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.
