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Meeting Minutes - 03/28/06
Diocese of Newark
District 4
Meeting Minutes – March 28, 2006
Grace Church, Newark
Representatives were present from the following churches: Grace, Madison; Calvary, Summit; Christ Church, Short Hills; House of Prayer, Newark; Trinity and St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark; Grace Church, Newark; St. Paul’s, Chatham.
After grace led by Carr, the evening began for some with a service of the Stations of the Cross in the sanctuary. Then, a delicious meal of soup, salad, and bread was enjoyed by all.
Co-Convener Lauren Ackland reported that Co-Convener Carr Holland is resigning his post as he has been appointed Chair of the Commission on Ministry and needs all the time and energy he can muster for that role. Thus, we need a new Co-Convener and Lauren requested that all in attendance consider the position and go back to their respective parishes and see if anyone there would like to serve.
Lauren read a communication from Michael Francaviglia regarding grants to districts. She noted that all grant proposals from the districts must be approved at a regular meeting before submission by the Convener. If a grant is awarded, the District is then responsible for keeping an account of how it is used. Lauren quoted from the letter the explanation of what grants are intended for: “to foster and promote collegiality and ministry among parishes of a district.” Therefore, the fund does not welcome requests for grants to support advertising and/or promotion.
Lauren also announced the two district confirmations scheduled: May 13 at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s and Holy Communion, South Orange; June 10 (time uncertain) at St. Paul’s, Chatham. Each of these services needs a liturgical coordinator and it is recommended that that person come from the host parish. Lauren passed out the packet that details what the host church is responsible for and distributed information regarding liturgies for presenting confirmands in their home parishes, and forms to be filled out for the diocese. Everything she distributed is on the diocesan website as well. She noted that it is TIME to notify St. Andrew’s and Holy Communion how many you are bringing; or call Randy Johnson at St. Paul’s Chatham. Later, they will need names for the insert.
A host is needed for the April 25th meeting; St. Andrew’s and Holy Communion will check their calendar and Lauren will confirm the location with members via e-mail.
Calvary volunteered to host the District meeting scheduled for May 23rd. This is the one at which the Nominating Committee will report and it will be open to the public.
Everyone thanked Carr for the delicious supper and John for leading us in the Stations.
Other Business
Lauren noted, in Beth’s absence, that Beth is currently “resigned to her fate” as secretary for the District; however, she has served a long time and would love to be relieved of this duty so please think about volunteering for this position.
Send-off party for Bishop: The current plans are for a 1-day convention on January 20 and an evensong and banquet for everyone on January 21 with the consecration of the new bishop the following weekend. As the bishop’s schedule is very full, another party may not be the best way to honor him.
Recycling Ministry: Lauren reported that Elliot Knight and Kit Cone have a very active ministry with furniture and household goods. They have items stored at about five different sites and are looking into securing a new storage facility in Madison.
1) If you know someone who needs stuff, let them know.
2) If you have a dresser to contribute (there is a big demand for dressers), call them and they’ll pick up.
3) If someone you know is moving or redecorating and needs a place to donate goods, please refer them to this ministry; they’ll pick up and take away.
4) If you or someone you know can volunteer time to drive and haul, especially during the week, please call.
5) If you or someone you know would like to make a cash donation, they are starting a fund for out-of-pocket expenses (replacing lampshades, etc.), please encourage contributions.
You may see their truck, “Bruno,” on the roads, bearing the sign, “Recycling Ministry…Joint Ministry with Grace, Madison and St. John’s Dover.” Their motto: “Doing well by doing good.”
The only qualification for getting furniture and household goods from them is need.
Good Friday: Carr invited all to come to Newark for the annual Good Friday Walk in which 7 stations are presented by 7 churches. The service runs from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and Carr will send a message to all via the Internet.
Hampton University Choir will give a concert at the Cathedral on April 23.
Senior Ministries: Hester reported the following activities:
1) Workshop at convention on caring for aging parents.
2) 1-Act play performed at Creative Congregations. They will put it on at your church if you ask; it is a parable on inclusiveness of senior citizens. Also, members of the board are happy to address congregations of particular issues of aging. Contact Hester if you are interested.
“Feed my Sheep:” Judy Baldwin reported that the cooking school at House of Prayer has a dedicated faculty and a faithful student body as well. They meet on Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Their semester will end in June and start up is in September. If you know someone who would like to learn this for a career, contact Judy at House of Prayer.
Our next meeting is scheduled for April 25th and is tentatively located at St. Andrew’s and Holy Communion, South Orange.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie R. Matarazzo
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