newark's North Ward. - Recommended funding - $15,000

8. Jersey City Episcopal CDC – a request for $15,000 for general operating support for this CDC which provides housing and social services to vulnerable populations throughout Jersey City. - Recommended funding - $15,000

9. Greater Newark and Jersey City LISC – a request for $5,000 in general operating support for this organization which provides financial and technical assistance for the housing development efforts of community based organizations in Newark and Jersey City. - Recommended funding - $5,000

10. Good Shepherd Community Services, Ft. Lee, NJ – a request for $5,225 in support for the organization's food pantry for people living with HIV. - Recommended funding - $5,000

11. Church of the Epiphany, Orange, NJ – a request for $3,000 to support the parish's food pantry. - Recommended funding - $3,000

12. Camp Shining Star, East Orange, NJ – a request for $14,500 for a summer day camp in East Orange, sponsored by St. Agnes and St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Calvary-Roseville United Methodist Church. - Recommended funding - $2,500 subject to a matching $500 contribution from St. Agnes' and St. Paul's Church.

13. Christ Church CDC, Hackensack, NJ – a request for $10,000 to provide next step case management services for the clients of the CDC's homeless shelter. - Recommended funding - $10,000

14. St. Peter's Haven, Clifton, NJ – a request for $6,900 for fire alarm and other renovations to the organization's two residences for homeless families. - Recommended funding - $6,900

15. Interfaith Hospitality Network for the Homeless of Essex County – a request for $10,000 for support of the operating budget of this ecumenical program that provides emergency shelter and support services for homeless families in Essex County. - Recommended funding - $10,000

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

Ms. Doris Mardirosian reported on the recent provincial ECW gathering. A fundraiser that would benefit North Porch was scheduled on June 25 at NJPAC with Roberta Flack. This was an annual event that assisted a number of non-profits. The annual ECW meeting would be held later this year.

It was moved and seconded to temporarily adjourn the meeting of Council.

HILLSDALE SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION

The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior Housing Corporation.

It was moved and seconded that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted:

Diocesan Representative Trustee (Term expires May 2008):.

Hillsdale Trustees (Terms expire May 12, 2004): Mr. Bruce M. Bloch, Ms. Angela Williamson, Mr. George Norman, Mrs. Nancy DeNoble, Mrs. Barbara Blinn, Ms. Chessie Kouba, Ms. Gean Kling, Ms. Collette Killian, Mr. James Davidson, Mr. William Hafemann, Mrs. Mary Hampton and Mrs. Barbara Hasse.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted.

NUTLEY EPISCOPAL SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION

The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation.

It was moved and seconded that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted:

Diocesan Representative Trustees: Class of 2006: Ms. Elizabeth J. "Betty" Gingerelli, Grace, Nutley, and Mr. Michael Francaviglia, St. George's, Maplewood.

Nutley Trustees (Terms expire May 12, 2004): Mr. John Agostini, The Rev. Pamela Bakal, Mr. James Blanda, Mr. James T. Callaghan, Mr. Thomas Corino, Mr. Robert Mulligan, Mr. David Pellnitz, Mr. Louis Riccio, Mr. Mike Ryder, Ms. AnnMae Thibault.

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted.

The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Sidney King presented Bishop Brome with a corrected plaque from UBE.

Mr. Don Cairns announced activities at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries.

The Rev. Paul Williams requested prayers for his step-son, Michael Hayes, son of his partner, Larrry Hayes, who had been diagnosed with an unusual form of cancer.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with prayer by The Rev. Randall Day.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary



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