Diocese of New Hampshire

Diocesan Council Minutes for September 4, 2008

DRAFT

Attendance

Council members: Benge Ambrogi, Susan Buchanan, Bonnie Chappell, Bill Exner, Bobbe Fairman, Susan Fockler, Becky Forbes, Judy Haigh, Charles LaFond, Anne Milne, Ron Moore, Connie Morton-Ewbank, Margaret Porter, Bishop Gene Robinson, Sarah Rockwell, Carol Twomey, Jason Wells.

Call to Order

Margaret Porter called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m.

Devotions

Bill Exner led devotions.

Approval of Minutes

Susan Fockler moved to accept the August minutes as corrected. Judy Haigh seconded. Motion carried.

Action Items and Reports

2009 Diocesan Budget: Becky Forbes presented the proposed budget for 2009. This budget combines the Center for Congregational Development with the Diocese, although the two entities have been separate in the past. Several line items do not appear in the 2009 budget; the Church Media Center has enough money to operate for the next 1-2 years, and several escrow accounts will not be funded, pending an analysis of the adequacy of each. New items in the 2009 budget include a North Country Missioner (half-time), Accounting Manager, Canon for Congregational Life (formerly part-time Canon for Stewardship), Canon for Transition Ministry (reduced to half-time, with sole focus on deployment), plus additional support for the Young Adult and Campus Ministry. Grant revenues provide full or partial support for the Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, Campus Missioner, North Country Missioner, and Canon for Congregational Life. The Trustees will fund the Bishop’s Housing Allowance, CFO’s salary (partial), and Diocesan House maintenance/repairs (partial). Clergy gatherings and the Stewardship Institute charge fees that equal the approximate cost of the programs. Benge Ambrogi moved that the proposed budget be presented to the Convocations. Sarah Rockwell seconded. Motion carried.

Convocations: The Lakes Region Convocation met on Tuesday, September 2. They heard a presentation by Charles LaFond and a brief report by Kaitlyn Marshall, EYE participant from Tamworth. Council suggested that the EYE attendees might be invited to make a presentation at the November Council meeting, and possibly be given a spot at Convention.

Stewardship: Charles LaFond reported that the diocesan website has been renovated to provide expanded access to stewardship information. He distributed samples of materials from the stewardship campaign at St. John’s Walpole and read portions of a letter regarding a successful summer campaign at St. John the Baptist in Sanbornville.

Outreach Grant: A grant request for $1500 was received from Christ Episcopal Church in North Conway for a “Neighbor to Neighbor” project in the Mt. Washington Valley. It is an interdenominational effort at community outreach, spearheaded by Nativity Lutheran Church, North Conway. The funds will be used to repair homes of community members who need help due to income, age, or disability. Bonnie Chappell moved to approve the request; Sarah Rockwell seconded. Motion carried.

Presiding Bishop’s Visit: The Council is invited to have dinner with the Presiding Bishop at Bishop Robinson’s home on Friday evening, September 27. Paula Bibber will send out directions.

Council Retreat: The itinerary for the Council Retreat on October 17-18 was distributed. Many members are willing to drive, including Heidi Frantz-Dale, Connie Morton-Ewbank, Anne Plumer-Fisher, Benge Ambrogi, Susan Buchanan, Charles LaFond, and Sarah Rockwell.

Bishop’s Report

The Bishop reported that the September Clergy Day will focus on Lambeth; Bishop Tom Ely of Vermont will be present to discuss his experience. Plans for the Presiding Bishop’s visit have been finalized. Bishop Robinson met recently with a geothermal expert and is exploring the possibility of assisting some parishes in changing over to this method of heating and cooling.

October Meeting

It is likely that the Council Retreat can take the place of the regular October meeting. If unforeseen issues arise, a meeting can still be held on Thursday, October 9.

Assignments for November Meeting

Devotions – Susan Fockler

Snacks – Bonnie Chappell

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Twomey

Scribe