01-DC17-CouncilScheduleV6 3 02-DC17-Directions 4 03-DC2014-OrderOfBusiness 6 04-REC_rules_of_order 7 06-RECNEMA-ParishTitheCalcForm15 8 07-NEMACredentials2017 9 11-DC17-ProgramComm 10 12-DC17-BishopHicks 11 13-DC17-BishopGillin 19 14-DC17-StandingComm 22 15-DC17-TrusteesSecretary 24 16-DC17-TrusteesTreasurers v1.0 26 17-DC17-RESBoard 43 18-DC17-RESDean 45 19-DC17-RESPnLYTD17 50 20-DC17-CanonMissioner 54 21-DC17-NominationsV3 56 23-DC17-ExamChaplains 58 24-DC17-MemorialsV2 59 26-DC17-YoungPeoplesWork 62 27-DC17-EvanChGrowthDev 63 28-DC17-StateDioceseV2 64 29-DC17-StateDioceseStatsV2 65 30-DC17-LooneyHoffman 69 31-DC17-BassingerFund 71 32-DC17-PublicRelations 73 33-DC17-AuditCover 75 34-DC17-SpiritualGrowth 76 35-Retreat-Brochure-2018 77 36-DC17-HistoryDiocese 79 37-DC17-MensMinistry 80 39-BFMNewsSummer2017 81 41-DC17-WomensMinistry 83 42-DC17-MinistryWives 84 43-DC17-ParochialTithing 85 137th Diocesan Council Schedule Reformed Episcopal Church Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic meeting at Covenant Chapel R.E. Church in Basking Ridge, NJ for Opening Communion; all business sessions of Council to be held at Fellowship Deaconry in Liberty Corner, NJ
Thursday, November 2, 2017
8:00am Breakfast at Fellowship Deaconry for those staying there 9:00am Registration and Coffee at Covenant Chapel 10:00am Opening Communion Service at Covenant Chapel 11:30am Travel from Covenant Chapel to Fellowship Deaconry 12:00pm Buffet Lunch & Registration at Fellowship Deaconry 1:00pm Greetings & First Business Session 3:00pm Afternoon Break 3:30pm Second Business Session 5:30pm Buffet Dinner at Fellowship Deaconry 7:00pm Bishop's Clergy Meeting
Friday, November 3, 2017
8:00am Breakfast at Fellowship Deaconry for those staying there 8:30am Morning Prayer at Fellowship Deaconry 9:30am Teaching Session: Bishop Eric Menees of Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Topic: Welcoming the Stranger 11:00am Morning Break 11:30am Third Business Session 1:00pm 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 business session on Friday morning. DIRECTIONS FOR 137TH DIOCESAN COUNCIL
Opening Communion will be held at: Covenant Chapel R.E. Church, Basking Ridge NJ GPS Address: 127 W. Oak Street, Basking Ridge NJ 07920 From PA & south: Get on I-287 North (from I-78 East or NJ Turnpike/I-95 North) At Exit 26A, get on Mt. Airy Road/SR 525 (south) Take next LEFT onto Lake Road (northeast) Continue 1.2 miles on Lake Road including merge with Kinnan Way Turn LEFT onto South Alward Avenue (north) Continue 0.8 miles to West Oak Street, church is on far left corner. From NY and north: Get on I-287 South (from I-87/287 South or I-80 West/George Washington Bridge) At Exit 26, turn right onto Mt. Airy Road/SR 525 (north) Follow directions below from point AA... From the Deaconry: Turn RIGHT at the driveway onto Valley Road (southeast) Bear left in the curve, and turn LEFT onto Mt. Airy Road SR 525 (north) Proceed 2.3 miles, under the 287 overpass, then AA - Merge RIGHT with Whitenack Road onto Mt. Airy Road/525 (northeast) Proceed another 1.1 miles to intersection with Pine Hill Road and West Oak Street Turn RIGHT onto West Oak Street (east) Proceed ½ mile on West Oak Street, church is on the left. Meetings and reserved accomodations at: Fellowship Deaconry, Bernards NJ GPS Address: 3575 Valley Road, Bernards NJ 07920
From PA or NY: Take I-78 East or West to EXIT 33 (just east of cross with I-287) Turn left or right onto Liberty Corner Road North Proceed 0.5 miles north to Valley Road Turn LEFT on Valley Road, look for sign for Fellowship Deaconry on left. 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) PAROCHIAL APPORTIONMENT Tithe Calculation Form
Parish:______
For contributions and income received in the month of ______.
