139th Diocesan Council Schedule Reformed Episcopal Church Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
All sessions on Thursday to be held at: The Fuge Conference Center 780 Falcon Circle #200 Warminster, PA 18974
Holy Communion and all sessions on Friday to be held at: St. Mark's R.E. Church 1162 Beverly Road Rydal, PA 19046
Thursday, November 7, 2019 (All sessions at The Fuge Conference Center)
9:00am Registration & Greetings 9:30am Morning Prayer 10:00am First Business Session 12:00pm Lunch 12:45pm Second Business Session 2:45pm Afternoon Break 3:00pm Third Business Session – Election of the Ordinary 4:30pm Teaching Session #1 on Veritas– Bishop Sutton 6:00pm Dinner 7:30pm Clergy & Clergy Wives Meetings
Friday, November 8, 2019 (All sessions at St. Mark’s R.E. Church)
9:00am Arrival & Refreshments 9:30am Holy Communion – Bishop Sutton presiding and preaching 11:00am Break between sessions 11:30am Teaching Session #2 on Veritas– Bishop Sutton 12:30am Council Adjourns
Unfinished Business, New Business and matters of importance may be presented at the discretion of the Chair, one half hour following the convening of the third business session on Thursday afternoon. DIRECTIONS TO THE FUGE AND SAINT MARK'S
The Fuge Conference Center, Warminster PA – Google Link – Mapquest Link GPS Address: 780 Falcon Ctr #200, Warminster PA 18974
Starting from Exit 343 Willow Grove/Rt. 611 on I-276, proceed north two lights to Blair Mill Road. If that road is closed due to repaving, proceed further north to Meetinghouse Road. Turn right and proceed northeastward until a T intersection at County Line Road. Turn right onto County Line Road and proceed southeastward to Rt. 332/Jacksonville Road. Turn left and proceed northeastward until after you cross Rt. 132/Street Road. There is a Mission BBQ restaurant on the northwest corner and a Costco on the northeast corner. Continue northeast on Jacksonville to the second light at Johnsville Blvd, where you will see a small white sign with red letters on the far left side that says FUGE. Turn left at the light onto Eagle Blvd, curve left and then right, pass the Bucks County Coroner's Facility, then turn right into the entrance to The Fuge. Loop around the entrance circle and park on the left side of the building. Enter the door marked The Studio, or if ramp access is needed use The Lab. Take the main elevator to the third floor (button marked Studio). History of The Fuge:
From the mid 1940's through the 1990's the US Navy operated 31 development laboratories in Warminster, PA. These labs worked on military applications of technologies that we all take for granted today, including flight data recorder or "black box" technology, GPS and photosensitive lenses, generating over 50 patents annually. Among the labs at the Johnsville Naval Air Development Center (NADC) was the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory (AMAL) the centerpiece of which was the largest and most powerful human centrifuge that the world has ever seen.
When it began operations in 1949 the Johnsville Centrifuge was an engineering marvel of its day. Housed in a 125 foot diameter room and driven by a 180 ton, 4000 horsepower GE motor with a peak burst output of 16,000 horsepower, the gondola at the end of the 50 foot arm of the centrifuge could accelerate from a standstill to 178 MPH in less than 7 seconds and generate up to 40 Gs. The centrifuge was built to test the limits of the human body relative to the high acceleration generated by post-WWII jets and manned space flight. All of our astronauts from the Mercury Seven to the space shuttle were trained for lift-off and re-entry at the Johnsville Centrifuge.
For more information: www.RentTheFuge.com/about
St. Mark’s R.E. Church, Jenkintown PA – Google Link – Mapquest Link GPS Address: 1162 Beverly Rd, Jenkintown PA 19046
From Exit 343 Willow Grove on I-276, proceed south on Rt. 611/Easton/Old York Road about 5 miles to Greenwood Ave. Drake Tavern is on the left, and a State Farm on the far left. Turn left and proceed southeastward to Meetinghouse Road (there is a fork, but either side is ok). Turn left and proceed less than a mile. The church will be in a residential neighborhood on your right. ORDER OF BUSINESS
I. Organization 1. Report of the Committee on Credentials 2. Report of the Committee on Program
II. Items Requiring Action from the Reports of Officers and Elective Boards and Committees 1. The Bishops 2. Standing Committee 3. Secretary of the Trustees of the Diocese 4. Treasurer of the Trustees of the Diocese 5. The Theological Seminary of the R.E. Church (Northeast & Mid-Atlantic)
III. Election of Officers and Standing Committees 1. Report of the Committee on Nominations 2. Election
IV. Items Requiring Action from the Reports of Committees--Non-elective 1. Committee on Constitution and Canons 2. Board of Examining Chaplains 3. Committee on Memorials 4. Committee on Christian Education 5. Committee on Young People's Work 6. Committee on Evangelism, Church Growth and Development 7. Committee on the State of the Diocese 8. Secretary/Treasurer of the Looney-Hoffman Fund 9. Committee on Bassinger Home Fund 10. Committee on Public Relations 11. Official Auditor 12. Special Committees appointed by the President NOTE: The President may determine when such reports be made, if necessary, for conducting the Council's business A. Spiritual Growth and Nurture B. A History of the Diocese C. Ministry to Men D. Foreign Missions E. Short-term Missions F. Women's Ministries G. Ministry Wives H. Bishop's Youth Advisory Group
V. Appointment of Committees--Non-Elective Committee lists will be posted on the Diocesan website: www.REC-NEMA.org
VI. New Business
Unfinished Business, New Business, and matters of importance may be presented, at the Chair’s discretion, one-half hour after the convening of the business session on Friday morning. RULES OF ORDER FOR GENERAL COUNCILS AND DIOCESAN SYNODS OF THE REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1. The business of every meeting shall be introduced with prayer. 2. The Minutes of the sessions of the preceding day shall be read every morning at the opening of business, unless the house shall otherwise determine. 3. The President shall appoint the several committees, unless the canons of the church shall otherwise specify. 4. When the President takes the chair, no member of the house shall continue standing, or shall afterward stand up, except to address the chair. 5. No member shall absent himself from the sessions of the house unless he have leave, or be unable to attend. 6. When any member is about to speak in debate, or deliver any matter to the house, he shall with due respect address himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point in debate. 7. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate without specific leave, by vote of the house. 8. A question being once determined shall stand as the judgment of the house, and shall not again be drawn into debate during the same session, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the house. 9. While the President is putting any question, the members shall continue in their seats, and shall not hold any private discourse. 10. No motion shall be considered as before the house unless it be seconded. 11. Reports made by the various Boards and Committees to any Council (or Synod) of the church are officially received upon presentation to the house, and are the subject of its action only insofar as they embody recommendations which require specific authorization or approval under the canons of this church. 12. When any question is before the house, it shall be decided upon before any new subject is introduced, except for the question of adjournment. 13. All questions of order shall be decided in the first instance by the Chair, without debate. An appeal, however, may be made from the decision of the Chair by any member of the house; said appeal requiring a two-thirds majority vote to be sustained. 14. The question on motion of adjournment shall be taken before any other, and without debate. 15. When the house is about to rise, every member shall keep his seat, until the President shall leave the Chair. 16. A call to prayer shall always be in order, when made by a member entitled to the floor; and in such case the Chair shall designate the person(s) whom he desires to lead in that service. 17. These Rules of Order shall remain in force until altered or suspended by the Council, two- thirds of the members present voting for such alteration or suspension.
(Adapted from the journal of the Twenty-sixth General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church) REPORT OF THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
To the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
The Committee’s gratitude is extended to Rev. Jason Patterson, St. Mark’s Church and her members for hosting the services and meetings of the 139th Council on Friday, November 8th.
It should be noted all materials and displays are limited to canonical agencies of the Reformed Episcopal Church. All others must be approved by the Bishop or the Program Committee.
Unfinished Business, New Business, and matters of importance may be presented, at the discretion of the Chair, after the Election of the Ordinary during the third business session on Thursday.
The Program Committee makes the following motions:
-that the participating bishops of other dioceses of the REC be awarded full privileges of the House;
-that all official postulants for Holy Orders in this Diocese be awarded corresponding membership to this Council.
-that the Order of Business and Schedule, as distributed to the Council’s members, be adopted;
-that the Rules of Order distributed to the members of this Council be adopted;
-that the House authorize expenses incurred from the proper and efficient conduct of this Council and its business be covered by the Treasurer of the Diocese.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory Wright Chairman, Program Committee REPORT OF THE SUFFRAGAN BISHOP R. CHARLES GILLIN
TO THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINTH COUNCIL OF THE DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST & MID-ATLANTIC OF THE REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Dear Brethren:
The following is a report of my activities during the last diocesan year.
Episcopal Visits
11/4/18 Emmanuel Church - Somerville, NJ No confirmations
11/18/18 St. Alban’s Church - New York, NY No confirmations
3/31/19 St. Peter’s Anglican Church - Elkton, MD One confirmation
4/14/19 St. Matthew’s Church - Havertown, PA No confirmations
4/28/19 St. Paul’s Church - Oreland, PA (Also met with the vestry) No confirmations
5/19/19 St. Stephen’s Church – Eldersburg - MD Six confirmations
6/9/19 Good Shepherd Church - W. Bridgewater, MA No confirmations
6/23/19 Grace Church - Scranton, PA (Also met with the vestry) No confirmations
6/30/19 St. Luke’s Church - New Providence, NJ No confirmations
9/14-15/19 Chaired the synod meeting of the Diocese of Central & Eastern Canada and visited St. George’s Anglican Church – Hamilton, ON, Canada One confirmation
10/13/19 Emmanuel Church – Somerville, NJ (Also met with the vestry) Two confirmations
1 Other Church Visits and Services
12/9/18 75th Anniversary Service & Banquet – Emmanuel Church, Somerville, NJ
12/16/18 St. Matthew’s Church Christmas Banquet - Havertown, PA
1/13/19 Celebrated and preached at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Mt. Laurel, NJ
1/20/19 Celebrated and preached at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Mt. Laurel, NJ
2/17/19 St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA to hear the missionary report of Chris & Naomi Morris
3/3/19 St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA to hear the report of the Rev. Cn. Daryl Fenton, US Director of CMJ
6/2/19 St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Mt. Laurel, NJ (Preached, presided at Holy Communion and chaired the vestry meeting)
6/27/19 Attended the Evensong service and farewell banquet held in honor of the Rt. Rev. & Mrs. David L. Hicks - Rydal, PA
7/28/19 Bishop Cummins Church – Catonsville, MD (In conjunction with the anniversary luncheon given in recognition of the 65th anniversary celebration for Bishop & Mrs. Daniel G. Cox)
9/8/19 Grace Church - Havre-de-Grace, MD (Post service meetings with the vestry, pastoral staff and other members and accompanied by Dean Eric W. Jorgensen)
Reformed Episcopal Seminary – Blue Bell, PA
5/10/19 Joined R.E. Seminary Board of Director’s meeting by teleconference
5/11/19 Convocation and FORES Banquet for R.E. Seminary - St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA
6/1/19 Attended the Seminary Commencement – St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA
8/27/19 Attended the opening Convocation – Blue Bell, PA
10/18/19 Joined R.E. Seminary Board of Director’s meeting by teleconference
Vestry & Other Meetings
11/1/18 Meeting with the vestry of St. Paul’s Church - Oreland, PA
1/10/19 Meeting with the vestry of St. Paul’s Church - Oreland, PA
1/13/19 Meeting with the vestry of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Marlton, NJ 1/16/19 Meeting with the vestry of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Marlton, NJ
3/22/19 Meeting with the vestry of St. Timothy’s Anglican Church - Marlton, NJ
4/16/19 Standing Committee conference call – resignation of Bishop David L. Hicks
6/25/19 Joined the vestry teleconference meeting chaired by the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks for Emmanuel Church, Pipersville, PA
7/30/19 Joined the vestry teleconference meeting chaired by the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks for Emmanuel Church, Pipersville, PA
8/8/19 Chaired the vestry teleconference meeting for Grace Church - Scranton, PA
8/27/19 Chaired the vestry teleconference meeting for Emmanuel Church - Pipersville, PA
9/10/19 Chaired the vestry teleconference meeting for Grace Church - Scranton, PA
10/3/19 Chaired the vestry teleconference meeting for Emmanuel Church - Pipersville, PA
10/15/19 Chaired the vestry teleconference meeting for Church of the Atonement/Messiah – Philadelphia, PA
Transition Meetings
5/21/19 Teleconference with the ACNA Executive Committee – pertaining to NEMA viability
7/31/19 Met with the Rev. Andrew Brummett and the Rev. Michael J. Carr concerning the ministries of St. Timothy’s Mission, Mt. Laurel, NJ and Grace Church, Collingdale, PA - Marlton, NJ
8/9/19 Met with the Rev. Jason S. Patterson and the Rev. Tait S. Deems concerning employment and ministry transitions and diocesan secretarial duties - Marlton, NJ
8/14/19 Met with the Rev. Cn. Dr. Jonathan S. Riches and Mr. Ron Riches concerning R.E. Seminary and the diocesan budget - Blue Bell, PA
10/14/19 Met with the Rev. Andrew Brummett concerning Christian education efforts at Grace Church, Collingdale, PA – Marlton, NJ
Other Diocesan
1/31-2/2/19 Clergy & Wives Retreat - Lancaster, PA
3 8/17/19 I was interviewed for the position of Bishop Ordinary of the NEMA Diocese by the Search and Standing Committees – Grace Church, Havre-de-Grace, MD.
Examinations, Ordinations & Installations
12/23/18 Attended the ordination of Dr. Thomas V. Thomas to the diaconate at St. Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Church - Philadelphia, PA
3/2/19 Attended the installation of the Rev. Dr. David N. Greenwood, Covenant Chapel - Basking Ridge, NJ
6/29/19 Attended the ordination of the Rev. Tait S. Deems to the presbyterate – St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA
9/4/19 I participated with the Examining Chaplains and the Rev. Michael D. Fitzpatrick in the examination of the Rev. Shawn Riley for ordination to the presbyterate at Blue Bell, PA Rev. Riley sustained the examination and was ordained by the Most. Rev. Leonard W. Riches on September 15, 2019 at St. Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Church - Philadelphia, PA.
10/6/19 I installed the Rev. Michael D. Blitz as Rector of St. John’s By-the-Sea – Ventnor, NJ. The Very Rev. Gerald S. McLynn was the homilist. The Rev. Frank M. Spadafora, who had served as Interim, and the Rev. Ronald D. Bretherick, retired Rector of the parish, also participated in the service. It was also my privilege to baptize Noah Michael Moore, son of Sidney & Destiny Moore and grandson of the Rev. Michael & Stephanie Blitz.
10/9/19 I participated with the Examining Chaplains and the Rev. Jason S. Patterson in the examination of Postulant Aaron T. Cappucci for ordination to the diaconate at Blue Bell, PA. Mr. Cappucci sustained the examination and is scheduled to be ordained on November 1, 2019 (All Saints) at St. Mark’s Church, Rydal, PA.
General Council
1/14/19 Meeting with the Rev. Robert Gresser, missionary candidate to Malawi - Washington, DC
4/30-5/5/19 REC100, REC Council of Bishops, General Committee - Charleston, SC
9/5/19 Chaired the REC Board of Foreign Missions teleconference
10/8/19 Participated in the REC Council of Bishops teleconference
Funerals & Viewings
2/19/19 Viewing for the sister of Mrs. Kim Jenkins - Nottingham, MD
3/7/19 Conducted the funeral for Mr. Robert Tussey, brother of a co-worker. 5/31/19 I attended the funeral for Norma Benner, mother of the Rev. Cedric R. Benner - Souderton, PA
In the great majority of these activities reported above I have had the pleasure and encouragement of having my wife Jan at my side. She has accompanied me on episcopal visits and other church-related activities and is a great help in this ministry. Her love and support have been a blessing to me, especially during the challenging time of transition following Bishop Hicks' resignation. Her greeting card ministry to clergy and their wives is a blessing to all. I sincerely thank her for her unselfish and willing attitude as she faithfully serves the Lord, me, and to each of you.
I addition I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton. His wise counsel and availability have been a genuine source of reassurance and encouragement to me. He has brought calm and stability to our situation. If just a small portion of his leadership skills continue to be part of our fabric moving forward, we will all be the better as a result. Our Diocese owes Bishop Ray a great debt of gratitude for all he has done to help us in this process of transition.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Charles Gillin Suffragan Bishop
5 REPORT OF BISHOP LEONARD W. RICHES
To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren:
With sincere gratitude to God for the opportunity to be of continued service in the work of ministry in our diocese I offer the following report of my official activities during the preceding year.
ORDINATION TO THE PRESBYTERATE:
On Sunday, September 15, 2019, at 4:00 P.M., in St. Luke’s and Bishop Hoffman Memorial Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I ordained Shawn Dae Riley to the presbyterate in the presence of a large congregation. I was assisted by the following presbyters: The Rev. Michael D. Fitzpatrick, who presented the candidate; The Rev. Andrew Brummett, who delivered the homily; The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, who served as Bishop’s Chaplain; and the Rev. Tait Deems, who served as Litanist. The Rev. Deacon Thomas Thomas and the Rev. Deacon David France also assisted in the service. The Rev. Philip Shade served as organist. A delightful reception followed in the parish hall of the church.
PARTICIPATION IN WEDDING CEREMONY:
On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 5:00 P.M., aboard the Moshulu at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it was my special joy to pronounce the blessing upon the bride and groom at the wedding of Courtney Eleanor Hicks to Christopher Thomas Alvarez. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Very Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. Courtney is the daughter of the Rt. Rev. and Mrs. David L. Hicks. In prior years it had been my privilege both to officiate at her baptism, and subsequently to administer to her the rite of confirmation.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
TO THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-NINTH COUNCIL OF THE DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC OF THE REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Dear Brethren:
During this year meetings of the Standing Committee were held on December 7, 2018, April 16, 2019, May 24, 2019, June 27, 2019, and August 17, 2019.
POSTULANTS FOR HOLY ORDERS Aaron Andrade (Good Shepherd, E. Bridgewater) Joshua Devers (St. Stephen’s, Eldersburg) Matthew Maule (St. Mark’s, Rydal)
On April 16, 2019, there was a specially called meeting of the Standing Committee in which the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks announced his resignation as the Bishop Ordinary of our diocese. A letter was sent out from Bishop Hicks to all of the parishes of our diocese communicating his resignation. Bishop Hicks letter of resignation was accompanied by a letter of the Presiding Bishop Ray Sutton in acknowledgement of Bishop Hicks’ resignation and an expression of gratitude for Bishop Hick’s service to our diocese. Bishop Sutton’s letter informed the parishes of our diocese that in accordance with the Constitution & Canons of the Reformed Episcopal Church that he would be serving as the Interim Bishop Ordinary of our diocese. His letter also laid out a summary of the process of how our diocese would go about electing a new bishop for our diocese.
CANONICAL EXAMINATIONS/RECEPTIONS/TRANSFERS Dr. Thomas Thomas was examined on October 12, 2018 by the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, the Rev Russell Buchanan, and the Rev Michael Fitzpatrick. Dr. Thomas sustained the exam. Dr. Thomas is a member of St Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Reformed Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa. Dr. Thomas will be ordained as a permanent deacon. The Standing Committee voted to approve Dr. Thomas’ordination.
