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.

State of the Congregations Follow Up Resources & Letter from Bishop Wolf

May 6, 2011

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.

1. Each church will complete the form from Alban Institute and have conversation with their leaders and congregation about the financial future.
2. 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
3. Another meeting will be held in the fall to report back how the work has progressed.

If you were not at Saturday’s meeting, I ask you to view the material we distributed at Saturday’s meeting including Fr. Lucey’s PowerPoint presentation, 2009 Parochial Report Statistics, and the Congregation Budget Self-Test so that you can be part of this important dialogue.

Faithfully Yours,
Geralyn Wolf