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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
Present: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, President; Mr. Richard Graham, Treasurer; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary; Ms. Diane Sammons, Chancellor. Elected by Districts: The Rev. David Gable, Ms. Edith Gallimore, The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo, Ms. Lois Gray, Mr. Robert Harwood, Ms. Doris Mardirosian, The Rev. Victoria Geer (Vicki) McGrath, The Rev. Thomas Mathews, Jr., Ms. Terrie McColl, Mr. John Niles, Ms. Alice Palmer, The Rev. Gregory Perez, Ms. Barbara Piccirillo, The Rev. Stuart Smith, Ms. Mary Sunden, The Rev. Fain Webb, The Rev. Sandye Wilson. Bishop's Appointments: The Rev. Joseph Harmon, The Rev. Gray Lesesne. ECW: Ms. Doris Mardirosian. Absent: Ms. Gail Barkely, Mr. Bert Jones, Ms. Patty Watts, The Rev. Lynne Bleich Weber. Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols and Mr. Richard Graham ; and Ms. Kitty Kawecki and Ms. Kai Alston (for the work group time). The Bible study was held after dinner and was based on Matthew 21:1-11. AGENDA The agenda was adopted with the addition of a resolution of thanksgiving for The Very Rev. C. David Williams, retiring dean of the Cathedral. MINUTES Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of January 9, 2008. The motion was adopted. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS Bishop Beckwith's comments included: . Attended the House of Bishops' meeting this past week, having returned earlier in the day. . Will be request ratification of a Human Resources Committee of Diocesan Council at next month's meeting. Committee members will be appointed by the bishop. . Mr. Art Bledsoe, a human resources specialist and member of St. John's in Ramsey, will coordinate a review of the bishop. . Wondered if the four work groups could be aligned with the four core values? This was an idea suggested by Mr. John Niles. . Two weeks ago meetings were held with the leadership of St. Barnabas', Newark and Holy Communion, Paterson and the local chapter of the UBE. They were joined by The Rev. Ed Rodman who led the discussions. The intent was how to think creatively with the two congregations that were unique but had common strains and problems. In each instance there were a series of undeserved disappointments over the years that were expressed during the sessions. . Announced several clergy transitions: The Rev. David Gable, Grace, Rutherford, and The Very Rev. C. David Williams, Trinity + St. Philip's Cathdral, to retirement; The Rev. Prince Singh, St. Alban's, Oakland, to Rochester as bishop co-adjutor; The Rev. Dr. Jane Tomaine, St. Peter's, Livingston to spending time as retreat leader and writer; and The Rev. Gray Lesesne to Indianapolis as canon at the Cathedral. WORK GROUP REPORTS The work groups reported on their group's statement of purpose, vision and goals for the year which were discussed during the work group time. Congregational Vitality: The Rev. Gray Lesesne reported that for the past two years the group had been developing resources for congregations to use in understanding expectations of and capacity for ministry. The next step was to be proactive and the work group will partner during the autumn months with four congregations to train the lay and clergy leadership. Once the pilot project concluded with the work group will determine next steps. Inclusion: The Rev. Joseph Harmon reported the group revising and defining its scope of work. Four goals were set: gain knowledge of what was currently happening in the diocese regarding inclusion; raise up witnesses to inclusion as evidenced in three recognized faith communities, and possibly highlight them on the diocesan website; review specific ministries to assess their effectiveness, such as anti-racism training; and, include elements of the four core values in the work of inclusion. The group will ask the Steering Committee about making the Council web page more appealing and informative. Outreach: Ms. Mary Sunden reported time was spent on the Outreach Grant process and preparing for the upcoming hearings and recommendations. The group was also reviewing adjustments for next year's process. Discipleship: The Rev. Stuart Smith reported the group reviewed last month's 6 point development of our vision and goals. Began to develop ways to address how to proceed. Our vision was to make the "Gate of Spiritual Formation" the visible and physical part of the ethos of Diocesan life and ministry, especially as it pertained to the work of the Council. Compiled a list of the commissions and groups in the Diocese that were doing Discipleship and Formation programming. Liaisons to each were selected: Christian Formation Commission, including youth, Tom Mathews; Commission on Ministry, Vicki McGrath; Stewardship Commission, Stuart Smith; Environmental Commission (if still active), Mariano Gargiulo; Vocare and Cursillo, Tom Mathews; Liturgy, Vicki McGrath; Cross Roads, Tom Mathews; Clergy Study Groups/Sabbatical-Renewal Planning, Stuart Smith; unassigned were The Voice, website and technology and the Convent. May begin developing several resources: a list of Spiritual Directors available to lay and clergy; "Council Corner", a regular report in The Voice, weekly digest and the website; a "How To" for those who would like to respond to a call for service and ministry on various Diocesan commissions, organizations, positions, etc.; More involvement in the budget items that directly affect Discipleship and Formation by helping groups being funded to better apply for line item inclusion and then how to be accountable for the use of funds designated. Focus on developing a handout addressing "Best Practices Guidelines" for inclusive language and then possibly developing an educational opportunity to explore the best use of language in communications. Accepted the Bishop's call for Council to be engaged in Stewardship and will be presenting to Council, thru the Stewardship Commission's work, ways to consider our participation to and with congregations with regard to the Diocesan Pledge System. Bid farewell to David Gable on his retirement. STEERING COMMITTEE Jersey City Area Ministry Presentations Members from the three Jersey City churches reported on their ministries to their parishioners and communities. The Rev. Joseph Harmon, member of the Steering Committee, introduced the visitors. The presentation was to provide additional background about the ministries in Jersey City. In several instances, funding for the ministries was provided through the Jersey City Funds. At next month's meeting it was expected that funding requests would be recommended by the Jersey City Area Ministry to the Congregational Vitality work group. A large screen multi-media presentation included demographic information about the areas served by the churches and their specific ministries of worship, outreach, seniors, youth, the homeless, and feeding the poor. Grace Church Van Vorst: Mr. Chi Modu and Ms. Genevieve Faulkner reported that the church began requesting Jersey City Funds in 2003 and started with a request to fund multi-media equipment that would help reach the neighboring community that was younger, 25 to 40 years. The intent was to increase the Sunday school and improve the music ministry. The goal was growth. A five year plan was introduced at the same time. The strategy was to decline the draw down on the endowment which had been accomplished on a steady basis. Attendance grew by nearly 150% and pledging increased from $40,000 to $150,000. JCAM money was directed toward areas of ministry that were growing the church. Expressed their indebtedness to Canon Echols for helping formulate the plan and keeping them on track. St. Paul's Church: Ms. Althea Maynard and The Rev. John Negrotto described the ministry of the church. The interim period provided time for an evaluation of ministry in preparation to move forward. The past year's Christmas Eve service was an opportunity for the youth to participate more fully in the service than merely singing. In January a first retreat was held by the vestry and areas of ministry were identified that included, community outreach to the young and the elderly. Although there were fewer senior citizen parishioners, assistance for them was being developed. Stewardship was improved this year with parishioners taking part in an active pledge canvass that successfully resulted in pledges being paid. Parishioners enjoyed being a welcoming place. This led to four new members joining in the last month. A tutorial/homework program for first through ninth graders began in the fall. The summer camp was operated for the past three years and another was planned for 2008 with a change in the hours of operation. Church of the Incarnation: Ms. Carol Harrison-Arnold and The Rev. Joseph Harmon reported on their excitement with the ministry in Jersey City and specifically at Incarnation. "It was an exciting time to be doing God's work in our community," said Ms. Harrison-Arnold. The journey was a five year one with a five year plan. A consultant, Mr. Peter Soros, was hired for the development of the ministry. Attended the recent national conference, "When Two or Three Are Gathered' (TAG) designed to help congregations with an ASA of under 70 who seek to meet the spiritual needs in their communities. From that experience, a new service/gathering will be launched in September. The church was taking charge of its future and investing in it. The five year plan included the development of a CDC that would handle the various ministries, such as the summer camp. A Spanish component was added to last year's summer program that brought in people. Nana's Place was a program that provided respite time for parents; the children were supervised while the parents enjoyed a quiet supper. for people to drop off the kids and take respite time over a meal. At-home services for seniors will be offered. Collectively working with JCAM. A high level of commitment at the church was described. Under the direction of Mr. Soros, another $16,000 was collected from members during this pledge season. Parishioners were feeling the excitement and getting reconnected and helping financially. Most challenging for the five year goal was maintaining and fixing the current building nearly 100 years old. A capital campaign would be needed. Jersey City Funds Canon Carter Echols provided information from previous Council minutes and diocesan journals on the background of the Jersey City Strategy Group, the Jersey City Funds, and the establishment of the Jersey City Area Ministry. Through convention action in 1997, the proceeds of sales of all church assets including those of the former Ascension, St. John's and Grace Greenville were designated to fund the Jersey City Strategy, and Diocesan Council was authorized to approve all aspects of the implementation of the strategy, including the approval of release of funds to implement actions. Diocesan Council action in April 1998 allocated the funds as two-thirds for the benefit of the developing congregation and one-third for aspects of ministry recommended by the Jersey City Area Council and approved by Diocesan Council. Since that time, the three churches have received funding through the Jersey City Funds. During the past five years recommendations from the Jersey City Area Ministry had been received by the Diocesan Council, usually by the Congregational Vitality work group, for funding using the same criteria as required for Congregational Growth and Development Fund grants. The requests would include specific objectives and plans to reach the objectives. St. Paul's used the funds for several years to subsidize a summer camp program. Grace Church Van Vorst used the fund for its five year plan. In March 2006, Incarnation received an emergency grant authorized by Diocesan Council for an interim ministerial initiative for congregational development. At that time, the usual criteria were not followed because of the church's situation following the death of its rector, but would become an expectation moving forward. The bishop expressed his appreciation for the steadfastness demonstrated by many people in the work for Jersey City. Work Group Assignments (Convention 2008 Actions) The Rev. Stuart Smith reported that the actions of convention were assigned to work groups by the Steering Committee: - Resolution 2: Inclusive Language in All Communications to Discipleship. - Resolution 6: Protection for Immigrants and Their Families to Inclusion. - Resolution 7: Provision of Interpreters for the Deaf at Diocesan Programs and Events to Inclusion. - Compensation issues for clergy and laity to the new Human Resources Committee with a request for regular reports to Council. - task force reports requested: Civil Union by Inclusion; Reparations by Outreach; and Role Clarification by the Steering Committee. Resolution of Thanksgiving The Rev. Gray Lesesne presented the following resolution to express the Council's appreciation for the ministry of The Very Rev. C. David Williams, retiring dean of the Cathedral. Motion: Whereas, The Very Reverend C. David Williams has served with distinction as Dean of Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark for over eight years, and Whereas, Dean Williams has modeled collegial ministry and a commitment to an inclusive Episcopal presence in our Diocese and in the City of Newark; therefore, Be it resolved by this Diocesan Council that we offer our praises, gratitude, and good wishes to Dean Williams in his retirement from parish ministry, and that we extend prayers for his ongoing ministries within and beyond the Church. The motion was adopted by acclamation. TREASURER'S REPORT Mr. Richard Graham reported the chart of account was revised and provided more detail by department for both income and expenses. Pledge income had a negative variance of over $300,000. The bishop raised the possibility of council corresponding with the congregations which were late in payments. The Steering Committee had been functioning as a finance committee and may need to develop a better way of responding to late pledge payments. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. DISTRICT SHARING District 1: The Rev. Thomas Mathews reported the district was developing a care/support group for people with diabetes. District 3: The Rev. Vicki McGrath reported that there was transition in clergy leadership in two-thirds of the congregations. The level of clergy change made cohesiveness of district more difficult. The meeting was closed with prayer by The Rev. David Gable. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia, Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |