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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 St. Agnes', Little Falls
Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger; President; Mr. John Zinn, Treasurer; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary; Diane Sammons, Esq., Chancellor. Elected by Districts: Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, Mr. Donald Cairns, The Rev. Canon Gervais Clarke, The Rev. Lu-Ann Conner, The Rev. Randall Day, The Rev. Hank Dwyer, The Rev. Janet Kraft, Ms. Susan Kynor, The Rev. Paul Olsson, Mr. Andrew Piccirillo, The Rev. William Potter, The Rev. Nancy Read, Mr. Don Roberts, The Rev. Elton Smith, The Rev. Dr. E. Bevan Stanley, Ms. Lynn Tyler, Ms. Pat Yankus. Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Prince Singh, The Rev. Paul Williams. Absent: Ms. Glenda DeKruif, The Rev. Gray Lesesne, Ms. Carol Taylor, The Rev. Fain Webb. ECW: Ms. Doris Mardirosian. Others Present:: Mr. Alan Bowen, VP of Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries (CROM) Board; Mr. Andrew Molnar and Ms. Marie Skweir, executive directors of CROM; Ms. Claire Guerette, Ms. Skye Henley and Ms. Susan Martin, members of Grace Van Vorst Church, Jersey City. Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols; Ms. Kaileen Alston; Ms. Kitty Kawecki. COUNCIL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS Prior to the start of the business section, the working groups met separately for Bible study (Matthew 11:2-11) and discussions. The full Council meeting was opened at 7:50 p.m. with prayer. AGENDA Motion: It was moved and seconded to adopt the agenda as prepared. The motion was adopted. MINUTES Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of November 10, 2004. The motion to accept the minutes was adopted. OUTREACH WORKING GROUP REPORT The Rev. Hank Dwyer reported on the conversations held during the working group time about the diocesan efforts in senior residential housing and specifically the proposed Belleville senior housing project. Mr. Michael Rehill, Chancellor Emeritus and President of Emerald Management, and Mr. Thomas DiBiasi, attorney, met with the group to detail the work of the senior housing and provided details on HUD funding, and the benefits to the diocese. Liability to the diocese was severely limited because the project was held by a separate incorporated entity of which the Diocesan Council is the membership. The project was similar to those constructed in Hillsdale, Rutherford and Nutley for low income seniors. An authorization from the Council for the corporation establishment was the next step. A draft of the incorporation resolution will be requested from Mr. Rehill along with a information sheet for circulation to the council and to the bishop, senior staff and chancellor before any action or vote can be taken. It was noted that there appeared to be a deadline of April for a final decision, although the presenters were hopeful for an authorization resolution in January. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATION The bishop comments included the following: • Mr. Alan Bowen, VP of Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries (CROM) Board; Mr. Andrew Molnar and Ms. Marie Skweir, executive directors of CROM; Ms. Claire Guerette, Ms. Skye Henley and Ms. Susan Martin, members of Grace Van Vorst Church, Jersey City. • Bishop Skilton's visit to St. Anthony of Padua during which time a diocesan confirmation service was conducted and was a satisfactory experience. • The cathedral chapter met in November and a special meeting was called by the bishop for December 22 to review the finances and the 2005 budget. • Interim assignments: Ellen Barrett, St. James', Upper Montclair; Curt Hart, St. Matthew's, Paramus; Andrea Baldyga, St. Luke's, Phillipsburg; Wade Renn, St. Luke's, Montclair; Fred Nestrock, Christ, Ridgewood; John Negrotto, St. Peter's, Essex Fells. • Bi-lingual diocesan confirmation service with Bishop Ramos went well. • The Coalition of Religious Leaders met recently for common conversation. • Province II bishops met to discuss the Windsor report in preparation for the January House of Bishop's meeting. • Bishop Townsend returned home to West Virginia and went with the best wishes of the diocese. • Three ordinations on Saturday, December 18: Debbie Venezia, St. George's, Maplewood; Ronnie Stout Kopp, Christ Church, Pompton Lakes; William Feus in the Diocese of New Jersey. • Expressed thanks to John Zinn, Chief Financial Officer, the senior staff and the Budget Committee for their work on this year's proposed budget. CROSS ROADS OUTDOOR MINISTRIES Mr. Alan Bowen, Vice President of the Cross Roads Board of Trustees, presented a status report on the camp and introduced the new executive directors of Cross Roads Outdoor Ministries, Mr. Andrew Molnar and Ms. Marie Skweir. They were responsible for a camp in Ohio for seven years prior to coming to Cross Roads where they successfully turned that camp into an effective operation. The year 2004 will close with a surplus, unlike the previous several years. Mr. Molnar and Ms. Skweir expressed their enthusiasm for the work of the camp and were especially pleased with the openness for diversity and inclusion. Their goals were to make the place an aggressively hospitable camp that was well run, financially sound and spiritually grounded. TREASURER'S REPORT Mr. John Zinn presented a status report on the year to date. Since last month's report, it was learned that St. Mark's, Mendham would try to meet its pledge obligations through a payment plan over the next several years rather than be in default. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT Mr. John Zinn presented the proposed budget on behalf of the Budget Committee. A new income line, Restricted Income, was added to reflect the Trustees funding for the diocesan property manager and the Gertrude Butts Memorial Home Association funding for camping and youth ministry programs. These funds were restricted by the donor for those specific purposes. Pledge income was projected downward from 2004, in part due to congregations' addressing their ongoing deficits. While thirty churches increased the percentage pledge for 2005, he expressed dismay that eleven churches reduced the pledge percentage and only one, Church of the Saviour, Denville, took the action after consultation with the diocese, which was the preferred method. Income for 2005 was projected to be lower than 2004. The diocese cannot operate with a deficit budget. Every section of the budget made a contribution toward eliminating the deficit. The budget proposed giving 25% of pledge and investment income to the National Church. However, for the first time, the income based used to calculate the giving will be reduced by $100,000. This was part of the National Church's apportionment system that we have not utilized prior to 2005 and reduces our giving by $25,000. This was the first year that this allowance was taken by the diocese. The Voice funding provided for five issues, four less than a typical year. Funding for Cross Roads had a long tradition and this budget reflected that support with an increase in the diocesan budget. Full funding for the CROM through the budget was a goal. The proposed budget reduced the diocesan staffing levels by three and one-half positions – the Assisting Bishop, the Director of Communications and Events, and two administrative assistant positions. The property manager position will return to full time through the support of the Trustees funding. The Anand Center director position will remain at four days. The staff salary increase would be three percent. A new line was created for a contribution to the lay employees pension plan. This was a defined benefit pension plan that had been overfunded for many years and did not require any contribution from the budget. Based on projections, a consultant advised that $45,000 annually should be added to the lay pension endowment; the budget provides for $20,000 of that amount with the intent that it would be fully funded by the budget in 2006. The remaining $25,000 would come from a bequest with Council approval. Under staff, lines 27 and 28, Canon for Congregational Development and Canon to the Ordinary it was suggested to add the text "and staff" after the titles. Motion: Mr. Zinn moved the proposed 2005 budget recommendation for presentation to the Convention. The motion was seconded and after discussion adopted. Lay Pension Funding Mr. John Zinn moved the following resolution: Motion: Resolved, That $25,000 in bequests received by the diocese be used as a contribution to the Diocese of Newark's lay pension plan. Supporting Information: The diocese maintains a pension plan for its lay employees similar to the clergy pension plan that is provided on a national level. This is a defined benefit plan whereby retirees receive a monthly pension based upon their salary and years of service. Because of over funding and the performance of the stock market, there was a period of at least ten years through the end of 2003 where the diocese has not had to make a contribution. This changed in 2004 when a contribution of $68,000 was made from another bequest. The standard practice for bequests received by the diocese is to add them to the endowment that funds the diocesan budget. Since the pension plan functions like an endowment fund, this use is simply putting a bequest into a designated endowment instead of the general Council endowment. Our pension consultants believe that contributions of $45,000 per year will be necessary for the next several years. The proposed 2005 budget includes $20,000 with the bequest to make up the difference. The goal for 2006 will be for the full amount to be included in the budget for as long as this is necessary. This will continue to be reviewed annually. Budget Committee Authorization Mr. John Zinn moved the following resolution: Motion: Resolved, That the budget committee of the Diocesan Council is authorized to make changes in the proposed 2005 Diocesan Budget between the January Council meeting and the Diocesan Convention. Supporting Information: The proposed 2005 budget has been prepared so that Convention Deputies might have the budget at an earlier date that necessitates using somewhat incomplete data. As a result the budget committee will make a final review of the budget the week before convention when all of the data is available. Since the Convention approves the budget, this resolution simply gives the committee authorization to modify the proposals made to Convention. Mr. John Zinn explained the intent of the 50/50 proportional pledge system which undergirded our diocesan stewardship for common ministry. The system provided a collaborative effort by congregations and the diocese. It was commendable that the program had been successful for fifteen years, unlike any other diocese. Over the years, there had been turnover and there was need to provide education about the benefits of the stewardship program. Much could be done to improve the compliance with the December 1 pledge submission date. Part of that will be by providing Council with the names of the late submissions. The churches that did not comply with the December 1, 2004 submission of the pledge card were: Calvary, Bayonne; Trinity, Bayonne; Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge; Christ Church, East Orange; St. Agnes/St. Paul's, East Orange; St. Anthony of Padua, Hackensack; St. Cyprian's, Hackensack; St. Mary's, Haledon; St. Luke's, Hope; Church of the Incarnation, Jersey City; St. Agnes' Little Falls; St. Martin's, Maywood; St. Gabriel's, Milton/Oakridge; St. James, Montclair; St. Luke's, Montclair; Trinity, Montclair; Grace, Newark; St. Barnabas, Newark; Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark; Church of the Annunciation, Oradell; Church of the Holy Communion, Paterson; St. John's, Ramsey; Church of the Good Shepherd, Ringwood; St. Andrew's and Holy Communion, South Orange; St. Dunstan's, Succasuna; St. Peter's, Washington; St. Michael's, Wayne; St. Paul's & Resurrection, Wood-Ridge. This was the sixth year that the budget was finalized in the first two weeks of December so that the budget would be distributed as early as possible to deputies. This proved to be a chaotic and stressful time tracking down late pledges. He suggested that perhaps the process be modified such that distribution could be moved to early January. Regarding audits, the national canons require that the audit be filed by September 1. However, many congregations were outstanding in providing audits. Some churches hadn't submit an audit in five years. It was in the interest of the congregation that annual audits were conducted. JERSEY CITY AREA MINISTRY FUNDING REQUEST The Rev. Janet Kraft, Grace Church Van Vorst, Jersey City, reported on the spending of the funds received last year to strengthen their Sunday worship and education programs through the use of audio-visual technology. She was joined by church members Ms. Claire Guerette, warden, Ms. Susan Martin and Ms. Skye Henley. As an example of that technology, a presentation was made using the technical equipment purchased – screen, projector, speakers – that allowed multi-sensory worship at the church. The video shown was produced for their stewardship campaign. The Rev. Prince Singh presented the following request resolution: Motion: Resolved, that Diocesan Council approves $23,400 