Total General Fund Offerings: $______.___
General Fund Interest or Dividends: $______.___
Rental Income (from non-RE sources): $______.___
Transfers to General Fund: $______.___
TOTAL INCOME $______.___
Multiply x 10% (mission parishes use 5%)
TITHE AMOUNT: $______.___
Make checks payable to: The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic or NEMA
Forward your tithe form to:
Reformed Episcopal Church Diocese of the NE&MA Treasurer 826 Second Avenue Blue Bell, PA 19422-1257
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` † “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; “And all the nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12. Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH Certificate of Lay Delegates
PARISH:______WEBSITE:______MAILING ADDRESS ______PHONE:______FAX:______EMAIL:______
Number of Communicants: ______Date of Parish Roll Examination: ______
This certifies that at an election held on ______the following were elected to represent this parish to the 137th diocesan council of the NORTHEAST & MID- ATLANTIC to be held on November 2-3, 2017 at Fellowship Deaconry, Liberty Corner, NJ. DELEGATES ALTERNATES [Name/Address/Zip/Email] [Name/Address/Zip/Email]
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
______Signature (Sr. Warden) Date Signature (Rector or Vicar) Date
______Print Name and Email Address Print Name and Email Address
______Signature (Jr. Warden) Date
______Print Name and Email Address
PARISHES: Delegates to Council must be elected annually in each parish in accord with Title II, Canon IV, Section 1of the diocesan canons. There shall be chosen two delegates with two alternates when a parish has less than 100 communicants; four delegates with four alternates, 100-249; six delegates with six alternates, 250-399; eight delegates with eight alternates, 400-499 Delegates and alternates must be communicants of the parish, age of 21 or over. MISSION PARISHES: Mission Parishes are entitled to one delegate; one alternate.
Completed forms should be mailed to the address below no later than October 18, 2017.
The Very Rev. William A. Jenkins, Sr. ◆ 1314 Harkins Road ◆ Pylesville, MD 21132-1721 REPORT OF THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
To the One Hundred Thirty-Seventh Council of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
The Committee’s gratitude is extended to Covenant Chapel church her members and the Reverend Paul Howden for hosting the opening Holy Communion service for the 137th Council.
The Committee recognizes the contributions by Greg Wright who assisted in the online registration and overall administration of this year’s council.
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, one half-hour following the convening of the business session on Friday morning.
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 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,
Gerald S. McLynn
Gerald S. McLynn, Chairman Standing Committee of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Report of the Ordinary September 29, 2017
Dear Brethren,
The following report is submitted as a summary of my principal activities as Bishop Ordinary, October 2016 through September 2017.
I. Regular Episcopal Visits (3 Baptisms, 9 Confirmations) Trinity XX, October 9, 2016 – Emmanuel Church, Pipersville. No confirmations. Trinity XXIII, October 30, 2016 – St. Luke’s, New Providence. 1 confirmation. Trinity XXV, November 13, 2016 – Redeemer, Jersey City No confirmations Advent I, November 27, 2016 – Messiah Church, Philadelphia. 1 Baptism, No confirmations. Sexagesima, February 19, 2017 – St. Timothy’s, Mt. Laurel. No confirmations. Lent II, March 12, 2017 – St. Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Church, Philadelphia. No confirmations Lent III, March 19, 2017 – Emmanuel Church, Somerville No confirmations Lent IV, March 26, 2017 – St. Peter’s Church, Elkton No confirmations. Lent V, April 2, 2017 – Grace Church, Havre de Grace No confirmations Easter II, April 30, 2017 – Bishop Cummins Church, Catonsville No confirmations Easter III, May 7, 2017 – St. Stephen’s Church, Eldersburg. 3 confirmations. Easter V, May 21, 2017 – St. Mark’s Church, Rydal. 3 confirmations. Whitsunday, June 4, 2017 – St. Alban’s Church, New York No confirmations Trinity VI, July 23, 2017 – Grace Church, Scranton. 2 baptisms, 2 confirmations. Trinity X, August 20, 2017 – Good Shepherd Church, South Easton. No confirmations.
II. Weddings & Funerals Memorial Service for the Most Rev. Royal U. Grote. I attended the memorial service for the Most Rev. Royal U. Grote on December 13, 2016, at Church of the Holy Communion, Dallas, Texas. Bishop Grote went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving
1 morning, November 24, 2016. The service was attended by a very large number of bishops and clergy from the Reformed Episcopal Church, and more broadly, the Anglican Church in North America. Bishop Grote served as suffragan bishop in this Diocese from 1984-1991 and Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church from 2014-2016. Funeral for the Very Rev. Walter L. Hawkins. On Monday, December 19, 2016, I conducted the interment service for the Very Rev. Walter Hawkins, who went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2016. I was assisted by the Rev. Jason Holloway. The memorial service was held at Church of the Atonement, Philadelphia, on Saturday, January 21, 2017. I was assisted by the Rev. Jason Holloway, the Rev. Chiron Thompson, the Rev. Russell Buchanan and the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick. Walter was a Dean of the Pennsylvania convocation, professor of homiletics at Reformed Episcopal Seminary and a member of the Seminary Board of Directors. He was a former vicar of Church of the Atonement, Philadelphia. Wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Alex DeMeo. On Saturday, May 6, 2017, I officiated at the marriage ceremony for Bridget Dugan and Alex DeMeo. The service was held at Northampton Country Club, Northampton, PA. Funeral Service for Zettie Farmer. On Thursday, July 6, 2017, I attended the service for Mrs. Zettie Farmer, the mother of Miss Wanda Preston, who is a member of Church of the Atonement and a member of the RES Board of Directors. The service was held at First Baptist Church of Willow Grove, PA.
III. Other Activities A. Executive Committee: On November 17-19, 2016, the Executive Committee, appointed by me, met in Marlton, New Jersey, at the office of Bishop Gillin, for a three day retreat. The retreat was led by a Mr. Artie Mahal, a world renowned authority on strategic planning. The fruitful discussion coming from that retreat has been communicated to the diocese through an email letter. Subsequent meetings were held on February 17, 2017, May 12, 2017 and September 21, 2017, to assess the progress of initiatives stemming from the retreat. The members of the executive committee are the Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin, the Rev. Canon Jack Clark, the Rev. Canon William Jenkins and the Diocesan Treasurer, Mr. Ronald Riches. B. Clergy and Wives Retreat: On Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Best Western Eden Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I presided over the closing communion service for the annual clergy and wives retreat. C. Women’s Day: On Friday, May 5, 2017 I attended the annual Reformed Episcopal Women’s Day held at St. Paul’s Church, Oreland, PA. This was the last Women’s Day to be held for the entire denomination. In the future, regional Women’s Day events will be held. D. St. John the Evangelist Church. On Ascension Day, Thursday, May 25, 2017, I was the preacher at a service of Holy Communion a St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Southampton, PA. The Rev. Mark Rudolph is rector of the parish. E. Free Church of England. I attended the annual convocation of the Free Church of England on June 6-7, 2017 at the Hayes Conference Center in Derbyshire, England. On Thursday, June 8th, I attended the first Anglican Unity Forum, also held at the Hayes Center. On Saturday, June 10th, I attend a service of thanksgiving for the 90th anniversary of the union of the Free Church of England and the UK branch of the
2 Reformed Episcopal Church. The service was held at Christ Church, Liscard. The Rt. Rev. Michael Nazir-Ali was the preacher. F. Diocesan Youth Camp. I was the speaker for the senior youth camp, held at Rock Mountain Bible Camp, July 23-29, 2017. The teaching sessions were related to living Christian life according to the church calendar.
IV. Reformed Episcopal Seminary A. Administration & Teaching. I continue to serve as President and Chancellor of the Seminary and Associate Professor of Biblical Languages and Literature. We continue to prepare for a site visit by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the spring of 2018. This involves a new self-study process, which must be submitted to the accrediting association, prior to their visit. Archbishop Foley Beach. Archbishop Foley Beach visited the Seminary on March 23, 2017. Archbishop Beach preached in chapel and held a question-answer forum during the lunch hour. Accreditation. We continue to prepare for a site visit by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the spring of 2018. This involves a new self-study process, which must be submitted to the accrediting association, prior to their visit. Open House. An Open House was conducted on May 4, 2017, for prospective students and persons interested in Reformed Episcopal Seminary. Several visitors were in attendance. FORES Banquet. I attended the annual banquet sponsored by Friends of Reformed Episcopal Seminary (FORES). The banquet was hosted by St. Mark’s REC, Rydal, PA. The Rev. Edward Rix, rector of All Saints Church, Wynnewood, was the speaker. Commencement. The annual commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, June 3, 2017. I presided at the ceremony. The speaker was the Very Rev. Julius Barnes, Dean of Cummins Theological Seminary, Summerville, SC. B. Board of Directors: The Seminary Board met on February 10, 2017, May 19th and November 10th. The Board is working diligently to address the financial needs of the Seminary, especially in light of the financial pressures upon the Diocesan finances. The Board also is working on evaluating and adjusting its structure, in order to be more effective and to fulfill the expectation of the Association of Theological Schools. C. Audit. The 2016 audit for Reformed Episcopal Seminary was conducted by BBD Associates and has been distributed. The audit is required by the Association of Theological Schools for accreditation purposes and the Federal government for Title IV acceptance, so that students may take advantage of student loans and loan deferrals. The audit process is rigorous and sets a high standard of financial accountability.
V. Pastoral Connections and Vacancies A. St. Luke's & Bishop Hoffman Church, Philadelphia. Services and pastoral care at St. Luke’s and Bishop Hoffman Church have been provided by the Rev. Russell Buchanan and the Rev. David France. Bishop Gillin and I alternate in attending vestry meetings on a quarterly basis.
3 B. St. John’s by the Sea. The Rev. Ronald Bretherick has retired as rector of John’s, effective December 31, 2016. The Rev. Frank Spadafora has been serving as interim rector, effective January 1, 2017. On Thursday, February 2, 2017 I met with the vestry of St. John’s Church to discuss the pastoral search process and answer any questions they had. C. Redeemer Church, Jersey City. The Rev. John Milligan retired as rector of Redeemer Church, effective January 31, 2017. On Monday, January 16, 2017, I met with the Vestry of Redeemer Church to discuss the pastoral search process and answer any questions they had. The parish continues its pastoral search process. The Rev. Howard Currie provides some oversight for the parish, especially on Sundays in which Holy Communion is observed. D. Covenant Chapel, Basking Ridge. The Rev. Greg Miller resigned as rector of Covenant Chapel, effective the end of February 2017. Rev. Miller is devoting more of his time to serving as executive director of Church Army, based near Pittsburgh, PA. On Sunday, January 29, 2017, I presided at the service of Holy Communion and was present for the annual meeting of the parish. This provided an opportunity to discuss the pastoral search process and answer questions from the congregation. The Rev. Paul Howden is serving as interim rector. E. Holy Trinity, Bronx, NY. Under the leadership of the Rev. John Ofori- Mensah, Holy Trinity parish has been sharing space at a Methodist Church in the Bronx. Last year, the Methodist Church informed our parish that it would need to find another location, as the church building was being sold. A meeting place was not located immediately, so the parish members attended other churches in anticipation of a time in which a new location was found. This year, both Bishop Gillin and I have attempted to contact the parish with no success. Phone numbers are no longer valid and no responses have been given to emails. I am assuming that the Rev. Mr. Ofori-Mensah has returned to Ghana, where he intended to retire. The Standing Committee has taken action to close the parish.
VI. Other Parochial Matters Church Planting. The Rev. Russell Buchanan continues to work with St. Patrick’s Fellowship, Norristown; and I continue to explore outreach in Philadelphia. I have appointed the Rev. Canon Jack Clark to be the canon missioner for the diocese. He will be working with mission parishes and church planters for more effective growth within the diocese. Additionally, I have met with people in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, who may be interested in planting a new parish, and we have groups exploring church planting possibilities in Maryland; and two in Philadelphia. We also are exploring the possibility of planting a Spanish-speaking congregation in the Bronx, through the support of St. Mary’s Church. Atonement Church, Philadelphia. I have taken direct oversight of the parish. The Rev. Jason Holloway serves as associate rector of the church and deals with much of the day to day matters. When I am not on an episcopal visit, my time is spent at Atonement. I preach frequently, chair the vestry meetings, and participate in other activities of the parish. We have a number of initiatives going, which seem to indicate a positive future for the parish.
4 VII. Postulants for Holy Orders Aaron Andrade (Good Shepherd, E. Bridgewater) Vic Broberg (Emmanuel, Pipersville) Tait Deems (St. Mark’s, Rydal) Joshua Devers (St. Stephen’s, Eldersburg) Nicholas Ziegenhagen (St. Mark’s, Rydal)
VIII. Examinations, Ordinations, Receptions and Transfers Philip Lambooy. (St. Stephen’s, Eldersbury). Letters Dimissory were received for the Rev. Philip Lambooy from the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (ACNA). Robert Lyon (St. George’s, Hamilton) – transfer to Anglican Network in Canada. The Rev. David France. (Emmanuel, Pipersville). On June 22, 2017, David France was examined for ordination to the presbyterate. Some further work is being required from David, and a follow-up examination will be held at a later date. The examiners were the Very Rev. Eric Jorgensen, The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches and me. The Rev. Bukola Adenuga (Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Church of Nigeria) – licensed to minister in our Diocese. The Rev. Mr. Adenuga is a presbyter in the Church of Nigeria. He is studying at our Seminary and assisting at Church of the Atonement, Philadelphia. The Rev. Marc Andy Donnay (Diocese of Austro, Anglican Church of Ecuador) – licensed to minister in our Diocese. The Rev. Mr. Donnay is a presbyter in the Anglican Church of Ecuador and now resides in New York. We are exploring the possibility of establishing a Spanish-speaking congregation at St. Mary’s, Bronx, with his assistance. Mr. Nicholas Ziegenhagen (St. Mark’s, Rydal). Mr. Ziegenhagen is a postulant, serving at St. Mark’s, Rydal, and his finishing his last year as a student at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. On September 15, 2017, he sustained the examination for ordination to the diaconate. The examiners were the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches, the Rev. Cedric Benner, the Rev. Jason Patterson and myself.
IX. Bishop’s Youth Advisory Group (BYAG) The BYAG meets primarily now through teleconference meetings and continues to support the efforts of parishes with the work of reaching and retaining youth and young adults in our Diocese. Currently, the BYAG’s primary attention is being given to strengthening the youth camping ministry and the youth ministry of St. Mark’s parish, which has been adopted by the committee as a test project. Other avenues of assistance to parishes are being explored.
X. General Council I attended the meeting of the General Council, held at Church of the Holy Communion in Dallas, Texas, June 14-16, 2017. The Most Rev. Ray Sutton was elected Presiding Bishop and I was elected vice-president. Bishop Sutton gave a teaching session on church planting and revitalization, related to the launch of REC 100, a denominational church planting initiative. Canon Jack Clark and I will be attending the first planning session of REC 100 in Dallas, TX, next week. More information will be given about this
5 in the near future. The new REC hymnal was presented, as well as a Sunday School curriculum developed by Mrs. Nelda Banek.
XI. Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). A. Holy Orders Task Force. The Holy Orders Task Force has completed its work and has submitted its final report to the College of Bishops. The entire series for report from the Task Force soon will be available on the ACNA website. B. College of Bishops. I attended the meeting of the College of Bishops in Melbourne, Florida, January 9-13, 2017; Wheaton, Illinois, June 26, 2017 and the conclave meeting held on September 5-7, 2017 in Victoria, British Colombia. C. Summit for Life and March for Life. I participated in the annual Summit and March for Life in Washington, DC, January 26-27, 2017. A number of our seminarians attended also, which was a great testimony for our Seminary and was favorably noted by many there. D. Provincial Council and Assembly 2017. I attended the Provincial Council and Assembly of the ACNA held June 27-30, 2017 at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. The highpoint of the conference was the consecration of Andy Lines as GAFCON bishop for Scotland and England. I was one of the primary consecrators at the service. Our representatives for the Diocese were the Rev. Canon Jack Clark, Mrs. Esther Clark, Mrs. Caroline Prickett and the Rev. Canon Jonathan Riches.