Matthew Maule was examined on October 26, 2018. Matthew Maule is a member of St Mark’s Reformed Episcopal Church in Rydal, Pa. His examiners were the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, the Rev Dr Jonathan S. Riches and the Rev Russell Buchanan. He sustained the examination. The Standing Committee concurred with this action. He was ordained deacon on November 14.
On March 2, 2019 the Rev. David Greenwood was installed by Bishop David Hicks as rector of Covenant Chapel in Basking Ridge, NJ.
On Monday, February 18, 2019, Charles Mitchell was examined for reception as a presbyter to serve as rector of Redeemer Church, Jersey City, NJ. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. David Hicks, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches, and the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick. The examination was sustained. The Standing Committee concurred with this action. On Saturday, May 23, 2019, there was a service of installation for the Rev. Charles Mitchell. Bishop David Hicks installed the Rev. Mitchell as rector of the Church of our Redeemer in Jersey City, NJ. During the service of installation, the Rev. Mitchell was presented by the Very Rev. Gerald McLynn.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2019 the Rev. Dcn. Tait Deems was examined for Presbyter’s Order. The Rev. Deems was examined by the by the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, chair of the Examining Chaplains, the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, and the Rev. Jason S. Patterson. The Rev. Dcn. Tait Deems sustained the exam. The Standing Committee approved this action. The Rev. Deems was ordained to the Presbyterate on June 29, 2019 at St. Mark’s RE Church in Rydal, Pa.
The Rev. Dr. Derek Cooper was examined for reception as a presbyter on June 5, 2019. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. David Hicks, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches, the Rev Russell Buchanan. The examination was sustained. The Standing Committee approved this action.
At a meeting of the Standing Committee on August 17, 2019, they approved that the Church of the Messiah in Philadelphia merge with the Church of the Atonement in Philadelphia.
On Wednesday, September 4, 2019 the Rev. Dcn. Shawn Riley was examined for Presbyter’s Orders at Blue Bell, PA by the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, chair of the Examining Chaplains, the Very Rev. Dr. Eric W. Jorgensen, the Rev. Cedric R. Benner, the Rev. Michael D. Fitzpatrick and the Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin. The Rev. Deacon Riley sustained the exam. The Standing Committee concurred with this action. The Rev. Shawn Riley was ordained to the presbyterate on September 15, 2019 by the Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches at St. Luke’s Bishop Hoffman Church in Philadelphia, Pa.
On Sunday, October 6 the Rev. Michael D. Blitz, , was installed by Bishop Gillin as rector of St. John’s Church, Ventnor, NJ. The Very Rev. Gerald S. McLynn, was the homilist. The Rev. Frank Spadafora and the Rev. Ron Bretherick also participated in the service.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Cedric R. Benner Secretary REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC
To the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church November 7, 2019 Dear Fathers and Brethren, The Board of Trustees met three times since our last report at the 138th Council of the Diocese. Trustee meetings are held at Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Blue Bell, PA, with the exception of the November meeting which is held at the site of our annual Diocesan Council. Bishop Hicks presided over the first two meetings of the Board: Bishop Gillin presided over the last one following Bishop Hicks return to parochial ministry. Regular reports were received from the President, the Vice-President, the Treasurer, and the Executive Committee. NOVEMBER 7, 2018: Appointment of Officers: At the annual organizational meeting of the Trustees held following Diocesan Council, the following officers were elected: The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, President; the Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin, Vice President; Mr. Ron Riches, Treasurer, the Rev. Canon William A. Jenkins, Sr., Secretary.
1. MAY 20, 2019: Called to order at 7PM with Scripture reading from James 1:17-21, the Lord’s Prayer and the invocation by Bp. Hicks.
2. Unanimous motion to accept previous minutes with minor edits.
3. President’s Report – Unanimously Approved
a. Retirement from Seminary Presidency effective 5/10/19.
b. Rev. Dr. C. J. Riches unanimously elected [President of RES]. Bp Hicks will continue serving as Counselor to President.
c. Rev. Charles Mitchell received as presbyter for Redeemer Church, Jersey City.
d. Rev. M. Blitz moving through Candidacy procedure for St. Johns BTS, Ventnor.
e. Rev. Obed George will be serving 3rd Sunday Communion at Grace, Scranton.
f. Rev. Ron Martin will not be undertaking possible Church plant in Williams port. Due to his wife Judy’s illness, he has retired from the ministry altogether.
g. Informal Report on upcoming return to parochial ministry.
4. Vice President’s Report - Unanimously Approved with great appreciation
5. No Items From Executive Committee
6. Treasurer’s Report – Unanimously Approved a. Brief commentary on the decreasing Tithing Situation across the Diocese and Review of existing reports.
7. Old Business
a. CANA congregation is using Messiah REC property and paying all expenses.
b. Rev. Mike Fitzpatrick and Mr. Ron Reese to prepare a more detailed proposal about St. Luke’s Bishop Hoffman REC and finances for fall Trustees Mtg.
8. New Business
a. None
9. Date of Next Meeting TBD by Bishop Gillin
10. Adjournment and Benediction 8:10pm
SEPTEMER 30, 2019
I. The meeting was called to Order at 7:00PM by Bishop Gillin and a reading was taken from St. Matthew 6: 24ff, and the meeting opened with prayer.
II. A reading of the previous minutes was waived, and they were received unanimously with one minor spelling correction.
III. In Bishop Sutton’s absence, there was no President’s Report given, but Bishop Gillin did extend the greetings of our Interim Ordinary to the Trustees.
IV. The Vice President’s report was previously filed electronically with the trustees and was received unanimously without comment from Bishop Gillin or questions from the floor.
V. There was only one item from the Executive Committee which was the 2020 Budget reviewed and approved in earlier session during the afternoon. This was presented in full during the Treasurer’s Report. No vote necessary.
VI. The Treasurer’s Report consumed most of the evening as we went through line by line to examine budgetary additions. Mr. Riches presented comparative numbers from 2018, through the first 8 months of 2019, with projections for revenue and spending through the end of the year, and budgetary projections for 2020. Major areas of discussion centered around a $24,000 addition for Diocesan Administration and lesser figures for the mobilization of the Diocesan office, and well as a restructuring of the Diocesan and parochial websites. Parish assistance was an additional topic of discussion around Grace Scranton, St. Luke’s- Bishop Hoffman, and St. Timothy’s. Bishop Gillin also pointed out the nature of the Episcopal salary structure as it is currently being split between himself and Bishop Sutton. The continuing drop in Diocesan Tithes was discussed. Broad discussion ensued on the deficit in the budget and Mr. Wright felt that the Council would not be receptive to another deficit after the previous years’ heated discussion about ongoing deficit spending. Bishop Gillin, Canons Clark and Jenkins, and Mr. Riches all made argument about the nature of strategic spending to move the diocese forward. Mr. McTigue also spoke passionately in the budget’s defense, using his parish, St. Mark’s, as a model example of the success of such a program of vison and finance. Vote to receive was not unanimous: 9 Yeas, 1 Nay, 1 Abstention.
VII. There was no Old Business.
VIII. The Chair entertained a motion that any salary to the Presiding Bishop as Interim Ordinary, and to the Diocesan Administrators (Canons, Archdeacon, President of the Standing Committee) be designated as Housing Allowance. The motion was unanimously approved.
IX. Bishop Gillin produced a sheet of additional items that presented Opportunities and Issues among the parishes in the diocese that may directly impact the work of the trustees. It was noted that we possessed only two Parishes with immediate opportunities, while there were eight that possessed various levels of serious issues; nearly 1/3 of the total number of missions and parishes in the Diocese.
X. The date of the next meeting would be at Council (Nov. 7, 8) for the purposes of organization, and the spring meeting generally designated for May would be set after the election of a new Bishop Ordinary at this year’s Council.
XI. Motion to Adjourn was made and was unanimously approved. Canon Jenkins closed in Prayer with Bishop Gillin offering the benediction. The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.
Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Canon William A. Jenkins, Sr. Secretary to the Trustees REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren,
NEMA's financial activity from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 has been a rollercoaster ride producing mixed results. Following is a summary of the key events through that period (referencing Appendix II and IV) and the effect of each.
Summary
Two major objectives set in 2017 for completion in 2018 were achieved during the first quarter. First, the outstanding $775,000 principal on NEMA's loan from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (RES) that was used to fund St. Albans 2012 mortgage was paid in full on March 9, eliminating a serious drain on NEMA's investment resources, helping RES achieve major objectives of its own and directing all principal and interest payments to be received by NEMA. But the payoff of the RES loan took $775,000 out of NEMA's unrestricted investment and cash assets and the terms of the St. Albans mortgage were eased to enable necessary parish investment in their Christian school, cutting in half NEMA's mortgage interest revenue. Second, the sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s (JGS) building in Brooklyn, NY, closed on April 30, providing the parish with needed resources to continue and expand its ministry with the Diocese receiving $1.7MM used to establish new NEMA investment accounts for use in general operations and parish development. But NEMA lost monthly mortgage interest revenue of $7,105 and $1.7MM in receivable mortgage assets.
During the second half of 2018, both assets and revenue further declined. NEMA wrote off $142K in property assets that had been on the books for years and had very little possibility of being converted to cash. The Bassinger Home Fund, which had not been accounted for in many years, was formally established as a temporary restricted asset, taking $25,200 from unrestricted assets. Market volatility resulted in losses across the board, especially in the fourth quarter, and a net $156K decrease in revenue from investment accounts since the beginning of the year. Parish tithes fell to $227,000, a decline of 8.8% or $22,000 from the 2017 level of $249,000. Overall in 2018, revenue dropped 48%, ordinary expenditures rose 10% due to various increases in operational expenses and parish assistance and unrestricted assets fell $420,799.43. The 2018 operating budget sustained a deficit of $160,397.39.
Results during the first nine months of 2019 have been much more positive. Investment accounts totaled $2.035MM on September 30, 2018, fell $171,000 to $1.864MM by year's end but rebounded $61,000 to $1.925MM on September 30, 2019. What makes this gain even more impressive is the fact that, during this period, a total of $123,196 was withdrawn from these accounts to apply $49,000 to ordinary expenditures and $74,196 in support of parishes. This makes the effective gain in investment assets to be $184,196. Revenue is up $112K. Parish tithes are over $5,000 above the same period in 2018. Expenditures, however, were also up and by $42K led by parish support. As a result,
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unrestricted assets fell by $25,723. The 2019 operating budget is projected to sustain a deficit of $137,077.94.
Of course, many of these events, positive or negative as they may be, are extraordinary. Despite results being positive for the state of NEMA's assets at the moment, the fact of continued deficit spending cannot be ignored. As we have seen, asset values, revenue and expenditures are subject to wide variations that can happen in very short order. To manage NEMA's financial performance in such an environment, our financial strategy needs to change and also be part of an overall strategic plan for the Diocese. This is discussed in a latter section of this report.
Account Summary
A summary description of the accounts whose status is presented herein is available in Appendix I of this report.
NEMA Financial Performance
Items of Significance – Year 2017 through Year 2018 (Referencing the Statement of Financial Position & Statement of Activities in Appendix II of this report) Financial Position
NEMA Financial Position
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000 Cash $2,000,000 Investments $1,500,000 Mortgage Receivables Property & Interests in Property $1,000,000
$500,000
$- 2017 2018
† The cash position fell slightly in 2018 as escrow was refunded to JGS at close; † Investments rose 123% or $1,029,351 in 2018 including transfers of $56K from investment to cash accounts to fund operating expenditures, loan payoff of $537K to RES, close of JGS mortgage at $1.7MM, parish support to St. Luke's/Bishop Hoffman of $31.5K and market performance; † Mortgage receivables were down 64% or $2.03MM in 2018 including the close of Jesus the Good Shepherd mortgage at $1.735MM and the assumption of St. Albans mortgage from RES at $323K;
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† Total property assets decreased by 100% or $179,031.50 due to forfeit of $142,410.86 in NEMA's interest in several properties within the Diocese and $36,620.64 in property interest realized at the close of JGS.
Activities
NEMA Activities
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000 TOTAL REVENUE
$100,000 Total Operational Expenses
Total Program & Ministry Expenses $- TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$(100,000) NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM ALL $(200,000) ACTIVITIES
$(300,000)
$(400,000)
$(500,000) 2017 2018
† Total revenue was down 47.5% or $213,154.04 in 2018 with decreases in three of four categories; † Expenditures for operation remained relatively flat with an increase in program and ministry expenses of 13.4% or $30,150 due to parish support, increasing overall expenditures by 7.2% or $32,865; † Net change in assets from all activities in 2018 was ($420,799) versus $59,395 in 2017 due virtually entirely to the very high decline in revenue coupled with forfeitures in property interests.
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Although deficit spending continued during 2018 it was to a much greater degree than in 2017 as revenue fell sharply in 2018. Deficit spending at any rate is to be avoided and is, in the long run, unsustainable. To prepare financial strategy and budgets for 2020 and beyond, it is necessary to consider the changes in financial performance that have occurred during the first three quarters of 2019 compared to what occurred during the same period in 2018.
Items of Significance – Year-to-Date (YTD) Sep 30 2018 vs. YTD Sep 30 2019 (Referencing the Statement of Financial Position & Statement of Activities in Appendix III of this report)
Financial Position
NEMA Financial Position
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000 Cash Investments $1,000,000 Mortgage Receivables
$500,000
$- YTD Sep 30 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019
† The cash position decreased $11K in 2019 due to ordinary expenses and costs for our farewell to Bishop Hicks of $7K; † Investments decreased by a net amount of $109,857 due largely to a $49,000 withdrawal to fund ordinary expenses; a $30,000 disbursement from the Benson Fund to Grace Collingdale; $44,196 in parish support for St. Luke's/Bishop Hoffman; † Mortgage receivables dropped 7.8% or $89,129 due largely to ordinary payments by mortgagees; three mortgage payments of $22,278 by St. Albans for the previous year and a $10,000 principal pay-down by Christ Covenant Presbyterian.
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Activities
NEMA Activities
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$250,000
$200,000 TOTAL REVENUE
$150,000 Operational Expenses
$100,000 Program & Ministry Expenses
$50,000 NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES $-
$(50,000)
$(100,000)
$(150,000) 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019 YTD Sep 30
† Total revenue increased 41.8% or $111,495 including: 294.5% or $125,657 in net investment activity due to market performance; 38.8% decline or ($24,135) in mortgage interest; a $4,600 increase in other income; a $5,000 increase in parish
tithes. Here is a graph of YTD PARISH TITHES parish tithes January 1, 2016 2017 2018 2019 2016 through YTD Sep 30 260,000 2019; 210,000
† Overall expenditures rose 160,000 10% or $36,626 largely due to $44,196 in support 110,000 of St. Luke's/Bishop 60,000
Hoffman; 10,000 † As a result of these factors Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec in revenue and expenditures during 2019, net change in assets from ordinary activities YTD Sep 30 2019 improved to ($25,723) versus ($100,592) for YTD Sep 30 2018.
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A clearer (and brighter) picture of investment performance is afforded by the following snapshot of NEMA's financial position in investments as of September 30, 2019 vs. December 31, 2018.
SNAPSHOT OF NEMA INVESTMENTS
Year‐End YTD Sep 30 2018 2019
Investments Fidelity Diocesan Investment 91,903.72 49,930.87 Fidelity Benson Fund 146,702.07 133,152.63 Wells Fargo Diocesan Investment 1,146,245.45 1,249,984.19 Wells Fargo Parish Development 479,375.07 492,728.50 Total Investments 1,864,226.31 1,925,796.19
An improvement of $61,569.88 has been made even though $123K from investments was used to fund $49K in transfers to operating cash accounts, $30K in disbursements from the Benson Fund and $44K for parish support. This makes us better positioned to finish 2019 more favorably than forecast and to direct more of our assets to planning for and realizing growth in 2020 and more so beyond.
Actual vs. Budget – YE 2018
A report of actual versus budget revenue and expenditures for the year 2018 is available in Appendix IV of this report. The operating budget for 2018 was recast during the year to accurately represent NEMA's financial strategy. The revenue category that had been "Mortgage Interest" was replaced with "Total Mortgage Payments" to accurately account for NEMA's practice of depositing the whole of mortgage payments to cash accounts rather than reinvesting those payments in investment accounts. The expenditure category "NET EXPENDITURES LESS TRANSFERS" replaced the practice, of accounting as revenue, transfers from investment accounts to operating cash accounts.
All of the key factors noted above in the discussion of 2018 financials apply to actual performance vs. budget as well. The manner in which those factors affected budget performance is measured in the key totals for 2018 actual vs. budget performance, which are: actual revenue was $146,379 below budget; operational expenses were held at $19,166 below budget; program and ministry expenses were $20,606 above budget; transfers from investment to operating cash accounts totaled $160,397. Transfers from the Wells Fargo Parish Development investment account funded St. Luke's/Bishop Hoffman support while $128,897 was sourced from cash and Fidelity investment accounts.
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NEMA’s Financial Strategy
While the current trend of NEMA financial performance during 2019 versus 2018 is encouraging, deficit spending continues and cannot be ignored. In 2016, the NEMA Trustees finalized a financial strategy to address this situation. That strategy is focused on two major revenue sources – investments and parish tithes.
Revenue – Investments
NEMA’s financial strategy for investments has four major elements:
1. Structure all investment asset accounts so that only returns on investments are used to fund operating cash accounts. Investment principal is preserved in order to continue generation of needed returns; 2. To the greatest extent possible, focus investment strategy on growth rather than income; 3. Use regular monthly mortgage payment receipts to fund operating cash accounts rather than reinvesting them; 4. If it becomes necessary to use investment principal to fund operations, retain principal as long as possible before transferring investment assets to cash accounts.
To satisfy #1, a $1.7MM investment account with Wells Fargo Advisors was established in 2018. Capital to open this account came from proceeds to the Diocese from the sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s building in Brooklyn, NY, those proceeds in satisfaction of the outstanding mortgage. The close was expected by the end of 2017 but did not occur until April 30, 2018. By May 31, 2018, two accounts had been formally established: the Wells Fargo Advisors Diocesan Investment account at $1,198,655.66; the Wells Fargo Parish Development account at $537,034.90.
To satisfy #2, NEMA’s investment strategy was implemented beginning in July of 2018 and is primarily under the management of Wells Fargo Advisors.
To satisfy #3, mortgage payments received by wire transfer or check are being directly deposited in NEMA operating cash accounts. Payments received as deposits to investment accounts are subsequently transferred to operating cash accounts. Both policies will continue through 2020 and beyond until the revenue stream is no longer required to help fund operations.
To satisfy #4, the annual amount of automatically occurring transfers from investment accounts to cash accounts for general use was limited in 2018 to $36,000 and ended altogether in March of that year. In previous years the annual amount was no less than $144,000, or $12,000 per month.
Successful management of NEMA’s financial strategy was critically dependent on two things in 2018: the close of the sale of JGS’ building in Brooklyn, NY, and; NEMA's
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payment of the outstanding St. Albans mortgage principal due to RES. Accordingly, both of these items were key parts of NEMA’s 2018 plan and budget. Both were successfully completed before the end of the second quarter of 2018.
Revenue – Parish Tithes
In recent years, NEMA’s primary source of revenue has been return on investments (including interest received on outstanding mortgages), not parish tithes. In 2016, NEMA Trustees initiated as part of NEMA’s Strategic Plan, a program that would make parishes aware of the size and negative impact of this situation and the parish role and responsibility in the resolution of it. A program to accomplish this has been led by The Very Rev. Eduardo Andrade and the response by parishes across the Diocese was extremely positive during 2017. The response dropped significantly during 2018 but has started a rebound in 2019. A record of parish tithes received during 2018 and YTD September 30, 2019 is available in Appendix VI of this report.
Expenditures
There is virtually no opportunity to limit expenditures without discontinuing some ministries, programs and/or operation at both the parish and diocesan levels. This fact becomes evident when comparing 2017 YTD and 2018 YTD financial performance and applying these to help formulate a budget for 2020.
NEMA Plan & Budget for 2020
The 2020 budget is available for reference in Appendix V of this report. It has been formulated and approved following the NEMA Financial Strategy discussed above. But, perhaps more importantly, it has been formulated on the proposition that real action must be taken to resolve the long-standing NEMA practice of deficit spending.
It seems that every year the operating budget is subject to cuts in expense in an attempt to achieve balance. Yet it has been impossible to pay budgeted expenses using funds not from investment accounts, that is, from savings. We have thus demonstrated for ourselves the maxim, "You can't save your way to prosperity (i.e., revenue in excess of expenses, in our case)". The large savings needed to produce a balanced budget are not available through cutting small budget line items. Cutting large budget line items would paralyze or suffocate ministries. Such a budgeting process is self-defeating. We now must recognize that the only realistic way to achieve a balanced budget without depleting our investments is through increased revenue. Otherwise the lifeblood of the functions whose line items are cut will be shut off and those functions will eventually die. The negative impact could fall beyond the diocesan borders. Instead of a focus on cuts, the focus needs to be on growth. There is risk to such an approach but it can be argued quite effectively that the risk of repeating the same process every year without gain is much greater. Should we not in faith follow the direction given by our Lord who told His disciples, "...whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these", and not be afraid and hide our talent in the ground?
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The approach needs to be a strategic plan, clearly defining the future state and the objectives, financial along with all the others, that need satisfaction to get there. New sources of revenue, some of which might actually come from current sources of expense or high risk, will need to be identified. Execution of a strategic plan would be funded using investment accounts while leaving alone expenses for functions that are a key part of the strategy. Key elements of such a strategic plan would be:
† A clear vision for what NEMA is 5-7 years out, with realistic objectives and actions to realize the vision † Confirm for continued use the strategic planning foundation developed in November 2016 by the NEMA Executive Committee † Make it a diocese-wide plan where all are involved in development and execution † Include parish plans for outreach and church planting † Use REC 100 † Provide opportunities for all to share the things that work and avoid the things that do not † Share resources and responsibility for plan development, execution and results
The NEMA Trustees have committed to this approach and planning is expected to begin early in 2020.
2020 Plan Revenues
Receiving revenue for 2020 that meets the plan’s expenditures is highly dependent on assumptions and critical factors:
1. Market stabilization needed so that NEMA investment accounts to provide regular investment earnings to cash accounts without drawing down principal; 2. Receiving parish tithes of $213,000 in 2020 as budgeted; 3. Mortgages held by NEMA will remain current 4. Directing regular monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest) received by NEMA to operating cash accounts.
2020 Plan Expenditures
2020 ordinary expenditures are budgeted at $549,343 with $366,276 funded from budgeted revenue, $35,000 funded from temporary restricted funds for special projects (Parish Development, Bassinger Home Fund) and $148,067 funded from general investment accounts for general budget expenditures. General ordinary expenditures include a 3% increase in compensation for our staff (office and Information Technology) with an adjustment of the Ordinary's annual salary to $100,000. Bishops Sutton and Gillin will continue to share the Ordinary's responsibility through April 2020 after which it's expected our new Ordinary will have been consecrated and installed.
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NEMA Treasury Accounting & Auditing
The Very Rev. Jason R. Grote, the REC’s official auditor, has completed an audit of NEMA’s treasury practices and books. The financial data presented in the appendices of this report is consistent with that contained in the audited financial statements. NEMA’s financial physical data base includes the transactions that have been audited.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald E. Riches, Treasurer Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of The Reformed Episcopal Church
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Summary of Accounts
The diocesan financial accounts referenced in this report consist of three (3) checking accounts and five (5) investment accounts.
Checking Account Summary
The cash (checking) accounts for the Diocese are as follows:
1. The Diocesan Checking account is effectively the general operating cash account for the diocese. It is a Wells Fargo checking account used to process revenue and expense transactions for ordinary financial activities of the diocese. 2. The St. Philip’s account is a Well’s Fargo checking account formed as a result of the rental and sale of the former St. Philip’s church. This account is now designated as the bishop’s discretionary account from which disbursements are authorized jointly by the bishop, the secretary and the treasurer. 3. The Diocesan Escrow account, also a Well’s Fargo checking account, was closed on July 23, 2018, to refund escrow and appraisal costs to Jesus the Good Shepherd parish at closing of sale.
Investment Account Summary
The investment accounts for the Diocese are as follows:
1. Fidelity Diocesan Investment account is an unrestricted account sometimes referred to as the "4.0 account". It is currently being used as a source of income to help meet the obligations of the Diocese. The mortgage for All Saints Anglican Church, Newark, NJ, is included in this account. 2. The Benson Fund is sometimes referred to as the "4.4 account" and is a temporary restricted account held at Fidelity Investments for Grace Church, Collingdale. It is administered jointly by Grace Collingdale and the NEMA Treasurer. 3. Wells Fargo Advisors Diocesan Investment account is an unrestricted account that was funded on April 30, 2018, from the proceeds of the sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Brooklyn, NY. The NEMA Trustees financial strategy established the policy that only the return on this investment (capital gains, interest, dividends) be used as a source of revenue to meet the financial obligations of the Diocese. 4. Wells Fargo Advisors Diocesan Parish Development account is a temporary restricted account that was funded on May 31, 2018, with a portion of the Wells Fargo Diocesan Investment account. The NEMA Trustees financial strategy established the policy that funds in this account be used for the development needs of local parishes. 5. Fidelity Parish Development account is sometimes referred to as the 4.3 account and was a temporary restricted account. It was virtually exhausted on March 9, 2018, to pay off the RES loan to NEMA that funded the 2012 mortgage to St. Albans, NY, NY. The account was closed on August 1, 2018, with the transfer of residual funds to the Fidelity Diocesan Investment account.
APPENDIX I v1.0 19.10.16 Appendix I, Page 1 of 1 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix II November 7, 2019 Diocese of the Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Financial Position
Year‐End Year‐End ASSETS 2017 2018 Cash Diocese Checking 11,286.25 33,250.63 Escrow Checking 42,600.97 ‐ St. Philip's Checking 72,262.43 70,375.54 Total Cash 126,149.65 103,626.17
Investments Fidelity Diocesan Investment 147,741.08 91,903.72 Fidelity Parish Development 530,143.83 ‐ Fidelity Benson Fund 156,990.85 146,702.07 Wells Fargo Diocesan Investment ‐ 1,146,245.45 Wells Fargo Parish Development ‐ 479,375.07 Total Investments 834,875.76 1,864,226.31
Mortgage Receivables All Saints 170,107.05 165,384.60 Christ Covenant Presbyterian ‐ PA 320,191.72 312,634.53 Covenant Chapel ‐ NJ 7,927.66 4,832.71 Jesus the Good Shepherd 1,692,523.84 ‐ St. Albans ‐ NY 975,000.00 651,749.65 Total Mortgage Receivables 3,165,750.27 1,134,601.49
Property & Interests in Property Jesus the Good Shepherd Expenses 36,620.64 ‐ Cov. Chapel, NJ 29,500.00 ‐ Cov. Chapel Rectory 23,001.18 ‐ Emmanuel Four Brooks 49,837.43 ‐ Providence Chapel 5,928.00 ‐ St. Luke's ‐ NJ 27,000.00 ‐ Faith Church Baltimore 7,144.25 ‐ 1 Total Property & Interests in Property 179,031.50 ‐
TOTAL ASSETS 4,305,807.18 3,102,453.97
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Liabilities Reformed Episcopal Seminary Loan 775,000.00 ‐ Total Liabilities 775,000.00 ‐
Restricted Assets 2 Bassinger Home Fund 24,200.00 26,935.00 Benson Fund 156,990.85 146,702.07 Total Restricted Assets 181,190.85 173,637.07
Unrestricted Net Assets Prior Balance 3,290,220.69 3,349,616.33 Net Change in Unrestricted Assets 64,501.44 (420,799.43) Total Unrestricted Net Assets (ending) 3,349,616.33 2,928,816.90
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 4,305,807.18 3,102,453.97
1 Property interests were originally disbursements made from temporary restricted funds to various parishes. If the parishes were to return such monies to the Diocese, they would restore the balance of such temporary restricted assets. It has been determined by action of the Trustees that such repayment is to be no longer expected and that these interests should be 'written off'. As such, any corresponding temporary restricted funds are deemed to have been distributed in accordance with their purpose and maintain a zero balance. Adjustments to reflect the 'writing off' of the property interests were made in 2018. Exception is that of the Bassinger Home Fund. See Note #2.
2 Bassinger Home Fund existed prior to 2017 but was not reflected on the Statement of Financial Position after the transition of the treasurer in 2012. As such, it was erroneously reflected in the total of Unrestricted Net Assets. The original value of $25,200 was restored during 2017 with an adjustment. A $1,000 distribution was made in 2017 which results in an ending balance of $24,200 as of 12/31/2017. Please refer to the Statement of Activities to see the adjustments from note #1 and note #2.
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Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ASSETS BENSON FUND BASSINGER HOME FUND 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 REVENUE Investment Activity (Net) 84,257.74 (71,519.14) 18,110.55 (10,288.78) Mortage Interest 109,473.72 72,278.39 Parish Tithes 248,978.51 227,582.70 Other Income 5,099.89 6,313.87 Temp. Restricted Asset Contributions ‐ ‐ ‐ 7,235.00 TOTAL REVENUE 447,809.86 234,655.82 18,110.55 (10,288.78) ‐ 7,235.00
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing 1,000.00 1,000.00 Council Expense (net after registration fees) (198.90) 2,635.04 Episcopal Expense (Ordinary & Suffragan) Ordinary (Salaries/Pensions/Ins/Medical) 130,557.68 134,304.00 Suffragan (Stipend/Expenses) 8,550.00 7,002.00 Suffragan (Pension) 1,026.00 840.24 Total Episcopal Expense 140,133.68 142,146.24 Insurance ‐ General 11,553.74 12,413.00 Legal & Prefessional ‐ ‐ Meetings & Retreats Expense (net after registration fees) (87.84) (5,185.58) Miscellaneous ‐ ‐ Office & Administrative Expense 51,107.69 48,231.92 Retired Bishop Expense 18,854.00 20,616.00 Travel Expenses 11,286.70 14,507.10 Total Operational Expenses 233,649.07 236,363.72
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ 1,000.00 4,500.00 Benson Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ Camping Program 2,400.00 1,350.00 Church Planting 692.18 536.60 Designated Offerings Distributed 1,254.00 1,202.00 Diaconal Training Support 1,800.00 ‐ General Funds donated to Temp. Restricted Assets ‐ 2,500.00 Gifts ‐ 2,000.00 Mission Project (s) ‐ 166.50 Parish & Salary Support 6,600.00 37,500.00 Seminary Support 180,000.00 180,000.00 Tithe to National Church 30,909.38 28,550.57 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 223,655.56 253,805.67 ‐ ‐ 1,000.00 4,500.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 457,304.63 490,169.39 ‐ ‐ 1,000.00 4,500.00
NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (9,494.77) (255,513.57) 18,110.55 (10,288.78) (1,000.00) 2,735.00
Net Change from restoring Bassinger Home Fund balance (25,200.00) ‐ 25,200.00 ‐ Net Change from Prior Year Adjustments 191,842.29 ‐ Net Change from Property Interests Forfeited (96,859.10) (142,410.86) Net Change from sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd ‐ (22,875.00) Net Change due to sale of St. Michael's (892.78) ‐ NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM ALL ACTIVITIES 59,395.64 (420,799.43) 18,110.55 (10,288.78) 24,200.00 2,735.00
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED BENSON FUND BASSINGER HOME FUND Balance Beginning of Period 3,290,220.69 3,349,616.33 138,880.30 156,990.85 ‐ 24,200.00 Change during period 59,395.64 (420,799.43) 18,110.55 (10,288.78) 24,200.00 2,735.00 Balance End of Period 3,349,616.33 2,928,816.90 156,990.85 146,702.07 24,200.00 26,935.00
17‐18 NEMA Financial Statements v1.0 Activities Appendix II, Page 2 of 2 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix III November 7, 2019 Diocese of the Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Financial Position
YTD Sep 30 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019 ASSETS 2018 2019 Cash Diocese Checking 17,511.71 13,656.74 St. Philip's Checking 71,373.79 63,828.44 Total Cash 88,885.50 77,485.18
Investments Fidelity Diocesan Investment 126,241.92 49,930.87 Fidelity Benson Fund 162,894.27 133,152.63 Wells Fargo Diocesan Investment 1,217,781.45 1,249,984.19 Wells Fargo Parish Development 528,735.19 492,728.50 Total Investments 2,035,652.83 1,925,796.19
Mortgage Receivables All Saints 166,619.01 161,563.84 Christ Covenant Presbyterian ‐ PA 314,403.13 297,073.73 Covenant Chapel ‐ NJ 5,802.88 2,843.31 St. Albans ‐ NY 662,204.39 598,419.12 Total Mortgage Receivables 1,149,029.41 1,059,900.00
TOTAL ASSETS 3,273,567.74 3,063,181.37
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
Restricted Assets Bassinger Home Fund 26,935.00 26,935.00 Benson Fund 162,894.27 133,152.63 Total Restricted Assets 189,829.27 160,087.63
Unrestricted Net Assets Prior Balance 3,349,616.33 2,928,816.90 Net Change in Unrestricted Assets (265,877.86) (25,723.16) Total Unrestricted Net Assets (ending) 3,083,738.47 2,903,093.74
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 3,273,567.74 3,063,181.37
YOY NEMA Financial Statements v1.0 Financial Position Appendix III, Page 1 of 2 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix III November 7, 2019
Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ASSETS BENSON FUND BASSINGER HOME FUND 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019 YTD Sep 30 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019 YTD Sep 30 2018 YTD Sep 30 2019 YTD Sep 30 REVENUE Investment Activity (Net) 42,658.30 168,315.32 5,903.42 16,450.56 Mortage Interest 62,049.40 37,914.73 Parish Tithes 157,366.55 162,741.85 Other Income 4,134.50 8,732.21 Temp. Restricted Asset Contributions ‐ ‐ 7,235.00 ‐ TOTAL REVENUE 266,208.75 377,704.11 5,903.42 16,450.56 7,235.00 ‐
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing ‐ ‐ Council Expense (net after registration fees) 500.00 4,000.00 Episcopal Expense (Ordinary & Suffragan) Ordinary (Salaries/Pensions/Ins/Medical) 100,050.00 98,758.00 Suffragan (Stipend/Expenses) 5,835.00 2,625.00 Suffragan (Pension) 840.24 ‐ Total Episcopal Expense 106,725.24 101,383.00
Insurance ‐ General 9,292.50 10,377.50 Legal & Prefessional 325.00 Meetings & Retreats Expense (net after registration fees) (990.58) 5,656.91 Office & Administrative Expense 38,518.38 39,921.35 Retired Bishop Expense 17,180.00 17,180.00 Travel Expenses 10,262.66 11,410.01 Total Operational Expenses 181,488.20 190,253.77
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ 4,500.00 ‐ Benson Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ ‐ 30,000.00 Camping Program 550.00 2,300.00 Church Planting 536.60 ‐ Designated Offerings Distributed ‐ ‐ Diaconal Training Support ‐ ‐ General Funds donated to Temp. Restricted Assets 2,500.00 ‐ Gifts 1,000.00 5,000.00 Mission Project (s) 166.50 ‐ Parish & Salary Support 23,000.00 48,629.34 Seminary Support 135,000.00 135,000.00 Tithe to National Church 22,559.45 22,244.16 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 185,312.55 213,173.50 ‐ 30,000.00 4,500.00 ‐
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 366,800.75 403,427.27 ‐ 30,000.00 4,500.00 ‐
NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (100,592.00) (25,723.16) 5,903.42 (13,549.44) 2,735.00 ‐
Net Change from Property Interests Forfeited (142,410.86) ‐ Net Change from sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd (22,875.00) ‐ Net Change due to sale of St. Michael's ‐ ‐ NET CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM ALL ACTIVITIES (265,877.86) (25,723.16) 5,903.42 (13,549.44) 2,735.00 ‐ ‐ GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED BENSON FUND BASSINGER HOME FUND Balance Beginning of Period 3,349,616.33 2,951,691.90 156,990.85 146,702.07 24,200.00 26,935.00 Change during period (265,877.86) (25,723.16) 5,903.42 (13,549.44) $2,735.00 ‐ Balance End of Period 3,083,738.47 2,925,968.74 162,894.27 133,152.63 26,935.00 26,935.00
YOY NEMA Financial Statements v1.0 Activities Appendix III, Page 2 of 2 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix IV November 7, 2019 Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED 2018 YEAR‐END OPERATING BUDGET Budget Actual Variance (UNFAV) REVENUE Investment Activity (Net) 10,500.00 (71,519.14) (82,019.14) Total Mortgage Payments 209,070.72 167,394.57 (41,676.15) Parish Tithes 250,580.27 227,582.70 (22,997.57) Total Other 6,000.00 6,313.87 313.87 TOTAL REVENUE 476,150.99 329,772.00 (146,378.99)
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing 1,000.00 1,000.00 ‐ Council Expense Registration Income Rec'd (15,000.00) (10,294.07) Expense 15,000.00 12,929.11 Total Council Expense (Net) ‐ 2,635.04 (2,635.04) Episcopal Expense Ordinary (Salaries/Pensions/Ins/Medical) 134,208.00 134,304.00 Suffragan (Stipend/Expenses) 8,550.00 7,002.00 Suffragan (Pension) 1,026.00 840.24 Total Episcopal Expense 143,784.00 142,146.24 1,637.76 Insurance ‐ General 14,000.00 12,413.00 1,587.00 Meetings & Retreat Expense Income/Registrations Rec'd (10,700.00) (12,290.00) Clergy Retreat 3,500.00 6,904.42 Engage 1,200.00 ‐ Seminars 6,000.00 ‐ Other ‐ 200.00 Total Meetings & Retreat Expense (net) ‐ (5,185.58) 5,185.58
Miscellaneous 600.00 ‐ 600.00 Legal & Professional 2,000.00 ‐ 2,000.00
2018 Actual vs. Budget V1.0 19.10.16 Activities Appendix IV, Page 1 of 2 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix IV November 7, 2019 Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED 2018 YEAR‐END OPERATING BUDGET Budget Actual Variance (UNFAV) Office & Administrative Expense Background Checks & Other Dues 1,000.00 868.00 Bank Fees 588.00 525.24 Diocesan Planning (Strategic) 3,000.00 ‐ Information Technology 33,276.00 33,292.80 Other (Non‐Categorized) 1,800.00 (1,423.00) Postage 360.00 266.24 Secretary Expense 13,680.00 13,703.00 Supplies & Expense 1,200.00 675.88 Web Hosting 350.00 323.76 Total Office & Administrative Expense 55,254.00 48,231.92 7,022.08
Retired Bishop Expense 20,892.00 20,616.00 276.00 Travel Expenses 18,000.00 14,507.10 3,492.90 Total Operational Expenses 255,530.00 236,363.72 19,166.28
Program & Ministry Expenses
Bassinger Home Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ Benson Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ Camping Program 1,800.00 1,350.00 Church Planting 5,000.00 536.60 Designated Offerings Distributed 1,200.00 1,202.00 Diaconal Training Support 5,000.00 ‐ General Funds donated to Temp. Restricted Assets ‐ 2,500.00 Gifts 2,000.00 2,000.00 Mission Project (s) 2,200.00 166.50 Parish & Salary Support 6,000.00 37,500.00 Seminary Support 180,000.00 180,000.00 Tithe to National Church 30,000.00 28,550.57 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 233,200.00 253,805.67 (20,605.67)
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 488,730.00 490,169.39 (1,439.39)
REVENUE LESS ORDINARY EXPENDITURES (12,579.01) (160,397.39)
Transfers for St. Luke's/Bishop Hoffman 31,500.00 Transfers for Operating Cash Accounts 128,897.39 NET EXPENDITUERS LESS TRANSFERS 329,772.00
NET REVENUE LESS EXPENDITURES FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES ‐
2018 Actual vs. Budget V1.0 19.10.16 Activities Appendix IV, Page 2 of 2 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix V November 7, 2019 NEMA OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2020
2019 2019 2020 BUDGET 19.12.31 APPROVED ESTIMATED BUDGET
REVENUE
Investment Activity (net) 86,517.00 16,085.51 16,809.00 Total Mortgage Payments 127,263.00 144,689.16 126,467.00 Parish Tithes 251,000.00 212,852.00 213,000.00 Other 10,000.00 10,996.50 10,000.00 TOTAL REVENUE 474,780.00 384,623.16 366,276.00
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00
Council Expense Registration Income Rec'd (15,000.00) (15,000.00) (15,000.00) Expense 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 Total Council Expense (Net) - - -
Deanery Expense New England - - 375.00 New York & New Jersey - - 375.00 Pennsylvania - - 375.00 Maryland - - 375.00 Total Deanery Expense - - 1,500.00
Diocesan Administrative Expense Archdeacon Housing Allowance - - 5,000.00 Canon Missioner Housing Allowance - - 5,000.00 Canon Ordinary Housing Allowance - - 5,000.00 Pres. of Standing Committee Housing Allowance - - 5,000.00 Pulpit Supply - - 4,000.00 Total Diocesan Administrative Expense - - 24,000.00
Episcopal Expense Ordinary (Salaries/Pensions/Ins/Medical) 138,096.00 127,885.00 130,500.00 Suffragan (Salary) 7,212.00 2,625.00 3,000.00 Suffragan (Pension) 864.00 - 360.00 Total Episcopal Expense 146,172.00 130,510.00 133,860.00
Insurance - General 14,000.00 14,170.00 16,296.00
Meetings & Retreat Expense Income/Registrations Rec'd (10,700.00) (10,700.00) (10,700.00) Clergy Retreat 3,500.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 Ministry Wives 1,200.00 - 1,200.00 Seminars 6,000.00 - 5,000.00 Quarterly Clergy Meeting/Other - 2,041.78 1,000.00 Total Meetings & Retreat Expense (net) - (658.22) 4,500.00
2020 NEMA Budget v1.0 Appendix V, Page 1 of 2 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix V November 7, 2019 NEMA OPERATING BUDGET FOR 2020
2019 2019 2020 BUDGET 19.12.31 APPROVED ESTIMATED BUDGET
Legal & Professional Fees 2,000.00 - 2,000.00
Office & Administrative Expense Background Checks & Other Dues 800.00 750.00 800.00 Bank Fees 550.00 429.75 550.00 Diocesan Planning 3,000.00 - 3,000.00 Information Technology 33,924.00 33,958.56 34,944.00 Other (Non-Categorized) 1,500.00 - 1,500.00 Postage 1,000.00 750.00 400.00 Secretary Expense 13,956.00 13,956.00 14,376.00 Supplies & Expense 1,200.00 59.91 3,200.00 Web Hosting 375.00 375.00 3,375.00 Total Office & Administrative Expense 56,305.00 50,279.22 62,145.00
Retired Bishop Expense 20,616.00 20,616.00 20,592.00
Travel Expenses 18,000.00 20,720.10 21,750.00 Total Operational Expenses 258,093.00 236,637.10 287,643.00
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 Camping Program 1,800.00 2,300.00 2,500.00 Church Planting 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 Designated Offerings Distributed - - - Diaconal Training Support 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 Gifts 2,000.00 5,000.00 2,000.00 Mission Project (s) 2,200.00 - 2,200.00 Parish & Salary Support 67,896.00 67,764.00 30,000.00 Seminary Support 180,000.00 180,000.00 180,000.00 Tithe to National Church 30,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 298,896.00 285,064.00 261,700.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 556,989.00 521,701.10 549,343.00
REVENUE LESS ORDINARY EXPENDITURES (82,209.00) (137,077.94) (183,067.00)
Transfers for Parish & Salary Support 57,696.00 54,000.00 30,000.00 Transfers for Bassinger Home Fund distributions 5,000.00 - 5,000.00 Transfers for general expenditures 19,513.00 83,077.94 148,067.00 NET EXPENDITURES LESS TRANSFERS 474,780.00 384,623.16 366,276.00
NET REVENUE LESS EXPENDITURES FROM ALL ACTIVITIES - (0.00) 0.00
2020 NEMA Budget v1.0 Appendix V, Page 2 of 2 19.10.16 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix VI November 7, 2019 The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Report of the Treasurer for December 31, 2018 Year-to-Date (YTD) Statement of Parish Tithes
Parish 2018 YTD
Atonement - Bishop Cummins 30,240.27 Covenant Chapel 14,774.46 Emmanuel Four Brooks 6,471.18 Emmanuel NJ 14,439.65 Faith Baltimore 6,651.18 First Church 4,359.26 Good Shepherd 21,410.00 Grace Collingdale 23,625.82 Grace Havre De Grace 6,450.13 Grace Scranton 166.30 Jesus The Good Shepherd 4,346.47 Messiah - New Redeemer 5,613.50 St. George's - St. John's By The Sea 3,627.84 St. Luke's 6,974.50 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman 1,490.00 St. Mark's 11,599.15 St. Mary's - St. Matthew's 19,329.64 St. Patrick's - St. Paul's 14,592.00 St. Peter's 1,385.00 St. Stephens 29,279.00 St. Timothy's 757.35
OVERALL TOTAL 227,582.70
18.12.31 2018 Parish Tithes v1.0 Current Month Appendix VI, Page 1 of 2 19.10.14 REPORT OF THE NEMA TREASURER – Appendix VI November 7, 2019 The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Report of the Treasurer for September 30, 2019 Year-to-Date (YTD) Statement of Parish Tithes
Parish 2019 YTD
Atonement 1,592.00 Bishop Cummins 23,893.15 Covenant Chapel 9,337.86 Emmanuel Four Brooks 4,757.00 Emmanuel NJ 11,652.70 Faith Baltimore 4,904.33 First Church - Good Shepherd 14,960.00 Grace Collingdale 11,438.00 Grace Havre De Grace 5,415.00 Grace Scranton 446.50 Jesus The Good Shepherd 3,033.36 New Redeemer 4,269.25 St. George's 750.00 St. John's By The Sea 3,297.95 St. Luke's 8,499.57 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman 1,095.00 St. Mark's 12,212.20 St. Mary's - St. Matthew's 15,476.73 St. Paul's 4,186.25 St. Peter's 650.00 St. Stephens 20,875.00 St. Timothy's -
OVERALL TOTAL 162,741.85
19.09.30 Parish Tithes v1.0 Current Month Appendix VI, Page 2 of 2 19.10.14 To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic
From: Board of Directors, The Theological Seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church Re: Annual Report 2019
The Board of Directors once again appreciate the opportunity to report on the condition of the seminary, and its own stewardship of the institution.
Evidence available to the Board of Directors indicates the educational programs of the seminary are achieving the goals established by the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Preparation Standards for Seminaries of the Anglican Church in North America. As these expectations form the core of the seminary’s mission, the Board of Directors are pleased to report the seminary continues to faithfully and effectively prepare persons for Christian ministry. In fact in the past two years, the Seminary has produced eight graduates, all of whom are serving in ministry or mission in some capacity, including four that serve the Reformed Episcopal Church and three that serve in other Anglican contexts.
The Board of Directors expresses its appreciation to the Diocesan Council (and the entire diocese) for their support for the seminary. It has been essential to the health and maintenance of the Seminary and the continued mission to equip leaders for ministry and mission and for the Reformed Episcopal Church and Anglican context in particular. While the seminary is a distinct organization, it is a ministry of the diocese.
The the Board of Directors continues to work in partnership with the President and Dean in the governance of the seminary. As part of this role, the Board of Directors continues to give attention to the following items:
1. The financial condition of the seminary. In collaboration with the seminary administration, strenuous efforts have been made to achieve financial equilibrium. The administration efforts to reduce expenses and increase giving resulted in a positive cash flow in 2017. While the Seminary ended 2018 in the red, the difference in 2017 and 2018 was market performance. The Seminary has reduced debt and continues to try to increase revenue streams. It is our goal to reduce the dependency on the Diocese. Clearly the Seminary’s financial condition is at a level to sustain current educational programs. The revenue stream continues to require attention, especially in the areas of net tuition and unrestricted contributions. The seminary remains among the smallest and most vulnerable of accredited seminaries. The highly fragile financial condition and resulting limitations on operations continue to be major concerns. 2. Accreditation, strategic planning, and institutional assessment. The reaffirmation of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association of Theological Schools was received in June 2019 with the accreditation period extended to July 31, 2026! This was an excellent result. The self-study was led by Dean Riches and the faculty. The Board of Directors continues to explore various means to strengthen the seminary and assure the continuation of its programs. We have approved seeking approval for two MA programs. The Board of Directors continue to work in response to the systemic financial challenges (deficits). The board continues to move forward with the administration in improving ongoing institutional assessment and institutional vitality. 3. Board development, education, and orientation. The Board continues to experience a mild level of turnover. The Board of Directors has been engaged in institutional decision-making and strategic planning and will focus more on resource development. The Board continues to works with the administration to identify and submit names for nomination to the Diocesan Council for election to the Board. The Board also continues to work on the maintenance and improvement of the board handbook and orientation materials. 4. Institutional image and environment. While this is an area that has seen great improvement in the past few years with the efforts of the administration we hope to see greater improvement with the roll-out of a new website and catalog in the near future. This is an area which we still hope to have continued and sustained improvement.
The Board of Directors continues to look forward to working with the Administration and Diocesan Council to strengthen the seminary as a ministry of the diocese.
Prepared on behalf of the Board of Directors
Dr. Guy F. Webster Chairman Report of the President and Dean of Reformed Episcopal Seminary To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Dear Brethren:
The Seminary is privileged to partner with the Diocese in equipping leaders for ministry and mission in the Reformed Episcopal Church, other Anglican churches, and churches of various other denominations. The curriculum at RESeminary prepares students to better serve God and their communities in the various lay and ordained positions to which they may be called. The Seminary administration and staff continues to work hard to sustain the Seminary’s mission of equipping ordained and lay leaders primarily for the Reformed Episcopal Church and other Anglican bodies. In this month alone we have admitted three new students, two of whom should begin their studies this academic year. There are now a few Anglican bishops outside of the Reformed Episcopal Church that have notified us that we are the Seminary of choice for their candidates. The Seminary continues to seek to widen its prospective student and donor base particularly in the Reformed Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in North America, and the Continuing Anglican churches. There has been some success in this area and I am hopeful that by working with the other Reformed Episcopal seminaries along with Bishop Sutton, Dr. Barnes, and the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church, that we can strengthen the Reformed Episcopal theological education system and all its seminaries, particularly RES, as our fully accredited residential Seminary. The Seminary is a ministry of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid- Atlantic. The parochial identity is important to our mission and training. While the Diocesan office has been moved out of the Seminary, we continue for the time being to help with basic Diocesan work, particularly the sorting of mail and financial documents, as they are mixed in with the Seminary’s. The Seminary continues to support the broader mission of the Diocese in a variety of ways. Not only are we training and equipping leaders for the Diocese, we are employing them as they seek their parochial vocations and providing release time for our employees to do parish work. These activities not only strengthen our Diocese and local parishes but strengthen the Seminary by giving the staff broader experience and setting a pastoral example of service for students. I continue to work on developing the staff and faculty. One of our newer faculty members, Dr. Derek Cooper, is a prolific author and has just published another book, a premier Latin textbook with Zondervan. Dr. Heather Rice, who serves at Whosoever Gospel Mission, will be teaching a course in Urban Ministry and Mission during Advent Quarter. I have also recently appointed the Rev. Jason Patterson as Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Catechesis. Father Jason is Rector of St. Mark’s Church and Dean of the Pennsylvania Deanery. He has completed all the course work for his Doctor of Ministry degree at Westminster Theological Seminary but still needs to complete his final project. Realistically, Father Patterson will not teach a course before 2021 given the present demands on his time; however he will bring his gifts to bear on Seminary life in other ways. We are very thankful for the support of the Diocese, its congregations, and members through offerings, prayer and referrals. Your support of the mission of the Seminary is vital not only to the health and outreach of the Reformed Episcopal Church, but to the many other churches and ministries where our students are able to serve because of their strong foundation and low cost education. It is our goal and hope that every church in this Diocese would partner with us and support this essential mission and ministry. Every gift and referral is much appreciated. Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s ministry and mission is integrally connected to the mission of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church, the whole REC and the Anglican Church in North America, but also to other orthodox Anglican jurisdictions, the wider Christian church and our communities. The Seminary’s mission “is to train Christ’s people to serve the flock of the Lord Jesus Christ through Biblical, Anglican Worship, Example, and Discipleship as defined in the official standards of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in North America. Students are immersed in Scripture, the historical and ancient traditions of the church, worship, and doctrine. Emphasis is placed on classical Anglicanism lived out in the world through worship, evangelism, and discipleship.” We continue work to increase the profile of the Seminary by representing the Seminary at Councils, Anglican Church in North America events, on WFYL 1180AM, and the annual Jubilee Conference of the Coalition for Christian Outreach. I am traveling to Wittenberg, Germany at the end of October 2019 to discuss theological education in Europe as part of the Anglican Church in North America dialogues with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Our sister churches in Europe have patterned their training on the Reformed Episcopal Seminary’s curriculum. It is clear that the mission, vision, and values of Reformed Episcopal Seminary are well respected and appreciated. The Seminary still very much needs increased support from churches, parishioners, alumni, and friends who benefit from the training and formation it has provided to so many of the men and women who have served our church in so many ways. We need you to stand by us with your prayers, referrals, and financial support as we prepare students at low cost so they are better able to serve churches and missions that are more and more often not able to provide full-time salaries or even health benefits to their employees. Reformed Episcopal Seminary has entered its seventh year of accreditation with the Association of Theological schools and is pleased to have received affirmation of accreditation for seven more years! We hope to add distance education programs and additional academic programs in the future as we work together with the other Reformed Episcopal seminaries to strengthen theological education across the denomination. The future for RES certainly is bright as we work to strengthen the foundation that has been laid by those who have gone before us. The Seminary continues to maintain and improve its campus, sealing both parking lots, replacing additional heating and air conditioning units, and upgrading electrical work. We have worked to prepare our strategic plan, improve our curriculum, and bolster our assessment program. Our library and archives continue to be an excellent resource for our students, faculty, and the church. We know it is through the help and grace of God alone that we can go forth and complete a grand work. God of course helps each one of us through His people. Please pray about how you can better help and serve the Seminary and the future leaders of the church. Please pray fervently for the mission of the church and the Seminary. We continue to need your referrals. We need more men and women from throughout the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church in North America to study at RES and be prepared to better serve the church and the communities where they have been called. It is an honor and a pleasure to serve the Lord and the Reformed Episcopal Church here at RESeminary. The administration, faculty, and staff continue to strive to serve the Reformed Episcopal Church and the wider church by equipping leaders for God’s kingdom here. By God’s grace we remain “Ambitious to be well-pleasing unto Him.” If anyone would like to meet with me to discuss the ministry and mission of our Seminary I remain more than happy to set up an appointment with you or to visit your parish and present the work of the Seminary.
Your fellow servant in Christ Jesus,
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, President and Dean 3:53 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of October 10, 2019
Oct 10, 19 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Cash M&T Money Market 2587 30,106.15 General Checking 3453 26,730.33 General Savings 2398 70,184.55 Payroll Checking 3831 3,273.41 M&T Checking 6294 1,617.39
Total Cash 131,911.83
Total Checking/Savings 131,911.83
Accounts Receivable Accounts Rec. - Bp Riches Chair 77,650.00 Accounts Receivable 3,409.98
Total Accounts Receivable 81,059.98
Other Current Assets Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -5,000.00 PV Adjustment-Endowment Pledge -22,842.50 Prepaid Expenses 11,427.38
Total Other Current Assets -16,415.12
Total Current Assets 196,556.69
Fixed Assets Property & Equipment Building - 826 Second Ave 540,308.34 A/D - Building 826 Second Ave -252,143.93 LHI - 826 Second Ave 458,012.29 A/D - LHI 826 Second Ave -227,929.51 Land-826 Second Ave 135,077.09 Building- 831 DeKalb 678,640.98 A/D - Building 831 DeKalb -94,726.94 LHI - 831 Dekalb 54,616.17 A/D - LHI 831 Dekalb -14,737.06 Land-831 DeKalb 169,660.24 Furniture & Equipment 15,542.46 A/D -Furniture & Equipment -9,486.12
Total Property & Equipment 1,452,834.01
Total Fixed Assets 1,452,834.01
Other Assets Investment Accounts M&T Riches Prof Endowment 26,731.71 Wells Fargo Mohrfeld 8704 926,506.76 Investment-Wells Fargo 105,248.13 Investments-Fidelity 232,765.98
Total Investment Accounts 1,291,252.58
Total Other Assets 1,291,252.58
TOTAL ASSETS 2,940,643.28
Page 1 3:53 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of October 10, 2019
Oct 10, 19 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities Accrued Payroll 1,918.52 Deferred Revenue 4,520.00 Payroll Liabilities 6,937.60
Total Other Current Liabilities 13,376.12
Total Current Liabilities 13,376.12
Long Term Liabilities Mortgages Mortgage Payable - M&T Bank 349,350.91
Total Mortgages 349,350.91
Total Long Term Liabilities 349,350.91
Total Liabilities 362,727.03
Equity Fund Balance 2,708,232.78 Retained Earnings -159,157.79 Net Income 28,841.26
Total Equity 2,577,916.25
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 2,940,643.28
Page 2 3:52 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 10, 2019
Jan 1 - Oct 10, 19 Ordinary Income/Expense Income NEMA Diocese 1,065.00 Dept. of Ed. - G5 Disbursement Student Loan Disbursable 17,440.60 Student Loan Disbursement -17,440.60
Total Dept. of Ed. - G5 Disbursement 0.00
Fundraising Recycling 170.00
Total Fundraising 170.00
Friends of RES Activities 1,150.00 Bank Interest 964.05 Book Store 4,546.04 Contributions Convocation 200.00 Building for the Future BFF Bp. Riches Chair Endowment 0.00 Building for the Future - Other 3,509.50
Total Building for the Future 3,509.50
Staff 640.50 Corporations 348.35 Alumni General 13,042.27
Total Alumni 13,042.27
Auxiliary - FORES 2,330.00 Board of Directors 3,200.00 Chapel Offerings 568.00 Designated Chapel 0.00 Student Scholarship (Needy St.) 18,550.00 Designated - Other -100.00
Total Designated 18,450.00
Diocesan 135,000.00 Estates 75,000.00 Faculty 14,383.00
Library Designation 1,015.00 Misc 862.00 Non Alumni 23,942.64 Non RE Churches 6,563.32 RE Churches General 9,456.77
Total RE Churches 9,456.77
Students General 3,141.00
Total Students 3,141.00
Total Contributions 311,652.35
Library Income Library Sales and Fines 3,039.13
Total Library Income 3,039.13
Page 1 3:52 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 10, 2019
Jan 1 - Oct 10, 19 Reimbursements to RES Faculty Travel 96.52 Office 178.50 Salary 87,184.61 Reimbursements to RES - Other 885.65
Total Reimbursements to RES 88,345.28
Rental Income 826 Second Ave(Ground Level) 5,400.00 831 DeKalb 51,344.00 Dorm House 11,310.00
Total Rental Income 68,054.00
Tuitions Income Audit Fee 350.00 Full- time 18,194.68 General Fees Other Fees 832.50 Transcript fee 130.00 Student Service Fees 1,860.00 General Fees - Other 50.00
Total General Fees 2,872.50
Part-time 3,000.00 Student loan repayment -500.00 Tuitions Income - Other 926.67
Total Tuitions Income 24,843.85
Vending/Concess./Coffee 1,998.63
Total Income 505,828.33
Gross Profit 505,828.33
Expense NEMA Diocese Outgoing 1,265.00 Chapel 422.14 Student Expense Student Record Maint. 2,718.00
Student Activities 119.24
Student Expense - Other 49.20
Total Student Expense 2,886.44
831DeKalb Real Estate Fee 750.00
Total 831DeKalb 750.00
Academic Expense Convocation 500.00
Total Academic Expense 500.00
ATS Expenses Accreditation 8,484.53 ATS Meetings & Travel 4,574.67
Total ATS Expenses 13,059.20
Bank Fee 465.82
Page 2 3:52 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 10, 2019
Jan 1 - Oct 10, 19 BFF Expense 831 Maintenance 3,021.78 831 RETaxes 14,355.24 831 Dekalb Utilities 10,554.58 BFF Campus Improvements 14,040.31
Total BFF Expense 41,971.91
Board of Directors Meeting Expense 207.12
Total Board of Directors 207.12
Book Service Expense 5,083.09 Charity - Chapel Offering 2,400.00 Commencement Commencement Reception 371.95 Commencement - Other 340.00
Total Commencement 711.95
Credit Card Fees/Finance Charge 89.00 Library OPAC - Library Catalogue 11,038.34 Archives 488.00 Books 5,947.95 Postage 883.82 Schneider Martyr Collection 0.00 Subscriptions Databases and Digital Resources 8,199.78 Subscriptions - Other 3,954.70
Total Subscriptions 12,154.48
Supplies 401.65 Library - Other 222.52
Total Library 31,136.76
M&T Mortgage Interest 14,494.35 Office Expense Accounting 1,190.00 Audit 13,700.00 Computers 5,664.30 Convocation 480.11 Copy Machine-Office 2,631.59 Faculty 128.96 Miscellaneous-Office 4,757.35 Postage - Office 3,349.43 Reimbursement-Office -50.00 Faculty appreciation 137.17 Supplies - Office 1,301.55
Total Office Expense 33,290.46
Personnel Disability Insurance 6,211.26 Fac. / Staff Asst & Travel reim -623.29 Faculty/Staff Faculty/Staff Events 20.08 Payroll 341,662.40 Adjunct -- Part-time 1,597.76 Payroll Taxes 65,682.02 Faculty/Staff - Other 2,093.65
Total Faculty/Staff 411,055.91
Page 3 3:52 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary
10/10/19 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 10, 2019
Jan 1 - Oct 10, 19 Guest/Part Time Faculty 686.40 Medical-staff 2,604.98 Payroll Expenses 2,504.70 Travel 4,545.95
Total Personnel 426,985.91
Publicity Publicity - Travel/Recruiting 1,643.14 ACNA 1,253.00 Facebook 298.30 Publicity - Other 1,000.00
Total Publicity 4,194.44
Recruiting 270.90 Second Ave Maintenance 3,633.29 Taxes 3,305.74 Utilities Main (826) 12,227.88 Dormitory (832) 2,418.32 Utilities - Other -100.00
Total Utilities 14,546.20
Total Second Ave 21,485.23
FORES Seminary Auxiliary 991.83 Vending/Concess./Coffee Expense Consumables 1,160.78
Total Vending/Concess./Coffee Expense 1,160.78
Total Expense 603,822.33
Net Ordinary Income -97,994.00
Other Income/Expense Other Income Investment Income 14,799.29 Unrealized Gain/Loss 144,772.53 Interest Income 9.76
Total Other Income 159,581.58
Other Expense Depreciation Expense 26,502.34 Investment Expense 6,243.98
Total Other Expense 32,746.32
Net Other Income 126,835.26
Net Income 28,841.26
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Giving by Churches in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic to RESeminary Church Name 2016 2017 2018 Bishop Cummins RE Church $520.00 $1,600.00 $500.00 Church of Our Redeemer $266.00 $119.20 $0.00 Church of St. John’s-by-the-Sea $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Church of the Atonement $0.00 $800.00 $8,200.00 Church of the Messiah $465.00 $150.00 $0.00 Covenant Chapel $3,750.00 $3,178.00 $3,100.00 Emmanuel Church (Somerville, NJ) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Emmanuel RE Church (Pipersville) $2,453.00 $4,732.00 $5,125.00 Faith RE Church $600.00 $600.00 $550.00 Good Shepherd RE Church - South Easton MA $1,100.00 $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Grace RE Church (Collingdale) $1,241.00 $390.00 $50.00 Grace RE Church (Scranton) $150.00 $50.00 $0.00 Grace RE Church -Havre de Grace $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Holy Trinity Anglican Church (closed in 2017) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Jesus the Good Shepherd R.E. Church $96.25 $0.00 $0.00 Saint Alban’s Church – First R.E. Church $0.00 $1,200.00 $600.00 St. George’s Anglican Church $750.00 $1,460.00 $480.00 St. Luke’s / Bishop Hoffman RE Church $800.00 $200.00 $100.00 St. Luke’s RE Church New Providence $485.00 $360.00 $160.00 St. Mark’s RE Church $200.00 $0.00 $0.00 St. Mary’s R.E. Church $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 St. Matthew’s RE Church $5,400.00 $1,200.00 $600.00 St. Michael’s R.E. Church – closed 2016 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 St. Paul’s RE Church $4,000.00 $41,500.00 $4,000.00 St. Peter’s Anglican Church $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 St. Stephen’s RE Church $2,357.00 $1,850.00 $1,500.00 St. Timothy’s Anglican Church $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Total $24,633.25 $60,589.20 $26,165.00 Giving by Churches in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic to RESeminary 2019 (YTD) 4 Year Total $375.00 $2,995.00 $0.00 $385.20 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $9,000.00 $0.00 $615.00 $2,250.00 $12,278.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,575.00 $15,885.00 $300.00 $2,050.00 $1,100.00 $4,600.00 $730.00 $2,411.00 $0.00 $200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $96.25 $0.00 $1,800.00 $1,316.77 $4,006.77 $142.00 $1,242.00 $160.00 $1,165.00 $0.00 $200.00 $0.00 $0.00 $450.00 $7,650.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $50,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,707.00 $0.00 $0.00
$11,398.77 $122,786.22
FORES News
Trinity 2019
Welcome Back! The academic year kicked off with our traditional picnic on the Seminary Campus. The weather was perfect, and the company and the food matched. Over fifty students, faculty, alumni, family, and friends gathered for a time of food and fellowship. Highlights of the day included rich conversation, renewing old friendships, making new friends, and enjoying all the tasty treats prepared by the guests. Inside ! Student Profile: Jameson Lowery ! Lynch Creek Fundraiser ! Faculty Profile: Derek Cooper ! When Lost is Found
More Pictures inside!
Student Profile: Jameson Lowery
We are pleased to welcome Jameson Lowery, our new student from Wilson, NC, to Reformed Episcopal Seminary. Jameson brings with him a strong background in the Church, and a deep commitment to finding his way in ministry. A graduate of MidAtlantic Christian University, Jameson was baptized in the United Methodist Church, which he attended until he was 19 years old. In high school he met a teacher who introduced him to the Anglican Church. Jameson says he began to appreciate the weekly Eucharist service with its emphasis on confession and absolution, and the The call and commitment to ministry has been admonition not to take the elements unworthily. He strong for Jameson. He worked at a gas station was also drawn to the Early Christian Church by the for a year after college to save for seminary, and emphasis of iconography in his Anglican Church, by now that he has begun his first year of studies at the incense and symbols that point to spiritual RES, he works regularly at Mattress Firm to realities, and the Anglican emphasis on the three-fold meet expenses. Jameson, however, is still ministry. All this led him to choose to attend the contemplating his future in ministry. As a ACNA church in Elizabeth City during college, college sophomore he participated in a 2-week where he participated in the choir, as a lector, and a mission to Zimbabwe, which made a deep teacher during his internship for MidAtlantic impression on him. He sees the pressing need University. As an intern, Jameson led prayers, read for committed pastors to preach and teach the Scriptures, and met with the priest regularly to unchurched here in our own communities, where discuss the weekly lessons. Jameson says that he was the culture often puts pressure on Christianity the only Anglican student at the evangelical and the Bible. Nonbelievers, he feels, need to university he was attending. see preachers who welcome them both with the Gospel, AND with the need for repentance. Jameson continues to seek the Lord’s guidance as to what form his ministry might take. Work as a Navy chaplain especially appeals to him, he says, so he is working to get in physical shape to apply for the service, which requires both the M.Div. degree as well as two years of service in a church.
On October 28, Jameson will celebrate his 24th birthday. Let us join together both in wishing him a happy birthday, as well as giving him our prayers for success in his studies at RES, and in his calling to ministry.
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More Christmas Picnic Photos is coming!
Before you know it, Trinity season will end, and Advent will begin a new church year with the preparation for Christ’s first coming. As you prepare your home, please consider using Lynch Creek Farms for your holiday greenery. When you shop using the link https://bit.ly/2J8cTFy
15% of your purchase will benefit the seminary.
Lynch Creek Farms has a wide variety of wreaths, garland, tabletop trees, and centerpieces to fill your church or home with the sights and smells of the Christmas season.
Events 10/28 FORES meeting @7:30 pm 12/3 Founders’ Day Chapel 12/17 Kuehner Seminar 10 AM RES Campus, Blue Bell ($25 cost; free for students)
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Faculty Profile: Derek Cooper
Derek Cooper is a native East Texan who has been living in the Greater Philadelphia region for 18 years. In high school, he lived in Brazil, learned Portuguese, and realized that the world was much larger than the Lone Star State.
In college, he majored in Spanish and began leading international trips. Altogether, he has visited nearly 70 countries around the world. Derek’s interest in travel and learning new cultures led him to start a couple of travel companies, including one called Avid Pursuits. Derek has organized and led more than 7 pilgrim tours to thinking how innovation and social Israel as well as several trips to each of the enterprises can strengthen the church and countries where biblical events took place: Turkey, create new models of education. Greece, Egypt, Jordan, and Italy. This summer, for instance, he led the Christian History Institute In addition to traveling and business, Derek on a biblical and historical tour of Turkey and enjoys researching and writing. He has Greece, where they visited Istanbul, Ephesus, written a dozen books on topics ranging from Athens, Corinth, Patmos, and many other world religions to church history to fascinating places. discipleship. One of his most popular books is Christianity and World Religions: An Derek’s interest in the travel industry led him to Introduction to the World’s Major Faiths. study for an MBA, which he will earn in December. His area of focus has been Derek joined Reformed Episcopal Seminary international entrepreneurship, and he enjoys as Associate Professor of Historical Theology and Global Christianity. He earned his PhD in 2008 and has been teaching at various institutions since that time. Although he was originally ordained in 2012 in a different denomination, he transferred his credentials to the Reformed Episcopal Church this year.
Derek is married with three children. One of his favorite pastimes is taking his family on new adventures. They enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and cooking together.
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When Lost Things are Found Rev. Shawn Riley I love history; I love beauty, and piles of both lay all about as I wandered through Philadelphia Salvage near the Temple University campus. All through the shop were stacked beautiful things from Philadelphia’s historic homes, industrial buildings, and also the remains of many churches. At one point I struck up a conversation with the owner about all of the amazing churches in Philadelphia that are being razed and repurposed to meet the current housing demand. I also shared about the loss of our own Christ Memorial Church at 43rd and Chestnut. He looked at me and said, “Yes it was beautiful; I have some of those pieces here if I can find them.” So as he was looking through his records to identify what he still had in his inventory, I walked over to a corner of his shop where the stained glass is kept. There in that stack I found two beautiful trinity windows marked as “Christ Memorial, 43 & Chestnut.” I couldn’t believe it! There before me were two pieces of our church’s history. As I stared at them, my mind was drawn back to many conversations I have had with former members like Steve Hoopes, Sue Moore, and Joe Ayers of the grandeur and importance of Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church, the cathedral church for the Philadelphia area. I also remembered similar stories from countless seminary alumni, among them our late presiding bishop, The. Most Rev. Royal U. Grote, and some from our current faculty (Dr. Dale Crouthamel), because Christ Memorial was also the original home of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church. A strong feeling welled up in me, “We just can’t lose any more of our history. I’ve got to figure out how we save these.” So with these thoughts running through my head I formulated a plan, sent texts, and made phone calls. Now the seminary owns two pieces of our history and wants to see them restored to their former glory. There will not be a church for them to adorn, at least not yet, but they can be restored and preserved.
They can once again bring the light of truth, beauty, and goodness to the world. They can remind us of our past and inspire us towards our future, but I need your help. The cost to purchase and restore both windows will be around $5000. Will you please help us make this happen by giving an extra gift to see these wonderful pieces preserved for future generations of Reformed Episcopalians? Please mark your gift as “CM Windows.” We look forward to documenting and updating you on the progress as we continue this important effort.
Reformed Episcopal Church North East Mid-Atlantic Diocese Canon Missioner Report - Diocesan Council 2019
Activities:
1. March 9th Presentation on Church Planting/ Front Porch Ministries @ Emmanuel Church, Somerville, N.J.
2. May 1 REC 100 Retreat @ Summerville, SC Presentation on resource of Demographics and how it can be used for identifying ministry points of contact within the Church plant geographic area.
3. Provided Demographic studies for : St. Timothy’s Mission, Mt. Laurel, NJ, St. Luke’s/Bishop Hoffman, Philadelphia, PA., and possible church plant in Blairstown, NJ. Current Church Plants:
1. Rev. Ricky McCarl- St. Andrew’s. Westminster, MD (Church plant of St. Steven’s)
2. Rev. Russ Buchanan- St. Patrick’s, Norristown, PA Churches reporting Front Porch Ministries:
1. S. Andrews
2. Bishop Cummins
3. St. George’s
4. St. Patrick’s
5. St. Peter’s Reported Activities: Book Fair, after school math club, Sock tree for the homeless, hosting a homeowner’s association, Annual Remembrance Day service and participation with community leaders, Safe house ministry dinner for the hungry and homeless, Live Nativity, community Fish Fry, community Blessing of the Animal/Bake sale, Holy Smokes (theology and cigars). Comments: The REC 100 is growing in resources and outreach. REC100.org web site is up and running. Please go to the site and review it. It has all of the editions of the Front Porch Ministries Quarterly newsletter, and resources for Church Planting. Our Lenten offering is the funding source for REC 100. Each Diocese receives back the money they donate to their Church Planting activities. Give much and much will be given. Give a little and little will be given. The REC 100 and the Canon Missioner is here to help you to develop your Front Porch Ministries and to be a resource for Church Planting initiatives. Please contact me to discuss any of the above. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Canon Jack W. Clark Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada NEMA Synod: 2019 Archdeacon’s Report
Following the passing of Archdeacon John Smith, in December 2018, Bishop David Hicks appointed me Archdeacon of the Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada early in February, 2019. I accepted the position for the sake of continuity and stability. Thanks to the commitment, hard work and organizational skill of our diocesan treasurer Nelson Buffett, as well as the able support of our diocesan secretary Alison Buffett, it was possible to agree to Bishop Charles and Mrs. Claudia Dorrington’s request that our diocese undertake the collection of offerings in support of the R.E.C./A.N.i.C. (Anglican Network in Canada) Cuba Mission Society. At the time, Bishop Dorrington was about to retire; his church of the Holy Trinity in Langford, British Columbia, and the Diocese of Western Canada were being wound up. While there were at least seven R.E. churches in two Canadian dioceses at the time of the General Council of the R.E. Church in Victoria, B.C. in 2008, ten years later there are only two R.E. churches and one diocese in Canada. In 2019 there may be more Reformed Episcopalians in Cuba than in Canada. The 2020 Cuba Mission trip needs your support. Donations may be sent to the Central and Eastern R.E.C. Diocese of Canada, 157 Haddon Avenue North, HAMILTON, Ontario, L8S 4A7, Canada. We are grateful for the support of the Women of the R.E. Church who are raising money to buy motor scooters for R.E. clergy in Cuba. The Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada (formerly the Diocese of Ontario) which at Bishop Fedechko’s retirement in 2009 had four churches, now has only one, St. George’s. With the recent renovation of the Memory Garden, St. George’s has an excellent opportunity to make its presence better known in West Hamilton. I have suggested to Rev. Luth that St. George’s prepares a leaflet for distribution in the neighbourhood outlining service times, and activities such as Sunday School, Bible Studies, E.S.L. classes, Community Seniors’ meetings, Men’s and Women’s groups, Craft Circle and Book Club meetings, all of which are front porch ministries. Rev. Luth has prepared this flyer, and we are in the process of delivering it in West Hamilton prior to Remembrance Day (November 11th) when a Service of Remembrance will be held at our West Hamilton Cenotaph (which we care for on behalf of the City of Hamilton) following our Sunday service of Remembrance on November 10th. I feel that it is important for us to strengthen St. George’s so as to provide a firm base for any future church planting. Yours in Christ, John Ferns, Archdeacon, Diocese of Central and Eastern Canada EPICOPAL NOMINATION REPORT
To the One Hundred and Thirty Ninth Diocesan Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Beloved in Christ, I am happy to inform you that the Standing Committee of the Diocese of the Northeast Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church, by a unanimous vote, presents to you Canon Bill Jenkins and Bishop Chuck Gillin as the official candidates for election to serve as our next Bishop Ordinary, to be elected on the first day of the upcoming Diocesan Council, November 7, 2019. The personal resumes of each candidate are confidential and will be emailed to each delegate registered for Council along with the reports packet. This information is private and NOT to be forwarded or posted online anywhere. Each candidate has completed a Vision Statement for the Diocese which has been posted online. Bishop Gillin’s Vision Statement is HERE. Canon Jenkins’ Vision Statement is HERE. Clergy and delegates, please spend the time before Council in prayer and come prepared to elect one of these men as our next Bishop Ordinary. Blessings, The Very Rev. Eric W. Jorgensen, President of the Standing Committee Bishop R. Charles Gillin Vision and Ministry Statement
This episcopal election is not a contest. It is an orderly, prayerful deliberation to decide which candidate put forward by the Episcopal Search and Standing Committees is God’s choice to lead the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Both candidates are qualified. Each brings unique skills and gifts to the table and each recognizes that no one deserves to serve as diocesan Bishop Ordinary.
In addition, no one man is qualified to lead. A collaborative effort is necessary if the work of the Diocese is to move forward. The wise writer of Proverbs wrote, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed" (Proverbs 15:22). Lay persons, clergy, diocesan officers and bishops are all needed to work together to fulfill a vision for growth. An emphasis upon our common identity and collaboration will drive better communication between the churches and the diocesan office. Any existing disconnects must be mended as every part of the Diocese is made to feel as an important part of the whole. And, when each part does its work, growth will be the result (Ephesians 4:11-16).
The NEMA diocese, originally incorporated as the New York & Philadelphia Synod, was the Reformed Episcopal Church’s first diocese. From our ranks came the shared vision and leadership which resulted in what would become the Diocese of the Southeast. From this diocese also came the vision of what would become the Diocese of Mid-America as God blessed the fruitful labors of Bishop Royal U. Grote, later joined by Bishop Ray R. Sutton. This diocese provided the parishes and missions located in the state of Virginia to help seed the Diocese of the Central States. Add to this the many foreign missionaries who were discipled in this Diocese and went forth in faith to reproduce themselves in the lives of many people. In other words, this Diocese has a history of being missional.
We have been reminded of this heritage by the Most Rev. Dr. Ray R. Sutton in the creation of the REC100 vision. The goal is to plant 100 new Reformed Episcopal churches in ten years. In order for this to happen existing parishes must, by faith, be willing to mother new works. The path to reclaim that heritage has been clearly laid out for us by our Presiding Bishop. The question we must answer is, are we willing to follow his leadership? Our polity requires an affirmative answer, and to continue as we have will lead to stagnation and death. Our Lord rebuked the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 for leaving their first love. Like them, we must repent and do the things we at did at first, lest our lampstand be removed.
The vision of REC100 also provides a framework for evangelism and discipleship through the Front Porch Ministry concept. This effort provides ways for unbelievers to ‘belong’ before they ‘believe’, in a society that has forsaken biblical values and is suspicious of anything associated with church. Many ministries are currently being used and developed in the Diocese including ESL classes, food pantries and the private education of our youth, including daycare, pre-schools and classical Anglican schools. Our young people need to be provided with alternatives to the public school system and the classical Anglican schools have been filling that need. May their tribe increase!
We also need to reclaim our heritage by affirming those principles that led to the founding of our beloved church and are contained in the REC mission statement of 2003. We sometimes forget that our founder’s desire was to come out of the Protestant Episcopal Church and to form a new church that is biblically Episcopal. Our church’s founding bishop, George David Cummins wrote, "I have an earnest hope and confidence that a basis for the union of all Evangelical Christendom can be found in a communion which shall retain or restore a Primitive Episcopacy and a pure Scriptural Liturgy, with a fidelity to the doctrine of Justification by Faith only…" Our highest priority is biblical worship. Prayer Book worship in the Anglican Way is not an option, nor is it for Sunday mornings only. It is a lifestyle formed by the Daily Office and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist each Lord’s Day.
We were all shocked and disappointed to learn of the resignation of the Rt. Rev. David L Hicks who served as our Bishop Ordinary for 14 years. We are thankful to him and Lisa for their years of sacrificial service. It is difficult to recover from such a setback. Regardless of the outcome of this episcopal election now upon us, we will continue to experience disappointments and encouragements. But we must always remember that Christ has promised to build his Church and nothing, including the gates of Hell, can stop it. Therefore, we march confidently forward knowing whom we serve. We will not shrink from our responsibilities, but will by God’s grace, in the words of our founding Bishop, "return to the ‘Old Paths’ of Scripture and the Early Church." Canon William Jenkins Sr. Vision for the Diocese of NEMA
What should the Body of Christ look like, and how ought this be reflected in our diocese? The Holy Scriptures teach us a number of paradigms which help inform our understanding.
We are an army, because we are in a battle for the souls of men, as well as our own. Our adversary is fierce and is a master at deception. On our own, we are no match for him.
We are a priesthood, interceding around the clock for the needs of a world drowning in sin and despair. We offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving each Lord’s Day. When we worship, God moves in our behalf.
We are a family, each of us granted a place in this universal body. It makes us see one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord. Each with a specific calling, and gifts that will aid us in the performance of God’s will
Like a diamond, bright and beautiful, with dozens of facets through which to see its dazzling light, we are glorious no matter which way we turn. A Bride, without spot or blemish, or any such thing, prepared for her husband, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.
My vision for this diocese begins with seeing ourselves as we are in the Lord, and rightly seeing our Lord who has equipped us for the mission He has left us to complete. Only then will we have the fortitude, vision, and energy to take on the daunting task of rebuilding this portion of Christ’s Church.
We need a common direction, one we can call our own, and one on which we are “all in”. Many Reformed Episcopalians are proud and thankful that we have remained loyal to the historic Christian Faith. And for that, we should be glad, and give God the glory. It is a course upon which we must remain steadfast.
But there is something equally important in our corporate life which we must cultivate. St. Paul commended his fellow believers in the Epistle to the Ephesians for their steadfast devoutness to the Faith. But just a short while later, we find Jesus addressing them in the Revelation; in the first of the seven letters to the churches of Asia.
“I know thy works…how you cannot bear the evil ones…how thou hast tested those who say they are apostles and are not, but hast proven them liars; nevertheless, I have something against you, because you have left how you loved at the first.”
Jesus commends the Ephesians for their devotion to sound doctrine. But sound doctrine was not enough. They had forgotten how they first loved. “Return to those works”, Jesus said, or risk losing your place: “I will remove your candlestick.”
Our Lord’s assessment was that a Church with full fidelity to good doctrine, but that lacked love, was not worthy to continue as a testimony to Him. Indeed, it was not a good testimony at all. “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, by your love for the brethren.” My vision for the Diocese begins with opening up the Episcopate to each Rector and Vicar in weekly communication, and then one parish to another. To actively seek out ways to express our love for one another, and for the souls for which Christ died. To assist parishes in establishing workable plans for outreach with this love. To foster better communication amongst our parishes and from the Diocesan leadership. Bishop Gillin has already made good steps in this direction.
Jesus called on the Ephesians to “repent”. To that end, I would issue a call to every devout Reformed Episcopalian to join me in fasting and prayer for our beloved Church, and our Diocese in particular, one day per week. We will assail the throne of the heavenly grace, beseeching God to shine his light and favor upon us once again. We will continue this until we see such showers of blessing as the prophet Ezekiel has promised. I have made mention of how we are an army. Let us remember, that we wage our greatest battles upon our knees.
Let us find ways to demonstrate what St. Peter calls “fervent charity” among the brethren. The charity which is illustrated in the Gospel reading from Trinity 13, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This was charity that went out of its way to show compassion. It was not an accidental act of mercy; nor was it convenient. It was a charity that forced a man to neglect his own mission, and at his own expense do all that was necessary to show love for his brother. And then he followed up to be certain that all was well.
When we have born one another’s burdens, only then have we fulfilled the law of Christ.
When we come to know what is the length and breadth and depth and height of the unsearchable love; when our Rectors and Vicars so burn with a love for their sheep that they will gladly spend their lives to love them into heaven; when our people burn with love for one another and for their Pastors and Bishops, then the world will have something to see; a church that is truly aflame with the light of God Himself. We will be a city set on a hill which cannot be hidden. Men will see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven.
I have a vision for this Diocese, that urges us to look outward. For parishes to cease being ingrown, worried about finances, and fearful of the future. A vision where each parish is no longer only focused on itself as a tiny little kingdom to be guarded and built independently of other parishes and sees itself instead as a greater part of the Kingdom which cannot be shaken or moved.
It is also important to consider the place of our Seminary in the life of the Diocese. RES is an important institution, and if we are to be busy about the work of expanding church planting and missions, we much have men trained in the Anglican way to lead them. The dearth of orthodox seminaries is a worrisome condition in the modern Western Church; we must be prepared and committed to lead the way in this.
That brings us also to the current budgetary crises in the Diocese. We have been pursuing an unsustainable course in recent years. Strategic planning has begun to be certain that the Diocese will be alive and well for our children and grandchildren. The truth is, on our present path, we will run out of money at some point in the future. Knowing this is a mathematical certainty, we are required to take what we have by way of reserves and spend it all the more wisely to the Glory of God and the expansion of His Kingdom. We cannot simply sit on what has been entrusted to us. This, if anything, is the lesson we learn from the parable of the talents. All that we have is His, and there is no success to be found in burying what has been entrusted to us, because we are afraid.
In conclusion, what I see for our Diocese is hopefully what you see, and what I know Bishop Gillin sees. Our election is not a political one. It is not a contest between two rivals. It is not an event suitable for lobbying or campaigning. We seek the will of God. We can only seek His will by first seeking His face. It is never too early, or too late, to begin fasting and praying.
“Wherever Thy glory be best served, whenever, however, there, then, and in that state, let me Thy servant be. Only hide not from me Thy Divine Love. Help me to trust Thee to the utmost. Teach me to serve as Thou deservest: to give and not count the cost, to fight and not heed the wounds, to toil and not look for rest, to labor, and not ask for any reward, save that of knowing that I am doing Thy will. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN.” (St. Ignatius) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 2019-2020 Committee Members The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton – ex-officio The Rev. Jason Patterson The Rev. William Vowles - chairman Mrs. Meghan Bohlen The Rev. Gerald S. McLynn Mrs. Christine Specht
The following nominations are submitted by the Committee on Nominations for election at the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Officers
Ex-officio President: The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton First Vice-President: The Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin Second Vice-President: The Very Rev. Eduardo A. Andrade Secretary: The Rev. Tait Deems Standing Committee Class of 2022 (elected 2019) The Very Rev. Dr. Eric Jorgensen Ms. Gina Lloyd Previously Elected Class of 2021 The Rev. Cedric R. Benner Mr. Mark Hammett (replacement)
Class of 2020 The Rev. Jason Patterson Mr. Robert Miller
Ex-officio The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton The Rt Rev. R. Charles Gillin The Rev. Canon William Jenkins Trustees of the Diocese (entire slate up for election) The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton– ex-officio Mr. Zibusiso “Zie” Chilele The Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin Mrs. Barbara N. Hamarich The Rev. Canon William Jenkins Mr. William Kozma The Very Rev. Belgrave Pelle Mr. Michael McTigue The Rev. Jack Clark Mrs. Beverly Reese The Rev. William G. Garrison, Jr. Mr. Ronald Riches The Rev. Dcn. David France Mr. Gregory Wright Mr. Farrell Lawrence (new nominee) Board of Directors for the Theological Seminary Class of 2022 (up for election) The Rev. Jason Holloway The Rev. Robert Garrett Mr. Christopher Komline Previously Elected
Class of 2021 The Rev. Robert Emberger Dr. Guy Webster The Rev. Dr. Herbert Lusk
Class of 2020 The Very Rev. Dr. Julius Barnes Mrs. Diana Lopez Mr. Walter Laforet
Ex-officio The Most Rev. Ray R. Sutton The Very Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches Parochial Apportionment Committee (entire slate up for election) The Very Rev. Gregory J. Miller Mr. William Kozma The Very Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches Mr. George Lutz Mr. Ronald Riches
Changes From 2018-2019
Slots Vacated Standing Committee Nominated Replacement Jack Ross Mr. Mark Hammett.
Trustees New Nominee Mr. Farrell Lawrence Seminary Board (unchanged)
Respectfully Submitted,
William Vowles
The Rev. William Vowles, Chairman REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC COMMITTEE ON CANONS
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CANONS TO THE 139TH COUNCIL OF THE DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC
OCTOBER 15, 2019
The Committee on Canons reports as follows:
No business came before the Committee this year.
Respectfully submitted,
(The Rev.) M.P. Harrington, Chairman (The Rev.) Canon Jack W. Clark John D. Hendershot, Esquire REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINING CHAPLAINS
To the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Dear Brethren,
The Board of Examining Chaplains this past year consisted of the Very Rev. Dr. Eric Jorgensen, the Rev. Cedric R. Benner, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. The Rt. Rev. Dr. David Hicks served until July 31, 2019 and the Rt. Rev. Chuck Gillin served after that time. Deaconess Ruth Cresswell served as an adjunct member of the committee
The Board serves as the advisor to the bishop with regards to the examination process for candidates for ordination or transfer to the offices of permanent deacon, transitional deacon, and presbyter, as well as for candidates for the office of deaconess. We continue to work closely with Reformed Episcopal Seminary to ensure that the academic requirements for the candidates for each of these offices are met in the Licentiate and Master of Divinity programs. The Masters of Divinity program at Reformed Episcopal Seminary is the normative path for preparation for Ordination in this Diocese. Those planning to seek ordination in this Diocese are expected to complete their education at RES. Those who have completed their education at another seminary before pursuing postulancy or ordination here are generally required to pursue at least a Certificate in Anglican Studies at the Seminary. Situations are discussed on a case by case basis based on the standard requirement for each office in accordance with the canons.
Last year under Bishop Hicks an application fee of $150 was instituted to be submitted with any application for candidacy, beginning in November 2018. This fee covers basic administrative fees including criminal record checks and documents evaluation. Psychological testing and any required course fees would be paid separately.
In general candidates are given a study guide and when they are ready schedule a time for a proctored exam in which they have access to nothing but a laptop and write on examination questions assigned by the committee. The Bishop and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches are the members of the committee that select these exam questions and make arrangements for the administration of the written exams. The written exam is read by all of the examining chaplains who give comments to each other or through the Bishop. An oral exam is then scheduled with usually at least three examining chaplains participating. Since October 12, 2018 the following examinations were conducted or scheduled:
1. On Friday October 12, 2018, Dr. Thomas Thomas was examined for regularization for the diaconate. He was ordained in India by the Hallelujah Bible Church. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Russ Buchanan, and the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrcik. The examination was sustained. 2. On Thursday October 26, 2018 Matthew Maule was examined for ordination to the diaconate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, and the Rev. Russell Buchanan. The examination was sustained.
3. On Monday, February 18, 2019, Charles Mitchell was examined for reception as a presbyter to serve as rector of Redeemer Church, Jersey City, NJ. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. David Hicks, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches, and the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick. The examination was sustained.
4. On Wednesday, May 29, 2019 the Rev. Dcn. Tait Deems was examined for ordination to the presbyterate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Jason S. Patterson, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. The examination was sustained.
5. On Wednesday June 5, 2019, Dr. Derek Cooper was examined for reception as a presbyter, The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, and the Rev Russell Buchanan. The examination was sustained.
6. On Wednesday, September 4, 2019 the Rev. Dcn. Shawn Riley was examined for ordination to the presbyterate by the Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin, the Very Rev. Dr. Eric W. Jorgensen, the Rev. Cedric R. Benner, the Rev. Michael D.Fitzpatrick, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. The examination was sustained.
7. On Wednesday October 9, 2019 Aaron Cappucci was examined for ordination to the diaconate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Chuck Gillin, the Rev. Jason S. Patterson, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. The examination was sustained.
Respectfully Submitted,
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches Chairman Report of the Committee on Memorials To the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The Committee on Memorials serves the Council and the Diocese by collecting memorials of notable saints departed since the last meeting of the Council. The memorials listed below have been submitted this year.
The Rev. John Roxburgh Smith John was born November 10, 1936 in London, Ontario to Mildred and Hector Smith. Predeceased by his brother Garnet (Betty Smith). He died at the Hamilton General Hospital on December 6, 2018. He attended Hillfield College, Hamilton Teacher's College, and McMaster University. He served as an alderman for Hamilton during two different periods in his life, and from 1967-1977, he was the Conservative MPP for Hamilton Mountain. He was also Minister of Correctional Services and Minister of Government Services. For four years, he sat on the Immigration Refugee Board of Canada. His last quest in life was to convince the Provincial Government to replace the statue of Chief Tecumseh in the lobby of Queen's Park. During the exodus of refugees from Vietnam, he invited a small group of friends to form a federally registered charity known as The Mountain Fund To Help The Boat People. Over a period of fourteen years, the group brought hundreds of Vietnamese men, women, and children to Canada. In John's final days they came from everywhere to hold his hand. Late in life John was Ordained into the Reformed Episcopal Church (Anglican). He served as Rector of St. George's Hamilton for ten years and remained as Archdeacon. He lived his life according to a firm belief in the Gospel message. John leaves to mourn his wife of forty-two years, Judy (Pollard) Smith, their three children and four grandchildren: Hayley and Isaac Post and their children Edwina and Hamish of Alexandria, Virginia, Drew and Elizabeth Smith and their children Charlotte and Lucia of Burlington, John (Jock) Smith and his wife Ashley Robinson of Hamilton. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including Susan and Roy Smith of Kanata, and Murray and Maureen Smith of Constance Bay. Jan (Pollard) Rowe and Rob Rowe of Kingston will miss him, as will Brian and Gail Pollard of Spain.
Donald H Cox, Faith Church Baltimore: Don Cox was born in south Baltimore, July 30, 1946, the youngest of four boys. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church and attended St.Patrick’s Parish school as a boy. He joined Faith Church upon his marriage to Conchita (Chee) Shipley Roberts in March, 1978 on St. Patrick’s Day. The Rev. Ronnie Smith performed the ceremony. Don became active at Faith Church, serving on the vestry, as well as in the positions of Treasurer, Junior Warden and Senior Warden. He and his wife, Chee, served as delegates and alternates to Diocesan Council. In recent years Don’s health was declining. He was able to attend church until the last several months; after that he received communion at home. Don was called home suddenly on the morning of September 9, 2019. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Alice B. Nugent (1923-2019) was a lifelong Anglican and later in life (from 2010-2019) was a member of St. Mark’s Reformed Episcopal Church, where she attended faithfully. A Kindergarten teacher for 22 years, Mrs. Nugent’s abiding love for children was evident in her joyful embrace of the children of the parish and in her eager service in Vacation Bible School, as well as the many ways in which she helped the children of our parochial school (St. Mark’s Classical Academy). She was a member of the Women for Greater Philadelphia, the Colonial Dames 17th Century Club, the Philadelphia Story League, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (William Penn Chapter). Her husband of 64 years (James) predeceased her by a number of years.
Two of Good Shepherd’s saints who have gone to be with the Lord: Mrs. Joanne Walsh 89, served Good Shepherd since its inception in 1994. She participated and served in many ways at our parish. Her particular call and gift was the care and training of young children. She was the cornerstone of both a Day Care Center and a Christian School. A blessing indeed! Mrs. Frances Gonski 105, above all, was a praying women. She sought the Lord both day and night. Until a few years ago, she was present whenever we gathered as congregation. During the last two years at the Nursing Home, she was a great witness for Christ, beloved and respect by staff and residents alike. She is missed.
Grace Humphries, 95, died on July 3, 2019 just 4 days short of her 96th birthday. Grace was a long- time member of St. Luke’s Bishop Hoffman Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church and was our oldest member.
Other deaths in the past year:
- Pamela Lipka, sister of Kim Jenkins and sister-in-law of the Reverend Canon Bill Jenkins, Pamela passed away – c. 16 Feb 2019 - Howard France, father of The Rev. Dcn. David France died on April 8, 2019
- Norma Benner, mother of Reverend Cedric passed away c.27 May 2019
- Dorothy Duvall, mother of Esther Clark’s (wife of Canon Jack Clark) passed away in early July 2019.
We thank God for these His children who have been a blessing to His Church for so many years.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Dcn. David A. France, Chairman Report of the Christian Education Committee
To the One Hundred Thirty Ninth Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Two years ago this committee was reorganized and given the new task of assisting existing diocesan parochial schools to continue to grow towards maturity, and also of seeking opportunities to encourage and support Rectors in the establishment of new schools. Since that time, no new schools have been established. Three parochial schools of the diocese that enroll students in Kindergarten and above, St. Stephens Christian Academy, Christ Academy, and St. Mark’s Classical Academy, have continued to grow and to assist their congregations in fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission. One school of the diocese has closed this past year (the ministry of St. Alban’s REC in NYC). Though recognizing the significant potential ministries of pre-schools or various models of day-school, this committee is exclusively oriented towards parochial schools enrolling students in Kindergarten and above.
The rectors and other administrators of our diocesan schools are eager to support one another and to assist any others who are endeavoring to establish new schools. Let us know how we can serve and assist you! Schools provide parishes with excellent opportunities to fulfill their baptismal vows, to evangelize, to catechize, to contribute to the growth of their congregations, and to offer gainful employment to qualified members of their parish. Please pray for our diocesan schools and support them in whatever ways you are able.
Respectfully submitted, The Very Rev’d Jason Patterson, Chair Report for the Committee on Young People’s Work
To the One Hundred and Thirty-Ninth Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Dear Brethren,
The COYPW has once again sponsored a number of camps and retreats in the year gone by aimed at forging and strengthening the faith of diocesan youth. While common threads could certainly be spotted, our winter camp and summer camp did not have an expressly unified theme. This past winter, the Fr. Tait Deems taught the assembled campers on the topic “Jesus Christ’s Transforming Love.” As our retreat coincided with the august feast of St. Paul’s Conversion, special attention was paid to how Christ’s love was manifested in the life of the Apostle.
At summer camp, Fr. Jason Holloway and Canon Bill Jenkins guided the campers through a series entitled “Encounters with Jesus: Matthew 8-10.” Both men taught on the changed lives experienced by the sick, possessed, and those otherwise in need of Christ’s love and power. The COYPW extends its heartfelt thanks to both men for giving so graciously of their time and energy to educate our young people.
I always like to take time to thank our speakers. But there are so many who make our camps a success. Our counselors, who are too numerous to name here, do a fabulous job of running activities, inspiring students, leading devotions, answering questions, and a host of other responsibilities. This past summer, in particular, some folks who have never taken on the role of counselor volunteered and did an exceptional job-some volunteering at the last minute. Thank you!
Mike and Stephanie Blitz and Allison Jenkins are all great at planning and implementing schedules. And there are others who pull “double-duty” like Emily Harmer who counsels, plans our bonfires, and cares for the physical fitness of our campers. And there are others I know I’m overlooking. When I stop and think about it, there are so many people doing so many things to make these camps memorable and edifying for our children. Praise God for all of you!
Upcoming events in 2020 include Winter Camp from February 14-16 and Summer Camp is July 26th-August 1st. We look forward to seeing you all there!
As always, we desire your prayers as we seek to aid parishes and families in raising godly young men and women. That is the most important thing I can request of all reading this. If in reflecting on the COYPW’s work you feel led to contribute, either financially or with your presence at an event, we would sincerely appreciate it. But much more importantly, the Lord will honor your sacrifice.
Yours in the Divine Mercy,
Billy Jenkins REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF THE DIOCESE
To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren,
Sixty-four percent of NEMA parishes participated in the survey. This report is a compilation of the statistics submitted by those parishes.
In an attempt to make the collection and reporting process more convenient and efficient, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the instructions for its use were made available on the NEMA website in February 2019. The spreadsheet is designed for ease of use by parishes in entering and submitting (via email) data, including automated calculations that are a regular part of the statistical report. This year, there was again a similar process executed by the ACNA during February/March 2019 – ACNA Congregational Reporting – in which NEMA parishes participated. The data requested by the ACNA is a subset of the statistics mandated by NEMA’s Canons. This NEMA survey for 2019 data will be scheduled to be coincident with the ACNA process.
The data submitted in this survey does not lend itself to even basic analysis as not all of the data submitted conforms to established definitions. However, here are a few basic observations derived from the 2018 raw data in the survey report:
† Overall NEMA membership decreased by 29 souls during 2018; † Respondents reported total receipts of $3,185,608 and a total tithe of $213,289 for a raw percentage rate of 6.7%; † Forty-four percent of respondents reported expenditures exceeded revenue. Performance for the total of all respondents was that revenues fell short of expenditures by $50,886.
Thanks to all those involved at each parish in gathering and reporting statistics for 2018, to Greg Wright for the work in setting up the website forms and instructions and publishing the reports, and Diocesan staff for help in all. All your efforts are much appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald E. Riches Chairman
v2.0 Report Page 1 of 1 19.10.29 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2018 Statistical Report
Previous Letter of Sufficient Letter of Moved to Current Baptized PARISH Location Membership Confirmations Transfer Evidence Transfer Inactive Status Death Membership Members Families Baptisms Bishop Cummins Catonsville, MD 144 2 -8 -3 135 4 86 1 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ NO REPORT Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA 14 1 -1 14 5 Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA NO REPORT Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ NO REPORT Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 36 1 -2 -1 34 25 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA FINANCIAL DATA ONLY 40 Faith Baltimore, MD 65 2 3 -4 -2 58 31 1 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY NO REPORT Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 89 6 94 18 46 1 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 127 5 1 1 -18 116 46 69 4 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT St. George's Ontario, Canada 137 -4 133 1 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 44 -1 -1 42 29 2 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 24 24 8 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 12 -1 11 7 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 103 5 2 110 45 50 6 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ 100 6 -50 -3 53 6 45 6 St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 74 2 -2 74 1 35 1 St. Paul's Oreland, PA 33 1 -3 31 1 20 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD NO REPORT St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 206 9 -4 -1 210 70 5 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ NO REPORT TOTALS - 2018 1,208 27 2 12 -2 -81 -20 1,179 121 526 28
State of the Diocese Report v1.3 on 19.10.29 Chart Page 1 of 4 19.10.29 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2018 Statistical Report
Sunday Youth Women's Men's Vacation General Dividends/ Designated Property PARISH Location Weddings Funerals School Fellowship Fellowship Fellowship Bible School Fund Interest Gifts/Income Sale/Rent Bishop Cummins Catonsville, MD 1 4 36 10 32 14 326,529 420 11,557 4,548 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ NO REPORT Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA 1 7 6 7 25 44,266 41,750 163,968 Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA NO REPORT Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ NO REPORT Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 1 3 16 139,000 20,000 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA FINANCIAL DATA ONLY 66,508 708 6,137 Faith Baltimore, MD 2 20 12 93,548 5,994 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY NO REPORT Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 21 19 8 214,882 103 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 1 215,324 148,919 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT St. George's Ontario, Canada 4 12 8 10 6 26 86,735 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 1 1 17 89,489 1 22,040 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 7 5 55 83,797 39,210 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 1 15 9 27,870 12,888 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 1 51 9 23 210,688 35,932 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ 3 3 29 17 18 12 105,187 42,000 St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 1 30 6 14 7 24 201,938 257,924 St. Paul's Oreland, PA 3 11 127,622 15,363 3,382 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD NO REPORT St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 2 69 11 26 27 132 299,531 3,783 16,067 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ NO REPORT TOTALS - 2018 9 21 328 68 160 81 285 2,332,914 16,595 609,516
State of the Diocese Report v1.3 on 19.10.29 Chart Page 2 of 4 19.10.29 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2018 Statistical Report
Savings/Port- Total Per Capita Personnel/ Local Ministry Capital Non-RE General Fund PARISH Location folio Income Receipts Giving Benefits Expense Diocesan Tithe Improvements RE Missions Missions to Savings Bishop Cummins Catonsville, MD 343,054 2,419 176,331 107,717 30,308 4,116 31,363 13,990 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ - NO REPORT Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA 249,984 3,162 20,700 47,357 2,161 30,000 6,200 Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA - NO REPORT Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ - NO REPORT Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 159,000 4,088 87,000 18,400 14,400 24,600 5,000 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 73,353 1,663 22,473 19,025 6,485 6,576 Faith Baltimore, MD 99,542 1,613 65,707 19,041 7,150 860 207 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY - NO REPORT Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 214,985 2,288 129,693 41,063 21,410 6,752 Grace Scranton, PA - NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 364,243 4,093 218,761 59,946 25,892 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT St. George's Ontario, Canada 86,735 652 44,743 22,915 7,598 702 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 111,530 2,179 40,167 19,052 4,079 1,271 8,659 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 123,007 3,492 62,593 32,087 7,064 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 40,758 2,534 13,660 11,434 1,387 1,600 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 246,620 1,915 120,951 83,226 21,068 14,917 796 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ 147,187 1,985 52,400 6,210 3,000 1,200 600 St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 459,862 2,729 120,900 27,605 20,416 21,600 St. Paul's Oreland, PA 146,367 4,117 158,205 25,206 14,592 27,712 52,524 60,637 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD - NO REPORT St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 319,381 1,426 159,767 122,208 29,279 11,000 4,900 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ NO REPORT TOTALS - 2018 3,185,608 2,702 1,494,051 662,492 213,289 105,047 135,542 100,193
State of the Diocese Report v1.3 on 19.10.29 Chart Page 3 of 4 19.10.29 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2018 Statistical Report
Total General Total Building Designated Total Expenses/- Income in Excess PARISH Location Fund Expense Fund Expense Gifts (Total) Disbursements of Disbursements Bishop Cummins Catonsville, MD 363,825 363,825 (20,771) Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ - NO REPORT - - Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA 106,418 21,253 11,516 139,187 110,797 Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA - NO REPORT - - Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ - NO REPORT - - Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 149,400 149,400 9,600 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 54,559 54,559 18,794 Faith Baltimore, MD 92,965 3,475 3,117 99,557 (15) First (St. Alban's) New York, NY - NO REPORT - - Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 198,918 198,918 16,067 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 326,072 3,020 20,964 325,562 38,681 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT St. George's Ontario, Canada 75,958 6,789 82,747 3,988 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 73,228 49,407 350 122,985 (11,455) St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 101,744 7,880 109,624 13,383 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 28,081 8,451 4,055 40,587 171 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 240,598 17,435 258,033 (11,413) St. Mary's Bronx, NJ 63,410 63,410 83,777 St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 190,521 177,945 52,062 420,528 39,334 St. Paul's Oreland, PA 338,876 130,451 469,327 (322,960) St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD - NO REPORT - - St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 327,154 3,591 330,745 (11,364) St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ - NO REPORT - (7,500) TOTALS - 2018 2,731,727 400,791 120,970 3,228,994 (50,886)
State of the Diocese Report v1.3 on 19.10.29 Chart Page 4 of 4 19.10.29 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE BASSINGER HOME FUND
To the One Hundred Thirty Ninth Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church In keeping with the charge of our Constitution and Canons, the Bassinger Home Fund continues to afford a certain amount of protection to the clergy of this Diocese against infirmity, age, and death. By the grace of our God, we were not called upon to meet to answer any specific crisis in this fiscal year. We are thankful for our Lord’s care and remain willing to assist when needed. The following information is provided for your general benefit: The life insurance and disability program has now been transferred to the General Council Board of Pensions and Relief. The new plan has increased levels of coverage and is very affordable. All fulltime clergy are required to participate. The premium for both Life Insurance and Disability Insurance is now $560.00 per year. Our own history has clearly demonstrated minimum levels of disability protection necessary for our full-time clergymen. As a result, the Committee has established certain policies and repeats its suggestions to our clergy for coverage. These are as follows: That, prior to or in conjunction with joining the group program, each person establishes individual disability insurance. The Committee has adopted the following guidelines for financial assistance of disabled clergymen: The Committee will not be able to provide financial assistance in the event of disability if: 1. The clergyman has opted out of Social Security and in addition to membership in the General Council Group plan, has not purchased private disability insurance in benefit amounts of no less than $1,100 a month with a rider adjusting the benefit for inflation. This minimum figure is necessary to replace Social Security and Medicare benefits that are lost to the clergy by filing of Form 4361. 2. The clergyman is still in Social Security but has not joined the group plan and has not purchased individual disability insurance, unless unqualified for health reasons. The new General Council plan provides $50,000.00 in Life Insurance Coverage and up to $2000.00 per month of Disability Insurance. The annual premium for the plan is $560.00 and will be due January 1, of each year. If you are new to the REC or have not yet enrolled, please contact the General Council Headquarters. A Retirement Plan: The Retirement Plan for our clergy is administered by the General Council Board of Pensions and Relief. This pension program requires churches to make contributions on behalf of their pastors amounting to 12% of the total of the pastor's base salary (less all benefits), his housing allowance and/or fair rental value of the Rectory, and the Rectory utilities. Please note, the pension contribution for 2019 with supporting form is due no later than January 15, 2020. Effective in 2012, the contribution was raised to 12% by action of the General Council of the REC. The plan document allows Churches to make additional contributions to an employee’s account in excess of the stipulated 12% amount. This contribution may not be funded by a salary reduction. It must be made directly from Church funds. Checks should be made payable to the Board of Pensions and Relief of the REC and sent to the Board at 200 Glen Gary Drive, Havertown PA 19083. Questions call Rev. Abboud at (610) 449-6267. Christian charity and careful stewardship are both mandated by God's Word. The Committee administers the Bassinger Home Fund with an eye to both. We, once again, encourage the delegates of this Council to advise their parishes regarding the fund and its work. We encourage you to assure that the needs of your pastor and his family are cared for in good health, in disability, in retirement, and in death.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jason Holloway Sr., Chairman REPORT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
To the 139th Council of the Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
"(12). A Committee on Public Relations, consisting of five members, which shall endeavor to publicize by various news media all events and matters of interest occurring in the Diocese and its Parishes."
Once again the statistical snapshot of our Diocese is not encouraging. Another parish has had to be merged into a sister church, and four or five more are in danger of dropping into mission parish status. Only three of the parishes reporting recorded an increase in membership. And the tithe to the Diocese is still not being met. Five parishes did not tithe AT ALL last year, and three have not done so in nine months this year. How can that be?
How do these concerns reflect on the issues of Public Relations? Fundamentally, they tell us that we are not reaching out and welcoming new members into our churches as we ought to. A few new church planting efforts in the last year have not made up for the loss of members in our existing churches. Despite the initiative of our denomination to focus on planting new churches, the REC100 effort, we are not "bringing it home" in our own parishes. To use the term of a previous speaker at Council, we have "plateaued", and may even be on a slide downward.
The heart of Public Relations is communications, and the impressions we communicate to the public come from three sources - our individual witness, the witness of the corporate body of the parish to which we belong, and the efforts of our Diocese as put forward by the Diocesan leaders and staff.
In the parish, the witness and example of our corporate worship and community service draws public attention to our beliefs and lifestyle. We most visibly differentiate ourselves from other churches by the liturgical format of our service. As a distinctive, this needs to be more openly celebrated. The Anglican liturgy brings a greater measure of the historical worship of the Church Catholic, and scripture-infused prayer, than the endless repetition of emotion-laden praise choruses of contemporary evangelical churches. We do it better, and we should be proud of our heritage.
On the diocesan level, our relationship with the public has to do with how those outside the church see us corporately. Some of that has to do with such platforms as websites, Facebook groups and YouTube channels that we populate with images of our worship and service to the community. Our bishops and clergy are also a part of our public image, and their actions and statements can positively or negatively affect our public perception. In a world that is dominated by professionally prepared media, the R.E. Church sadly spends almost nothing on its own media image. Other Anglican dioceses have staff members solely devoted to communications both within and without the diocese.
The primary means of relating to the public that we have is through the Diocesan website at WWW.REC-NEMA.ORG. If you are here at Council you must have visited that, because all of our work to organize this Council has been presented to you on our website. But did you notice the blog we have of Diocesan activities and resources? Did you notice the Diocesan Calendar? Or the Bishop's Schedules? Or even the maps and lists of other parishes? Our website is the heart of our public presence, but it needs your support. We need more stories of what your parishes are doing.
Each year we create two feature pages, one for Advent & Christmas and the other for Lent & Easter. Several parishes have told us that they got visitors who found them by googling Christmas or Easter services through those pages. As you return to your parishes, please help us gather information of what your parish is doing special for these two liturgical seasons.
Another aspect of web presence this diocese has is through the websites that each parish maintains. We are sad to report that these have not been doing very well over the last year. Another one or two of them have fallen "off the grid", and most of them have barely been maintained or upgraded in the last year. We hope to try to do something about that as well next year.
When you mention a new organization to a young person these days, the first thing they are likely to do is to google it's website. And their impression of your organization is usually formed in the first 15 seconds or so. How the "splash page" looks, how the information is presented, how useful and easy your site is, all communicate to a young person whether they will find your parish interesting or not worth their time. Ask a few young people you know to look at your parish website and tell you what they think of it. Ask them whether it draws them toward your parish or turns them away. In this age, our website is like our main road-side sign. Its job is to draw people in, not show them how poorly we communicate who we are. If you need help in evaluating or improving your parish web presence, please contact this committee via the Diocesan Office.
The good news for the year is the launch of a new Diocesan Newsletter, NEMA News. The first issue came out in September, and another is slated for late November. If you have not seen this yet, we are not surprised. We sent it via email to all members of the clergy, but after one month discovered that it had not been opened by nearly 40% of recipients. We hope the Council members here go home and ask their clergy for a copy, and we intend to send the next issue to more recipients.
Another new initiative is our Facebook group "REC Diocese of Northeast & Mid Atlantic ACNA". As we receive more information for our website we will also be sharing it via our Facebook group. Please join our group, and tell other members of your home parish about it. It also links to other RE groups such as REC100, the Seminary, the RE Board of Foreign Missions and other RE and ACNA Dioceses. We would like to link to your parish too, and repost items of interest that you put up.
A different aspect of Public Relations that we have been looking into is that of Crisis Management. How is your parish prepared to deal with an "active shooter" situation, or an allegation of child sexual abuse? Does your parish concern itself with the digital security of membership or financial giving reports? When these issues are handled wrong or not prepared for, they become a serious situation that makes us look negligent and drives others away from us. These situations, even the tragic ones, can be better deterred, or if that fails then dealt with, by preparing plans ahead of time. If you are concerned about these issues, please contact the Diocesan Office or this committee.
Respectfully submitted, Gregory Wright, Chairman REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND NURTURE
To the One Hundred Thirty-Ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The primary function of this committee has been to sponsor a retreat for pastors, their wives and others involved in the ministry of the Church serving in this diocese. In the past few years we have been reaching out to Senior Wardens encouraging them to do their best to help their pastor and his wife attend the retreat. We are doing so in this report so that those attending this council will encourage their Senior Wardens to do their best to help their pastors and their wives attend the retreat. We offer special “thanks” again to Bishop Gillin for encouraging and advertising this ministry along with the work of Mrs. Kim Jenkins.
This past year the focus of the retreat was on the marital lessons from The Screwtape Letters. We received great insights in each session, especially on how to protect our marriages from the temptations of the devil. The attendance was increased even over last year’s great attendance. All who attended benefitted from the fellowship enjoyed.
The dates of this next year’s retreat are January 30th to February 1st . We will be meeting again at the beautiful and comfortable Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA. The focus this year will be on themes from the book “The Mystery of Marriage” by Mike Mason. Please make sure to register by December 20, 2019. You can download a registration form online or use the one provided in your packet.
Respectfully submitted, The Very Rev. Eric W. Jorgensen Committee Chairman Registration Form “Vows”
Friday continued Name(s)______
Name of roommate requested: 10:15 AM- Break ______10:30 AM- Session #3 Check or complete appropriate “Intimacy and Sex” line(s)
12:00 PM- Lunch provided _____ Entire retreat for 2 – $375
_____ Entire retreat for 1 (single FREE AFTERNOON occupancy) -$295.00.
Schedule 6:00 PM- Dinner at various local _____ Entire retreat for 1 (double restaurants occupancy) –$225.00. Thursday 1/30/20 (Groups will be formed if desired) _____ 2 arriving Friday PM -$225.00. 3:00-7:00 PM - Registration/Check-in (Dinner on your own) 9:00 PM- Evening Prayer _____ 1 arriving Friday PM (single occupancy)-$200.00. 8:00PM – Evening Prayer
9:00PM – Session #1 Saturday 2/1/20 _____ TOTAL $ ENCLOSED “Otherness Breakfast provided Mail check payable to: 10:00 PM- social hour 9:30 AM- Holy Communion The Reformed Episcopal Church Friday 1/31/20 10:30 AM- Session #4 Mail the registration to: Breakfast provided “Death” Mr. Ron Riches 9:00AM - Morning Prayer 11:30 AM- pack up and head for home REC Dioceses of the NE (Lunch on your own) 826 Second Ave. 9:30AM - Session #2 Blue Bell, PA 19422-1257
The Mysteries of Come join us for a Marriage relaxing and Mr. Ron Riches A retreat for Pastors, REC NE their wives, and others in reflective weekend 826 Blue Bell, PA 10422-1257 ministry. as we learn from Thursday, January 30th God’s Word how to thru Saturday, February 1, 2020 strengthen our at marriages Best Western Eden Resort Routes 30 & 272 Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-6444
Entire Retreat Package includes: *2 nights at hotel *2 buffet breakfasts *1 lunch * Fellowship *4 teaching sessions *Indoor pool *All taxes & gratuities *Free time Report of the Committee on the History of the Diocese To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Dear Brethren:
The mission of the Committee on the History of the Diocese is to collect and preserve materials related to our history and also to produce materials that communicate that history to and for the Church.
We search the internet and other locations for items related to the history of the Diocese and the Reformed Episcopal Church and as we are able see that the Reformed Episcopal Seminary acquires such items for its library and archives. Thanks to all those who continue to send us documents to help preserve our history. We very fondly remember the Ven. John Smith, who regularly sent us notes, articles, and archivable material. We offer thanks and praise for the role he took in helping to preserve our history and supporting the church and the Seminary. The Committee continues to collect materials that will help future students and researchers understand the life of our churches and diocese. Please send materials that describe important events in the life of your parish and clergy. These may include newsletters, bulletins, certificates, news clippings, pictures, and other mementos.
Reformed Episcopal Seminary Kuehner Library-Diocesan Archives 826 Second Avenue Blue Bell, PA 19422
When submitting materials please include a list indicating when and where they are from. Make sure pictures are appropriately labeled as well. The Rev. Russ Buchanan and the Rev. Deacon Vic Broberg, Librarians at Reformed Episcopal Seminary and other committee members endeavor to archive and catalog items so that they are more accessible now and for years to come. It is important that whenever possible materials documenting the history and important events in the life of your parish and people be submitted for preservation. If in doubt of whether to send an item to us, please go ahead and send it!
It is our long-term vision, working together with the Most Rev. Ray Sutton and the other Reformed Episcopal committees devoted to history, to eventually have an exhibit or museum on Reformed Episcopal Church history to be housed at the Seminary. If you have ideas or items for this exhibit or would like to serve on the special committee to be established to work on this please see me.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches Chairman Report of the Committee on Men’s Ministry To the One Hundred Thirty-ninth Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren; The Committee of the Ministry to Men did not plan any Denominational events for this year. The Committee seeks to be available to provide support and resources for our parishes in their outreach to men.
Respectfully Submitted, In Christ Service,
The Rev. Mark A. Specht, Chairman
The Rev. Mark A. Specht Mr. Scott Applebaum The Very Rev. Eduardo Andrade Mr. Gerald Higham The Rev. Andrew Brummett Mr. Rupert Jeremy The Rev. Robert Appleton Mr. Farrell Lawrence The Rev. Roderick Lee Mr. Wayne Patterson The Rev. Harold Currie Mr. Jack Ross Report of the Special Committee on Foreign Missions To the 139nd Diocesan council of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
November, 2019
The Committee did not meet but is able to pass on information primarily retrieved from the denomination’s website on foreign missions www.recbfm.org/default.html
Item 1- The work in Croatia, Serbia and Hungary continues under the leadership of Bishop Jasmin Milic. Detailed news of their beginnings and present ministries can be found in their newsletter called The Cry. Their central office is a renovated 400 year old building and is also home of the Michael Starin Seminary, the Royal U. Grote Library, the Reformation Heritage Museum and Good Shepherd parish.
Item 2- The work in Germany continues under Bishop Gerhard Meyer. Currently there are nine parishes and mission works. Christ Church in Berlin is the most recent start up and is lead by the Rev. David Ayres. Opportunities to minister at Knull Camp are available every year.
Item 3- Work in Nepal continues with no updates this past year.
Item 4- The Rev. Robert Gresser and his wife Traci and their children ministered in Malawi from March 17 to July 17 of this year. Fr. Robert taught at the theological college in Zomba while also assisting at St. Georges Anglican Church, also in Zomba. Unfortunately, the living situation was not sustainable for the family making it necessary that they return home.
Item 5- A great deal is happening in Cuba. There is anticipation of opening a seminary in Moa, Cuba. When completed the building will include 3 sleeping rooms for 12 people, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room/classroom for teaching and events. Good pastoral care is being reported in the centre of the country. Immediate needs are water filter systems as $100 buys a family of four a healthy water purifier. Med-Pacs can also be purchased through Canadian Pharmaceutical at 10% the cost. Finally, they are praying for the purchase of an electric scooter that will be used for pastoral care. Donations can be made through the Central and Eastern REC Diocese of Canada 157 Haddon Ave. North Hamilton, Ontario, L8s 4A7
Item 6- Circle of Three project has the core concept of the partnering of two domestic parishes with a foreign parish or ministry for the purpose of prayer and communication. The key of this project is for each parish to appoint a Missions Advocate in each parish to coordinate information exchanged. If your parish is not a part of this project please contact the Rev. John Boonzaaijer [email protected]. Item 7- The health of the Rev. Bill Jerden has necessitated his resignation as Executive Secretary of the REC Board of Foreign Missions. Bill and Diane were great assets to the mission work of our denomination. We continue to pray for God’s mercy to be applied to Bill’s health that he might be restored to the work he so faithfully carried out.
Respectfully Submitted, The Very Rev. Eric W. Jorgensen From Bishop Sutton Meet Our Newest Missionaries
Founded in 1873 in the United States, the Re- The Rev. Canon Robert Gresser and his wife formed Episcopal Church has since established Traci, along with their sons Andrew and Peter, interna onal jurisdic ons and consecrated recently completed an assignment in Zomba, bishops in Canada (1876), the United Kingdom Malawi (East Africa), where Fr. Bob taught one (1877), Germany (2006), Croa a (2013), and term at the Leonard Kamungu Anglican School Cuba (2013). of Theology. They have since returned to the US, where Fr. Bob is comple ng his Ph.D. stud- The REC Board of Foreign Missions has set a ies in Old Testament, but they are open to pur- goal to raise $25,000 this Advent to cover the suing another mission opportunity in theologi- cost of bringing our missionaries, as well as cal educa on in the future. our interna onal bishops and their wives from Germany, Croa a, and Cuba, and including lodging for the REC English Bishops, John Fen- wick and Paul Hunt, to General Council next The Rev. Deacon Jared Wensyel and his wife summer, bringing together our interna onal REC Board of Abbi, who live in Hesse, Germany, were re- REC family. cently approved by the REC Council of Bishops Foreign Missions Contribu ons received beyond the amount and Board of Foreign Missions to serve as mis- required for travel and accommoda ons will sionaries represen ng the REC. Deacon Jared, Advent Offering be used for mission projects in Cuba, Germa- who is fluent in German, is a church planter ny, and Croa a. and will be star ng a mission in Frankfurt. He was ordained to the diaconate in August 2019 2019 Thank you in Christ, by Bishop Meyer and will be serving under his The Most Rev. Ray R. Su on, Ph.D. authority.
Welcoming our fellow How to Support The Rev. David Ayres and his wife Patricia, laborers in Christ 1) Offer your help to promote the Advent who live in Germany, have completed their Offering in your parish. applica on to the Board of Foreign Missions. from the 2) Make a secure online dona on at: Before moving to Berlin, Fr. David served as h p://www.recbfm.org/donate Rector of St. Luke’s-Bishop Hofmann Memorial Reformed Episcopal Reformed Episcopal Church in Philadelphia or mail a check to: and also as Dean of the Pennsylvania REC Cler- Church in Germany, BFM Treasurer gy Convoca on. He currently serves as a The Very Rev. Jason R. Grote church planter under Bishop Meyer’s authority Croa a, and Cuba 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd at Christ Church Anglican in Berlin, which uses Ste H120 #642 a tradi onal English-language liturgy that in- Katy, TX 77494 corporates some German elements. Croatia Germany Cuba
Bishop Jasmin and Tamara Milić Bishop Gerhard and Grace Meyer Bishop Willians and Reina Suarez The Milićs were married on February 18, The Meyers were married on May 31, 1973. Bishop Willians and his wife Reina have two 1995. They have two children, a son Mihael They have four daughters, Melody, Joy, Esther, children and four grandchildren. He began his and a daughter Ivana, who are 22 and 20 and Jessica, all of whom a ended REC Semi- ministry in 1992 in the Bap st Church, and in respec vely. Tamara Milić, who is a nurse in nary for a year. Bishop Meyer especially enjoys 2008, he was received into the Reformed Epis- a transfusion center, has worked alongside teaching in Seminary and evangelis c preach- copal Church. He was ordained as a Presbyter her husband developing the church’s minis- ing. Grace oversees most of the prac cal logis- in the San Marcos Parish. In 2009 he was ap- try to children. Bishop Milić enjoys an espe- cially far-reaching and ac ve online ministry. cs for the conference center ministry: meal pointed as Dean of the Cuban Missionary Dis- As o en as he can, he posts his sermons prepara on, cleaning and organizing lodging, trict Reformed Episcopal Seminary and Execu- online as video. He writes, “It’s an incredible and does the bookkeeping. She also oversees ve Secretary of the Missionary District. In blessing when you get a phone call from the Jause, a snack bar/coffee house outreach 2012, at the First Auxiliary Council of the Mis- someone you've never met, calling to discuss and evangelism ministry on the edge of the sionary District, he was appointed as Archdea- your last sermon.” Knull conference grounds that is open most con of the District. He serves under the author- weekends for hikers and other passers-by in ity of Bishop Charles Dorrington of Canada. this tourist region. She oversees Chris an vol- unteers and part- me staff in these ac vi es. Report of the Short Term Missions Committee
The Short Term Missions Committee sponsored a one week mission trip to Aliquippa, PA during the week of August 5-10, 2019. The trip consisted of doing physical repair to property for people in need, engaging in door-to-door evangelism, participating in a bicycle ministry called Communicycle, and joining a local bible study, along with other activities.
In addition to the Luth family, this year we added the Rev. Shawn Riley and his son, Colin, along with the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick. Everyone found the trip transformative. The Rev. Paul Luth stated,
“To summarize my experience in Aliquippa PA during the 2019 NEMA Short Term Mission Trip, I would say it is a golden opportunity that should be on the radar of every Parish Priest and Church Council in our Diocese. This annual trip is a one week intensive hands on training in front porch ministry, working shoulder to shoulder with many full and part time Evangelists and Pastors whose contagious enthusiasm soaks into your body and soul and helps you to imagine “what can we do in our home parish?” There is ample time to network with people who know and flush out ideas that will improve your game plan when you get back home. The friendships we have made and the seeds we planted together make for a powerful experience. I can't wait to go back again next year, it is the highlight of the summer for me and my whole family.”
The likely dates for next year’s trip are August 10-15, 2019 in Aliquippa, PA. More information and a brochure will be available soon.
In Christ, The Very Rev. Greg Miller THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” -Isaiah 26:3
The Committee of Women’s Ministry has seen the hand of God directing this ministry of the REC. We gladly report that our annual Women’s Day project offering luncheon has exceeded what we had prayed for both in attendance and giving. Our goal for assisting in the printing of the handbook for visitation of the sick was $7,500, and we raised $8,300. The number of ladies that were able to participate in a luncheon in their own diocese also increased to 243.
Our diocese had a wonderful turnout at St. Stephen’s, the host church, with 52 in atten- dance on May 4, 2019. We thank the ladies of St. Stephen’s for an outstanding day.
On October 11-13, 2019, our ladies gathered for our 63rd Spiritual Enrichment Confer- ence. Fifty women met at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Williamsburg, VA. Sixteen churches for four of our dioceses were represented. We were delighted to have Georgette Forney, President of Anglicans for Life, as our keynote speaker and Sarah Benner, our workshop facilitator. We were also happy to have ten first-timers. Our ladies enjoyed a new location, challenging messages, and fellowship with our sisters in Christ.
Again, I hope our women are using the devotional book printed by COWM. This year, it is a reprint from 1987-88: Joy, written by Lucille A. Williams. The theme for the year is derived from the devotional and adds continuity to the year’s activity.
In closing, I always try to encourage the women to join in the work of the church locally and nationally. We have the good news that can change lives. Plan now to be part of this change by joining, praying, and inviting others to attend these meetings. If your need more information, contact the Committee on Women’s Ministry.
To Him be the glory, both now and forever. Amen.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Higham Chairperson, NEMAC 215-517-6928 Pro Life Activities 2019
January 17-18, 2019, members of the diocese attended the Anglican for Life Summit in Falls Church, Va. and walked in the Pro Life Walk in Washington, D.C.
January is the anniversary of Roe vs Wade. Many churches within the diocese held Pro Life Sundays and sent a designated offering to Anglicans for Life.
Throughout the year St. Peter’s actively supported 2 Pregnancy Centers, one in Elkton, Md. and one in Dover, De. with donations of needed items. We also attended an annual fundraiser for the Heritage Pregnancy and Family Health Center in Elkton, Md. which showcased a Comedian named Mike Williams. This was a very successful fundraiser.
In October women of our diocese attended the 63rd Spiritual Enrichment Conference in Williamsburg, Va. Our guest speaker was Georgette Forney, Director of Anglicans for Life, who told her story.
Future Pro Life Activities
We are truly hoping more people from the diocese will join us for the Anglicans for Life Summit to again be held in Falls Church, Va. and participate in the annual Pro Life Walk in Washington, D.C. beginning January 23-24, 2020. Anglicans for Life offers transportation to the Walk from the conference building in Falls Church, Va. Do contact them at AnglicansforLife.org to make your reservation for the conference or the Walk.
Let us all demonstrate that we do value life by getting more involved with Pro Life Organizations and Events and by supporting and sharing Pro Life Activity information in our communities, being aware of upcoming legislation, and by learning more about life issues from conception to natural death.
In His Service,
Esther N. Clark October 19, 2019 What can I or my church do to protect life?
1. Choose a Life Leader in your church to accept and distribute Pro Life information from Anglicans for Life and other sources. Contact me, Esther Clark, Pro Life Advocate for our diocese with your email address. I can be contacted at [email protected] or at 302-359-0274. 2. Research what bills are coming up in your state legislature concerning life. 3. Vote for only 100% Pro Life candidates. 4. Write letters or send emails to your representatives and senators sharing your life values. 5. Hold a voter registration day/night gathering. PoliticalResponsibility.org 6. Organize a Candidates forum on life issues. 7. Join a Pro Life group such as your state’s Right to Life group. 8. Distribute Pro Life voter guides in your community. 9. Circulate Pro Life legislative petitions to get initiatives on the ballot. 10. Attend Pro Life events such as local Pro Life Walks sponsored by Local Pregnancy Centers and Right to Life Organizations. 11. Volunteer and encourage donations of items to Pregnancy Centers and Pro Life Organizations. (These organizations have a list of items they need). 12. Sponsor an annual Baby Shower for your local Pregnancy Help Center. 13. Volunteer or visit Hospice Centers and nursing homes to encourage our elderly. 14. Volunteer to man a booth at your local state fair to support Right to Life. They also have numerous pamphlets to pick up and review. 15. Encourage older children and adults to watch the movie ‘Unplanned’ together. It is a movie based on fact from a former Planned Parenthood Director named Abbey Johnson. 16. Most importantly, research, research, research and learn how to answer questions from pro-abortion minded individuals and those supporting euthenasia. Carenet.org is a great source for information.