from the Jersey City Funds for the year 2005 to support continued congregational growth and development of Grace Church Van Vorst as unanimously approved by JCAM (Jersey City Area Ministry) on November 8, 2004. Purpose: To continue to support the efforts of Grace Van Vorst to grow as a parish by providing funding for the Director of Children's Ministry and Director of Music. The total request of $23,400 represents a 10% decrease in JCAM support of these positions and an overall decrease of over 50% from the amount awarded in 2004. The breakdown of this request is as follows: Director of Children's Ministry $ 9,000 Director of Music $14,400 Supporting Information: In our proposal submitted to council last year we stated our purpose for the JCAM funds: "Purpose: To grow the parish of Grace Church Van Vorst to double its present size by the year 2006." As the attached report illustrates*, in the areas of outreach, pledging and attendance, Grace Van Vorst is very much on target to achieving this goal. We have diligently worked to utilize the 2004 JCAM funds as outlined in our request last year. Highlights of 2004 expenditures include: -the hiring of Shanna Pargellis as Director of Children's Ministry. Shanna has been instrumental in developing a children's program that heretofore was non-existent in our parish. Age-appropriate lessons and songs are taught in a spiritually nourishing environment. Many families with young children have joined Grace Van Vorst because of our intentional focus on ministering to children. Additionally, she has launched Grace & Peace, an early learning school for children ages 3 & 4. This kind of Christ-centered preschool education is otherwise not available to families in downtown Jersey City. The furniture and materials for Grace & Peace were funded by JCAM. -the hiring of Peter Moffitt as Director of Music. Under Peter's guidance, the worship music at Grace Van Vorst has become a focused blend of traditional and contemporary Christian styles. We now have a pianist, two guitarists and a percussionist. One of the most exciting and visible signs of JCAM funding has been the addition of a multi-media system, which includes a wide screen, projector, laptop and assorted necessary equipment. Our goal of a "paperless and flowing liturgy" has been realized. Hands are free to worship unencumbered. The readings and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer are now projected onto the screen, as well as images and photographs that support the liturgy. Our Stewardship campaign this fall has been tremendously enhanced by the committee's development of a CD-ROM that delivered their message effectively and creatively. We look forward to a progressive decrease in JCAM funding as our parish grows in size and strength so that we can support these ministries from our own budget.. The motion was seconded and adopted. ACTS/VIM BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS Motion: It was moved and seconded that the recommendations presented last month be ratified. The motion was adopted. AV-04-19: Hope, St. Luke's - Haven of Hope for Kids, $10,000 provisionally AV-04-20: Belleville, Christ - The Care Closet, $7,750 AV-04-21: Seamen's Church Institute - Building, no funding AV-04-22: Hoboken, All Saints' - Jubilee After School & Summer Programs, $7,750 AV-04-23: Hackensack, Christ Church CDC - Next Step Initiatives, $7,750 AV-04-24: Hasbrouck Heights, St. John the Divine - Care on the Corner, $8,250 AV-04-25: Dover, St. John's - After School Program, $4,000 AV-04-26: Newark, Grace - Youth@Home, $7,750 AV-04-27: Paterson, St. Paul's - CityServe After School Program, $8,250 AV-04-28: Millburn, St. Stephen's - Regenerations, $15,000 Total recommendation to Diocesan Council: $76,500 WARD J. HERBERT FUND RECOMMENDATIONS Motion: It was moved and seconded that the recommendations presented last month be ratified. The motion was adopted. WJH-04-25: Dover, St. John's - Rectory furnace, $2,600 WJH-04-26: Phillipsburg, St. Luke's - Asbestos floor tiles, no funding WJH-04-27: Belleville, Christ Church - Rectory roof, classroom ceiling, sidewalk repair, $7,000 WJH-04-28: Wantage, Good Shepherd - Vicarage oil tank, $2,100 WJH-04-29: Oakland, St. Alban's - New roof structure, $15,000 WJH-04-30: Towaco, Transfiguration - Drains & waterproofing (mold removal), $3,250 WJH-04-31: Hackettstown, St. James' - Church roof repair, $5,180 WJH-04-32: Union City, St. John's - Church boiler, $5,400 WJH-04-33: Washington, St. Peter's - Church roof repairs, $3,950 WJH-04-34: Montclair, St. John's - Sanctuary roof replacement, $5,000 WJH-04-35: Leonia, All Saints' - Roof and foundation repairs, $10,000 Total recommendation to Diocesan Council: $59,480 PARSONAGE ALLOWANCE RESOLUTIONS It was moved and seconded that the following resolutions be adopted: Motion: Resolved, That of the compensation paid to The Right Reverend John Palmer Croneberger in the calendar year of 2005, the sum of $40,000 be designated as parsonage allowance. Motion: Resolved, That of the compensation paid to The Reverend Canon Paul Hunt in the calendar year 2005, the sum of $47,000 be designated as parsonage allowance. The motion was seconded and adopted. Motion: It was moved and seconded to temporarily adjourn the meeting of Council. EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. ELECTIONS The President called to order the meeting of the Episcopal Community Development Corporation. Motion: Resolved, That the following be elected to the Episcopal Community Development Corporation Board of Trustees, terms expire December 31, 2007: • Jennifer Hauge • Mary Sunden • John Webb • John Zinn According to ECD By-laws (approved by Diocesan Council at the May 2004 meeting), ECD Trustees are elected by Diocesan Council in December. ECD Trustees have been divided into three classes, each class to serve a 3-year term. The terms for Trustees specified in Diocesan Council's election of the current ECD Board (in May 2004) end May 31 of 2005, 2006 and 2007. At the Board meeting December 1, these nominees were selected for election by Diocesan Council as Trustees of ECD. This group of nominees, constituting 1/3 of the Board, are proposed for election to a term ending December 31, 2007. This will mean that the ECD Trustees being reelected this year and for the next two years will not serve 5 months of the term for which they were elected in May 2004. The intent is to put all future Trustee classes on a term that ends in December, three years from their election by Diocesan Council Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Episcopal Community Development Corporation. The motion was adopted. NUTLEY SENIOR MANOR ELECTION The President called to order the meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Manor Corporation. Motion: Resolved, That the following be elected to the Nutley Senior Manor Board of Trustees as a replacement, term to expire May 11, 2005: • Mr. Jerry Deltufo Mr. Deltufo will fill a vacancy of a local representative trustee on the board. Motion: It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting of the Nutley Episcopal Senior Manor Corporation. The motion was adopted. The President reconvened the meeting of the Diocesan Council. DISTRICT SPENDING REQUESTS In response to the resolution adopted at last month's meeting encouraging districts to use the available funding for the purpose of evangelism, several districts submitted spending requests for holiday advertising. To date, $500 were spent on a request in March from District 7 for a confirmation preparation program. The remaining budget funds were $5,500. Motion: The following district spending requests were moved, seconded and adopted. Districts 2 and 3 requested on behalf of nine churches $1417 for a half page advertisement that would run for two days in the Daily Record to list the Christmas services for St. John's, Boonton, St. Peter's, Mountain Lakes, Church of the Saviour, Denville, St. Andrew's, Lincoln Park, St. Gabriel's, Milton/Oak Ridge (from District 2) and St. John's, Dover, St. Paul's, Morris Plains and St. Gregory's, Parsippany (from District 3). District 7 requested $2,500 for advertising at the PATH train stations in Jersey City and Hoboken. District 9 requested $1533.30 for advertising the services of the district churches for the 2004 Christmas season. The advertisements would run in the Bergen Record, Herald News, and the local Suburbanites, Town News, Twin Boro News and the Pascack Valley Community News. DISTRICT SHARING District 3: The Rev. Paul Olsson reported that Ms. Lois Gray, Holy Trinity, West Orange, was elected to fill the lay vacancy to Council. District 4: The Rev. Bevan Stanley reported that The Rev. Chris Brdlik, Calvary, Summit, was elected to replace him next year. District 5: Ms. Susan Kynor reported that she was re-elected to Council. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. with prayer by The Rev. J. Elton Smith. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |