OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 by Casey Shobe. The meeting began with a prayer.
LEARN & LEAD—COMMUNICATIONS
The program will be scheduled for February 4. We will offer workshops covering Print Newsletters (Dave Seifert), Worship Bulletins (Casey Shobe), E-newsletters (a representative from Constant Contact), Social Media (Ruth Meteer), and Websites. Betsy will contact Ruth Meteer and Dave Seifert to confirm their availability. We would like Ruth to help select a plenary speaker as well as to suggest presenters for the website workshop and arrange to have someone from Constant Contact lead a workshop.
Lead and Learn will take place at AIPSO, 302 Central Avenue, Johnston, RI. Catherine will coordinate a field trip to AIPSO for Commission members. We will invite Ruth.
The cost will be$10/person or $50/church. Registration will be more expensive ($15/person) after January 30. All the publicity will be lectronic—email, parish administrator’s listserve, Diocesan Facebook page, E-Risen. There is no snow date. Catherine will coordinate food. Sodexo is the food service for the facility. Registration will begin at 8:30. Plenary session will begin at 9 with workshops running from 10-11; 11:15-12:15; and 1:30-2:30. Lunch will be scheduled for 12:15-1:15. Wrap-up will take place after the last workshop and will be scheduled until 3.
CONVOCATION
Sara Miles will be the speaker at Convocation in March 2012. CDC is being asked to help with “take home” materials. The Deaneries will be a logical focus especially if deaneries are meeting in April to discuss bishop’s election. CDC will also offer to underwrite printing and help them get printed materials. We will ask Ruth to promote book purchases (Take This Bread) through the Diocesan Facebook page.
OTHER BUSINESS
We will invite St. George’s, Central Falls to meet with the Commission in January or February.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
October 4, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Carol Drought, Jackie Kirby, and David Lucey. The Rev’d Dennis Bucco, Rector of St. Luke’s, Pawtucket was a guest. The meeting began with a prayer.
GRANT UPDATE--ST. LUKE’S, PAWTUCKET
Dennis reported that with grant funds from CDC St. Luke’s had hired an organist/choir director in September, 2010. They now have a children’s choir with up to twelve participants. The merger between St. Luke’s and St. John’s, Ashton became official in June, 2011. Dennis would like to increase the organist’s pay from $13,000/year to $15,000/year. Motion: To approve the second year of funding for St. Luke’s, Pawtucket in support of their music program in the amount of $4,000. Lucey/Kirby. All in favor. Casey will follow up with a response in writing.
CANONICAL REVISION—CANON X—PARISHES
The group discussed a strategy of discussing the Canonical revision with parish leaders including, clergy, wardens and vestries. Casey will talk with Dennis Bucco at St. Luke’s, Pawtucket and Michael Tessman at Holy Spirit, Charlestown. Because of schedule conflicts with the date of St. Augustine’s next vestry meeting, Casey would like to schedule a meeting with wardens and eelgates at another time after the passage of the revision. David Lucey will talk to David Ames of All Saint’s Memorial, and will get contact information for wardens of Holy Trinity, Tiverton. St. Mark’s, Riverside and St. Matthew’s, Barrington have asked permission of the Standing Committee to begin merger talks. Carol will field questions at the West Bay Deanery meeting on October 25. It is up to the Standing Committee to devise a process for implementation of the revision. Casey is anticipating amendments from the floor of Convention regarding making the trigger for reverting to mission status half-time clergy from the proposed full-time.
CONVENTION
Casey will request time to present an oral report on the activities of CDC, highlighting grants and including information about the next Learn & Lead program.
ASCENSION, CRANSTON
Motion: To continue to support music lessons at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for students from Mision El Mesias who now attend Ascension by granting $3,500 to Church of the Ascension from Mission funds. Lucey/Shobe. All in favor.
CONVOCATION
Sara Miles will be the speaker at Convocation in March 2012. CDC has been asked to help fund Convocation expenses. In the past several years, CDC has supported Convocation to the tune of $2,000 each year. Motion: To contribute toward Convocation expenses in an amount consistent with last year’s contribution. Lucey/Kirby. All in favor.
LEARN & LEAD—COMMUNICATIONS
The program will be scheduled for January 21 or 28. We will offer workshops covering three or four areas featuring experts in each. Some of the possible topics might be Worship Bulletins, Constant Contact, Social Networking, and Print Newsletters.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 1, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:40 p.m.
GRANT UPDATE--ST. LUKE’S, PAWTUCKET
Dennis reported that with grant funds from CDC St. Luke’s had hired an organist/choir director in September, 2010. They now have a children’s choir with up to twelve participants. The merger between St. Luke’s and St. John’s, Ashton became official in June, 2011. Dennis would like to increase the organist’s pay from $13,000/year to $15,000/year. Motion: To approve the second year of funding for St. Luke’s, Pawtucket in support of their music program in the amount of $4,000. Lucey/Kirby. All in favor. Casey will follow up with a response in writing.
