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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
Present: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith; President; Mr. John Zinn, Treasurer; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary. Elected by Districts: Mr. Steven Boston, The Rev. Janet Broderick; Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, Ms. Glenda deKruif, Mr. Henry Faulkner, The Rev. David Gable, The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo, Ms. Lois Gray, Mr. Robert Harwood, The Rev. Kathryn King, The Rev. Paul Olsson, Ms. Catherine Potter, The Rev. William Potter, The Rev. Stuart Smith, Ms. Mary Sunden, The Rev. Fain Webb, The Rev. Sandye Wilson. Bishop's Appointments: Ms. Gail Barkely, The Rev. Joseph Harmon, The Rev. Gray Lesesne. Absent: The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Mr. Bert Jones, The Rev. George Kaswarra, Ms. Diane Sammons, Ms. Carol Taylor, Ms. Patty Watts. Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols; and Ms. Kai Alston, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, Ms. Kitty Kawecki (for the work group time) Others: Ms. Doris Mardirosian, ECW President; The Rev. Maggie Gat and Ms. Susan Kynor for the Inclusion Work Group time. COUNCIL WORK GROUP MEETINGS The work groups met separately for Bible study (John 14:23-29) and discussion. The meeting was opened at 8:00 p.m. with prayer. AGENDA The agenda was adopted as prepared. MINUTES Motion: It was moved to accept the minutes for the meeting of April 11, 2007. The motion was seconded and adopted. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS Bishop Beckwith's comments included: . A Celebration of Ministry for Bishop Gallagher was scheduled for June 23 with an Evensong at Trinity + St. Philip's Cathedral. . Noted that clergy changes were officially announced when letters of agreement were signed and submitted to the bishop's office. The Rev. Lauri Wurm was called as rector to St. John's, Boonton; The Rev. Susan Schink would begin as interim to St. Agnes', Little Falls in June. There were several congregations in the search process. . The Steering Committee will function for the short term as the finance committee and the introductory budget committee. The group will be expanded to include others, both members and non-members of Council. . Last evening, the wardens' reception had 96 wardens in attendance. A level of demonstrated commitment was evident. . On May 29, he will meet with the mission vicars and executive leaders to discuss the urgent repairs of their buildings, and the relationship of the bishop with vicars. The trustees inventoried the missions and identified funds for immediate urgent repairs. . As he indicated at each of the pre-Convention meetings in early January, he appointed a civil union task force to help prepare and/or respond to the legalization of civil unions for same gender couples. The Rev. Phillip D. Wilson and Ms. Barbara Conroy agreed to serve as the co-chairs. The committee met for the first time earlier this week. At the meeting, the members requested that an official designation from Council because it was anticipated that recommendations and resolutions would be prepared for introduction at the convention of 2008. He endorsed that request. Motion: It was moved and seconded that the Diocesan Council request the bishop to appoint a task force on Civil Unions that will report to the 2008 Diocesan Convention with recommendations. The motion was adopted. The committee will be co-chaired by Ms. Barbara Conroy and The Rev. Phillip D. Wilson and will have a membership of 12 others appointed by the bishop in consultation with the co-chairs. . A meeting with the clergy was scheduled for Wednesday, May 16 to discuss the administration of Title IV, the Ecclesiastical disciplinary canons. . The Role Clarification Committee will meet on June 7. He will chair the meeting that will be facilitated by Mr. Dell Glover, a member of the national church executive committee. The committee will include a member from the Diocesan Investment Trust. . A letter will be mailed to clergy encouraging the participation of young people in the activities offered during the summer at Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries. TREASURER'S REPORT Mr. John Zinn, Treasurer, presented the report. Pledge income was close to budget and was less than one month behind budget year to date; a strong trend. All of the 2007 restricted income was received during the month. Outreach, mission and program lines were funded to the extent requested. The first 2007 payment to The Episcopal Church was made in April. In addition, the full 25% of actual 2006 pledge and investment income was paid to the national church. As additional income was received, additional payments would be made to the national church. The staff category was over budget due to the payment of the quarterly pension premium. The heating line was an uncertainty because of the problem with the gas meter at Episcopal House. The matter was resolved and an estimated bill received and paid. It was yet to be determined if the relatively high estimated amount was accurate. A report on 2006 was intended for presentation in June; hopefully will get clarification from the dozen or so churches that were outstanding for their 2006 payments. A full accounting of the search, election and transition expenses would be provided in September. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, Steering Committee member, presented the recommendations from the ACTS/VIM Board. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. AV-07-01 Clifton, St. Peter's - St. Peter's Haven requested $10,000* Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $8,000: 12 yes. AV-07-02 Port Murray, Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries - Indoor Chapel 20,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $8,500: 12 yes. AV-07-03 Union City, Grace Church 1,000 Jerusalem Market Place Vacation Bible Study Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $1,000: 12 yes. AV-07-04 Orange, All Saints' - Opportunity House 1,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $2,250: 12 yes. AV-07-05 Chester, Messiah - The Senior Resource Center 20,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $5,000: 12 yes. AV-07-06 Hackettstown, St. James' - Deaf Outreach 6,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $3,600: 12 yes. AV-07-07 Fort Lee, Good Shepherd 10,000* Friends for Life/Good Shepherd Community Services Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention Motion to fund $10,000: 11 yes, 1 abstention. (Funds held until parochial report received.) AV-07-08 Hoboken, All Saints' - Jubilee Children's Program 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention Motion to fund $8,000: 11 yes, 1 abstention. AV-07-09 Hackensack, Christ Church CDC 10,000* Next Step Program Plus Housing Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention Motion to fund $8,000: 11 yes, 1 abstention. AV-07-10 Dover, St. John's - A Breathing Space for Mothers 6,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $3,600: 12 yes. AV-07-11 Paterson, St. Paul's - CityServe Summer Program 10,000* Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention Motion to fund $8,000: 11 yes, 1 abstention. AV-07-12 Hasbrouck Heights, St. John the Divine 10,000* Care on the Corner Community Service Center Motion to fund: 11 yes, 1 abstention Motion to fund $6,850: 11 yes, 1 abstention. AV-07-13 Paramus, St. Matthew's - Summer "Church Camp" 1,200 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $1,200: 12 yes. (Funds held until parochial report received.) AV-07-14 Hope, St. Luke's - Haven of Hope for Kids 10,000* Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $5,000: 12 yes. AV-07-15 Newark, Newark School of Theology The application was rejected for funding until such time as a connection was determined between the school and the diocese. AV-07-16 Belleville, Christ Church - Mary & Martha Soup Kitchen 10,000* Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $5,000: 12 yes. AV-07-17 Boonton, St. John's - Cornerstone 3,000 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $3,000: 12 yes. Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $87,000 WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS The Rev. Gray Lesesne, Board Member, presented the recommendations. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the June meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. WJH-07-01 Parsippany, St. Gregory's - Vicarage windows replacement Application not accepted. WJH-07-02 Mt. Arlington, St. Peter's - Parish hall flat roof replacement $9,137 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $9,137: 12 yes. WJH-07-03 Lyndhurst, St. Thomas - Undercroft tile floor replacement 4,750 Application initially rejected for the first cycle. Would be reconsidered in the second cycle WJH-07-04 Chester, Messiah - Water drainage around rectory 6,555 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $3,140: 12 yes. WJH-07-05 Kearny, Trinity - Church roof repair 1,395 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $1,395: 12 yes. WJH-07-06 Nutley, Grace Church - Church & hall boilers, hot water tank 6,750 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $6,750: 12 yes. WJH-07-07 Hackettstown, St. James' - Church steeple roof replacement 7,725 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $7,725: 12 yes. WJH-07-08 Kinnelon, St. David's - Church roof, rectory roof repairs 2,050 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $2,050: 12 yes. WJH-07-09 Ho-Ho-Kus, St. Bartholomew's - Rectory exterior painting, parking lot repaving Application was not accepted. WJH-07-10 Hawthorne, St. Clement's - Roof & window repairs/replacements 18,325 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $18,325: 12 yes. WJH-07-11 Boonton, St. John's - Stained glass windows repairs