Wednesday, June 14, 2000
Rutherford Senior Manor, Rutherford, New Jersey
Approved Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting

Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger; President; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary ; Mr. John Zinn, Treasurer; Michael F. Rehill, Esq., Chancellor

Bishop's Appointments: The Rev. John G. Hartnett

Elected by Convention: The Rev. Dr. Ellen Barrett; Mr. Leonard Glenn; Ms. Bonnie Magnuson; The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler; Ms. Lynn Tyler; The Rev. Richard Wrede

Elected by Districts: The Rev. David Badgely; Mr. Steve Boston; The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke; The Rev. Kevin P.J. Coffey; Mr. Richard Fifield; The Rev. Susan Fortunato; Ms. Kathy Ganim; Ms. Ann Hirsch; Ms. Naomi Horsky; Ms. Claudette Lewis; Mrs. Doris Mardirosian; The Rev. Kenneth Near; The Rev. William Parnell; Ms. Susan Schink; The Rev. Mildred J. Solomon; The Rev. Paul Walker; Ms. Patty Watts; The Rev. Denise Yarbrough

Absent: Mr. Alan Bowen; The Rev. Martin Bagay; The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss; Mr. Gerald Harvey; The Rev. William Lantz; Ms. Elizabeth Moss; Ms. Diane Rhodes; Mr. Robert Simmons; Ms. Joyce Skipper

Others: Ms. Judith Seelbach, Mr. Jay Powell, Ms. Marge Christie, the Rev. Ed Hasse, Mr. E. Kim Byham, the Rev. Al Jousset, the Rev. Fletcher Harper, the Rev. Lucy Ann Dure.

Staff: The Rev. Canon Paul Hunt

Prior to the start of the meeting, members toured the building of Rutherford Senior Manor and visited several apartments. After Evening Prayer, Mr. Rehill introduced Ms. Valeria Hartman, building manager, and Mr. Ted Harrison, office assistant, both of whom led the tours.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Bishop Croneberger.

Mr. Rehill gave a history of the building which began as an efforts by residents of Rutherford in the early 1980's to bring additional senior housing to their town, but their efforts met with neighborhood resistance. In 1987, the existing board agreed to work with the diocese who became the sponsoring organization for HUD funds. A parking lot was the selected spot. The Diocesan Council became the corporation of the Rutherford Senior Housing Corporation. The construction costs were $3.4 million dollars. The building was dedicated in May 1992 with full occupancy by the fall of 1992. The building was low income, subsidized housing. There were fifty-five apartments, plus a superintendent's apartment. Six were set aside as handicapped apartments. 48 women, 9 men occupied the building. The youngest was 47, the oldest 93. Three African-Americans, two Hispanic-Americans and two Korean-Americans. The highest rent was $330, with comparable rates in the area at $960 monthly.

AGENDA

It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda with the addition of a report from the Rev. John Hartnett, chair of the Planning Committee. The motion was adopted.

MINUTES

It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the May 10, 2000. The motion to accept the minutes was adopted.

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

Welcomed the members of the General Convention Deputation; the Rev. Lucy Ann Dure, chair of the Christian Education Commission; and Ms. Judy Seelbach, Executive Director, and Mr. Jay Powell, Chair, of the Commission on Aging.

Reported on a recent meeting held with clergy to discuss a variety of issues. Eighty clergy attended the meeting.

Reported on the start of the consultation process with Ms. Helen Spector, consultant. There had been a two day meeting of people who came together as a team to design the process. The visits planned by Council will be tied into the work of the planning process.

Announced that the Trustees of the Episcopal Fund and Diocesan Properties filled its vacancy with the selection of Ms. Diane Mayo, member of Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge.

Reported that nine regional confirmations were scheduled for next year; a prospect that had received a variety of responses. There were included a series of dates for Saturday visits at the Cathedral for a preparation day and teaching with the bishop.

Commented on the shortage of Episcopal clergy throughout the country and the concerns that raised. The Rev. Rickey Edwards will become the interim at St. James', Hackettstown; the Rev. Richard Ottaway will be the interim to All Saints', Leonia. The provision of supply clergy for summer coverage was also difficult to cover.

Reported that collaboration with the Franciscans continued on track for Christ Hospital. The Canterbury Health System had been established to provide all the legal medical services to women at Christ Hospital. Commended the work and efforts of the Rev. Richard Lampert, the Rev. Steve Giovangelo, Ms. Robin Hodgkins, Ms. Antoinette Neals, the Rev. Mark Lewis, Mr. John Zinn, and especially the Rev. Geoff Curtiss.

Reported the diocesan staff had taken half of the anti-racism program and would complete the process by month's end.

Read the letter he sent on June 1 to the parishioners of Grace Church Van Vorst, Jersey City. The Rev. Charles Lochner was selected as the interim because of his combined skills in grief counseling and music.

Thanked the Rev. Richard Wrede, who had accepted a call to Lakewood NJ, for his service as priest in the diocese and his time with Diocesan Council.

TREASURER'S REPORT

Mr. John Zinn presented the report. Pledge income was over budget for the month, which was common for the month after Easter. Twenty-five percent continued to go to the National Church, and hopefully that payment could continue over the summer months. Typically the diocese runs at a deficit for eleven months and evens out at the twelfth month; this year the deficit was lower at this point.

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

COMMISSION ON AGING

Ms. Judith Seelbach, Executive Director, and Mr. Jay Powell, Chair, addressed the Council. The commission had moved from providing information and resources to being more programmatic. Five hundred people attended this year's service which honored fifty-one senior citizens from our churches. The commission was ready to provide training for church educators on senior issues. The commission will begin to hold sessions on elder abuse.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMISSION

The Rev. Lucy Ann Dure, chair, reported that fifteen people were on the commission. The mission statement of the commission was to facilitate regular Christian educational programs for all age groups, act as consultant to groups, use the Bishop Anand Resource Center as a source of educational resource, and nurture community. She reported on two of the educational programs held this past year. Also provided were workshops on Godly Play, Journey to Adulthood and Rite 13. A curriculum for sex education for youths was under development in cooperation with the Youth Ministries Board and the Oasis. Work continued on a child care protection policy. Use of the Children's Sabbath curriculum continued to be encouraged. The Bishop Anand Resource Center realized an increase in use and a website was established by the director, Kitty Kawecki. Future projects included promotion of the Jubilee 2000 curriculum under the guidance of the Rev. Geoff Curtiss and Ms. Martha Gardner. Training in the use of the curriculum will be provided in the fall. Another planned project was the return of Journey for Christian Living.

GENERAL CONVENTION DEPUTIES

Members of the Deputation (deputies and alternates) – the Rev. Fletcher Harper, the Rev. Al Jousett, Ms. Marge Christie, the Rev. Ed Hasse, Mr. E. Kim Byham, Mr. Michael Rehill, Mr. Steve Boston – summarized the upcoming issues that will be highlighted at the General Convention and sought comments. Topics covered included: sexuality and blessings of same-sex relationships; goal of doubling membership by 2020; structuring and ordering of ministry; stewardship, including the Alleluia Fund; structures of the church, which included the dissolution of provinces; disciplinary process; relations with the Lutherans; prayer book revision; national concerns, including end of life issues; calendar of feast days; living wage; moratorium on death penalty; and bio-ethics task force. The proposed three year budget was $136,000,000; 63% of income came from dioceses, 22% from investments, 9% from government funds primarily for the national church's work in immigration and refugee issues.

PROVINCIAL SYNOD REPORT

Mrs. Doris Mardirosian, Deputy to Provincial Synod, reported on the recent synod held in May. Business items were the restructuring of the province and meeting calendar; hiring of an executive director; budget; plans for program resourcing; and General Convention issues.

DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS

The Rev. Canon Paul S. Hunt, Canon to the Ordinary, presented an update on the DOM, including the transition with the Ward J. Herbert Board to take on property issues for all churches. DOM members had been in discussion about congregational development for all congregations within the diocese. They were asking such questions as, How do you define viability? Does it center around full time ministry with a clergy person in a church? What's required for viability? Discussions will continue on these questions and other issues. It was not expected for the DOM to solely carry their discussions to fruition, but will have a significant voice in the decision making process.

PLANNING COMMITTEE - DISTRICT RESTRUCTURING

The Rev. John Hartnett, chair, addressed the issue of reorganization of diocesan districts. The Planning Committee will meet during the summer to process responses to an open letter which will be widely distributed. The meetings were scheduled for June 26, July 25, August 8 and August 22.

ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

It was moved by the Rev. William Parnell and seconded that the recommendations presented last month be ratified. The motion was adopted.

AV-00-01: Newark, The Oasis: "No More Bullies!", $6,500
AV-00-02: Orange, Epiphany: Transportation Outreach Project, $8,000
AV-00-03: Newark, Newark School of Theology, $5,000
AV-00-04: Newark, AIDS Resource Center at St. Barnabas, $12,000
AV-00-05: W. Milford, Highlands CDC: Assessing&Treating Unemployed People for Depression, $11,000
AV-00-06: Hackensack, Christ: Christ CDC/Peter's Place, no funding
AV-00-07: Boonton, St. John's: St. John's CDC After-School Care, $12,000
AV-00-08: Paterson, St. Paul's CDC: Food Pantry-Hunger and The Underserved, $12,500
AV-00-09: Jersey City, Incarnation: B. A. L. C. Summer Day Camp, $5,000
AV-00-10: Jersey City CDC: Grace Seniors "Tips for Healthy Living", $2,000
AV-00-11: Newark, Grace: "Youth at Home", $3,000
AV-00-12: Belleville, Christ: Cathedral Choir at Christ, $4,500
AV-00-13: Phillipsburg, St. Luke's: Luke's Pantry, $ 8,500

Total recommendation to Diocesan Council : $90,000

It was noted that one of the churches receiving a grant had reduced its diocesan pledge. This prompted discussion on the appropriateness of such information to be used in the deliberation process by the granting boards. The Rev. William Parnell will pass along the essence of the discussion to Ms. Barbara Conroy, chair of the ACTS/VIM Board.

WARD J. HERBERT FUND RECOMMENDATIONS

It was moved by the Rev. William Parnell and seconded that the recommendations presented last month be ratified. The motion was adopted.

WJH-00-01: Paterson, Holy Communion - Replace Furnace, $4,160
WJH-00-02: Montclair, St. Luke's - Repair Leak in Steam Line, $2,000
WJH-00-03: Cliffside Park, Trinity -Replace Furnace in Rectory, $1,500
WJH-00-04: Belleville, Christ - Asbestos Tile Floor, $840
WJH-00-05: Harrington Park, St. Andrew's, Roof Repairs/Church Renovations,$2,700
WJH-00-06: West Milford, Incarnation - Highlands CDC, $1,700
WJH-00-07: Teaneck, Christ - General Improvements, $6,175
WJH-00-08: Morristown, Redeemer - Boiler Replacement, $7,520
WJH-00-09: Jersey City, Incarnation - Rectory Repairs,$1,165
WJH-00-10: Parsippany, St. Gregory's - New Roof for Vicarage, $1,833
WJH-00-11: Orange, Epiphany - Stained Glass Window Repair, $14,720
WJH-00-12: Newton, Christ - Boiler Replacement, $8,800
WJH-00-13: Morris Plains, St. Paul's - Repair/Replace Cast Stone Bell Tower, $19,200
WJH-00-14: Millington, All Saints' - Furnace Replacement, $2,720
WJH-00-15: Boonton, St. John's - Roof Replacement, $8,960
WJH-00-16: Montclair, Trinity - Replace Roof/Refurbish Apartments,$9,071
WJH-00-17: Glen Rock, All Saints' - Chapel Roof & Rectory Boiler Replacements, $3,936

Set Aside for Evaluations, $5,000

Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council: $102,000

OUTREACH COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

It was moved by Ms. Susan Schink and seconded that the recommendations presented last month be ratified. The motion was adopted.

International category:

Diocese of Lebombo - $7,600
Episcopal Refugee Outreach Ministry - $3,300
Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore India - $2,000
St. Leonard's School, Jamaica, West Indies- $2,500
Diocese of Matana, Burundi, Africa- $3,000

Domestic category:

St. Agnes and St. Paul's Cricket Initiative - $1,500
Positive Connection - $1,000
Highlands CDC - $4,000
Friends for Life - $3,500
St. James CDC - $10,000
The Apostles' House -$4,000
Jersey City Episcopal CDC -$7,000
St. Paul's CDC, Paterson - $3,000
New Jersey Community Loan Fund - $2,000
Newark School of Theology - No funding is recommended.
Sussex County IHN - the group did not appear at the hearings, committee could not consider the request.
Christ Church CDC - $4,000
St. Peter's Haven - $6,000
St. John's CDC - $8,000
AIDS Resource Center - $8,500
Learning Information and Access Center Tutorial Program - $2,000
Kearny Domestic Violence Task Force - No funding is recommended
Morris County Nutritional Program for Seniors - $2,000
Youth Assistance Divergence Program - No funding is recommended
Christ Church Community Soup Kitchen - $2,500
The Care Closet at Christ Church -$2,000
God's Children/Youth Outreach Program - $3,500

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

Mrs. Doris Mardirosian, vice president, reported that the office of presidency was not filled by election. The leadership will rotate among the remaining officers. Monthly reports will continue to be made.

STEERING COMMITTEE - CONGREGATIONAL VISITS

Ms. Susan Schink reported that all assignments for the congregational visits were completed. Letters will be mailed to rectors and wardens to expect the telephone contact from a Council member to set up a visit.

STEERING COMMITTEE - SUMMER AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION

The Rev. William Parnell, Committee member, moved the following resolution:

Resolved, that the authority to act on behalf of the Diocesan Council during the months of July and August 2000 be given to the Steering Committee in agreement with the Bishop 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.

The motion was seconded and adopted.

STEERING COMMITTEE - RESOLUTION OF THANKSGIVING FOR MARIE OBERMANN

Mrs. Doris Mardirosian, Committee member, moved the following resolution:

Whereas, Diocesan Council wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Marie Obermann for her devotion to the work of the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Newark and in the wider church on both the provincial and national levels, and for her strong faith as an Episcopalian and her convictions, care and concerns for all people of this Diocese; and,

Whereas, Marie has been a leader of the Church in so many ways: President of the Episcopal Church Women, Chair of the Diocesan United Thank Offering, Province II's UTO representative to the National Church, Treasurer of the Women's Commission, President of the North Porch Board, Chair of Elections for many Diocesan Convention, Chair of Arrangements for Diocesan Convention and has been involved in many other activities of our Church; and,

Whereas, Marie has also been a delegate to Triennial for the Episcopal Church Women, United Thank Offering, Women's Commission and the Episcopal Women's Caucus; and,

Whereas, we shall miss her presence among us very much, not only for her work in the church, but for her positive, energetic and lively personality; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that with our deepest affection and admiration, we send our very best wishes, love and God's blessings to Marie and Fred as they move away and begin a new journey on life's path.

The motion was seconded and adopted.

The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Richard Wrede.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary


The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 13, Christ Church, East Orange


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