DOCSLIB.ORG

Annual Report 2020

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Annual Report 2020 2020 Annual Report common cathedral Looking back at the past year, one word that comes to mind is “resiliency.” 2020 brought unforeseen challenges and heartbreaks, but it ultimately made us a stronger community and organization. By God’s grace, this year has given us a new appreciation for digging deep and finding resiliency within. In early March of 2020, as we were learning about COVID-19 and the significant restrictions it would bring to the city and our community, we made the brave decision that we would not close. We would keep programs open and continue to be a radically welcoming place, where all could seek refuge. This was particularly important because many programs across the city were either reduced or closed completely. Thus, our constant presence became a lifeline for folks on the street. It did mean that we needed to rethink our programs to ensure social distancing and to acquire enough personal protection equipment. And we did! Throughout 2020 we did not miss a single day! Sundays continued on the Common with lunch for 150 people each week and worship for all. Our staff took to the streets on Mondays and Tuesdays to find and care for people wherever they happened to be. On Wednesdays we opened common art, offering a place to create beautiful works of art. On Thursdays and Fridays we offered BostonWarm, our day center, where people were welcomed inside to a warm space with food, access to bathrooms, and good company. What we were also reminded of during 2020 is that our supporters, donors, and partners are the best. When we needed more food – it showed up. When we needed masks – they were at our programs the next day. When we needed funding – donations arrived immediately. This confirmed something we have known for a long time: common cathedral is the church community not only of those who call the streets home but also all of our supporters throughout New England. During this year of challenges, we were filled with gratitude by the love and support that all our supporters provided. In the name of some of our most vulnerable neighbors, we say: THANK YOU! Rev. Robin Lutjohann, Board Chair Amanda Grant-Rose, Executive Director Learn more at www.commoncathedral.org 2020 Financials Funded By Overview of Income and Expenses for Calendar Year Earned Income 2020 1.5% Individuals 18.4% Revenue Foundations 4 1 4 , 4 9 6 Congregations 1 9 4 , 6 14 Individuals 140,287 *Earned Income 11,708 Foundations 54.5% Total Revenue 761,105 Congregations Expenses 25.6% Programs Bible Studies 1 , 0 2 3 BostonWarm 78,927 CityReach 2 8,806 common art 59,201 McInnis House 5,502 Program Expenses Street Ministry 21,484 Sunday Worship 40,650 Bible Study Administration Sunday Worship 0.5% General Overhead 96,636 17.3% Fundraising 23,597 BostonWarm Total Expenses 3 5 5 , 8 2 6 33.5% Endowment 872,553 Street Ministry Cash/Assists 314,218 9.1% TOTAL ASSETS 1,592,050 McInnis House 2.3% *Earned Income is gathered from our common art CityReach CityReach weekends and the sales of our note cards and silver Ecclesia crosses. 25.1% 12.2% People Make it Happen This year was nothing like what we expected, but common cathedral was blessed to have people to help Board of Directors provide important resources to our programs. We’ve included sections recognizing those who gave generously with their money, time, and talents. Our 2020 donors helped fund the programs that Rev. Robin Lutjohann, remained open throughout the pandemic; the groups who came on Sunday afternoons provided meals Chair and joy to the worship service; the volunteers who brought in food throughout the week kept our Pastor, Faith Lutheran community fed when many places were closed; and churches, groups, and troops who participated in Church, Cambridge MA our CityReach - whether classic or modified - met our community and provided much needed winter clothing. We could stay open because of the generosity of every one of you. Thank you! AAmri aBnadrab aGnrealln, tS-Recorseeta ry Thank you to those who participated in CityReach Thank you to those who brought lunch to EMxeScWut,iv Me .DEidre.,ctor, Executive Director All Saints Parish, Brookline common cathedral worship The Winter Walk Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT Boston, MA Boston Faith and Justice Network Boy Scout Troop 126, Franklin Central Congregational Church, Chelmsford Rev. Mary Eaton Central Congregational Church, Chelmsford Church of the Redeemer, ELCA, Woburn AsWsoecnidayte F Pasacsitaonro , Church Hill UMC, Norwell Church of the Advent, Episcopal, Boston Trea surer Church of the