Application was not accepted. WJH-07-12 Hope, St. Luke's - Church furnace replacement 4,750 Application was deferred to the next cycle. WJH-07-13 Belleville, Christ Church - Boiler replacement, oil tank abatement 8,500 Motion to fund: 12 yes. Motion to fund $4,000 for the boiler: 12 yes. Total recommendation to Diocesan Council: $52,522 DIOCESAN COUNCIL OUTREACH GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS Ms. Mary Sunden, chair, moved and it was seconded that the recommendations be ratified. The motion was adopted with one abstention. There were $19,500 available for international outreach grants and $67,300 for domestic outreach grants. International Outreach In the international category the committee received three requests. The requests and the committee's recommendations are as follows: 1. St. Mark's School, Zambia - a request for $10,000 to help refurbish the Maurice Katowa Centre at the school. Recommended funding - $9,000 2. United Nations Commission on the Status of Women - a request for $5,000 to help underwrite the costs for Anglican women to travel from around the world to attend the conference. Recommended funding - $1,500 3. Good Shepherd School, Cameroon - a request for $10,000 to aid in the purchase of a used van for the school. Recommended funding - $9,000 Domestic Outreach In the domestic category the committee received 26 requests. The requests and the recommendations are as follows: 1. Arts Unbound - a request for $10,000 to hire a part time director for a gallery that will feature the artwork of artists with mental, physical and developmental disabilities. Recommended funding - $3,500 2. Apostles' House - a request for $10,000 for general operating support for this organization which provides shelter and other services to families in need in the greater Newark area. Recommended funding - $5,000, Mr. Zinn did not vote on this recommendation and was not present for the discussion. 3. Care Closet, Belleville - a request for $10,000 for the purchase of household cleaning and personal hygiene products for distribution to those in need. Recommended funding - $3,500 4. St. Paul's Church, Paterson - a request for $10,000 for the church's five week summer youth program. Recommended funding - $3,500, Mr. Zinn did not vote on this recommendation and was not present for the discussion. 5. Prison Ministry - a request for $8,000 for transportation for children in the Prison Ministry's "Learning by Experience" program. Recommended funding - $4,000 6. Haven of Hope - a request for $15,000 towards the expenses of this program to provide vacation retreats to urban families for critically ill children. Recommended funding - $3,500, Mr. Potter did not vote on this recommendation and was not present for the discussion. 7. St. Andrew's Church, Newark - a request for $2,451 to purchase a refrigerator for the church's food program. Recommended funding - no one from the church attended the hearing and under the committee's guidelines, the request could not be considered. 8. Trinity Church, Kearny - a request for $11,410 for the church's ESL and citizenship classes. Recommended funding - $1,000 9. Jersey City Episcopal CDC - a request for $15,000 for the CDC's programs for the homeless in Hudson County. Recommended funding - $5,000, Mr. Zinn did not vote on this recommendation and was not present for the discussion. 10. Friends for Life - a request for $16,300 for transportation costs for a program for people living with HIV/AIDS. Recommended funding - no one from the organization attended the hearing and under the committee's guidelines, the request could not be considered. 11. North Porch - a request for $4,875 to hire a part time coordinator for the North Porch centers. Recommended funding - $4,875, Ms. Mardirosian did not vote on the request and was not present for the discussion. 12. The Hoboken Shelter - a request for $10,000 for the purchase of food and paper products for this feeding and homeless program. Recommended funding - $3,500 13. St. James II Urban Renewal - a request for $7,500 to provide one time support for this affordable housing project. Recommended funding - No funding is recommended; Mr. Zinn did not vote on this request and was not present for the discussion. 14. Grace Van Vorst - a request for $7,200 for administrative support for the church's social service programs. Recommended funding - $3,000 15. St. John's Church, Dover - a request for $1,000 to help indigent people with the cost of prescription medicine. Recommended funding - $1,000 16. Plainfield Grassroots CDC - a request for $6,920 for the CDC's summer program. Recommended funding - $2,000 17. Christ Church CDC - a request for $8,000 for support for the CDC's homeless shelter program. Recommended funding - $3,000, Ms. Sunden did not vote on this request, and was not present for the discussion. 