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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
Present: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, President; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary; Diane Sammons, Esq., Chancellor Elected by Districts: The Rev. Michael Allen, Ms. Edith Gallimore, The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo, Ms. Lois Gray, Mr. Bert Jones, The Rev. Thomas Mathews, Jr., Ms. Alice Palmer, The Rev. Gregory Perez, Ms. Barbara Piccirillo, The Rev. Stuart Smith, The Rev. Erik Soldwedel, Ms. Mary Sunden, Ms. Patty Watts, The Rev. Lynne Bleich Weber, The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson. Bishop's Appointments: Ms. Gail Barkely, The Rev. Joseph Harmon. Absent: Mr. Richard Graham, Mr. Robert Harwood, Ms. Terrie McColl, The Rev. Victoria Geer (Vicki) McGrath, Mr. John Niles, The Rev. Fain Webb. Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols; 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 9:35-10:18. AGENDA The agenda was adopted with the addition of a resolution of appreciation for Ms. Barbara Lescota, retiring diocesan employee. MINUTES Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of May 14, 2008. The motion was adopted. WORK GROUP MEETING SESSION UPDATES Congregational Vitality: The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye Wilson reported that work group reviewed the Jersey City Area Ministry request for funding of the IAF training that would be presented later in the meeting. Additionally the group reexamined the Diocesan Council expectations for congregations to be vibrant, life giving faith communities and identified ways to invite congregations into the conversation about setting standards and benchmarks. Inclusion: The Rev. Joseph A. Harmon reported the work group received an account from the Rev. Greg Perez on the first meeting of the immigration task force to which he was the liaison. There was discussion on anti-racism resources and tools that be the catalysts to revive the dialogues in the diocese. The group was designing a process to interview congregations identified as places of inclusion within the diocese. Discipleship: The Rev. Stuart Smith reported the work group was developing a brochure to teach and explain how individuals can get involved and engaged in diocesan ministries. A brochure was the intended goal. The "Safeguarding God's Children" program was available on-line for congregations, clergy, governing bodies and diocesan staff. Members of the group will participate in the on-line training during the summer with the purpose of encouraging the other council members and those on the Standing Committee and Trustees to take the training. The group discussed the format for the Bible study, wondering if it was helping with the spiritual formation of the members when not everyone was present. It was queried how to make Bible study or joint worship a more significant part of the evening. Outreach: Ms. Mary Sunden reported the work group will review ways in which the diocese supports senior citizens in the diocese. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS Bishop Beckwith's comments included: - This year's district confirmations concluded in early June with all held at Trinity + St. Philip's Cathedral except for the one at St. Paul's, Paterson. Many people expressed favorable comments with the location at the cathedral. The host sites were designated as the recipients for the worship collection. For Newark the collection would fund the building restoration effort and for Paterson, its Hispanic ministry program. The collections totaled $7,600 from the cathedral events, and $1,100 from St. Paul's. - A senior staff work retreat was held last week and included the participation of the Rev. Greg Jacobs. One item of discussion was church growth and development and building on the ongoing work of the Congregational Vitality work group and Council's expectations for congregations. - The Role Clarification group was scheduled to meet next week and continue the review of the work of the three governing bodies, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and the Trustees. The next phase was to clarify who makes the decision on the disposition of proceeds when a church building was sold. - Recent clergy transitions included the Rev. Lois Schembs from St. Martin's, Maywood to the Diocese of New Jersey, and The Rev. William Potter from St. Luke's, Hope to the Virgin Islands, effective September 1. - Ms. Barbara Lescota, diocesan finance assistant, was retiring after thirty years of service with the diocese. - Will attend the Lambeth Conference in July. Shortly after his return, he will host two sessions to report back on the event. The sessions were scheduled for Thursday, August 7, one in the morning and one in the evening. During the conference, a march of bishops across London was planned in witness to the Millennium Development Goals. WORK GROUP REPORT - CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY: JERSEY CITY FUNDS The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye A. Wilson presented on behalf of the Congregational Vitality Work Group a recommendation for a Jersey City Funds grant to support training of local clergy and lay leaders of the three Jersey City Episcopal churches - Grace Church Van Vorst, Incarnation and St. Paul's - under the auspices of the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation. This was the first time the three congregations would actively minister together and was viewed by the congregations and the work group as exciting and beneficial. IAF was the nation's oldest and largest network of congregation-based citizens' organizations. The training will help the church leaders identify opportunities for ministry within their congregations, with each other and with others in their communities. The following resolution was moved and seconded. Motion: Resolved, that Diocesan Council approves the expenditure of $25,000 from the Jersey City Funds for the year 2008 to support training of local clergy and lay leaders of the three Jersey City Episcopal churches in the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation. The motion was adopted with one abstention. WORK GROUP REPORT - INCLUSION: IMMIGRATION LAW REFORM The Rev. Joseph A. Harmon presented on behalf of the Inclusion Work Group a recommendation that Diocesan Council endorse the just and humane immigration law reform statement created by an interfaith group in Jersey City. The statement was being presented to numerous northern New Jersey interfaith judicatories and their sub-agencies for endorsement. The statement was not overtly political, but did call on the presidential candidates to "express support for a just comprehensive immigration reform law." The statement had been endorsed by Bishop Beckwith, the diocesan Ecumenical and Inter-religious Commission and the diocesan immigration task force. The following resolution was moved and seconded: Motion: Resolved, that the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark endorses the Interfaith Just and Humane Immigration Law Reform statement as an affirmation of our commitment to continued advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform that is just and humane. During discussion it was noted that the struggles of immigrants should be included in anti-racism and anti-oppression training. The motion was adopted. The diocesan endorsement will be added to the statement. WORK GROUP REPORT - OUTREACH: OUTREACH GRANT PROCESS Ms. Mary Sunden reported the Outreach Work Group reviewed the Outreach Grant process and requested several adjustments. Council was asked to endorse for the 2009 schedule, the application due date was set as February 15, the same date used by ACTS/VIM and Ward J. Herbert Fund. The committee will be appointed by the bishop before the deadline date and the committee will meet to review the applications during the week of March 2. Hearings will be scheduled for a Saturday in April 2009. The report included a history of the funding by categories. Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted that the due date for applications to the Outreach Grant process be February 15 and that the committee be appointed by the bishop before the submission date. It was noted that perhaps there could be discussion on another name or identification used in place of 'outreach.' TREASURER'S REPORT In the absence of the treasurer, The Rev. Stuart Smith presented the report for the period ending May 31, 2008. Any questions would be forwarded to Mr. Richard Graham for his response to the council. The report noted Shelby was the diocese's financial management, accounting and membership software. It was noted by Ms. Mary Sunden that the ECD allocation was requested later than in previous years. The Rev. Tom Mathews expressed concern about congregations that were late with pledge payments, pledge reconciliations, audits and parochial reports and that perhaps there needed to be a standard to be met, such as timely reporting, else that would trigger diocesan involvement when not met. A question was posed if a balance sheet format for the diocesan budget reports could be used. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. STEERING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION OF THANKS FOR MS. BARBARA LESCOTA Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt a resolution of appreciation and thanksgiving for the many years of service by Ms. Barbara Lescota, retiring diocesan staff member. (The Steering Committee will prepare the text for presentation to Barbara upon her retirement.) The motion was adopted by acclamation. ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Motion: It was moved by Ms. Mary Sunden and seconded that the recommendations made at last month's meeting be ratified. The motion was adopted with one abstention. AV-08-01: Newark, North Porch in Clifton, $4,500 AV-08-02: Hoboken, All Saints' - Jubilee Children's Program, $6,000 AV-08-03: Hope, St. Luke's - Haven of Hope - Retreat & network support , $5,000 AV-08-04: Clifton, St. Peter's Haven - ESL Program, $5,000 AV-08-05: Paterson, St. Paul's Church - City Serve Summer Program, $7,000 AV-08-06: Fort Lee, Gd Shepherd - Bereavement/Elder Care Support Groups , $2,800 AV-08-07: Union City, St. John's - Activism and Art, withdrawn AV-08-08: Chester, Messiah - Senior Resource Center, $6,000 AV-08-09: Belleville, Christ Church - The Care Closet, $4,000 AV-08-10: Newark, Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral - Youth Arts, $6,000 AV-08-11: Union City, Grace Church - Youth Outreach, $3,500 AV-08-12: Hasbrouck Heights, St. John - Care on the Corner, $7,000 AV-08-13: Newark, Newark School of Theology, $4,500 AV-08-14: Newark, The Apostles' House - Feed the Solution, $3,000 AV-08-15: Nutley, Prison Ministry Committee - Camping Program, $4,200 AV-08-16: Jersey City, Grace Church Van Vorst - Building Bridges, $4,000 AV-08-17: Orange, Church of the Epiphany - Youth Outreach, $5,500 AV-08-18: Hackensack, Christ Church - Next Step Initiative, $7,000 AV-08-19: Budd Lake, Christ Church - All God's Children Worship Service, $5,000 Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $90,000 WARD J. HERBERT FUND BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Motion: It was moved by Ms. Mary Sunden and seconded that the recommendations made at last month's meeting be ratified. The motion was adopted. WJH 08 01: Midland Park, Good Shepherd, Rectory Damage, $7,000 WJH 08 02: Fort Lee, Good Shepherd, boiler repair, $7,190 WJH 08 03: Orange, Epiphany, rectory renovations, $8,000 WJH 08 04: Hackettstown, St. James' Church, church roof, $8,243 WJH 08 05: Maywood, St. Martin's, Church & rectory repairs, $3,000 WJH 08 06: Washington, St. Peter's, Rectory boiler, project director was invited to attend the next meeting scheduled for June 30 WJH 08 07: Boonton, St. John's, church furnace, $10,950 WJH 08 08: Teaneck, Christ Church, hall roof repairs, $7,400 Total recommendation to Diocesan Council: $51,783 OUTREACH GRANT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Motion: It was moved by Ms. Mary Sunden and seconded that the recommendations made at last month's meeting be ratified. The motion was adopted with one abstention. There were $19,300 available for international outreach grants and $83,600 for domestic outreach grants. Members of this year's committee were: Ms. Edie Gallimore, Mr. Richard Graham, Mr. Robert Harwood, Ms. Doris Mardrosian, The Rev'd Thomas Matthews, Ms. Terrie McColl, The Rev'd Stuart Smith, Ms. Mary Sunden (chair), Ms. Patty Watts. DOMESTIC GRANTS Granted Requested Organization Purpose OGD-08-01 $ 3,500 $ 7,000 Hoboken, All Saints CSDC Jubilee Meal Project, to provide meals for low-income African american and Latino young people between the ages of 5-12 living in Hoboken's public housing. OGD-08-02 $ 5,000 $ 7,500 Newark, Apostles' House General operating support for diocesan CDC. OGD-08-03 $ 5,500 $ 10,000 Orange, Arts Unbound Support of in-gallery and online retail arm of organization that enables artists with disabilities OGD-08-04 $ 3,000 $ 4,000 Boonton, Cedar Hill CDC General operating support for parish-based CDC; summer camp scholarship aid. OGD-08-05 $ 5,000 $ 10,000 Hackensack, Christ Church CDC General operating support for parish-based CDC. OGD-08-06 $ 5,000 $ 10,000 Paterson, CityServe Operating and program support for program providing enrichment experiences for Paterson youth. OGD-08-07 $ 5,500 $ 5,000 Orange, Epiphany Food Pantry Program support to provide supplemental and / or emergency food to Orange households. OGD-08-08 $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Fort Lee, Friends for Life General operating support for parish-based CDC OGD-08-09 $ 5,000 $ 7,500 Jersey City, Grace Van Vorst Community Services General operating support for parish-based CDC OGD-08-10 $ 5,000 $ 15,000 Hope, Haven of Hope for Kids General operating support for parish-based CDC OGD-08-11 $ 5,500 $ 15,000 Jersey City, Jersey City Episcopal CDC General operating support for diocesan CDC, focusing on Hudson CASA program addressing long-term needs of Hudson County homeless. OGD-08-12 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Lafayette, Lafayette 4-H club Program support to provide activities for youth at risk and strengthen family relationships. OGD-08-13 $ 5,000 $ 12,000 Diocese, Prison Ministry Program support to provide activities and services for children of offenders. OGD-08-14 $ 6,000 $ 10,000 Pompton Lakes, Shepherds Haven Adult Day Care Center Program support for senior day care ministry OGD-08-15 $ 4,000 $ 6,000 Newton, Sussex County IHN General support for organization serving homeless families. OGD-08-16 $ - $ 5,000 Hoboken, IAF-Hudson County Start-up funds for Industrial Areas Foundation program Note: Start-up projects not currently funded by Outreach Grant process. OGD-08-17 $ 2,000 $ 2,000 Union City, Camp Unity Program support for summer camp. OGD-08-18 $ - $ 15,000 Morristown, Morristown Memorial Health Foundation Operating support for hospital Outreach Worker. Note: withdrawn. OGD-08-19 $ 5,500 $ 10,000 Hoboken, Hoboken Shelter Program support for non-profit housing corporation food and shelter program. OGD-08-21 $ - $ 6,378 Plainfield, Plainfield Grassroots CDC Program support for AGAPE summer day camp. Note: unable to attend hearings. OGD-08-22 $ 2,000 $ 3,200 Kearney, Tri-County English Language Education Project Program support for ESL training. OGD-08-23 $ 4,100 $ 6,000 Belleville, Care Closet Program support. subtotal $ 83,600 $ 173,578 INTERNATIONAL GRANTS OGI-08-01 $ - $ 1,050 Liberia, Episcopal Church of Liberia Cathedral Altar Guild scholarship support. Note: individual scholarships not currently funded by Outreach Grant process. OGI-08-02 $ 8,500 $ 10,000 Zambia, Mapanza Mission Station, Zambia Capital program support. OGI-08-03 $ 5,000 $ 4,200 Uganda, Kakaasi Parish Support for third phase of ongoing milling project. OGI-08-04 $ 5,300 $ 6,000 India, Kothapallimitta/St. Alban's/St. Peter's Companionship To provide laptops to ongoing education project. OGI-08-05 $ 500 $ 3,000 Worldwide, Anglican Women's Empowerment (AWE) Educational project support. subtotal $ 19,300 $ 24,250 total $102,900 $ 197,828 PAROCHIAL REPORTS OUTSTANDING The Rev. Stuart Smith reported on the outstanding 2007 parochial reports. The forms were due at the beginning of March. Members were asked to follow up with the church leadership in their districts. The churches with outstanding reports were: Calvary, Bayonne; All Saints', Hoboken; Our Saviour, Secaucus; St. Peter's, Clifton; St. Anthony's, Hackensack; St. Paul's, Englewood; St. Andrew's, Harrington Park; Holy Communion, Paterson; St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood; Good Shepherd, Ringwood. RECONCILIATION 2007 PLEDGE FORMS OUTSTANDING The Rev. Stuart Smith presented an update on the congregations for which their 2007 Reconciliation Pledge forms were outstanding. Since last month, members had contacted the church leadership in their districts. A list of congregations to be thanked and to be reminded of submitting their outstanding forms was distributed to the representatives. The congregations with outstanding reconciliation forms were: St. Mark's, Mendham; St. Peter's, Washington; The Saviour, Denville; St. David's, Kinnelon; St. John's, Dover; St. Paul's, Chatham; House of Prayer, Newark; St. Andrew's, Newark; St. Barnabas', Newark; Christ Church, Short Hills; Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge; Christ Church, East Orange; St. Agnes & St. Paul's, East Orange; St. Agnes', Little Falls; St. Luke's, Montclair; St. James', Upper Montclair; Trinity, Bayonne; All Saints', Hoboken; St. Paul's, Jersey City; Our Saviour, Secaucus; St. John's, Union City; St. John's, Hasbrouck Heights; St. Martin's, Maywood; St. Paul's, North Arlington; St. John's, Passaic; Resurrection & St. Paul's, Wood-Ridge; Christ Church, Hackensack; St. Anthony's, Hackensack; St. Cyprian's, Hackensack; St. Mark's, Teaneck; All Saints', Bergenfield; St. Paul's, Englewood; St. Bartholomew's, Ho-Ho-Kus; Holy Communion, Paterson. SUMMER AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION Motion: It was moved by The Rev. Joseph A. Harmon, seconded and adopted: RESOLVED, That the authority to act on behalf of the Diocesan Council from this meeting until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diocesan Council be given to the elected officers (President, Treasurer and Secretary) and the members of the Steering Committee, in consultation with the Chancellor, in the event that a decision must be made during the summer recess. Any such actions will be reported to the Council at its September meeting or in email correspondence as is appropriate. [The officers are: The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, President; Mr. Richard Graham, Treasurer; and Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary. The members of the Steering Committee are: The Rev. Joseph Harmon, The Rev. Stuart Smith, Ms. Mary Sunden and the Rev. Fain Webb.] DIOCESAN COUNCIL RETREAT REGISTRATION (SEPTEMBER 12 & 13, 2008) The Rev. Stuart Smith reminded the members about the September retreat. Members were asked to participate in the cost of the event with a payment of $50 per person. Scholarships were available for those unable to pay and the request for assistance would be confidential. The themes will include spirituality of leadership, connecting the four core values to the ministry of the council and team building. CONVENTION ELECTION PROCESS Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Council and Convention Secretary, reported to the council that he was preparing a report for the September meeting with a recommendation to revise the diocesan canons and change the election process from "prescribed quota" to "majority vote" at the convention of 2009. It was moved and seconded to temporarily adjourn the meeting of Council. The President called to order a meeting of the Episcopal Community Development Corporation. EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELECTION Motion: The following name was presented, moved, seconded and adopted for election to the ECD Board of Directors, class of 2008 with term expiring December 2008: Ms. Carol Mori. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Episcopal Community Development Corporation. The motion was adopted. SENIOR HOUSING CORPORATIONS The President called to order a 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. Diocesan Trustees: Mr. Thomas Bisdale, Mr. Richard Graham, Ms. Gloria Layne, Ms. Diane J. Tekirian. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Hillsdale Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President called to order a 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 nominee be elected to the Board of Trustees for the terms noted. The motion was seconded and adopted. Nutley Trustees (Terms expire May 12, 2009): Ms. Theresa Ruffo. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council. DISTRICT SHARING District 1: The Rev. Thomas Mathews reported the district planned a monthly youth service; and will host a meeting of treasurers with the diocesan CFO. District 2: Ms. Patty Watts reported the district met last Friday for a covered dish supper and Bible study that was well attended. District 3: Ms. Lois Gray reported that the district's recent meeting focused on ways to assist with summer camping program for children at St. John's, Dover. District 4: The Rev. Canon Dr. Sandye Wilson reported on district work in evangelism (bringing people to Christ), anti-racism conversations, and deepening spiritual formation. The district recently bid farewell to the Rev. Laurie Matarazzo who left Calvary, Summit and congratulated the Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton on her doctorate degree. District 6: The Rev. Greg Perez reported that the next meeting will address the need for compliance with submissions of parochial reports and pledge reconciliation forms. District 7: The Rev. Erik Soldewedel reported the district launched a project of health awareness in the congregations to focus on parishioners' health and well being. District 8: The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo reported the recent meeting discussed the district confirmations and future outreach projects District 9: The Rev. Lynne Bleich Weber reported the district reviewed this year's joint building together day and began planning for next year's project. The Rev. J. Barrington Bates was the new co-convener. District confirmations were well received within the district. District 10: The Rev. Michael Allen reported on efforts of relationship building within the district including an event scheduled for this next Saturday at St. Paul's, Paterson - getting to know the friends that you don't know event. It will be a gathering for Bible study, barbecue and entertainment from youth bands. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MEETING EVALUATION Ms. Barbara Piccirillo announced that the two-day Vocare event was moved to January 9-11, 2009. The age group was 19-35 for Vocare. She encouraged participation from that age range. The Bishop expressed appreciation to the members of the Steering Committee for their ongoing assistance in preparation for the monthly meetings and other areas. The meeting was closed with prayer by Bishop Beckwith. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |