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DIOCESE
OF NEWARK - DIOCESAN COUNCIL
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Wednesday, October 8, 2003
St. Agnes' Episcopal Church, Little Falls
Approved Minutes of the Meeting
The next meeting will be held on
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
The December meeting will be held on December 17 (the 3rd Wednesday)
St. Agnes' 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. Lu-Ann
Conner, The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Abigail Hamilton, Ms. Naomi Horsky, Ms.
Susan Kynor, The Rev. Thomas Laws, Mr. Andrew Piccirillo, Ms. Nancy Read, The
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler, The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley, The Rev. John F.
Stanton, Mr. Larry Taber.
Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Steven Boston, Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Prince Singh,
The Rev. Paul Williams.
Absent: Mr. Don Roberts, The Rev. Margaret Swetman, The Rev. Paul Walker, Ms.
Pat Yankus.
ECW: Mrs. Doris Mardirosian.
Others Present: John Garde, Esq., Vice Chancellor; Mr. Tim Russo; The Very Rev.
C. David Williams.
Staff: Bishop Brome, Canon R. Carter Echols, The Rev. Canon Paul S. Hunt.
BIBLE STUDY
The Bible passages used for the reflective period were from Luke 10:1-12, The
Mission of the Seventy, and Luke 10:17-20, The
Return of the Seventy. Discussion centered around
the following questions: Jesus organizes seventy of his followers. What is their
priority? How are they organized? How are they to go about their mission? What
do they get to bring with them? As Diocesan Council members: What is our priority?
How are we organized? How do we go about our mission? What do we get to bring
with us?
ROLE OF COUNCIL
The Rev. Kim Capwell, The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley, The Rev. Jack
Stanton and Mrs. Doris Mardirosian, members of the Role of Council
Committee, led the members of the Council into an exploration of
a "Proposed Organization of the Diocesan
Council." The proposal suggested the formation of several subcommittees
(referred to as Standing Committees of Council), each with an emphasis on the
Threads identified through the work of the Visioning Convocation, and the creation
of an executive committee which would act as a steering committee to meet regularly
to set the council agenda. The purpose for the creation of the Standing Committees
was to foster communication between and among the Council, the districts, the
parishes and the diocesan staff. Additionally, the proposed structure would enable
Council to perform the duties outlined in Canon Five. Council members would self-select
their Standing Committee membership. One person from each of the Standing Committees
would form the executive committee (steering committee). The Standing Committees
would meet during dinner and prior to the start of the monthly Council business
sessions.
The six Threads were Congregational Vitality (previously referred as Parish Collaboration),
Youth, Elderly, Community Development, Education and Diversity. The seventh thread,
Spirituality, was viewed as being a natural part of each of the other threads
and the rest of the work done within the diocese.
After the introduction of the proposed structure by The Rev. Mr. Capwell, members
self-selected into six small table groups each with the focus on one of the Threads
to discuss the proposal. After a period of time, the members were called into
session for a report back to the whole. The report back session was moderated
by The Rev. Mr. Stanley.
The group report that considered Congregational Vitality was presented
by The Rev. Randall Day: Congregational vitality wasn't viewed as
a segregated effort but recognized that a congregation had to be
vital in all of the program areas to be successful. Congregational
vitality was seen as overlapping the other threads with spirutality
engaging all of them; and appeared to be a workable approach. Congregational
vitality should not be isolated as a separate concern. The working
group would coordinate and integrate diocesan programs to be more effective.
There was a concern expressed about the terminology of "standing committees" since
it could imply impulse toward institutional inertia. There was a need seen to
keep away from bureaurcratic terminology. Each congregation would have a mission
working with the congregational vitality working group. The priority of getting
programs to the congregations would be with congregational vitality. Relationships
would be maintained with other diocesan entities. Eventually work would begin
on when and where to build new churches and new church starts.
The group report that considered Youth was presented by Mr. Andrew
Piccirillo. The threads were seen as the core values at the time
of the convocation, but what happens when the threads begin "to tie you down." The
thread of congregational vitality could cover all the topics, but
youth couldn't do so. The group looked at life-cycles and considered
a combination of youth and elderly work as effective for each other
and the diocese.
The group report that considered Elderly was presented by Ms. Nancy Read. The
discussion centered on the role of elderly committee. Reviewed the entire model
which might be replicated in congregations; these were key areas that each congregation
could review.
The group report that considered Community Development was presented by The Rev.
Tom Laws. Welcomed the connection to Outreach. Important to defined ourselves
by addressing the world beyond the congregation. Community development was positioned
between congregational life and diversity which addresses many issues, such as
after school youth program, homeless feeding, CDC's, prison ministries, refugees.
The role of the standing committee was seen as an advocate for the community
organizations to bring awareness to the diocesan level, the council and staff;
also telling the stories of the organizations. Other assistance might be facilitating
board elections, and identifying funding and resources. Such work would be a
move from relief mentality to self-reliance. Work should be development not simply
raising issues. There was unfinished discussion on concerns about scope and bundaries
of the work to be done.
The group report that considered Diversity was presented by Ms. Naomi Horsky.
Closely viewed the structure offered, and saw it as a beginning to show Council
members where we were heading with the canons and providing structures where
loosely organized before. Diversity encompassed more than was listed; diocese
quite diverse. There was an overlap of the five committees; they would be advocates.
It was noted that there was also diversity by geography in northern New Jersey
and additional ministry work would include interfaith outreach, Hispanic ministry
and others.
The group report that considered Education was presented by The Rev. Mr. Capwell.
Everything was seen through the lense of congregational development by the staff.
The Council has more work to do in this model. Is the work manageable? The topic
of education was too broad to brainstorm each of the ministries. An unanswered
question posed by the group was if something didn't fall under one of the threads,
could the threads be a litmus test for prioritizing ministries?
Other comments during the general discussion included: vital relationships were
seen between ministries. Control was not sought from the process. Something will
either have its own life or it will atrophy. The proposed structure was designed
to help Council carry out its canonical responsibilities, not to manage or do
the work of the diocesan staff.
If council adopted the model, how many people would be on each committee and
therefore how many people would be needed on Council? Could there be non-council
members on the committees? It was suggested that perhaps the structure of the
Executive Committee of the national church could be a model. The Executive Council
met as a whole four to six times a year with four or six other meetings held
during the year to discuss program work.
The role of Council would plan and evaluate the program of the diocese.
The role of the Standing Committees was to plan and evaluate and
to be supportive of that particular portion of the diocesan program.
The work for Council described in Canon 5 was seen "as almost awesome in detail." This
proposed structure makes the job more manageable. It could make the
formation of new program work somewhat easier since there would be
a known and identifiable group (the Council) with the knowledge of
similarly existing work and resources of assistance. For example,
if there was a desire to begin an effort on refugee ministry, the
information could be available as to whether a ministry already exists,
what had been done, what hadn't been done, and what might need to
be done.
The bishop thanked the members of the Role of Council Committee for their work
during the past year and a half. He was confident that more effective and important
work will be the eventual result of the efforts of the committee.
AGENDA
Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda with additions for an announcement
about Jubilee Ministries and two resolutions from the Role of Council Committee.
The motion was adopted.
MINUTES
Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of September
10, 2003. The motion to accept the minutes was adopted.
EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS - THE RT. REV.
JOHN P. CRONEBERGER
Welcomed The Rev. Prince Singh, The Rev. Thomas Laws and The Rev. Abigail Hamilton,
new members of Council (bishop's appointment and newly appointed representatives
from Districts 2 and 3, respectively); Mr. Tim Russo, Property Manager; and,
The Very Rev. C. David Williams.
Reported on the status of Cross Road Outdoor Ministries. The budget had been
in deficit for several years. At the start of 2003, neither the Lutheran Synod
nor the diocese were in the position to continue operations with a deficit budget
and called for the end of the deficit by year's end. Unfortunately, revenues
and camper numbers were down this year and a deficit occurred. The board recently
accepted the resignations from Ms. Peggy Mellors, executive director, and Br.
Kevin Goodrich, chaplain and director of program. A staff position held by Mr.
Russ Worthington was eliminated close to the end of the summer season. The remaining
employee was a maintenance worker. The board for the camp would continue to meet
and review options. At this time, it was anticipated that the camp program would
be moth balled for the coming year. The board was studying the reality of camping
programs and conference centering with the resources available. Unfortunately
financial support and financial resources were not at the level to support a
camp.
Reported on the recent candidacy conference held by the Commission on Ministry
and the COM's diaconal subcommittee. Candidates approved for the transitional
diaconate were: William Feus, Lorraine Dughi, Willie Smith, Deborah Venezia and
Laurie Wurm. Candidates approved for the diaconate were: Charles Nelson, Lynn
Czarniecki, Nancy Read, Elizabeth Ostuni, and William Bailey.
Announced that during December, Bishops Croneberger and Brome will ordain to
the priesthood the following: Willam Tay Moss, 12/7, St. John's, Dover; John
Patrick Mitchell, 12/13, Messiah, Chester; Peter DeFranco, 12/6, Grace, Madison;
Thomas E. Mathews, Jr., 12/6, Grace, Madison; Denise H. Bennett, 12/6, Redeemer,
Morristown; C. Melissa Hall, 12/6, St. Stephen's, Millburn; Anne E. Koehler,
12/13, St. Luke's, Gladstone; Edgar Gutierrez-Duarte, 12/14, St. Paul's, Paterson;
Susan A. Schink, 12/20, Epiphany, Allendale; and Elizabeth K. Golub, 1/3/04,
St. Michael's, Wayne.
Announced the appointment of a new Council committee on Jersey City. An earlier
convention decision gave Council the responsibility for disbursement of the Jersey
City funds, both those earmarked for use by Jersey City Area Ministry (JCAM)
and the eventual construction of a church building. Because of that responsibility,
it was important that Council members have an understanding of the history and
the direction for ministry in the city. To that end, he appointed several members
of Council to the Jersey City Committee on Ministry of Diocesan Council with
the particular responsibility to become well versed on the history and issues
about ministry within Jersey City. The members appointed were Mr. Don Roberts,
Ms. Nancy Read, The Rev. Paul Williams, Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Prince Singh
and The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley. With the appropriate information and knowledge
it was anticipated that the committee will bring recommendations to the Council
and to the bishop and staff as warranted. The Council affirmed the bishop's appointments.
COUNCIL TASK FORCE REPORTS
Committees and Commissions Task Force -
Mr. John Garde presented a report on behalf of the Committees and
Commissions Task Force. The task force was charged with considering
the current state of structure and to provide some recommendations.
The first part of the work consisted of compiling a list of over
80 entities that claim a relationship to the diocese. Some difficulty
was evidenced by the problem trying to be fixed. Some specific concerns
were raised: Who speaks for the Diocese? How is a particular entity
funded and does that entity have a right to funding from the Diocesan
budget? What is the entity's purpose and has that purpose been fulfilled?
To whom does the entity report and to whom are its members accountable?
How does one get to be a member? What are the terms of office? What
are the responsibilities? What is the potential liability of the
Diocese for actions taken by members of these various entities?
A questionnaire was mailed to the known entities. With the information supplied
by the survey, entities were classified by the mechanism of their creation. Specifically,
entities created by the National Canons. (These include the Standing Committee,
Commission on Ministry etc.); entities created by Diocesan Convention. (These
include Department of Missions, Districts, etc.); entities created by the Diocesan
Council. (These include various (but not all) Community Development Corporations.);
and, entities created by the Office of the Bishop. (These include the Planned
Giving Committee, the Oasis, etc.)
By this step some of the issues may be addressed. Entities created by national
canons were well defined. By Diocesan Convention many were created and some of
their missions have ended, and some have evolved, but there remained issues of
accountability, issues regarding budget access, and membership. Those created
by Council or by bishops face the same issues. The committee work was beginning
to sort out the situation, but was facing that the uncertainty that now seems
to exist could be addressed initially when committees or commissions are first
created. Six different areas suggested for use when a new entity is created.
This blueprint can be used to evaluate the purpose, existence, accountability,
budget, membership, and life span. It was recommended that a canon(s) memorialize
the requirements for when new entities created in the future. The task force
tried not to get into how the individual entities were structured.
It was suggested that the Role of Council Committee and the Task Force discuss
the restructuring of Council.
The Task Force recommended that the council ask the Chancellor's office and the
Committee on Constitutions and Canons to draft a Diocesan Canon for submission
to a future convention requiring, at a minimum, that in the future that when
a committee, commission, task force, study group, etc. is created by either action
of convention, this council or the Office of the Bishop that the enabling document
contain the following components:
1. Description of the Purpose or Mission of the Entity
2. Definition of Membership – How does someone become a member? Are you appointed
by the Bishop, the Convention, The Council and on what terms of office?
3. To whom are you accountable? To whom do you report?
4. Where will your funding come from and to whom will you be accountable for
the use of these funds?
5. What are the anticipated costs and what is the benefit to be gained from that
expenditure?
6. What is the life of the entity? Permanent? To be reauthorized by the creating
body within a certain period of time?
Motion:
It was moved and seconded that the Task Force on Committees and Commissions
submit the enabling document referenced above to the chancellors
for canonical amendment. The motion was adopted.
ROLE OF COUNCIL
The Rev. Jack Stanton moved the following two resolutions:
Motion:
To reorganize the Diocesan Council by creating an Executive Committee
with one member of the Council for each of the six Threads from the
diocesan Visioning Convocation as described this evening with the
following responsibilities: (1) the Finance Committee of the Council;
(2) the Communications of the diocese; and (3) to propose to the
bishop the agenda for Diocesan Council meetings.
Motion:
To create committees of the Diocesan Council representing the six
Threads of the diocesan Visioning Convocation. Membership on the
Executive Committee will be one member of each of these committees.
Each of the motions were seconded.
As discussion began on the motions, it was suggested that the vote be delayed
to permit time for discussons within the districts or for time to allow consultation
between members of the Role of Council Committee and the Committee and Commissions
Task Force.
Motion:
It was moved by Mr. Sidney King that the matter be tabled until the
November 12 meeting of Diocesan Council. The motion was seconded
and adopted (with the required two-thirds majority).
The Rev. Jack Stanton moved the following resolution:
Motion:
To dissolve the Role of the Council Committee.
The chair ruled that the motion was out of order.
Comments regarding the restructuring of Council should be addressed to Canon
Echols.
DISTRICT ACTIVITIES REPORTS
District representatives reported on activities, programs and planning within
their districts.
District 2: Ms. Naomi Horsky reported that the attendance had increased at district
meetings because of the efforts of Mr. Scott Bennett, convener.
District 4: The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley reported the meeting with Ms. Susan
Robinson, Director of Communications and Events, was an energetic evening.
District 10: The Rev. Lu-Ann Connor reported the district meeting focused on
what parishes did with youth over the summer. A young person delivered a report
on being a page during this year's General Convention. At next month's meeting
each parish will invite people involved in pastoral care.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
Mrs. Doris Mardirosian reported the annual North Porch Toy andTea Fest was scheduled
for November 16 at Trinity + St. Philip's Cathedral House. Additionally, United
Thank Offering (UTO) applications were available. For a number of years ministries
within the diocese had been recipients of UTO grants.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. John Zinn reported the recent cash flow problem had been corrected; and the
national church payment was current. A financial projection for the remainder
of the year was underway. Just this week $10,000 in 2002 pledges were received.
He and Bishop Croneberger completed a series of district meetings with clergy
about pledge cards and the pledge system; 80 churches were represented at the
meetings. A presentation will be made at the warden's conference in November.
Motion:
It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit.
The motion was adopted.
CARLSTADT SENIOR HOUSING
The Rev. Dean Weber, Chancellor, presented a report on the conclusion of a lawsuit
brought by Design Graphics Associates (DGA) against the Diocese, the Borough
of Carlstadt and the Carlstadt Senior Housing Corporation, and a request for
payment for legal services to defend the diocese in this matter. The lawsuit
arose out of the failed attempt to design and build a senior citizen complex
in Carlstadt in the early 1990s. The total claim of damages sought was nearly
$1 million dollars. Legal services to the diocese were provided by the firm of
McCarter and English and then by George Mackey, Esq., a sole practioner. McCarter
and English submitted a discounted invoice of $7500 for investigation of the
case and collection, review and organization of documents. Mr. Mackey submitted
a bill of $29,683 for time and expenses in defense of the diocese. The diocese'
claim was that the sole responsibility belonged to Carlstadt. The court ruled
in agreement with that argument. A settlement was reached with the diocese owing
nothing to DGA. However, there were the legal fees to compensate the attorneys
and expert witness. The total was $38,173. The suit was a matter of contract
and was not covered by the insurance held by the diocese.
Mr. John Zinn would make a presentation at the November meeting on plans to make
the payment.
EPISCOPAL CAPITAL LOAN FUND
Mr. Larry Taber reported that the Ward J. Herbert Fund Executive Committee approved
a $29,527 loan to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Phillipsburg on September 29,
2003. The loan will fund the replacement of the church roof, replacement of windows
and replacement of floor tiling in the vestibules and undercroft stairway. It
was projected that the loan would be repaid by 2023. The interest rate was 5%.
Motion:
It was moved by Mr. Larry Taber, seconded and adopted to ratify the
minutes from the Ward J. Herbert Fund Executive Committee which approved
an ECLF loan to St. Luke's, Phillipsburg.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Susan Kynor announced that the diocese was part of the Jubilee Ministries.
This year's meeting was scheduled for 10/23 at Church of the Assumption, Paramus,
7:30 p.m. The topics for discussion will include: worker justice, immigrant rights,
and metropolitan equity.
Dean Williams announced a revival at the Cathedral on Thursday and Friday with
the Rev. Dr. Johnny Rae Soulblood.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. with prayer by the Rev. Tom Laws.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary
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