18. Lafayette 4-H Club - a request for $4,000 for the expenses of the organization's program for at risk youth. Recommended funding - $2,000 19. Church of the Epiphany, Orange - a request for $4,500 for the church's food pantry program. Recommended funding - no one from the church attended the hearing and under the committee's guidelines, the request could not be considered. 20. St. John's CDC - a request for $6,000 for the CDC's summer camp. Recommended funding - $2,500 21. LISC - a request for $5,000 to support the organization's work with CDC's and other organizations that develop affordable housing in the greater Newark and Jersey City areas. Recommended funding - $3,000, Mr. Zinn did not vote on this request and was not present for the discussion. 22. Helping Hands - a request for $2,700 for this food pantry's outreach to the elderly living in Hillsdale house. Recommended funding - $1,500 23. Church of the Good Shepherd, Ringwood - a request for $2,000 for the church's multi-cultural dance program. Recommended funding - $2,000 24. St. Peter's Haven - a request for $10,000 in general operating support for the organization's work with the homeless. Recommended funding - $3,925 25. Sussex County IHN - a request for $8,000 for the organization's programs for the homeless in Sussex County. Recommended funding - $4,000 26. Camp Unity - a request for $2,000 for the cost of St. John's Church in Union City's summer day camp program. Recommended funding - $2,000 PAROCHIAL REPORTS 2006 OUTSTANDING Ms. Faith Gideon Brown reported the following 2006 parochial reports were outstanding as of the meeting date: Hackensack, St. Anthony of Padua; Hackensack, St. Cyprian's; Harrington Park, St. Andrew's; Hoboken, All Saints' (ACTS/VIM funds will be held until completion); Madison, Grace; Mendham, St. Mark's; Mountain Lakes, St. Peter' (new treasurer started May 1); Newark, St. Barnabas'; North Arlington, St. Paul's; Paramus, St. Matthew's (ACTS/VIM funds will be held until completion); Paterson, Holy Communion; Ridgewood, Christ Church (missing page 3); Ridgewood, St. Elizabeth's; Secaucus, Church of the Saviour; and Teaneck, St. Mark's. The members of Council will contact the churches within their districts. It was moved and seconded to temporarily adjourn the meeting of Council. SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATIONS The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior Housing Corporation. HILLSDALE SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: Ms. Mary Sunden, Outreach Work Group convener, moved that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees for the term noted. The motion was seconded and adopted. Hillsdale Trustees (Terms expire May 13, 2008): Mrs. Barbara Blinn, Mr. Bruce M. Bloch, Mrs. Nancy DeNoble, Mrs. Joan DeRosa, Mrs. Mary Hampton, Ms. Collette Killian, Ms. Chessie Kouba, Mr. George Norman, and Ms. Angela Williamson. Diocesan Trustees: Ms. Dorothy Fowlkes, Mrs. Barbara Hasse, and Mrs. Emily Rennie. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. NUTLEY EPISCOPAL SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: Ms. Mary Sunden, Outreach Work Group convener, moved that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted. The motion was seconded and adopted. Diocesan Representative Trustees: Class of 2010: Mr. William Godsall and Ms. Marymae Henley. Nutley Trustees (Terms expire May 13, 2008): Mr. John Agostini, The Rev. Pamela Bakal, Mr. James Blanda, Mr. James T. Callaghan, Ms. Sandra Carella, Mr. Thomas Corino, Mr. Jerry Deltufo, Mr. Thomas Sposato, Ms. Anna Mae Thibault. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior Housing Corporation. RUTHERFORD SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATION Motion: Ms. Mary Sunden, Outreach Work Group convener, moved that the following nominees be elected to the Board of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted. The motion was seconded and adopted. Diocesan Representative Trustees (Term expires May 2010): Mr. Michael Francaviglia. Rutherford Trustees (Terms expire May 13, 2008): Ms. Rachelle Bialek, Ms. Annette DiTomaso, Ms. Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Mr. George Hensel, Mr. John Hipp, Ms. Constance Keeler, Ms. Mary Ann Murray, Ms. Denise Ross and Ms. Barbara Russell. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council. BELLEVILLE SENIOR HOUSING STATUS Ms. Mary Sunden reported the status of the application filing with HUD for the Belleville senior housing project. (Members were requested to complete and execute the Previous Participation Certifcate for HUD). Application registration was completed, and Diocesan Council had passed all necessary resolutions. Ms. Marymae Henley, Ms. Val Hartman (Emerald Management), and The Rev. Paul Walker were working on general senior population issues, local services, and letters of support. To date, they've collected information about unmet need for senior housing in Belleville -- a good number of people both residing in and on the waiting list for other local town facilities were from Belleville. They've obtained a group letter from a large majority of Nutley Senior Housing residents and 14 individual testimonial letters from residents of other diocesan senior housing. One letter of support from a Nutley community leader was in hand, and at least three others were on the way. They were working on letters of support from the Belleville community and other denominations as well as information about available support services and a service plan. The Township of Belleville had been quite busy supplying current versions of documents prepared for last year's application, including a completely updated Phase I environmental study. Some zoning adjustments were being made now. Mr. Dean Boorman, housing consultant, had been madly emailing, phoning, faxing, and trotting around to drop off and pick up paperwork, while generally nagging and shepherding everyone else. Mr. Tom Bisdale was reviewing the various exhibit documents and editing and composing as appropriate. The filing deadline was May 25, but the application would be submitted on May 17. WORK GROUP REPORTS Work groups reported on their respective missions and plans. (What are you doing? So what? Then what?) Congregational Vitality - The Rev. Fain Webb reported the group worked on the report regarding the closing of Trinity, Montclair as requested by convention. The report will use the format of an exit interview with the former leaders in the context of the capacity ministry questions. Inclusion - The Rev. Janet Broderick reported the group hosted visitors, Ms. Susan Kynor and The Rev. Maggie Gat, to better understand the situation of undocumented workers and what could be done to assist them. It was a passionate discussion. The group will meet with people in Newark and a Lutheran group working with the immigrant population for consulation. Discipleship - Mr. Henry Faulkner reported the group viewed the tapes for Safeguarding God's Children, both the version of youth volunteers and vestries and the shorter version for parents and other interested persons. The programs helped to make church safer places and should be recognized as an outreach tool for churches, since the tapes can be used to equip others in the community with the information. The group will take steps to produce a 15 minute tailer that could be presented at district meetings. A concern was expressed based on recent attendance to the diocesan trainings that the course material could be daunting for some people because of educational level or cultural differences. It was noted that the new curriculum had to potential to reach more people at whatever their background. Outreach - Ms. Mary Sunden reported the group began visiting larger outreach organizations in the diocese, such as Apostles House that was visited by Paul Olsson and Patty Watts. Began reviewing a standard information survey for possible use by the organizations. Next month will discuss outreach grant priorities and conduct a post mortem about the hearings in preparation for next year. DISTRICT SHARING District 2: The Rev. Fain Webb reported on the recent meeting with representatives from Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries (CROM) and from the diocesan Senior Ministries. District 3: The Rev. Paul Olsson reported the recent meeting focused on the district confirmation. There was conversation on how to be more supportive of each other. For instance, many of the district churches were involved in food and feeding ministries, so there will be a discussion on ways to assist each other. District 6: Mr. Henry Faulkner reported the meeting format now included dinner which had a positive effect on attendance. The recent meeting included the election of The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss as convener and a presentation from CROM. District 7: Mr. Robert Harwood reported the recent meeting included a presentation on a mission trip to Africa and the blessings of the motorcycles. The Rev. David Gable reported that five of the district clergy were meeting weekly for Bible study. With a high degree of pride, the district hosted the bishop's first district confirmation. District 9: The Rev. Kathryn King reported on several recent district activities: Tuesday clergy meeting with Bishop Beckwith; district meeting that included a presentation by CROM; and efforts to work together on a "re-build project" that was similar to Habitat for Humanity. This week's meeting on Saturday in Bergenfield will host Canon Echols for a discussion on how the district can move along together, share ministries and be more vital in those ministries. Attending will be clergy, wardens, district reps and outreach and evangelism chairs. District 10: Mr. Steven Boston reported the recent meeting focused on churches efforts in outreach. MEETING EVALUATION Overall the time was well spent. The meeting was closed with prayer by Bishop Beckwith. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia, Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |