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THE DIOCESE OF NEWARK
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 St. Agnes' Church, Little Falls NJ Note: This is the FIRST Wednesday.
Present: The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger; President; The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, Assistant Bishop; Mr. Michael Francaviglia, Secretary; Diane Sammons, Esq., Chancellor. Elected by Districts: Mr. Steven Boston, The Rev. Christopher Brdlik, The Rev. Janet Broderick, Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, Mr. Henry Faulkner, The Rev. David Gable, Ms. Lois Gray, Mr. Robert Harwood, The Rev. George Kaswarra, The Rev. Kathryn King, Ms. Susan Kynor, The Rev. Paul Olsson, The Rev. William Potter, Ms. Mary Sunden, Ms. Patty Watts, The Rev. Fain Webb. Bishop's Appointments: Mr. Sidney King, The Rev. Gray Lesesne, The Rev. Prince Singh, Ms. Carol Taylor. Absent: Ms. Glenda DeKruif, The Rev. Mariano Gargiulo, Mr. Andrew Piccirillo, Mr. John Zinn. ECW: Ms. Doris Mardirosian Others: The Rev. Nancy Read, Deacon (Jersey City Strategy subcommittee) Staff: Canon R. Carter Echols; and Ms. Kai Alston, Ms. Lyn Headley-Deavours, and Ms. Kitty Kawecki (for the working group time). COUNCIL WORKING GROUP MEETINGS The working groups met separately for Bible study (Mark 8:31-38) and discussions. AGENDA The agenda was adopted as prepared. MINUTES Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes for the meeting of February 8, 2006. The motion was adopted. EPISCOPAL COMMUNICATIONS Bishop Croneberger's comments included: . Proposed plans for the 2007 diocesan convention and the consecration of the new bishop. The latter was scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The convention will be held the weekend before on January 20. The suggested format included: a day of hearings in early January, a day-long convention on Saturday, January 20 at a hotel to be designated. A small block of rooms would be held for those who wanted to remain. Preceding that day would be hearing days and evenings rather than the pre-convention meetings for the budget, Reparations Task Force report, resolutions and other matters. On Sunday, January 21, a morning Eucharist followed by a farewell banquet for the Cronebergers on the afternoon on Sunday. . Comments from Council on the convention format: Sunday dinner might attract people who weren't deputies; one-day convention can be successful, but people will miss the displays and exhibits; consideration to the Martin Luther King holiday weekend; many clergy will not be able to attend the Sunday morning Eucharist; Saturday night dinner rather than Sunday; Evensong and dinner on Sunday; people will miss the last opportunity to worship with the bishop if the Eucharist was on Sunday morning. . Cursillo was seeking an assistant clergy spiritual director. . Holy Week service scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, for renewal of baptismal vows and ordination vows and open to all persons at Trinity + St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark. Bishop Gallagher's comments included: . District conveners will meet tomorrow and the agenda will include a discussion on several confirmation matters, such as final planning for district confirmations, issuance of new certificates and liturgical coordinators. TREASURER'S REPORT In the absence of the Treasurer, Mr. Francaviglia moved the treasurer's report. February pledge income was close to budget after following below budget in January. All outreach, mission and program lines were funded to the extent requested. It was expected that 2005 payments to the National Church would be finished over the next several months and the regular payments for 2006 would begin. Utility expenses ran over budget for the first two months, but was typical for a heating season. Overall operating and administrative expenses were within budget. At the end of February the operating deficit was $55,000. Motion: It was moved and seconded to accept the report, subject to audit. The motion was adopted. PROTOCOLS FOR NEW & EXISTING MINISTRIES Ms. Faith Gideon Brown, member of the Steering Committee, presented the protocols for discussion and adoption. The protocols would help to maximize council agenda time. It was not intended to remove "requests for additional items or time adjustments" from the usual business agenda. Motion: It was moved, seconded and adopted to accept the Protocols for New and Existing Ministries as recommended by the Steering Committee. DIOCESAN COUNCIL PROTOCOLS FOR NEW AND EXISTING MINISTRIES A working document prepared by the Steering Committee of Council in March 2006 Introduction: From time to time there are concerns, projects, and ministries which come before the Diocesan Council that require further study and discernment before possible Council action. The Steering Committee has drafted this Protocol to assist groups and individuals, and to enable Council to function canonically and effectively. This Protocol is intended to clarify the role and responsibilities of the Diocesan Council with respect to its canonical oversight of recognized organizations, institutions and other activities which receive financial support from the Diocesan budget or are otherwise affiliated with the Diocese. Ministries, projects, and other initiatives which come before Diocesan Council shall be rooted in the following values: . consistency with God's call to us in this Diocese . fiduciary and legal responsibility . regular communication with Council Process Outline: Items for Council's consideration and/or action should first be directed to the Steering Committee of Council through the office of the Secretary of Diocesan Council/Convention. Upon review, the Steering Committee may choose to add the item to the Council agenda, or may request further information, or may refer the item to one of the Council working groups, or may refer the item to another Diocesan entity. The Steering Committee will report the results of its deliberations to the Council on a regular basis. Related Diocesan Canons: Canon 1 - Section 7 Any Resolution calling for the establishment of a task force, committee, commission or any other entity with a lifespan of greater than one year shall also contain, at a minimum, each of the following elements: 1. A description of the purpose or mission of the entity to be created; 2. A mechanism for creating members of the entity, either through appointment or election, also including a definition of the terms of membership; 3. A statement of accountability identifying with particularity whether the entity to be created is responsible to the Bishop, the Convention or the Council; 4. A statement detailing whether the entity to be created will require funding and where that funding will come from; 5. A statement outlining the anticipated costs of the entity and the benefits to be gained from that expenditure; and 6. A statement of whether the entity to be created has a limited life span is permanent in nature or needs to be re-authorized by the Convention after a specific period of time. Canon 5 - Section 2: The Diocesan Council shall act for the Convention in the interim between meetings, and working with the Bishops and staff, shall be responsible for long-range planning and determining program priorities, presenting them clearly to the Convention for consideration. The Council acting for the Convention, shall from time to time review and evaluate the program approved by the Convention. The Council shall have all power necessary to carry out its functions and duties subject to law, the Constitution and Canons of the General Church, and the Constitution and Canons of this Diocese. Canon 5 - Section 4: Duties: i. Give recognition to accredited organizations, institutions, and other activities of the Diocese and provide regulations whereby such recognition can be given. No such organization, institution, or other activity shall receive financial support from the budget for the program of the Diocese or shall be permitted to use in its title any designation indicating it to be affiliated with the Diocese or in any other way hold itself out as a Diocesan organization, institution, or agency without first having received recognition from the Diocesan Council. The Diocesan Council shall have the further power of establishing standards, requiring reports, and the like in connection with all such organizations, institutions, and activities. DIOCESAN COUNCIL OUTREACH GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, chair, presented the recommendations on behalf the committee. It was moved and seconded to adopt the recommendations and refer them to the April meeting for ratification. The motion was adopted. The outreach committee received applications in two categories: international outreach and domestic outreach. There was $19,500 available for international outreach grants and $81,000 for domestic outreach grants. International Outreach In the international category the committee received eight requests totaling $57,420. The requests and the committee's recommendations are as follows: 1. Fundacion Aire Fresco - a request for $5,000 for children's summer camps and leadership programs for under privileged Mexican children Recommended funding - no funding is recommended 2. Christ Church Academy, Panama - a request for $5,000 to purchase materials and hire contractors for repairs to the infrastructure at Christ Church Academy in Panama. Recommended funding - $2,500 3. United Nations Commission on the Status of Women - a request for $5,000 to underwrite the costs of delegates from overseas Anglican Provinces attending the 2006 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Recommended funding - $1,000 4. Casa Ave Maria, Managua, Nicaragua - a request for $2,500 to fund an individual internship at Casa Ave Maria in Managua, Nicaragua. Recommended funding - no funding is recommended 5. Kakaasi Maize Milling Project for Widows and Orphans, Uganda - a request for $4,920 for the construction of a structure to house a milling machine. Recommended funding - $4,000 6. Mapanza Women's Centre, Zambia - a request for $10,000 towards the cost of establishing a women's training and retreat center in southern Zambia and a hostel for girls attending St. Mark's secondary school in Mapanza, Zambia Recommended funding - $4,000 7. Good Shepherd Home for Children, Cameroon - a request for $15,000 towards the construction of a school at Good Shepherd Home for Children. Recommended funding - $4,000 8. Kothapallimitta Companionship School Bus Project, South India - a request for $10,000 towards one half of the cost of a new school vehicle for this school for Dalit ("untouchable") children. The local diocese has committed to provide the other half of the funding. Recommended funding - $4,000 Domestic Outreach In the domestic category the committee received 23 requests totaling $217,720. The requests and the recommendations are as follows: 1. The Care Closet, Christ Church, Belleville - a request for $6,000 to purchase household and personal hygiene products for distribution to those in need. Recommended funding - $3,500 2. Good Shepherd Community Services, Ft. Lee - a request for $15,000 to support the organization's programs for people and families living with HIV/AIDS. Recommended funding - $5,000 3. LISC - a request for $5,000 for general operating support for this organization which supports community development efforts in Jersey City and the greater Newark area. Recommended funding - $3,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion and vote on this request. 4. St. Paul's Church, Paterson - a request for $10,000 to support the church's CityServe Summer Program for youth in Paterson. Recommended funding - $5,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion and vote on this request. 5. Center for Food Action - a request for $7,000 to support this organization's initiative to provide emergency food and other support to low-income Korean-Americans living in northern New Jersey Recommended funding - $4,000 6. St. John's CDC, Boonton - a request for $8,000 to support this CDC's after school and summer programs as well as its parenting assistance efforts. Recommended funding - $5,500 7. St. James I Urban Renewal - a request for $7,500 to assist this affordable housing project to make a successful transition for problems encountered in the initial rent up of the project. The organization hopes that this is a one time request and at the very least there will not be additional requests beyond 2007. Recommended funding - $4,000, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion and vote on this request. 8. Apostles' House - a request for $15,000 in general operating support for this organization which provides shelter and other services for families in need in the greater Newark area. Recommended funding - $10,500, Mr. Zinn was not present for the discussion and vote on this request. 9. Camp Unity, St. John's, Union City - a request for $3,600 for start up expenses and scholarships for this summer day camp. Recommended funding - $3,500 10. St. James ESL program, St. James Church, Hackettstown - a request for $4,500 for this ESL program that serves the non-English speaking population of the Hackettstown area. Recommended funding - $2,500 11. Community of St. John the Baptist/St. John's Dover - a request for $10,500 for a start up church-based outreach program to the homeless/marginalized population of Dover. Recommended funding - No funding is recommended. 12. St. John's Dover Prescription Drug Program - a request for $4,000 for this program to provide funding for prescription medicines for indigent people of all ages. Recommended funding - $3,400 13. Haven of Hope, St. Luke's, Hope - a request for $8,000 for the operating expenses of this country retreat for urban lower income New Jersey children with life-limiting illnesses and for their caregivers. Recommended funding - $2,000 14. Church of the Epiphany Food Pantry, Orange - a request for $4,500 to support the continuing operation and expansion of the food pantry. Recommended funding - $4,000, Ms. Taylor was not present for the discussion and vote on this request. 15. Sussex County IHN - a request for $10,000 to continue and support the organization's supported housing program. Recommended funding - $4,500 16. St. Agnes/St.Paul's Church, East Orange - a request for $3,500 for the church's program which supports families of the incarcerated. Recommended funding - $2,500 17. Christ Church, East Orange - a request for $7,500 to purchase food supplies for the church's soup kitchen and food pantry. Recommended funding - $5,000 18. House of Prayer, Newark - a request for $35,000 for the salary and benefits of a one half time priest to be the church's outreach minister. Recommended funding - No funding is recommended 19. Supporting Achievement Gap Elimination - a request for $15,620 to implement an academic tutoring program for African-American students in Plainfield, New Jersey. Recommended funding - No funding is recommended 20. Math Adventures and Word Play - a request for $2,100 to purchase books for students who participate in this tutoring program at St. Mark's Church in Teaneck. Recommended funding - $2,100 21. Arts Unbound - a request for $10,000 to support this program which provides vocational and educational opportunities for disabled adults in the area of the visual arts. Recommended funding - $5,000 22. Korean-American Outreach Program - a request for 10,000 to support this initiative of St. Peter's Korean Church in North Bergen to reach out to the Korean-American youth of Bergen County. Recommended funding - a one time grant of $1,000 to help this program get started while it pursues other diocesan funding opportunities more applicable to this program. 23. Toni's Kitchen Improvement Project - a request for $15,500 towards the cost of constructing lavatory facilities for this feeding program at St. Luke's Church in Montclair. Recommended funding - $5,000 The members of the committee were The Rev. Lu-Anne Conner, Ms. Mary Sunden, The Rev. Paul Olsson, Ms. Carol Taylor and Mr. John Zinn. JERSEY CITY AREA MINISTRY (JCAM) REQUEST Canon R. Carter Echols introduced the report and recommendation for financial support to the Church of the Incarnation, Jersey City from JCAM . The Rev. Janet Broderick, on behalf of JCAM, presented the Incarnation request for the interim ministerial initiative for congregational development of $56,000 in the first year (remaining time of 2006) and $65,000 for the second year (2007). Jersey City funding along with church funds would provide a solid compensation package that would enable the call of a qualified interim. Despite the challenges presented by the death of their rector and the problematic reporting of the finances, there was surety about the investment. The members of JCAM supported the request and were confident that a strong lay/clergy partnership would bring positive results and tht pastoral, inter-personal and financial concerns would be addressed successfully. The parishioners were committed and dedicated to building a strong and viable congregation. The Rev. Prince Singh reported that the Congregational Vitality working group reviewed the recommendation from JCAM for Incarnation. There were several conditions requested by the working group as part of the approval process by Council: . An audit would be conducted of the church finances by a diocesan-approved auditor, and that an additional $5,000 be added to the funding of this expense. The audit would be submitted within one year of receiving the grant from the Jersey City funds. (correction to the minutes in bold text) . A full financial report would be presented in six months to Council. . Given the pastoral issues, the bishop should approve the choice of the interim priest. Additionally, the Congregational Vitality working group offered its help and assistance to Incarnation on its journey to resurrection. During the full and lively discussion, several concerns were raised and addressed. They included: the need for urgency with the request to permit the church to proceed with a hiring process; additional reports being submitted on a regular basis, possibly quarterly; confidence in the amount recommended; and the fact that Incarnation had not received Jersey City funds in the past. Motion: It was moved by The Rev. Christopher Brdlik that Diocesan Council approve the expenditure of $61,000 (this amount includes $5,000 for the audit) from the Jersey City funds for the year 2006 and $65,000 for the year of 2007 to support the efforts of the Church of the Incarnation for congregational growth through an interim ministerial initiative; and that the funds are released with the expectation that the conditions set by the Congregational Vitality working group - an audit of the church finances, a financial report in six months to Council, and the bishop's approval of the interim - would be accepted and met. The motion was seconded and adopted. DISTRICT SHARING District 6: Mr. Sidney King reported the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation scheduled a pancake brunch on April 8. Tickets were $25. District 7: Mr. Robert Harwood reported on a recent district program on emergency management plans that included individual medical planning. Funds were available through homeland security for programs and planning. ANNOUNCEMENTS Canon Echols announced that the diocese of Long Island was seeking clergy supply coverage for a church in St. Croix, Virgin Islands from March 19 through Easter. All costs would be covered for the individual. The meeting was closed with prayer by the Rev. Gray Lesesne and adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Michael Francaviglia, Secretary  --Return to Diocese of Newark Home PageReturn to Top of Page |