CANONICAL REVISION—CANON X—PARISHES
The group discussed a strategy of discussing the Canonical revision with parish leaders including, clergy, wardens and vestries. Casey will talk with Dennis Bucco at St. Luke’s, Pawtucket and Michael Tessman at Holy Spirit, Charlestown. Because of schedule conflicts with the date of St. Augustine’s next vestry meeting, Casey would like to schedule a meeting with wardens and eelgates at another time after the passage of the revision. David Lucey will talk to David Ames of All Saint’s Memorial, and will get contact information for wardens of Holy Trinity, Tiverton. St. Mark’s, Riverside and St. Matthew’s, Barrington have asked permission of the Standing Committee to begin merger talks. Carol will field questions at the West Bay Deanery meeting on October 25. It is up to the Standing Committee to devise a process for implementation of the revision. Casey is anticipating amendments from the floor of Convention regarding making the trigger for reverting to mission status half-time clergy from the proposed full-time.
CONVENTION
Casey will request time to present an oral report on the activities of CDC, highlighting grants and including information about the next Learn & Lead program.
ASCENSION, CRANSTON
Motion: To continue to support music lessons at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for students from Mision El Mesias who now attend Ascension by granting $3,500 to Church of the Ascension from Mission funds. Lucey/Shobe. All in favor.
CONVOCATION
Sara Miles will be the speaker at Convocation in March 2012. CDC has been asked to help fund Convocation expenses. In the past several years, CDC has supported Convocation to the tune of $2,000 each year. Motion: To contribute toward Convocation expenses in an amount consistent with last year’s contribution. Lucey/Kirby. All in favor.
LEARN & LEAD—COMMUNICATIONS
The program will be scheduled for January 21 or 28. We will offer workshops covering three or four areas featuring experts in each. Some of the possible topics might be Worship Bulletins, Constant Contact, Social Networking, and Print Newsletters.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 1, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:40 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
September 6, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Susan Carpenter, Carol Drought, Joel Gardner, Jackie Kirby, Kevin Lloyd, David Lucey and Catherine Thenault. The meeting began with a prayer.
ANALYSIS AND UPDATE OF CDC FINANCES
Betsy distributed a summary of funds available for support of parishes and missions for 2011 as well as funds for 2010 which have already been paid out and funds committed for 2011 and 2012. Betsy consulted with Ty Creason concerning the grant proposal approved at the August 2 meeting supporting the Hispanic ministry at Ascension, Cranston. With his approval, this grant will be funded with money designated for missions.
Jackie and Kevin will draft a letter to St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s encouraging them to come back next year with their proposal. The letter will emphasize that the CDC’s ability to fund their project would be greatly enhanced should they approach the Commission as a mission rather than as a parish. Applying as a mission would open up the opportunity for St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s to qualify for resources not available to parishes.
CANONICAL REVISION—CANON X—PARISHES
Casey felt that the proposed revision to Canon X received enthusiastic support from both Council and the Standing Committee. At this point we need to be sure that the proposal is on track to be considered at Convention. Kevin will talk to Ed Bennett about this matter. The proposal is on the agenda to be discussed at the Clergy Day scheduled for September 15. Depending on clergy reaction, CDC will discuss strategies to build support for this canonical change.
LEARN & LEAD—COMMUNICATIONS
Catherine has offered her workplace, AIPSO in Johnston, as the site for the next Learn & Lead program. She has been assured that conference rooms will have wireless access by the end of the year. The program will be scheduled for January 21 or 28. Dave Super and Ruth Meteer have been talking to Betsy about the program and Catherine, Susan and Joel will be part of the program planning group. Catherine suggested members visit AIPSO headquarters for a tour and lunch sometime soon. St. George’s School in Middletown was suggested as a back up site.
CONVOCATION
Sara Miles will be the speaker at Convocation in March 2012. CDC may be asked to help fund Convocation expenses.
NOMINATIONS
Terms of the following members will expire at Convention in November: Jim Burgess, Clare Fischer-Davies, and Catherine Thenault. Betsy asked for suggestions for prospective members. Catherine would like to serve another term.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 4, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:40 p.m.
ANALYSIS AND UPDATE OF CDC FINANCES
Betsy distributed a summary of funds available for support of parishes and missions for 2011 as well as funds for 2010 which have already been paid out and funds committed for 2011 and 2012. Betsy consulted with Ty Creason concerning the grant proposal approved at the August 2 meeting supporting the Hispanic ministry at Ascension, Cranston. With his approval, this grant will be funded with money designated for missions.
Jackie and Kevin will draft a letter to St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s encouraging them to come back next year with their proposal. The letter will emphasize that the CDC’s ability to fund their project would be greatly enhanced should they approach the Commission as a mission rather than as a parish. Applying as a mission would open up the opportunity for St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s to qualify for resources not available to parishes.
CANONICAL REVISION—CANON X—PARISHES
Casey felt that the proposed revision to Canon X received enthusiastic support from both Council and the Standing Committee. At this point we need to be sure that the proposal is on track to be considered at Convention. Kevin will talk to Ed Bennett about this matter. The proposal is on the agenda to be discussed at the Clergy Day scheduled for September 15. Depending on clergy reaction, CDC will discuss strategies to build support for this canonical change.
LEARN & LEAD—COMMUNICATIONS
Catherine has offered her workplace, AIPSO in Johnston, as the site for the next Learn & Lead program. She has been assured that conference rooms will have wireless access by the end of the year. The program will be scheduled for January 21 or 28. Dave Super and Ruth Meteer have been talking to Betsy about the program and Catherine, Susan and Joel will be part of the program planning group. Catherine suggested members visit AIPSO headquarters for a tour and lunch sometime soon. St. George’s School in Middletown was suggested as a back up site.
CONVOCATION
Sara Miles will be the speaker at Convocation in March 2012. CDC may be asked to help fund Convocation expenses.
NOMINATIONS
Terms of the following members will expire at Convention in November: Jim Burgess, Clare Fischer-Davies, and Catherine Thenault. Betsy asked for suggestions for prospective members. Catherine would like to serve another term.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 4, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 2, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Jim Burgess, Carol Drought, Jackie Kirby, David Lucey and Catherine Thenault. The meeting began with a prayer. Bethany Anne Putnam of All Saints’Memorial, and the Rev’d Joyce Penfield, Ken Taylor, and Arthur Thomas of St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Providence were guests.
GRANT PROPOSALS
WELCOME TABLE BREAKFAST—ALL SAINT’S MEMORIAL & ST. MARTIN’S, PROVIDENCE—The proposal requests $36,000 to support a monthly breakfast program for the homeless of Providence. Casey recounted that he had approached Episcopal Charities on behalf of the proposers to see whether Episcopal Charities would provide funding. Peggy Amatore, Executive Director of Episcopal Charities, responded in writing to the Rev’d David Ames and CDC member Jim Burgess of All Saint’s Memorial and the Rev’d Clare Fischer-Davies saying that Episcopal Charities was interested in hearing from them regarding their proposal and would probably provide funding. Bethany Anne Putnam provided an update on the progress of the Welcome Table Breakfast project. The group requested $16,000 from the Dexter Foundation through the Mayor’s office for improvements to the kitchen at All Saints’ Memorial in order for it to meet Board of Health standards. Funding was denied. Bethany said that a more realistic estimate of costs would be $20-25,000 including a fire suppression unit. So far St. Martin’s has committed $2,000 ($1,000 from the Rector’s Discretionary Fund and $1,000 from the Outreach Committee) and All Saints’ has committed $1,000. She also said that there was some momentum from the All Saints’ vestry on kitchen improvements. Casey said that the renovation of the kitchen by All Saints’ would demonstrate a good faith investment from the entire All Saints’ community. Bethany asked if the Commission could table or postpone a decision in consideration of the situation with the kitchen. Casey stressed the importance of building a leadership team for the sake of continuity. Bethany said that the project could provide an inner-city experience for other parishes in the Diocese. Motion: To table consideration of the Welcome Table Breakfast request until such time as capital improvement needs have been satisfied and we have heard back from the proposers on their consultation with Episcopal Charities. Lucey/Kirby. Jim Burgess recused himself. Four in favor. None opposed. Motion passes.
BIENVENIDO—A LATINO OUTREACH PROJECT—ST. PETER’S & ST. ANDREW’S, PROVIDENCE—The proposal requests $12,000. On behalf of St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Casey approached Episcopal Charities who suggested that St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s should approach the Hispanic Ministry Committee first. The Rev’d Joyce Penfield stressed that the Rev’d Mercedes Julian, Hispanic Missioner for the Diocese, had been central in the planning of this project and was a source of ideas for outreach to the community. Joyce envisioned a partnership with Ascension, Cranston. Joyce had also made a connection with City Camp and unfortunately the director resigned and it has not been possible to reconnect. Jim asked about setting priorities and involvement by members of the congregation. St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s already uses bilingual hymns and has a food pantry and soup kitchen. Ken Taylor said that in order to pursue the project they need to step outside the congregation itself because their people don’t have the skill set necessary. The goal is to have a Spanish language service. They had not considered applying to Episcopal Charities because the goal is not to offer English as a Second Language courses. The goal is to establish a social service delivery system to build a Hispanic congregation. Betsy said it was important that the project have the blessing and intentional support of the Hispanic Ministry Committee. Jim suggested that lay members of the Hispanic Ministry Committee assist St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s rather than the missioners who have a tendency to act unilaterally and take on too much themselves. Joyce observed that Mercedes sees her job as planting churches and she is very enthusiastic about that task. The next meeting of the Hispanic Ministry Committee is September 20. Motion: To table consideration of the St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s grant proposal until we hear from the Hispanic Ministry Committee and the Bishop in order to meet the strategic objectives of the Diocese concerning Hispanic ministry . Shobe/Lucey. All in favor.
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—The Rev’d Michael Coburn and the Rev’d Mercedes Julian presented their proposal and fielded questions from the Commission at their July 16 meeting. Motion: To approve the request by Church of the Ascension, Cranston according to their proposal. Lucey/Burgess. All in favor.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA—The proposal to fund a Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministry was presented to the Commission by the Rev’d Casey Shobe at the July 16 meeting. Motion: To approve the request by St. Peter’s by-the-Sea according to its proposal. Burgess/Kirby. The vote will be by email. Results of the email vote: Casey Shobe recused himself. Burgess, Carpenter, Drought, Gardner, Kirby, Lloyd, Lucey, Thenault in favor. None opposed. Motion passes.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 6, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:45 p.m.
GRANT PROPOSALS
WELCOME TABLE BREAKFAST—ALL SAINT’S MEMORIAL & ST. MARTIN’S, PROVIDENCE—The proposal requests $36,000 to support a monthly breakfast program for the homeless of Providence. Casey recounted that he had approached Episcopal Charities on behalf of the proposers to see whether Episcopal Charities would provide funding. Peggy Amatore, Executive Director of Episcopal Charities, responded in writing to the Rev’d David Ames and CDC member Jim Burgess of All Saint’s Memorial and the Rev’d Clare Fischer-Davies saying that Episcopal Charities was interested in hearing from them regarding their proposal and would probably provide funding. Bethany Anne Putnam provided an update on the progress of the Welcome Table Breakfast project. The group requested $16,000 from the Dexter Foundation through the Mayor’s office for improvements to the kitchen at All Saints’ Memorial in order for it to meet Board of Health standards. Funding was denied. Bethany said that a more realistic estimate of costs would be $20-25,000 including a fire suppression unit. So far St. Martin’s has committed $2,000 ($1,000 from the Rector’s Discretionary Fund and $1,000 from the Outreach Committee) and All Saints’ has committed $1,000. She also said that there was some momentum from the All Saints’ vestry on kitchen improvements. Casey said that the renovation of the kitchen by All Saints’ would demonstrate a good faith investment from the entire All Saints’ community. Bethany asked if the Commission could table or postpone a decision in consideration of the situation with the kitchen. Casey stressed the importance of building a leadership team for the sake of continuity. Bethany said that the project could provide an inner-city experience for other parishes in the Diocese. Motion: To table consideration of the Welcome Table Breakfast request until such time as capital improvement needs have been satisfied and we have heard back from the proposers on their consultation with Episcopal Charities. Lucey/Kirby. Jim Burgess recused himself. Four in favor. None opposed. Motion passes.
BIENVENIDO—A LATINO OUTREACH PROJECT—ST. PETER’S & ST. ANDREW’S, PROVIDENCE—The proposal requests $12,000. On behalf of St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Casey approached Episcopal Charities who suggested that St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s should approach the Hispanic Ministry Committee first. The Rev’d Joyce Penfield stressed that the Rev’d Mercedes Julian, Hispanic Missioner for the Diocese, had been central in the planning of this project and was a source of ideas for outreach to the community. Joyce envisioned a partnership with Ascension, Cranston. Joyce had also made a connection with City Camp and unfortunately the director resigned and it has not been possible to reconnect. Jim asked about setting priorities and involvement by members of the congregation. St. Peter’s and St. Andrew’s already uses bilingual hymns and has a food pantry and soup kitchen. Ken Taylor said that in order to pursue the project they need to step outside the congregation itself because their people don’t have the skill set necessary. The goal is to have a Spanish language service. They had not considered applying to Episcopal Charities because the goal is not to offer English as a Second Language courses. The goal is to establish a social service delivery system to build a Hispanic congregation. Betsy said it was important that the project have the blessing and intentional support of the Hispanic Ministry Committee. Jim suggested that lay members of the Hispanic Ministry Committee assist St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s rather than the missioners who have a tendency to act unilaterally and take on too much themselves. Joyce observed that Mercedes sees her job as planting churches and she is very enthusiastic about that task. The next meeting of the Hispanic Ministry Committee is September 20. Motion: To table consideration of the St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s grant proposal until we hear from the Hispanic Ministry Committee and the Bishop in order to meet the strategic objectives of the Diocese concerning Hispanic ministry . Shobe/Lucey. All in favor.
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—The Rev’d Michael Coburn and the Rev’d Mercedes Julian presented their proposal and fielded questions from the Commission at their July 16 meeting. Motion: To approve the request by Church of the Ascension, Cranston according to their proposal. Lucey/Burgess. All in favor.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA—The proposal to fund a Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministry was presented to the Commission by the Rev’d Casey Shobe at the July 16 meeting. Motion: To approve the request by St. Peter’s by-the-Sea according to its proposal. Burgess/Kirby. The vote will be by email. Results of the email vote: Casey Shobe recused himself. Burgess, Carpenter, Drought, Gardner, Kirby, Lloyd, Lucey, Thenault in favor. None opposed. Motion passes.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 6, at 5 pm. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:45 p.m.
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 12, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by David Lucey. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Carol Drought and Catherine Thenault. The meeting began with a prayer. Chair Casey Shobe joined the meeting late due to his presentation to the Standing Committee about the changes to Canon X proposed by the Commission. The Rev’d Michael Coburn and the Rev’d Mercedes Julian of Ascension Cranston were guests.
GRANT PROPOSALS
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—About 36 families (more than 100 people) form the Hispanic congregation at Ascension. As Mike explained it, his job is to make the Anglo and Hispanic congregations work together and Mercedes’ job is to develop the Hispanic congregation. They have just published their first bi-lingual newsletter. Quite a few families that were former members of the Hispanic congregation at the Cathedral have come to Ascension. A new schedule comprised of Christian formation for children and adults sandwiched between an English language service and a Spanish language service on Sunday mornings will be instituted soon. Christian formation for children will be bi-lingual with teachers from both congregations conducting classes. Because most of the adult Spanish speakers are not bi-lingual and virtually none of the English speakers are, there will be both English and Spanish language offerings for adults. There are lots of positive developments and the Anglo congregation is very excited about the progress of the Hispanic congregation.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA—The proposal to fund a Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministry would involve St. Peter’s, St. Augustine’s, and Ascension, Wakefield. Half the job would be with children at St. Peter’s and half would be with youth involving all three churches.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE—There was a suggestion that we review this set of grants at the six-month point. We would want to know how the projects affected each congregation.
LEARN & LEAD
The next Learn and Lead program will be held in January, 2012. The subject is Communications.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday August 2 at 5 pm. At that meeting we will be hearing from representatives from All Saints Memorial/St. Martin’s and St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s about their grant proposals. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:30 p.m.
GRANT PROPOSALS
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—About 36 families (more than 100 people) form the Hispanic congregation at Ascension. As Mike explained it, his job is to make the Anglo and Hispanic congregations work together and Mercedes’ job is to develop the Hispanic congregation. They have just published their first bi-lingual newsletter. Quite a few families that were former members of the Hispanic congregation at the Cathedral have come to Ascension. A new schedule comprised of Christian formation for children and adults sandwiched between an English language service and a Spanish language service on Sunday mornings will be instituted soon. Christian formation for children will be bi-lingual with teachers from both congregations conducting classes. Because most of the adult Spanish speakers are not bi-lingual and virtually none of the English speakers are, there will be both English and Spanish language offerings for adults. There are lots of positive developments and the Anglo congregation is very excited about the progress of the Hispanic congregation.
ST. PETER’S BY-THE-SEA—The proposal to fund a Coordinator of Children’s and Youth Ministry would involve St. Peter’s, St. Augustine’s, and Ascension, Wakefield. Half the job would be with children at St. Peter’s and half would be with youth involving all three churches.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FUTURE—There was a suggestion that we review this set of grants at the six-month point. We would want to know how the projects affected each congregation.
LEARN & LEAD
The next Learn and Lead program will be held in January, 2012. The subject is Communications.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday August 2 at 5 pm. At that meeting we will be hearing from representatives from All Saints Memorial/St. Martin’s and St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s about their grant proposals. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 3, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Jim Burgess, Susan Carpenter, Carol Drought, Joel Gardner, Jackie Kirby, Kevin Lloyd, David Lucey, and Catherine Thenault. The meeting began with a prayer.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM/COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY
Reaction to the April 30 presentation was generally deemed positive. Many participants spoke about their churches being mission focused. The question for CDC remains, “What are we called to do?” The Deaneries have been asked to gather. A template for such a meeting would include the following questions: Why are we meeting?; What are some appropriate ways to collaborate?; What are you interested in?; and “What got you here (to this meeting)? Jim felt that it would have been helpful if participants at the Central Deanery meeting on April 2 had some examples of existing collaborative projects prior to meeting. CDC needs to empower the Deaneries to do the follow-up on the Collaborative Ministry gatherings. The Bishop is composing a letter asking parishes to look at their financial positions.