Advent, Episcopal, Boston Church of the Redeemer, Episcopal, Director , Coastline Church of the Good Shepherd, Watertown Chestnut Hill Rev. Laura Shatzer Church of the Redeemer, ELCA, Woburn Bookkeeping, LLC, Faith Lutheran Church, Cambridge Associate Pastor Congregational Church of Needham Swampscott MA First Baptist Church, Framingham Chaplain Cumberland Congregational Church,Cumberland, ME First Church Congregational, Methuen Epiphany Parish Youth Group, Walpole First Church UU, Jamaica Plain James Bradley Faith Lutheran Church, Cambridge David Albaugh First Congregational Church, Reading Author First Congregational Church, Milton B.S. M.S. First Congregational Church, Rockport Member, Emmanuel First Congregational Church, Natick First Parish Episcopal Church, Concord Episcopal Church First Congregational Church, Old Lyme First Parish UCC, Westwood First Congregational Church, Shrewsbury DeaconB oLsatuorne, l MDAeery First Religious Society, UU, Carlisle First Congregational Church, Sutton M. Ed . Franklin Federated, UCC, Franklin First Parish Church, Lincoln Greg Cope Grace Community Church, Boston Tonika Farrell First Parish Church Stow & Acton, Stow Grace Episcopal Church, Newton MembeMr, STCrinJity Church First Parish Church United, Westford King's Chapel, UU, Boston AdminisBtroastitvoen ,A MssAistant First Parish Church, Wayland Lutheran Church of Framingham First Religious Society, Carlisle Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Woburn The Rev. M ike Dangelo, First Unitarian Universalist Society, Newton Melrose Highlands Congregational Brother Paul Fesefeldt First United Methodist Church, Melrose Rector Church, Melrose B.A., M.A. Follen Church, Lexington Church of the Redeemer North Street Community Church of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, South Boston Chestnut Hill, MA Nazarene, Hingham Hartford St. Presbyterian Church, Natick Sharon Ho ulahan Payson Park Church, UCC, Belmont Leominster United Methodist Church M.A., M.A. Pilgrim Church Senior Youth Group, Sherborn Tom King Lutheran Church of Framingham Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, Framingham common cathedral Maple Street Church, Danvers Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, Wellesley Boston, MA Melrose Highlands Congregational Heidi Lee Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church, Sudbury Millis Church of Christ, Millis B.A., M. Ed. Saint John's Episcopal Church, Franklin Payson Park Church, Belmont ArtisMt ainr kR Keisnigdsetnocne Saint Michael's Episcopal Church, Milton PCUSA congregations, New England Me mber, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Brookline Pilgrim Church Senior Youth Group, Sherborn Church Hill UMC Trinity Chapel, Episcopal, Shirley Allie Mattison Sanctuary Church, Marshfield Senior Vice President, Union Church, UCC, Waban BFA Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran Church, Ayer United Parish Episcopal, Brookline Eastern Insurance South Church in Andover, UCC Norw ell, MA St Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Sudbury St. Johns, Episcopal, Arlington Barry Nelson St John’s Episcopal Church, Westwood St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Newton Lower Falls Member, St Michael’s Episcopal Church, Milton Union Methodist Church St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Brookline Boston, MA St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Weston Trinity United Methodist Church, Springfield Ruth Ricker Union Church, Waban Member, Old South Unitarian Universalist of Reading Church in Boston, MA United Church of Christ, Groton West Avon Congregational Church Thanks to all who help Thank you for all those who gave food Mary Claire Chase to our weekday programs Deborah Choate Hanna Bartlett Richard & Cynthia Chrisman* Lorraine Baugh & St. Paul's Episcopal Church, The Christ Episcopal Church, Brookline Needham Grace Berte Suzanne Christensen Charley Blandy George & Catherine Chung* Mary Blocher Church of Good Shepherd, Episcopal, Edgar Brenninkmeyer Reading Paul Brouillette Church of the Covenant, Cathy & Ernie Chiavarini Thank you to all who supported us Presbyterian/UCC, Boston Elisabeth Choi & St. Paul's Episcopal, financially... Church of the Redeemer, Chestnut Brookline Acton Congregational Church, UCC Hill* Theresa Chope Lizete Alcalai City of Boston* Carol Cole Alice Alisme Mary Clack Comella's Family Restaurants All Saints Parish, Brookline Carolyn Clark Mary Crown Donald & Katherine Almeida Danita Clark George Delianides Elisabeth Ames Ian Clements Melissa Dulla The Bradbury & Janet Anderson Family Carla Coch* The Ellis Family Foundation* Benjamin & Suzanne Cogan Amy Feldman & The Union Church in Waban Susan Anderson-Smith Sally Stoddard Collier The Forler Family Anonymous Kathryn Collins & Maureen Driscoll The Franceschi Family Wayne Anstey Congregational Church in Cumberland* Carol & Emanuel Genovese Jim Antal & Cindy Shannon* Gregory Cope* Jane Giovannucci Arbella Insurance* Dana N. Courtney Jacey Glass & Sanctuary Church, Donna Austin Jan Crews Marshfield/Plymouth Ric & Chris Bailey* Judith H. Crossett David Goodman Elizabeth Baker Sarah Cullinan Elizabeth Grady Harper Sharon Ballard Philip & Lois Czachorowski Miss Jeanie Gruber
