2015 Task Force News

2015 Task Force - Minutes - May 8, 2014

2014-09-11T12:20:00.003-07:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, May 8, 2014

Diocesan House

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; Dennis Burton; Canon Elizabeth Fornal; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; Jane Jellison; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. and offered an opening ptayer.

The meeting was devoted to a review of projects under way.

Policies and Practices Project. Mr. Hallenbeck reviewed recent action by Diocesan Council deleting nine (9) policies at its April meeting. An updated copy of the Documents and Policies list was distributed along with a draft memo to those receiving 23 specific items needing review and recommendations to delete, update or keep as is. The memo should go out next week. There was an initial discussion of where this material should end up on the diocesan website or in a paper based handbook.

Constitution and Canons Project. Mr, Tierney stated that the work group was unable to meet and is still reviewing material from other Dioceses. Several questions were ic Ministry

Affiliated Institutions. This is defined very specifically in the present Canons. Under this definition there are only two: Hallworth House and St. Mary’s Home. Do we want others under a different definition? This needs clarification.

What needs sorting out? The biggest items are: Hispanic Ministry; Episcopal Camp and Conference Center; Commission on Congregational Development and the Cathedral of St. John, including do we need a cathedral? Are there other issues? The primary concern is sustainability planning., 2014

Possible role of consultants, especially in creating partnership models. We need to train people. Among our churches we have: a) unsustainable; b) growing, need help; c) doing well, need more staff, for what?

Renewal Works. Ms. Fornal reported on readiness of churches to participate this year: Two churches are ready to go: St. John, Barrington and St. Mark’s, Warwick. Five or six others may be ready to participate in the fall. Renewal Works should not be looked on to solve problems, rather as a tool to assist in charting the future.

Future meetings: June 5, 2014; July 10.

The Chair, Mr. Tierney stated he will prepare a summary paper outlining what we need to do to be ready for a Final Report in 2015, for Convention. This was followed by a discussion of What we might do in 2014 to gather additional data and how, possibly using Deaneries or a Clergy Day.

Meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

015 Task Force - Minutes - April 3, 2014

2014-09-11T12:18:00.002-07:00

Diocese of Rhode Island;

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, April 3, 2014

Diocesan House

Present: Dennis Burton; Canon Elizabeth Fornal; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev. John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; Grace Swinski.

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. by Canon Grenz.

The minutes of the meeting of Meeting of March 6, were accepted as distributed.

The meeting was devoted to a review of projects under way.

Policies and Practices Project. Mr. Hallenbeck distributed a revised list of Documents and Policies containing 40 items needing further attention. They will fall into one of three groups:

1. Delete as out of date as stated.

2. Need review and recommendation for edit update or deleting.

3. OK as is, and may be accepted as continuing

The list was reviewed with care. It was agreed to refer the nine (9) items listed as Delete to Diocesan Council for formal action. Items needing further review will be referred to persons or groups as indicated on the list.

Renewal Works Project. Mr. Burton reported on the recent meetings and conversations at and around the Learn and Lead event when Jay Sidebotham was in town. Betsy Fornal reported that five churches have indicated they wish to participate in the spring and two additional in the fall. One church in the process of calling a new Rector has also indicated a strong interest. It was agreed that a team of 6 to 8 people are needed to facilitate working through the process with this group of churches.

Constitution and Canons Project. Mr. Tierney reported by memo that the working group hit stumbling blocks this past month, cancelled two meetings because of scheduling difficulties, but will do our best to meet before Easter. The group is digesting sample canons from other Dioceses that are comparable to RI in some way, and are also looking at decision-making structures from outside the Church as food-for-thought.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

Next meeting: May 8, 2014 at 5:15 p.m. Diocesan House.

2015 Task Force - Minutes - March 6, 2014

2014-09-11T12:16:00.003-07:00

Diocese of Rhode Island;

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, March 6, 2014

Higgins Room

Present: The Rev Ricky Brightman; Canon Betsy Fornal; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; Grace Swinski; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chair Tierney. Deacon Brightman offered an opening prayer.

The Minutes of the meeting of February 6, 2014 were reviewed and accepted.

Renewal Project. The presentations by Jay Sidebotham at the Learn and Lead Event were discussed at length, with several 2015 folks having been present. There was a full room in the afternoon when the special session on the Renewal project was held, with 30 or so present. Jay reviewed his recent updates to the program and the cycle of activity for participating parishes, working with the Vestry, creating a strategy appropriate to the ompletion iswas considerable interest among those present.

There was a discussion of RI churches expressing interest, identified contact persons. It was agreed that Dennis Burton and Betsy Fornal will follow up to secure commitments for participation this year. Several churches were identified. Betsy will function as the contact person.

Constitution and Canons Project. Mr. Tierney reported that a first review meeting had been held with Canon Grenz and Karen Knisely.Mr. Stark has identified inconsistencies and issues as well as lack of clarity matters. It is clear that the biggest issue revolves around the status of the Cathedral of St. John. This project will require a complete rewrite aimed for completion in 2015. The Rev. Melody Shobe was added to the subcommittee.

Policies and Practices Project. Ted Hallenbeck distributed an initial draft of the first 17 identified items, It was agreed this pattern will be useful and should be continued. Items no longer relevant should be identified as “Delete.” This will be further developed.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

Next Meeting: April 3, 2014. 5:15 p.m. at Diocesan House.

2015 Task Force - Minutes - February 6, 2014

2014-09-11T12:13:00.002-07:00

Diocese of Rhode Island;

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, February 6, 2014

Diocesan House Meeting Room

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; The Rev Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

Also Present: Canon Betsy Fornal.

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm by Chair Tierney who offered an opening prayer.

It was agreed that Dennis Stark would continue as the representative of the Standing Committee, replacing Grace Swinski.

The Minutes of the meeting of November 7, 2013 were reviewed and accepted.

Renewal Project. It was noted that Jay Sidebotham will be at the Learn and Lead event on March 1^st. It was agreed that, if possible, a time will be scheduled for Jay to meet with churches interested in participating in the Renewal project in 2014. Jane will follow up with Casey Shobe and Jay to arrange a session if possible. Betsy and Jane will follow up with churches expressing interest. Dennis Burton will return to town shortly and can assist in getting the project under way.

Constitution, Canons & Policies. Chair Tierney has asked Karen Knisely to participate and bring her experience from past projects. Canon Grenz noted recent discussion at the Province meeting of Bishops, Canons and Chancellors and the recently completed revision of Canons in the Diocese of Connecticut are available to us. Several other persons were identified who might assist in this project. It was agreed that a small group will draft language for review by a wider circle of persons.

Policies and Practices. Following a brief discussion it was agreed that Ted will prepare a suggested list of items still in place that should be recommended for removal. This list can be referred to Council for action. The remaining list of active items will be reviewed for updates as needed and inclusion in the Handbook of Policies and Practices. It was noted that Boards for Episcopal Conference Center and Episcopal Charities are in effect Advisory Boards reporting to Diocesan Council, and as such have a Policies and Procedures statement rather than By-Laws.

Affiliated Organizations. Ricky reported that further study has identified two clearly affiliated organizations: Hallworth House and St. Mary’s Home. Several others have an ongoing link, but are not affiliated, including: Seamen’s Church Institute, St. George’s School, St. Andrew’s School and St. Elizabeth’s Home. The relationship with the RI State Council of Churches is a working relationship with a sister religious organization. This is an ongoing study to look at governance and financial matters and how an organization ties in to the Diocesan Mission. Additional input is anticipated.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

Next meeting: Thursday, March 6, 2014 5:15 pm. Diocesan House.

2015 Task Force Minutes - November 7, 2013

2014-09-11T12:11:00.003-07:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, November 7, 2013

Higgins Room

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev. John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; Grace Swinski; The Rev. Peter Tierney (by phone).

The meeting was called to order by Chair Tierney at 5:13 pm, with an opening prayer offered by Fr. Higgenbotham.

Chair Tierney stated that the agenda for the meeting would primarily be a review of four projects the TF is engaged in, plus a few housekeeping matters.

Renewal Program. It was noted that the presentation at Convention had resulted in considerable interest. Eleven (11) church representatives had signed up as interested and taken packets of material. In addition four more packets were taken without signing. Mr. Burton has the list. This is somewhat beyond expectations.. Our first task is to determine the specific level of interest and to meet with the Rector and others at the church as soon as possible. The idea of a group gathering was discussed and will be explored. Mr. Burton will coordinate the follow up.