2015 TASKFORCE
Parishes should begin receiving surveys and questionnaires from the 2015 Taskforce. The first will be an evaluation of physical realities. The next survey will to assess spiritual vitality. It is important to answer the surveys. It is important for CDC to advocate for the 2015 process. CDC may need to meet with vestries. It may be helpful for CDC to meet with the 2015 Taskforce.
GRANT PROPOSALS
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—We will consider the proposal from Ascension separately because it is likely that the money to fund the grant would come from resources dedicated to missions. The current proposal would replace the grant to Ascension awarded two years ago. They will not be asking for the third year of funding applicable to the previous grant. Betsy will consult with Ron Turnbull regarding the funding.
EMMANUEL, CUMBERLAND—CDC asked Emmanuel to think bigger than their original proposal. The situation at Emmanuel is becoming untenable. ASA now stands around 200. Many people from Christ Church, Lincoln are now attending Emmanuel and 85 letters of transfer have been requested. CDC hopes to be supportive of Emmanuel, not to tell them how to do it. They need to start from scratch on their parish profile because the circumstances have changed. If approved, Emmanuel will call an assistant this summer and not wait until a rector is named.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 5 p.m. at All Saints Memorial. It will be a 2-hour meeting. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:55 p.m.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM/COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY
Reaction to the April 30 presentation was generally deemed positive. Many participants spoke about their churches being mission focused. The question for CDC remains, “What are we called to do?” The Deaneries have been asked to gather. A template for such a meeting would include the following questions: Why are we meeting?; What are some appropriate ways to collaborate?; What are you interested in?; and “What got you here (to this meeting)? Jim felt that it would have been helpful if participants at the Central Deanery meeting on April 2 had some examples of existing collaborative projects prior to meeting. CDC needs to empower the Deaneries to do the follow-up on the Collaborative Ministry gatherings. The Bishop is composing a letter asking parishes to look at their financial positions.
2015 TASKFORCE
Parishes should begin receiving surveys and questionnaires from the 2015 Taskforce. The first will be an evaluation of physical realities. The next survey will to assess spiritual vitality. It is important to answer the surveys. It is important for CDC to advocate for the 2015 process. CDC may need to meet with vestries. It may be helpful for CDC to meet with the 2015 Taskforce.
GRANT PROPOSALS
ASCENSION, CRANSTON—We will consider the proposal from Ascension separately because it is likely that the money to fund the grant would come from resources dedicated to missions. The current proposal would replace the grant to Ascension awarded two years ago. They will not be asking for the third year of funding applicable to the previous grant. Betsy will consult with Ron Turnbull regarding the funding.
EMMANUEL, CUMBERLAND—CDC asked Emmanuel to think bigger than their original proposal. The situation at Emmanuel is becoming untenable. ASA now stands around 200. Many people from Christ Church, Lincoln are now attending Emmanuel and 85 letters of transfer have been requested. CDC hopes to be supportive of Emmanuel, not to tell them how to do it. They need to start from scratch on their parish profile because the circumstances have changed. If approved, Emmanuel will call an assistant this summer and not wait until a rector is named.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 5 p.m. at All Saints Memorial. It will be a 2-hour meeting. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:55 p.m.
Friday, May 6, 2011
State of the Congregations Follow Up Resources & Letter from Bishop Wolf
Dear Friends,
Thanks to those who were with us at the "State of the Congregations" meeting last Saturday. There were over 115 people there from more than 30 congregations. The presentation made by the Rev. David Lucey on behalf of the Program and Budget Committee was frank and clear; if we are to thrive as a diocese, each church must take an unvarnished look at its current reality, figure how it can best utilize its assets – financial, physical and human – in order to further God’s kingdom.
In addition, we need to talk to our neighboring churches and find effective ways to collaborate in such a way that the Gospel mandates are creatively fulfilled and needs are met in the local communities. This may lead to mergers, partnerships, shared ministry or other ideas that you generate.
We left the meeting committing to three things.
- Each church will complete the form from Alban Institute and have conversation with their leaders and congregation about the financial future.
- Each Deanery will meet within the next month inviting leaders –both clergy and lay – from each church to discuss what each church is currently doing and begin conversation about how groups of congregations can work together to enhance ministry, share resources and save money
- Another meeting will be held in the fall to report back how the work has progressed.
Faithfully Yours,
Geralyn Wolf
Friday, April 15, 2011
April 5, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Jim Burgess, Carol Drought, Joel Gardner, David Lucey, and Catherine Thenault. The meeting began with a prayer.
EL MESIAS—NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Betsy reported that El Mesías has decided to close. Its members are now attending St. George’s, Central Falls and Ascension, Cranston. With regard to grant funds that were intended for El Mesías, Betsy would like to divide the money proportionately with respect to the number of members now attending each of these churches.
COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY
On Saturday, April 2 the first Collaborative Ministry event was held at St. Martin’s, Providence for churches in the Central Deanery. Casey & Jackie facilitated the meeting. The congregations sending representatives were All Saints’ Memorial, Grace, Redeemer, and St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, all in Providence, as well as St. Thomas, Greenville and Trinity, N. Scituate. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate a meeting of parish leaders, including clergy, with the aim of exploring areas of possible collaboration and planning future meetings which they would conduct without CDC facilitation. Despite the low turnout, there were positive results. St. Thomas and Trinity will launch a collaborative youth ministry.
Casey’s main tip for future event facilitators is to communicate with a cross section of parish leaders, including clergy and wardens, but casting a wider net.
THE CHANCELLOR’S REPORT ON CANON X—PARISHES
There was a discussion of the document “Proposal to Revise Canon 10.7 and Add New Canon 10.8—Draft of March 31, 2011.” We will ask Chancellor Edmund Bennett for clarification of section 10.7(a)ii—“fails to provide financial support necessary for the spiritual program of the parish.” Jim pointed out the importance of 10.8—Reestablishment of a Parish. It is important for people to feel they can become a parish again. Jim will work on clarifying the language of 10.8.
GRANT PROPOSALS
The Commission considered seven grant proposals: Ascension, Cranston for Hispanic ministry; All Saints’ Memorial/St. Martin’s, Providence for a breakfast program for the homeless; Emmanuel, Cumberland for interim clergy; Emmanuel, Newport to expand their Royal School of Church Music program to all of Aquidneck Island; St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Providence for programs and activities for at-risk youth; St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett to hire a Coordinator for Children’s & Youth Ministry in collaboration with St. Augustine’s, Kingston and Ascension, Wakefield; and the West Bay Deanery to hire a consultant to coach parish leaders in Appreciative Inquiry methodology. Casey will follow up on the West Bay Deanery proposal which the Commission felt would be more appropriate for a Diocesan-wide program, perhaps a future Learn & Lead. Catherine will follow up on the proposal from St. Andrew’s & St. Peter’s. The Commission felt the proposal needed further development and might be among proposals considered in the 2012 round. The proposal from Ascension, Cranston will be set aside and considered for funding as a mission. The others will be asked to submit a full proposal by June 1, 2011.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM
On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon the Program & Budget Committee will present a program on the state of the Diocese and the state of the churches. The program will be held in Synod Hall at the Cathedral. Prior to this, Program and Budget will hold a session for Council, Standing Committee and Congregational Development on Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s, East Greenwich. All members of CDC are urged to attend.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 5 p.m. in the Diocesan Annex. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:55 p.m.
EL MESIAS—NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Betsy reported that El Mesías has decided to close. Its members are now attending St. George’s, Central Falls and Ascension, Cranston. With regard to grant funds that were intended for El Mesías, Betsy would like to divide the money proportionately with respect to the number of members now attending each of these churches.
COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY
On Saturday, April 2 the first Collaborative Ministry event was held at St. Martin’s, Providence for churches in the Central Deanery. Casey & Jackie facilitated the meeting. The congregations sending representatives were All Saints’ Memorial, Grace, Redeemer, and St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, all in Providence, as well as St. Thomas, Greenville and Trinity, N. Scituate. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate a meeting of parish leaders, including clergy, with the aim of exploring areas of possible collaboration and planning future meetings which they would conduct without CDC facilitation. Despite the low turnout, there were positive results. St. Thomas and Trinity will launch a collaborative youth ministry.
Casey’s main tip for future event facilitators is to communicate with a cross section of parish leaders, including clergy and wardens, but casting a wider net.
THE CHANCELLOR’S REPORT ON CANON X—PARISHES
There was a discussion of the document “Proposal to Revise Canon 10.7 and Add New Canon 10.8—Draft of March 31, 2011.” We will ask Chancellor Edmund Bennett for clarification of section 10.7(a)ii—“fails to provide financial support necessary for the spiritual program of the parish.” Jim pointed out the importance of 10.8—Reestablishment of a Parish. It is important for people to feel they can become a parish again. Jim will work on clarifying the language of 10.8.
GRANT PROPOSALS
The Commission considered seven grant proposals: Ascension, Cranston for Hispanic ministry; All Saints’ Memorial/St. Martin’s, Providence for a breakfast program for the homeless; Emmanuel, Cumberland for interim clergy; Emmanuel, Newport to expand their Royal School of Church Music program to all of Aquidneck Island; St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Providence for programs and activities for at-risk youth; St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett to hire a Coordinator for Children’s & Youth Ministry in collaboration with St. Augustine’s, Kingston and Ascension, Wakefield; and the West Bay Deanery to hire a consultant to coach parish leaders in Appreciative Inquiry methodology. Casey will follow up on the West Bay Deanery proposal which the Commission felt would be more appropriate for a Diocesan-wide program, perhaps a future Learn & Lead. Catherine will follow up on the proposal from St. Andrew’s & St. Peter’s. The Commission felt the proposal needed further development and might be among proposals considered in the 2012 round. The proposal from Ascension, Cranston will be set aside and considered for funding as a mission. The others will be asked to submit a full proposal by June 1, 2011.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM
On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon the Program & Budget Committee will present a program on the state of the Diocese and the state of the churches. The program will be held in Synod Hall at the Cathedral. Prior to this, Program and Budget will hold a session for Council, Standing Committee and Congregational Development on Tuesday, April 12 at 5 p.m. at St. Luke’s, East Greenwich. All members of CDC are urged to attend.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 5 p.m. in the Diocesan Annex. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:55 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March 1, 2011--Meeting Notes
OPENING AND ATTENDANCE A meeting of the Congregational Development Commission was called to order at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by Casey Shobe. Betsy Fornal attended the meeting along with Commission members: Jim Burgess, Carol Drought, Joel Gardner, Jackie Kirby, David Lucey, and Catherine Thenault. The Rev. Dennis Bucco, Rector of St. Luke’s, Pawtucket, was a guest. The meeting began with a prayer.
ST. LUKE’S, PAWTUCKET INTERIM REPORT
In the six months since receiving a grant from CDC, St. Luke’s has hired John Burns as Music Director and Organist. John is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College and teaches music at Woonsocket Middle School. Plans for the near future include purchasing copies of Wonder, Love, and Praise and hiring an instrumentalist from time to time. A children’s choir has been organized. The children’s choir sings on the first Sunday of each month which has been designated Youth Sunday. The grant to St. Luke’s will be paid over three years. The first year they received $6,000 and in the second and third years they will receive $4,000 and $2,000 respectively. St. Luke’s also has plans to merge with St. John’s, Ashton.
GRANT PROCESS
The deadline for grant applications is March 15. There was a discussion of the source and amount of CDC funds available for grants as well as the amount committed for 2011-12.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM
On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon the Program & Budget Committee will present a program on the state of the Diocese and the state of the churches. The program will be held in Synod Hall at the Cathedral.
CANON X—PARISHES
Betsy, Susan Carpenter, and Casey are meeting with Chancellor Ed Bennett about a possible change in Canon X. Members felt that the current wording provides all the tools necessary to change a church’s status from parish to mission. Members discussed several alternatives including rewriting the Canon and setting up procedures to accompany the current Canon X.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 5 p.m. in the Diocesan Annex. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:50 p.m.
ST. LUKE’S, PAWTUCKET INTERIM REPORT
In the six months since receiving a grant from CDC, St. Luke’s has hired John Burns as Music Director and Organist. John is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College and teaches music at Woonsocket Middle School. Plans for the near future include purchasing copies of Wonder, Love, and Praise and hiring an instrumentalist from time to time. A children’s choir has been organized. The children’s choir sings on the first Sunday of each month which has been designated Youth Sunday. The grant to St. Luke’s will be paid over three years. The first year they received $6,000 and in the second and third years they will receive $4,000 and $2,000 respectively. St. Luke’s also has plans to merge with St. John’s, Ashton.
GRANT PROCESS
The deadline for grant applications is March 15. There was a discussion of the source and amount of CDC funds available for grants as well as the amount committed for 2011-12.
PROGRAM & BUDGET COMMITTEE PROGRAM
On Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon the Program & Budget Committee will present a program on the state of the Diocese and the state of the churches. The program will be held in Synod Hall at the Cathedral.
CANON X—PARISHES
Betsy, Susan Carpenter, and Casey are meeting with Chancellor Ed Bennett about a possible change in Canon X. Members felt that the current wording provides all the tools necessary to change a church’s status from parish to mission. Members discussed several alternatives including rewriting the Canon and setting up procedures to accompany the current Canon X.
NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 5 p.m. in the Diocesan Annex. The meeting adjourned with a prayer at 6:50 p.m.
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