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ecclesial Organizations Site Book 2019
    Boston University School of Theology Contextual Education Ecclesial Organizations Site Book 2019 Updated November 26, 2019 Ecclesial Organizations Site Book 2019 MASSACHUSETTS Calvary Church – Arlington www.calvaryarlington.org 300 Massachusetts Avenue Arlington MA 02474 781-646-8679 Contact: Cynthia Good Email: [email protected] Calvary has a multigenerational congregation, with average attendance of 100 each week. Our priorities include creating engaging worship, connecting with one another, and serving in active mission and we offer many opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fellowship, both inside and outside the church. In addition to our regular Sunday morning service, we have special services during holiday seasons; we also offer Sunday school classes for all ages and have a very active youth group. Calvary works with community groups including the Housing Corporation of Arlington and the Somerville Homeless Coalition, sends members to Maine every year to help rebuild and repair homes, and has multiple small groups that meet for fellowship and fun. We have eight years of experience working with student interns, and offer many different avenues through which interns can develop their talents, explore areas of ministry that they may not have experienced previously, and gain experience to better discern their calling. Payson Park Church United Church of Christ – Belmont www.PaysonPark.org 365 Belmont Street Belmont, MA 02478 617-484-1542 Contact: Rev. Eric Wefald [email protected] Payson Park Church is easily accessible from public transportation, bus route 73, less than 3 miles from Harvard Square. We are a diverse congregation at the edge of Belmont and Watertown, drawing people from multiple communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Nominating Committee Report
    NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Presbytery of Boston 12 November 2018 Stated Meeting Note on Class Years: Under the new bylaws, terms start on 1 January and run through 31 December The class years have been re-designated to key on the year of the 31 December date ending the term. This subtracts one from the class year listed in the 5 November 2018 Presbytery directory. Under the old bylaws the terms ended at the January Presbytery meeting and the class years were keyed to that date. Note on New Positions: Under the new bylaws there is a new committee, Committee on Mission and Congregations, with 3 members. In addition, there are now 3 new Council-at-Large positions. Two committees have been eliminated: Committee on Education for Mission, and Committee on Congregational Support and Development. Abbreviations TE = Teaching Elder RE = Ruling Elder DE = Deacon HR = Honorably Retired VM = Validated Ministry PA = Parish Associate Burlington = The Presbyterian Church in Burlington Fourth = Fourth Presbyterian Church (South Boston) Brookline = First Presbyterian Church in Brookline Gateway = Gateway Presbyterian Church KCB = Korean Church of Boston Primera Iglesia = Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana de Boston Quincy = First Presbyterian Church in Quincy Roxbury = Roxbury Presbyterian Church Worcester = First Presbyterian Church in Worcester Nominations Moderator, Verónica Soto-Feliciano Mission and Congregations Chair, Katie Cole Synod Mission and Ministry Commission, David Dorer Presbytery Deacon, Christiane Dutton Trustees Chair and Corporation
    [Show full text]
  • Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston
    Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston Zoom Meeting September 28th, 2020 Meeting Packet Notice of the Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston Date/Time: September 28 at 7:00 PM Location: Zoom Meeting To receive the link to enter this meeting, you must register online in advance of the meeting at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkceiqrz8rGtUAeKQFvvggVL4 Rhi8HtRCn For instructions on how to participate, please click on the following link: https://presbyteryofboston.org/Presbytery-Gatherings/Assembly-Meetings All teaching elders and ruling elders with the privilege of vote are expected to attend all presbytery meetings. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Stated Clerk: T. J. DeMarco at [email protected] or 401-523-7417 Worship Offering Our worship offering will be directed to support the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. ii Proposed Docket Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston Length 6:30 Log-in and instructions for Zoom Presbytery Meeting 30 Call to Order & Declaration of Quorum Opening Prayer Call for new business Adoption of agenda *7:00 Approval of Minutes 10 Introduction of New Elders Seating of Corresponding Members Welcome from Host Congregation 7:10 Worship: Offering – PDA Coronavirus Relief 15 7:25 Remembering the Presbyterian Church in Needham 5 7:30 Trustees (Thatcher Freeborn) 5 Budget Task Force -First Reading of Budget (Personnel)(Ivy 7:35 15 Turner) 7:50 Break-out Groups: What do you think of the budget options? 10 8:00 Treasurer (Andrew Parmelee) 10 8:10 Committee on Mission and Congregations (Katie Cole) 5 8:15 Committee on Ministry (Jane Wilson) 10 8:25 Committee on Preparation for Ministry (Kristin Rinehimer) 10 8:35 Report of the Stated Clerk (T.
    [Show full text]
  • By-Laws for the Presbytery of Boston, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
    By-Laws for the Presbytery of Boston, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Revised November 14, 2016 Revised April 3, 2018 Table of Contents 1. PREAMBLE........................................................................................................................................................4 1.1 ORIGIN ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 BOUNDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 2. MEMBERSHIP ...................................................................................................................................................5 2.1 CHURCHES ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 TEACHING ELDERS ................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 ADJUSTMENT OF RULING ELDER / TEACHING ELDER IMBALANCE....................................................................................... 6 2.4 CORRESPONDING MEMBERS...................................................................................................................................... 6 2.5 ADDITIONAL MEMBERS ...........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Updated Nominating Committee Report
    Nominating Committee Report Presbytery of Boston Assembly Meeting March 18, 2021 MOTION: That the nominees be elected as a slate. If there is a nomination from the floor, that position will be removed from the slate and the election will be by ballot. The Nominating Committee presents the following nominees: • Tanya Adams (RE-Clinton): Synod Mission & Ministries Commissioner, 2022 • Virginia Coakley (TE): Deacon, 2023 • Trina Portillo (TE-Burlington): Vice Moderator, 2021 • Tom Reid (TE-Validated Ministry): Committee on Representation, 2023 OTHER NOTES: The Nominating Committee is still seeking: Presbytery Deacon, Class of 2022 (partial-term); YAAD Synod Commissioner, Class of 2022; Committee on Representation, one vacancy for Class of 2023. Please contact Sarah Hathaway, chair of nominating committee, at [email protected] or (858) 336-3041 if you’re interested in learning more about these vacancies for yourself or for someone who you think would serve well in any of these positions. BIOS: Tanya Adams (RE-Clinton): Synod Mission & Ministries Commissioner, 2022 I have been attending Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Massachusetts since approximately 2006, became a member in 2008, and currently serve on the Board of Deacons as its Secretary. I served as a mentor to the Confirmation class which graduated June 2020. Other projects that I have been involved with at the Presbyterian Church in Clinton are: outreach team and collaborating with Diaper Pantry which serves local communities including Clinton; began the Prayer Shawl ministry in 2008, which gives prayer shawls to those who are ill, going through traumatic experiences, have a new addition to family, recent graduates (high school and college) and anyone who may need a hug and reminder that he/she is loved and prayed for; unofficial ministry of arts and crafts which includes assisting with decorations for Pentecost, Christmas, Children’s Sunday, and other occasions as needed; served on 125th Anniversary Planning Committee for the Presbyterian Church in Clinton in 2018.
    [Show full text]
  • 2012 Directory African American Presbyterian Congregations
    2011 – 2012 Directory African American Presbyterian Congregations Louisville, KY ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERIAN CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT OFFICE The African American Congregational Support Office assists the Presbyterian Church (USA) in addressing the needs of African American Presbyterian Congregations. The office provides leadership at all levels of the denomination in order to strengthen the nurture and witness of African American Congregations. The main focus of the office is growth, health and vitality for these congregations and their ministries. This ministry works in partnership with presbyteries and congregations to help experience the unconditional love of God through Jesus Christ that empowers African American Presbyteries to be prophetic witnesses to the power of love to transform people, history, cultures and institutions. The African American Presbyterian legacy of prophetic leadership for justice and a culturally plural society has transformed the church and the world. The Black Presbyterian Church provides a forum for African American to share one another’s joys, concerns, achievements, sorrows and blessings. The Rev. John Gloucester began organizing the first African American congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1807. The founding leaders named the congregation First African Presbyterian Church. John Gloucester commenced his missionary efforts by preaching in private houses June 1807 with twenty-two persons – nine men and thirteen women were organized in the church. Our office encourages congregations to become empowered
    [Show full text]
  • Gambling and Government: Some Ethical Concerns
    GAMBLING AND GOVERNMENT: SOME ETHICAL CONCERNS A STATEMENT BY MASSACHUSETTS RELIGIOUS LEADERS The following statement has been prepared by Protestant and Orthodox religious leaders for use by churches, political officials, and the public. We hope it will stimulate dialogue and result in a fresh approach to the issue of government sponsored and sanctioned gambling. Signers of the Statement The Rev. Bruce Bueschel, Presbytery of Boston, Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.); The Rt. Rev. Robert Denig, Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass.; Presiding Elder Herbert Eddy, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Boston District; The Rev. George Elia, East Coast Conference, Evangelical Covenant Church; Rafael M.J. Guiu, Church of the New Jerusalem (Swedenborgian Church, Massachusetts Association); The Rev. Harry Hoehler, The Council of Christian Churches within the Unitarian Universalist Association; Bishop Robert Isaksen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, New England Synod; The Rt. Rev. David Johnson, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts; His Grace Bishop Methodios, Greek Orthodox Diocese of Boston; Presiding Elder Nathaniel K. Perry, Boston District, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; Bishop F. Herbert Skeete, Boston Area of the United Methodist Church; The Rev. Dr. Linda Spoolstra, The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts; Jonathan Vogel-Borne, New England Yearly Meeting, the Religious Society of Friends; The Rev. Bennie E. Whiten, Jr., Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ; The Rev. Dr. H. Davis Yeuell, Synod of the Northeast, Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.); and The Rev. Diane C. Kessler, Massachusetts Council of Churches. State governments are becoming increasingly dependent on gambling as a source of revenue, and Massachusetts is no exception. The lottery is a state-run operation producing substantial funds both for state and local governments.
    [Show full text]
  • Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston
    Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston Hosted by Hartford St. Presbyterian Church and Shekinah of Natick 99 Hartford Street, Natick, MA March 25th, 2019 Meeting Packet Hartford Street Presbyterian Church Proposed Docket Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Boston Length 6:15 Outreach Conversation – Eric Markman Facilitator 6:30 Registration and Fellowship (Light dinner will be served) 30 Call to Order & Declaration of Quorum (Veronica Soto Feliciano) Opening Prayer Call for new business *7:00 Adoption of agenda 10 Introduction of New Elders Seating of Corresponding Members Welcome from Host Congregation 7:10 Report of Mission at the Eastward (Rothea Kornelius) 10 7:20 Worship: Offering to support Mission at the Eastward 30 7:50 Committee on Mission and Congregations 30 8:20 Committee on Ministry 20 8:40 Committee on Preparation for Ministry 10 8:50 Report of the Treasurer (Andrew Parmelee) 5 8:55 Report of the Trustees (Thatcher Freeborn) 5 9:00 Report of the Stated Clerk (T. J. DeMarco) 10 9:10 Report of the Resource Presbyter (Cindy Kohlmann) 10 9:20 Report of the Moderator (Veronica Soto Feliciano) 5 9:25 Divestment Overture from COTC (Rob Mark) 15 Committee Reports 9:40 Nominating Committee 10 9:50 Report of Council 5 New Business (only if requested at beginning of meeting) and Announcements Adjourn * Denotes Order of the day (All other times are guidelines) All teaching elders and ruling elders with the privilege of vote are expected to attend all presbytery meetings. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Stated Clerk: T.
    [Show full text]
  • To Massachusetts Legislative Documents, 1883-1899
    DDDnnnDnnnDDnnDDDDnnnDDnnaDn D D a a D D D a D a a n D a a D a D D D D D D a D a D D UNIVERSITY LIBRARY n n D D UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS D D LIBRARY a D n n AT D n AMHERST a D a D D D n a D G D a D a REF D D D D a D D Z D D n 1223. a D D D M35 n D n A32 D 1994 n D n a + D D D D D D n D D D D D n a nnnnnnnannDnnnnnDDDDDDnaDDa INDEX TO MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS, 1883 - 1899 by Leonard Adams Government Documents Librarian University Library University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts 1994 Copyright (c) 1994 by Leonard Adams -1- INTRODUCTION This index has been compiled because no complete, cumulative index to Massachusetts legislative documents exists for the years from 1883 to 1899. Legislative documents consist of House and Senate bills, resolutions, petitions, messages and reports, ranging in length from a few lines to one hundred pages or more. The index should prove extremely valuable to anyone doing legal or historical research in the late 19th century. The only other access to legislative documents from 1883 through 1899 is an index for each year which appears at the front of each bound volume of the documents. These indexes are antiguated and difficult to use because of language and indexing phraseology. The predecessor to this index is Francis Blouin Jr. 's Index and Guide to Massachusetts State Legislative Documents, 1802-1882 , which was published in 1972.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2019
    common cathedral 2019 Annual Report Dear friends of common cathedral, 2019 was an eventful year. 2020 is turning out to be even more so. Even though the present health crisis is capturing our attention right now, I would like to look back at the previous year with you for a moment. In 2019 we celebrated five years with our Executive Director Amanda Grant-Rose. In those five years, we have grown in size, reach, and health beyond what was imaginable. Under Amanda’s leadership, common cathedral has established itself as a crucial nexus of care in Boston. No one quite does what we do, in the way that we do it. Time and time again, the question is raised from inside and outside: Are we a church or a non-profit? The answer is… yes! We are what we need to be in order to fulfill our unique mission: to bridge the gap between housed and unhoused, and to care for the spiritual and physical wellbeing of all in this community. We occupy a unique place that allows us to feed bellies, heads, and hearts with a love that transcends all boundaries, including the religious ones. That is why so many folks on the street consider us their spiritual home, their family -- their place to go to in moments of crisis and need, their community for celebrating milestones and achieving goals. 2019 was a financially strong year for us, in large part due to the wise leadership of our staff and board. This allows us to weather the current storm and be one of the service organizations standing firmly on the front lines.
    [Show full text]
  • United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
    United States Court of Appeals For the First Circuit No. 19-1826 NEWTON COVENANT CHURCH, GARRETT SMITH, CARMEN ALDINGER, ANDERS BROWNSWORTH, THOMAS DEVOL, HAROLD JONES, DORIS KELLOM, KRISTEN LUCKEN, ROGER MARK, ROSELIND PICARD, DANIEL ROMAINE, BEATRICE YANKEY, Plaintiffs, Appellants, v. GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendant, Appellee. APPEAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS [Hon. Richard G. Stearns, U.S. District Judge] Before Lynch, Circuit Judge, Souter, Associate Justice, and Lipez, Circuit Judge. Kimberly L. Wehle, with whom Miller Friel, PLLC, Robert J. Gilbert, and Latham & Watkins, LLP were on brief, for appellants. Ashly Scheufele, with whom Barry S. Pollack and Pollack Solomon Duffy LLP were on brief, for appellee. April 10, 2020 Hon. David H. Souter, Associate Justice (Ret.) of the Supreme Court of the United States, sitting by designation. SOUTER, Associate Justice. Plaintiffs Newton Covenant Church and its individual officers appeal from a judgment dismissing their breach-of-contract action against Defendant Great American Insurance Company. We affirm. I Newton Presbyterian Church (NPC) is a member church of a national Presbyterian denomination known as the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA). On January 15, 2017, a majority of NPC's members voted to withdraw from PCUSA and to affiliate with a non- Presbyterian organization: the Evangelical Covenant Church. The withdrawing members called themselves the "Newton Covenant Church" (NCC). On March 17, 2017, NPC and the Presbytery of Boston1 brought suit in Suffolk Superior Court against NCC and those individuals chosen to act as its officers, alleging trespass and conversion. According to the complaint, the NCC and its officers had succeeded in unlawfully exerting control over NPC real property, as well as NPC bank accounts, following a dispute over PCUSA's "progressive stances" on same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender ministers.
    [Show full text]
  • The Accessible Church: Toward Becoming the Whole Family of God
    Special Insert: The Accessible Church: Toward Becoming the Whole Family of God MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL OF CHURCHES • MARCH 2001 The Accessible Church: Toward Becoming the Whole Family of The Problem / The Challenge 1 God — Opportunities and Responsibilities for Ministry with Fifty years ago the majority of people with significant disabilities spent their days secluded at home, or housed in large institutions — virtually “out of sight, People with Disabilities out of mind.” This has changed significantly in the last three to four decades as legislative reform has eliminated many of the barriers to education, transporta- This is an appeal to the churches in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to re- tion, employment, and communication experienced by people with disabilities. In examine our ideas about disability and how our attitudes, expectations, behavior, our churches, however, people with disabilities are still largely absent, excluded communication, and architecture often create barriers for people with disabilities. from full participation because of inaccessible buildings and programs, left out of It is a call to be reconciling communities of faith, committed to making our the communication loop, and too often made to feel like inconvenient objects of worship, programs, and physical structures fully accessible so that all can partici- pity. Some have been told they would “be happier elsewhere.” For many the only pate. This appeal is the result of much work by lay and ordained people in minis- way to escape condescending and paternalistic attitudes and retain their dignity try, many of whom live with disability. It is issued jointly by the Board of Directors has been to leave the church.
    [Show full text]