Affilliated Organizations. Dn. Brightman distributed a list of organizations that are affiliated in some way, in some cases loosely without written documentation. It was noted the Canons contain a definition and requirements for an Affiliated Organization, which are followed in some cases and not in others. This needs to be reviewed in detail so that a determination can be made. The listings in the Directory do not at present reflect known status. Dn. Brightman will coordinate the follow up

Review of Constitution, Canons and Policies. This has been identified as a significant matter requiring detail review and study. Timeframe target is for 2015. It was agreed that there will be two sub-committees: 1. Constitution and Canons: Fr. Tierney, Convenor; Karen Knisely; Linda Grenz; Dennis Stark; Cal Groton. 2. Handbook of Policies and Practices: Ted Hallenbeck.

Structure and Finance. This includes financial and budget restructuring all of which is under way, with the new ACS database and finance program featuring at the center of much of the activity. It was agreed that much of this involves the Commission on Finance and Program and Budget Committee where 2015 TF members are present and that we will work through these contacts for the time being.

It was agreed that we will suggest new member linkages for both the Standing Committee and the Commission on Finance, where cross membership is required.

Adjourned at 6:25 pm.

The next meeting will be Thursday December 5^th at 5:15 pm in the Higgins Room.

Respectfully Submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

2015 Task Force—Minutes, October 10 2013

2013-11-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, October 10, 2013

Annex Building

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; Dennis Burton; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; Grace Swinski; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:15 by Chair Tierney, who offered an opening prayer. This was followed by a Bible Study of 2^nd Timothy 2:8-15.

Draft Report to Convention. Fr. Tierney noted a draft Report had been emailed to all members, he asked for comments and feedback. Several suggestions were offered. It was noted that the verbal presentation will be shorter, not repeating the written report.

Key matters under consideration are:

1. Reworking the Canons, especially for inconsistencies.

2. The Renewal Works parish spirituality project for 2014.

3. Finishing transitions underway.

4. Affiliated Organizations review noting the 2015 needs a stronger role.

Renewal Program. Dennis Burton reviewed the plan for Spring of 2014, inviting all churches to participate, 2015 will provide funding. There will be an Exhibit and materials at Convention a. The schedule should be available shortly. It is hoped to have an open session inviting Jay Sidebotham to come for a presentation.

Affiliated Organizations. Ricky Brightman is working on this project. A spreadsheet of all units identified at this point is available. The status and relationship with the Diocese is unclear in many cases.

The next meeting will be Thursday Nov 7^th at 5:15 pm in the Higgins Room.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F. Hallenbeck

Secretary.

2015 Task Force—Minutes September 12, 2013

2013-11-08T11:59:00.003-08:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, September 12, 2013

Annex Building

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; Dennis Burton; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev. John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Tierney who offered an opening prayer. This was followed by a Bible Study of 1 Timothy 1:12-17.

Recent Developments. Chair Tierney reported on a joint meeting of the Treasurer; Chair of the Commission on Finance; Chair of Program and Budget; Chair of the 2015 TF and the Canon to the Ordinary. This was a brainstorming session looking at ways to present information to Diocesan Convention and others so it is more understandable. This is primarily a matter of reporting style and format. Linda distributed a very preliminary list in development of how we might better group activities and tasks to portray the nature of Diocesan flow of work and funds. There was a lengthy discussion of how the data will be used.

It was noted that the Diocese is shifting to ACS Technologies for data base management and financial records. Transition time is underway, glitches are expected. All DBs are being consolidated into a singe master file keyed to a variety of uses. Financial data will run parallel until 1/1/14.

Working Groups. Renewal Works is now managed by Forward Movement and the instrument is being revised. By spring 2014 a second revision will be available. Persons completing the scoring on line will be able to view their score in relation to their parish. Following discussion it was agreed to retain management of Renewal Works by the 2015 TF and encourage participation by churches in the Spring. The 2015 will have budget support for church participation in 2014. Betsy Fornal will be our staff link with churches. Question was asked if there is a Spanish version? Dennis B will meet with Betsy to set up a process. At this point it has been a ‘pilot’ activity, we will need to ask Council to recognize as a Program offered to churches by the Diocese

Affiliated Organizations. Noted there is a review by Diocesan Council of organizations affiliated with the Diocese in some way and what the nature of the relationship actually is. No report is available at this point.

Report to Convention. Chair Tierney reviewed a meeting of Linda, Ted and himself prior to this meeting, outlining a Report Strategy and outline.

Special thanks to The Rev. John Pallard for his time with the 2015 TF as he leaves the Diocese.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm

Respectfully Submitted

Edwin F. Hallenbeck, Secretary

Next meeting: Thursday, October 10, 2013, 5:30 pm. The Annex Building

2015 Task Force—Minutes, July 11, 2013

2013-11-08T11:57:00.002-08:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, July 11, 2013

Annex Building

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; Dennis Burton; The Rev. Canon Linda Grenz; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev. John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; Dennis Stark; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Tierney, who offered an opening prayer. This was followed by a brief Bible study of Luke 10:25-37.

The Chair welcomed Canon Grenz to regular participation with the 2015 TF, now providing senior leadership of the Diocese in our work as suggested by Dan Hotchkiss last month.

Chair Tierney reviewed the Agenda, especially item #3 as representing the TF discussions in recent months. There was general agreement. Canon Grenz comments noted that a variety of matters are refocusing and shifting older patterns. A primary shift is to not look at Diocesan programs, rather to support and strengthen parishes in mission. Ricky Brightman reviewed how we got from the original Mission Task Force to two groups with the MTF looking at Program and the 2015 TF looking at Structure. Fr. Tierney noted that the lack of a consistent system within the Diocese has resulted in dysfunction.

The result for the 2015 TF is the need to rethink and redo what we are about. Canon Grenz noted the need to focus on how are we transforming the churches.

Other developments in process:

• School for Ministry/Bishop’s School. Training for vestry’s, finance folks, some inquiring, some strengthening. Opening doors.

• Jonathan Daniels House, now a Diocesan initiative.

• Alternative Churches. Experiments in attracting new people. Alternative services and times.

• Liturgy and Music Commission.

• Episcopal Conference Center and Episcopal Charities to be reviewed and strengthened over the next two years.

Renewal Works update. Dennis Burton provided a summary handout of the Renewal Works program. A key matter is the Episcopal spin off now based at Forward Movement where The Rev. Jay Sidebotham will serve as manager. The Episcopal character will be strengthened and expanded. It is important to note that while the Rhode Island participating churches in 2012 may seem to have skewed result patterns, they are almost identical to those in the Diocese of Chicago and other Episcopal churches. A significant effort will be made in 2014 as the instrument is rebased, to extend our participation.

Additional matters to focus on this year and in 2014:

1. A focus for Vestries is to identify things that are going well and things that are not. Consider how to communicate clearly and well so persons will have better understanding about the church and what its doing.

2. Meanwhile, Diocesan Communications is restructuring E-Risen to provide four issues a month in different topics: Clergy—Vestry—Treasurers—General.

3. Renewal Works over the next two years will focus on new core ministries, seeking to involve additional churches in exploring the nature of Christian commitment and ways to share experiences.

4. Working on finding ways to better integrate Episcopal Conference Center and Episcopal Charities into the Diocese so that missions may work together more effectively. Similarly other related programs such as the Episcopal Housing Trust and Hallworth House are being reviewed to consider how they may more effectively relate to the Diocesan Mission.

It was agreed the 2015 TF will not meet in August.

The next meeting will be September 12, 2013 at 5:30 pm, Annex Building

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck, Secretary

2015 Task Force—Minutes, June 6, 2013

2013-11-08T11:55:00.001-08:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, June 6, 2913

Annex Building

Present: The Rev. Ricky Brightman; The Rev. Edwin Hallenbeck; The Rev. John Higgenbotham; Jane Jellison; The Rev. John Pallard; The Rv. Peter Tierney.

Others: Dan Hotchkiss by phone.

The meeting was called to order at 5:33 by Chair Tierney, who offered an opening prayer.

Initial discussion was focused on the upcoming phone time with Dan Hotchkiss, identifying key matters for discussion and questions to ask.

Updates:

• With Dennis Burton absent there was no update on the Renewal Project.

• Fr. Tierney noted he had attended a summer seminar at Yale, June 3-4. Jay Sidebotham was present. Fr. Sidebotham will become Director of Renewal Works, working with Scott Gunn, developing v 3.0 of Renewal Works for 2014 focusing on increasing the Episcopal character of the instrument. Fall 2013 dates, using v 2.0, are not set as yet. 31 Episcopal Churches have participated. He noted Jay Sidebotham is originally from St. Marten’s Church in Rhode Island.

Phone Conversation with Dan Hotchkiss, Consultant/Trainer, Alban Institute. 6:00 pm.

Chair Tierney initiated the call, and introduced the 2015 members present. He suggested that Dan Hotchkiss begin with some comments based on his understanding of the planning process and mission of the 2015 TF.

• Dan: Some background questions to consider: a) Where does the planning process fit into the strategy of the organization? What is the scope? Does the process have the ability to build trust? He noted he has worked with 26 Denominational groups. All seem clearer about what a church is, than what a Regional Body is. Regional Bodies vary, some are very traditional; some are trying to focus more clearly. Noted also, that there are a lot of very successful churches that do not belong to a Regional Body or a Denomination..

• Question: What does the Diocese do to contribute to the state of the church? What is our primary purpose?

Dan: I like the way Crabtree thinks. (J Russell Crabtree, The Fly in the Ointment, Church Publishing, 2008). Although I do not necessarily agree with all his conclusions. He asks specific business planning questions; such as, how to balance ineffective ministers or congregations with the people in power and get the focus on mission.

• Question: How do you turn around distrustful churches?

Dan: First, the Diocese must provide service(s), i.e. products/functions such as beyond budget oversight, assisting in building financial strength and integrity. This takes time to build up confidence in. Second, Do something that is not a service, that we can be deeply proud of, strategic thinking linked to movement forward, such as mission trips, work in schools, gets people involved and committed.

• Question: We are trying to identify key areas for planning, what thoughts do you have?

Dan: Look at how to balance the patterns of involvement. Involve the Senior Staff. Involve the Bishop, if possible. Try to create a “Holy Conversation.” Begin by framing planning issues as questions, this helps define input, timing, creates boundaries. In addition to key leadership, also need broader input opportunities. Allow ideas to bubble up. Get clear about the questions. Look at places that have asked similar questions, such as other Dioceses.

With thanks the phone session ended at 6:35.

Follow-up conversation. It was noted that The Diocese of RI has done well in developing and providing services, however what these are and how useful they have been is not well known.

Fr. Tierney stated that in a recent conversation with the Bishop, he had indicated that the ideas proposed by Karen Whelan-Barry sounded interesting, but we are not ready for such a plan as yet.

Key question for structuring a first broader participation session is who to include? Power structure people? Key committed people? Building trust is key, especially between clergy and lay persons.

It was agreed that one key need is providing training for clergy-wardens-vestry in how to do collaborative work.

A suggestion from Linda Grenz is, the 2015 should look at the role of Episcopal Charities and how it works, what is its relationship to the Diocese?

The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm

Respectfully Submitted

Edwin F Hallenbeck

Secretary

Next meting: Thursday, July 11, 2015 at 5:30 pm Annex Building

2015 Task Force—Minutes, May 9, 2013

2013-11-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Diocese of Rhode Island

2015 Task Force for Strategic Needs and Planning

Meeting, May 9, 2013

Annex Building

Present: The Rev. Deacon Edwin Hallenbeck; Jane Jellison; Lujean Johnson; Dennis Stark; Grace Swinski; The Rev. Peter Tierney.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Tierney, who offered an opening prayer. This was followed by a Bible study of Ephesians 1:15-23.

The meeting reviewed follow up on a number of matters under way:

• Draft letter to congregations regarding the Renewal Project cycle for 2013, (Tierney).

Not yet completed

• Future responsibility for Renewal Project handoff to CDC (Jellison).

CDC has questions and would like someone to visit and explain.

• Article in RISEN, under discussion.

• Dan Hotchkiss phone consultation, not available this meeting, try for June 6.

• Follow-up on Renewal Survey, Workshop at Yale with Jay Sidebotham.

• Budget Request for 2014. Agreed on same $15,000 as 2013.

Hallenbeck to transmit request to Program and Budget Committee.

• Follow-up on strategic planning with Bishop, based on proposal by Karen Whelan-Barry.

• General discussion of 2015 needs and goals as linked to the KW-B proposal.

• Report on the State of the Clergy, handout by Ted followed by discussion

Agreed to distribute the full Report to all. Numbers and patterns of deployment are significantly changing.

• It was agreed that doing the Renewal project on an ongoing basis needs a support system within the Diocese, such as CDC.

• A discussion considered the issue of who is in charge in churches. Many clergy are used to being in charge, and often find it difficult to enable lay persons to utilize leadership skills in churches. It would help greatly to develop a list, both for the Diocese and each Church, of persons including what they do outside the church and how they might help in the church context.

There was a brief review of how to approach the Dan Hotchkiss phone consultation.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm.

Edwin F Hallenbeck

Secretary

Next meeting: June 6, 2013 5:30 pm in the Annex Building