Wednesday, May 10, 2000
Cross Roads Outdoor Ministry, Port Murray, New Jersey
Approved Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting
Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger;
President; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary ; Mr.
John Zinn, Treasurer
Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Alan Bowen; Ms. Diane Rhodes;
Elected by Convention: The Rev. Geoffrey Curtiss, Mr. Leonard Glenn; Ms. Bonnie
Magnuson; Ms. Lynn Tyler; The Rev. Richard Wrede
Elected by Districts: The Rev. David Badgely; The Rev. Martin Bagay; Mr. Steve
Boston; The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke; The Rev. Kevin P.J. Coffey; The Rev. Susan
Fortunato; Ms. Kathy Ganim; Mr. Gerald Harvey; Ms. Ann Hirsch; Ms. Naomi Horsky;
The Rev. William Lantz; Ms. Claudette Lewis; Mrs. Doris Mardirosian; Ms. Elizabeth
Moss; The Rev. Kenneth Near; The Rev. William Parnell; Ms. Susan Schink; Mr.
Robert Simmons; The Rev. Mildred J. Solomon; The Rev. Paul Walker; Ms. Patty
Watts; The Rev. Denise Yarbrough
Absent: The Rev. Dr. Ellen Barrett; Mr. Richard Fifield; The Rev. John G. Hartnett;
Mr. Michael Rehill; The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Schiesler; Ms. Joyce Skipper;
Others: Ms. Barbara Conroy, Mr. George Hayman, Ms. Christina Hembree, Mrs. Clara
Horsley
Staff: Ms. Susan Robinson; the Rev. Canon Paul Hunt
Members toured the camp site prior to the start of the meeting. Ms. Peggy Mellors,
program director, and Mr. Dennis Abrahamson, facilities director, were the tour
guides.
Ms. Peggy Mellors described her position and introduced Mr. Dennis Abrahamson
and Mr. Todd Garmer, director of special education component. Mr. Abrahamson
introduced the director of food services, Kim Minerly. He expressed appreciation
for past diocesan support and looked forward to continued collaboration. Volunteer
work was provided for some of the renovation and refurbishing of the facilities,
and more was always welcomed. Mr. Garmer explained that he had been a camper
since the age of six years and become involved in his teen years as a counselor
with special needs campers. Autistic and developmentally disabled campers had
special programs for the first time this year. Fifty-five campers were registered
for the program. It was planned to provide special needs programs year long,
and would include Special Olympics and respite weekends for care givers of special
needs kids. Another possible program would be job training skills.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Bishop Croneberger.
The invocation was pronounced by the Rev. Richard Wrede.
AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda. The motion was adopted.
MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the April 12, 2000, with
a correction on page five under community development: the housing built was
in the south ward of Newark, not the north ward. The motion to accept the minutes
was adopted.
The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke requested that future minutes list excused absences
to differentiate from absent without notice.
EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS:
THE RT. REV. JOHN P. CRONEBERGER
Welcomed Ms. Barbara Conroy, Mr. George Hayman, Ms. Christina Hembree, the Rev.
Jack Stanton, the Rev. Richard Bardusch, Mr. Don Cairns.
On May 10, he completed his 100th day as diocesan, even though he's been around
for fifteen months earlier as the coadjutor. Four persons had been interviewed
as the consultant. Ms. Helen Spector was selected to work with the diocese. She
had worked with the dioceses of Chicago and Ohio, and the national church. Her
style was to work collaboratively with all groups in the diocese. The Rev. John
Hartnett will convene the Planning Committee to begin its work with the first
item being the reorganization of the districts. The newly defined areas will
then be called into session, allowing for some self selection if a congregation
wants to change into another district.
Announced that the Standing Committee voted Mr. Tim Carpenter as the new Church
Attorney.
Reported on the recent gatherings of the endowed parishes in the diocese and
the CDC's within the diocese. These were opportunities to share experiences and
to discuss collaborative efforts.
There were a number of churches in transition with clergy departures and retirements.
Only trained interims will be hired for vacant cures.
Announced that Celebrating Creative Congregations conference had been moved to
March 2001 and will be expanded in its offering of resources through fifty to
one hundred workshops.
Reported that a group of bishops had been called by the presiding bishop to meet
regularly to discuss human sexuality and he had been asked to participate; co-chaired
by Bishops John Lipscomb and Chilton Knudsen.
Reported that on Friday before Holy Week, he took action to remove the rector
of Grace Van Vorst, Jersey City. The information and evidence was presented to
the clergy person who confirmed that the information was accurate. He then decided
to resign his position. Disciplinary papers would be drawn up. The Rev. Charles
Lochner was asked to step in as the interim rector. His past experience was as
a grief counselor, and he possessed musical talents and skills.
Reported on the recent New Jersey Council of Churches meeting that featured Jonathan
Kozol. Tape copies of his presentation would be available through the Bishop
Anand Resource Center. His newest book is called "Ordinary Resurrections."
Reminded members of the ordinations of deacons scheduled for June 10.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Mr. John Zinn presented the report. Pledge income was about one month behind
budget which was normal. Investment income should come closer to budget in May.
Twenty-five percent of income continued to go to the National Church. The Outreach
lines would be expended after the ratification of the Outreach Committee recommendations
in June. The deficit in April was not surprising.
It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion
was adopted.
CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
BOARD
Mrs. Christina Hembree, Board member, presented a report on behalf of the Board
requesting the release of funds for debt repayment. The request was to draw down
$250,000 from the investment income. The Rev. William Parnell moved and Ms. Lynn
Tyler seconded the resolution to permit the draw down. The motion was adopted.
Her report was as follows.
Subsequent to the appraisal of the Beisler Camp and Conference Center in December
1997, the Lutheran Synod will have invested (when the pool is completed May 2000)
approximately $500,000 in "additional improvements." The current legal
agreement between the Diocese of Newark and the Lutheran Synod stipulates that
the Diocese will pay our 50% of this total at the time of the initial Capital
Funds Drive.
Diocesan Council authorization was requested to reduce this debt prior to that
date, subject to the following:
– availability of funds
– mutual agreement as to how it will be paid (primarily through capital improvements
at the Camp and Conference Center)
– a written agreement specifying the portion (or total) amount being paid
– not to exceed $250,000 without further Council approval
BACKGROUND
Between the establishment of the Joint Venture and the appraisal, there was a
need for further investment in a new septic system, additional cabins, new well,
swimming pool, etc. During this period, the evaluation of the Camp Endowment
Fund indicated that the Diocese would only have $250,000 - $300,000 remaining
after purchasing one-half interest in the existing facility. Therefore, if we
had paid off our share of the "additional improvements" at the establishment
of the Joint Venture, we would have had little or no remaining funds for other
necessary work prior to the Capital Funds Drive.
The Lutheran Synod, understanding this situation, offered the current payback
arrangement. However, because of asset appreciation, our remaining balance was
approximately $600,000 as compared to the $250,000-$300,000 we had been estimating.
We, therefore, believe that in good faith we should try, to the extent possible,
to reduce this debt prior to the Capital Funds Drive. Also, having this money
available will assure that the Camp and Conference Center can completely implement
the Major Repair/Renovation Projects that have been identified in the Capital
Budget.
Based on the preceding, the Diocesan Council is respectfully requested to grant
this request for authority to accelerate the debt payment. This proposal is supported
by the Diocesan Trustees on the Cross Roads Board, Bishop Croneberger and John
Zinn.
YOUTH MINISTRIES BOARD REPORT
Mr. George Hayman, Board Chair, and board members the Rev. Jack Stanton and Mr.
Don Cairns, along with the Rev. Richard Bardusch, Youth Ministries Director,
addressed the council. The board consisted of twelve members in total. A quarterly
newsletter will be published about youth ministries. A calendar of events was
announced. Mr. Stanton reported that more activities were planned for the youths
in the diocese; that there was a commitment to youth ministries with the expansion
of the youth ministries director to full time from part time and the increased
financial support within the diocesan budget. Volunteer support had been overwhelming.
Assistance for congregations to build up and start youth groups was available
from the board. Twice yearly board retreats were scheduled for planning purposes.
The Rev. Richard Bardusch reported that he was pleased to be working with a team
of people across the diocese. Programming was expanding and participation was
increasing. A recent retreat for forty high school students was held at the camp
site; the topics discussed were abortion, gun control, euthanasia and capital
punishment.
Mr. Cairns announced the 25th anniversary of past participants in WOODY.
ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Barbara Conroy, Board Chair, 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-00-01 Newark, The Oasis: "No More Bullies!" requested $10,000
Motion to fund: 9 yes, 2 no, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $6,500: 11 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-02 Orange, Epiphany: Transportation Outreach Project requested 20,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $8,000: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-03 Newark, Newark School of Theology requested 19,950
Motion to fund: 13 yes.
Motion to fund $5,000: 13 yes.
AV-00-04 Newark, AIDS Resource Center at St. Barnabas requested 20,000
Motion to fund: 11 yes, 2 abstentions.
Motion to fund $12,000: 11 yes, 2 abstentions.
AV-00-05 West Milford, Highlands CDC: Assessing & Treating req'd 20,000
Unemployed People for Depression
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $11,000: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-06 Hackensack, Christ: Christ CDC/Peter's Place requested 20,000
Motion to fund: 13 no.
Representatives from the Board explained prior to the night of the hearings that
the purchase of property would not be considered for funding, but any future
program components would be considered for funding.
AV-00-07 Boonton, St. John's: St. John's CDC After-School Care req'd 20,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $12,000: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-08 Paterson, St. Paul's CDC: Food Pantry-Hunger and
The Under-served requested 20,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $12,500: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-09 Jersey City, Incarnation: B. A. L. C. Summer Day Camp req'd 5,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $5,000: 12 yes, 1 abstention.
AV-00-10 JC CDC: Grace Seniors "Tips for Healthy Living" requested
2,000
Motion to fund: 13 yes.
Motion to fund $2,000: 13 yes.
AV-00-11 Newark, Grace: "Youth at Home" requested 10,000
Motion to fund: 12 yes, 1 no.
Motion to fund $3,000: 13 yes.
AV-00-12 Belleville, Christ: Cathedral Choir at Christ requested 5,000
Motion to fund: 13 yes.
Motion to fund $4,500: 13 yes.
AV-00-13 Phillipsburg, St. Luke's: Luke's Pantry requested 10,000
Motion to fund: 13 yes.
Motion to fund $ 8,500: 13 yes.
Total recommendation to Diocesan Council $90,000
WARD J. HERBERT FUND RECOMMENDATIONS
Mr. Steve Boston, 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-00-01 Paterson, Holy Communion - Replace Furnace requested $6,500
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $4,160: 11 yes.
WJH-00-02 Montclair, St. Luke's - Repair Leak in Steam Line requested $2,000
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $2,000: 11 yes.
WJH-00-03 Cliffside Park, Trinity -Replace Furnace in Rectory requested $1,500
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $1,500: yes.
WJH-00-04 Belleville, Christ - Asbestos Tile Floor requested $840
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $840: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
WJH-00-05 Harrington Park, St. Andrew's, Roof Repairs/Church Renovations req'td
$4,175
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $2,700: 11 yes.
WJH-00-06 West Milford, Incarnation - Highlands CDC requested $1,700
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $1,700: 11 yes.
WJH-00-07 Teaneck, Christ - General Improvements requested $9,649
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $6,175: 11 yes.
WJH-00-08 Morristown, Redeemer - Boiler Replacement requested $11,750
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1abstention.
Motion to fund $7,520: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
WJH-00-09 Jersey City, Incarnation - Rectory Repairs requested $1,165
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $1,165: 11 yes.
WJH-00-10 Parsippany, St. Gregory's - New Roof for Vicarage requested $1,833
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1abstention.
Motion to fund $1,833: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
WJH-00-11 Orange, Epiphany - Stained Glass Window Repair requested $23,000
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $14,720: 11 yes.
WJH-00-12 Newton, Christ - Boiler Replacement requested $13,750
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $8,800: 11 yes.
WJH-00-13 Morris Plains, St. Paul's - Repair/Replace Cast Stone Bell requested
$30,000
Motion to fund: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
Motion to fund $19,200: 10 yes, 1 abstention.
WJH-00-14 Millington, All Saints' - Furnace Replacement requested $4,250
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $2,720: 11 yes.
WJH-00-15 Boonton, St. John's - Roof Replacement requested $14,000
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $8,960: 11 yes.
WJH-00-16 Montclair, Trinity - Replace Roof/Refurbish Apartments requested $12,850
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $9,071: 11 yes.
WJH-00-17 Glen Rock, All Saints' - Chapel Roof & Rectory Boiler Replacements
rqt'd $6,150
Motion to fund: 11 yes.
Motion to fund $3,936: 11 yes.
Set Aside for Evaluations $5,000
Total Recommendation to Diocesan Council $102,000
OUTREACH COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Susan Schink, Committee Chair, 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.
In the international category, the committee received five requests totaling
$42,210. The requests and the committee's recommendations are as follows:
1. Diocese of Lebombo - a request from the companion diocese committee for $18,400
towards the cost of purchasing a four wheel drive vehicle for the Bishop of Lebombo,
to replace the vehicle destroyed in an accident. Recommended funding - $7,600
2. Episcopal Refugee Outreach Ministry - Liberia - a request for $3,310 to assist
Liberian refugees in Cote d'Ivoire. The goal of the program is to help refugees
from the Liberian Civil War develop means of self support through agricultural
programs. Recommended funding - $3,300
3. Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore India - a request for $15,000
towards the cost of construction of a recovery room for outpatient pediatric
surgery at the Ida Scudder Centenary Centre for Women and Children. Recommended
funding - $2,000
4. St. Leonard's School, Jamaica, West Indies - a request for $2,500 to provide
desks and chairs for teachers at the school. Recommended funding - $2,500
5. Diocese of Matana, Burundi, Africa - A request for $3,000 for programs for
AIDS prevention through education. Recommended funding - $3,000
In the domestic category the committee received 21 requests that totaled $201,276.
The requests and the recommendations are as follows:
1. St. Agnes and St. Paul's Cricket Initiative - a request for $4,000 to support
a cricket program for the people of East Orange with special emphasis on youth.
Recommended funding - $1,500, the committee proposes this funding to help support
the beginning of the program. The committee is not receptive to future requests
for ongoing funding.
2. Positive Connection - a request for $2,000 to conduct a health fair for young
adults for prevention of HIV/AIDS, teen pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse
at St. John's Church in Union City. Recommended funding - $1,000
3. Highlands CDC - a request for $12,000 to support expansion of basic education
and G.E.D. programs to provide employment preparation services and welfare to
work transition for unemployed and under-employed people in Upper Passaic County
with a primary focus on the needs of the Native American Community. Recommended
funding - $4,000
4. Friends for Life - a request for $14,654 to rent a van for three years to
transport people infected and affected by HIV to and from the organization's
site and related activities. Recommended funding - $3,500
5. St. James CDC - a request for $15,000 towards the operational cost of the
CDC's Housing Resource Center which prepares low income home buyers for home
ownership. Recommended funding - $10,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion
and vote on this request.
6. The Apostles' House - a request for $15,000 for a Children's Services Program
which will support the organization's family shelter, transitional housing program
and preventative child abuse program. Recommended funding - $4,000, Mr. Zinn
was not present for the discussion and vote n this request.
7. Jersey City Episcopal CDC - A request for $10,000 to provide administrative
support for this CDC's rapidly expanding services to those in need in Jersey
City. Recommended funding - $7,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion
and vote on this request.
8. St. Paul's CDC - a request for $10,000 to support this CDC's programs that
assist those in need in Paterson. Recommended funding - $3,000, Mr. Zinn was
not present for the discussion and vote on this request.
9. New Jersey Community Loan Fund - a request for $5,000 towards the operating
costs of the loan programs that assist community economic development initiatives
in affordable housing, community facilities and small businesses. Recommended
funding - $2,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion and
vote on this request.
10. Newark School of Theology - a request for $3,000 for recruiting expenses
and scholarships for this ecumenical and interfaith lay school of theology. Recommended
funding - No funding is recommended. The committee has discussed requests from
this organization in depth for the past two years. While it seems to be a good
program, the committee does not believe that it constitutes outreach and
does not wish to entertain future requests. This will be passed on to the group.
11. Sussex County IHN - a request for $5,000 to support the work of this program
to shelter homeless families and single women. Recommended funding - the group
did not appear at the hearings and under its
procedures the committee could not consider the request.
12. Christ Church CDC - a request for $10,000 to expand the CDC's staff support
for its homeless clientele.
Recommended funding - $4,000
13. St. Peter's Haven - a request for $15,000 to provide a supportive service
for children and their custodial parents by providing respite care. Recommended
funding - $6,000
14. St. John's CDC - a request for $10,000 for the CDC's after-school care program.
Recommended funding - $8,000
15. AIDS Resource Center - a request for $14,500 to support the organization's
pastoral care program for people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Recommended
funding - $8,500
16. Learning Information and Access Center Tutorial Program - a request for $5,622
to support the continuation of a tutorial program at Christ Church in East Orange.
Recommended funding - $2,000
17. Kearny Domestic Violence Task Force - a request for $20,000 in start up funds
for a program to provide public education and services for victims of domestic
violence in West Hudson County. Recommended funding - No funding is recommended
18. Morris County Nutritional Program for Seniors - a request for $2,000 to make
the bathroom facilities and St. John's, Dover, handicapped accessible so that
the church can host a feeding program for senior citizens.
Recommended funding - $2,000
19. Youth Assistance Divergence Program - a request for $15,000 to start a program
to help troubled youth and their families in East Orange. Recommended funding
- No funding is recommended
20. Christ Church Community Soup Kitchen - a request for $2,500 to fund start
up expenses of a program to provide hot, nutritious meals for the under employed
or unemployed of Belleville. Recommended funding - $2,500
21. The Care Closet at Christ Church - a request for $4,000 for supplies and
staff expenses of this program at Christ Church, Belleville, which provides household
and personal hygiene items to those in need.
Recommended funding - $2,000
22. God's Children/Youth Outreach Program - a request for $7,000 for the expenses
of this program of the Newark Regional Ministry to reach out to youth in the
City of Newark. Recommended funding - $3,500, the Rev. Solomon was not present
for the discussion and vote on this request.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
Mrs. Clara Horsley, ECW President, reported the ECW continued to review its structure
and work. This year's Book of Remembrance had one hundred names submitted. Announced
that Ms. Marie Obermann and Ms. Florence Bustamente were honored by the United
Way for their work with North Porch at a $250 a plate dinner. The annual ECW
meeting was scheduled for May 18 at Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral with
Ms. Laurie Wurm as the preacher.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Steve Boston, Committee Chair, reported the committee reviewed the coverage
provided by the current medical insurance company which had announced an increase
in premiums. After review and analysis, the committee determined that it was
not cost effective to move at this time. The committee will monitor and examine
the situation again in the early fall for planning coverage in 2001.
It was moved and seconded to temporarily adjourn the meeting of Council.
RUTHERFORD SENIOR HOUSING
CORPORATION
The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior Housing
Corporation.
It was moved and seconded that the following nominees be elected to the Board
of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted:
Diocesan Representative Trustees (terms expires May 14, 2003): The Rev. Dr. Ellen
M. Barrett and Ms. Barbara (Bobby) Christenberry
Rutherford Trustees (terms expire May 9, 2001): Ms. Rachelle Bialek, Ms. Maureen
Casciano, Ms. Annette DiTomaso, The Rev. Ray Frazier, The Rev. Meredith Hutchison,
Ms. Constance Keeler, Ms. Anita Mauterer, Ms. Mary Ann Murray, Ms. Barbara Russell.
The motion was adopted.
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Rutherford Senior
Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted.
HILLSDALE SENIOR HOUSING
CORPORATION
The President called to order the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior Housing
Corporation.
It was moved and seconded that the following nominees be elected to the Board
of Trustees in the categories and for the terms noted:
Diocesan Representative Trustee (term expires May 14, 2003): Mrs. Mary Hampton
Hillsdale Trustees (terms expire May 9, 2001): Mr. Bruce M. Bloch, Ms. Angela
Williamson, Mr. George Norman, Mrs. Nancy De Noble, Mrs. Barbara Blinn, Ms. Chessie
Kouba, Ms. Gean Kling, Ms. Colette Killian.
The motion was adopted.
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the Annual Meeting of the Hillsdale Senior
Housing Corporation. The motion was adopted.
The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council.
STEERING COMMITTEE -ANTI-RACISM
TRAINING
Mr. Robert Simmons reminded members that by resolution of Convention all leaders
of diocesan groups and congregations were urged to attend anti-racism training
sessions. The Mission to Dismantle Racism scheduled sessions for May 19 and 20.
Several members reported on joint efforts between congregations for the training.
STEERING COMMITTEE - CONGREGATIONAL
VISITS
Ms. Susan Schink reported that by the next meeting of Council all assignments
for the congregational visits will be completed. Letters will be mailed to rectors
and wardens to expect the telephone contact from a Council member to set up a
visit. At the June gathering of clergy, the congregational visits will be noted
by the bishop.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Steve Boston announced a ham radio conference that would provide young people
with exposure to a different type of technology; many of today's leaders in the
field of computer science had backgrounds in ham radio work.
The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Kevin Coffey.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Francaviglia,
Secretary
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