Respectfully submitted,
The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks
6 Reformed Episcopal Seminary Strategic Planning Notes 2017
Reformed Episcopal Seminary continues to work toward more robust strategic plan. The chief factors impeding such a plan in the past have been financial and governance issues, so the Seminary’s planning and action have focused on these two areas.
Governance: The Seminary has continued to improve the function of its governing board, the Board of Directors, under the leadership of Dr. William C. Miller. The Board has increased its meeting times and is revitalizing its working committees, which meet by conference call several times each year. The Board has reviewed and revised, as necessary, all the bylaws and policies of the Seminary. The Board of Directors has made significant progress in its structure and function as the President of the Seminary is no longer the chair of the Board, and the Board now is elected to staggered three year terms. In addition, the Board is wrestling with important issues regarding the Seminary’s strengths, weaknesses and finances in longer sessions. In the next year, the Board will continue to grow in its role, and all bylaw and policy revisions should be complete. This will allow the Board to focus on maintaining those policies and taking a more active role in leadership, finances, and evaluation. The Board has taken an important role in the self study evaluation process and should be fully-functional in terms of committees, long- term plans, and evaluative structures in the next year.
Finances: The most challenging area for the Seminary and its strategic planning is finances. The Seminary has barely enough revenue and assets to function as an accredited school. This makes it challenging to make any necessary improvements including the essential ones in revenue enhancement and development. This planning and implementation of financial improvements has been further hampered by the fact that more than half of its assets have been tied up and inaccessible. The Seminary is also very dependent on the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic for financial support. Immediate focus and planning have centered on accessibility and assets. This has been an important issue in all our audits, financing, and accreditation. The sad fact is that if the Seminary does not have full access to its funds by November 2017, it will need to make hard decisions which may very well lead to voluntary withdrawal from its accreditation, dissolution of its campus and going back to being a Diocesan training school. The Seminary has hopes that these asset issues will be resolved by then and these decisions will not be necessary. The Seminary has taken several steps to increase revenues. The Seminary has increased tuition and fees, which can only have a modest impact on revenue given the size of the school and the extremely low tuition and fee rate. Different financing options have been pursued aggressively, and the Seminary has been approved for a refinanced mortgage on the building at 826 Second Ave, pending an appraisal. This refinancing is through a bank and will save the Seminary approximately $6,000 per year. The Seminary
7 has cut one and ½ positions from its payroll resulting in a savings of approximately $50,000 a year. If necessary there could be other layoffs; however any further reduction in the staff and faculty would severely hamper its ability to meet its mission and objective as an accredited education institution and a mission outreach of the Reformed Episcopal Church. Another possibility is the reduction of benefits for Seminary staff and faculty, such as the removal of pension and life and disability benefits. These are steps we hope to avoid. The primary focus and planning has been on increasing the base of support for the Seminary and its revenue from donations. This year, the Seminary hired a new bookkeeper, who also serves as Director of Development. We have begun to reach out to the Community for support and will continue to do so. The Seminary realizes that it cannot depend on the Diocese for its current level of support forever, although it needs it over the next five to ten years as it builds a broader base of support and transitions to it. The Seminary has taken steps to increase its financial base. Appeal letters are sent out on a quarterly basis and faculty and staff follow-up in donations regularly. Through the Bishop’s Hours, Community Convocations, and involvement in Diocesan, denominational, and Provincial Councils, the Seminary has increased its visibility and donor base and will continue to do so. The Seminary is actively going though its contacts and database, particularly those of alumni. Several activities have been undertaken to improve alumni and donor relations. The Seminary banquet, picnic, Open Houses and outreach activities will continue to be expanded and improved. They have already shown moderate success in attracting new regular donations. The Professional building is fully rented out and has given the Seminary additional space without added cost, but minimal additional revenue when all costs are considered. A new website should be on-line by the end of the year which should improve both outreach and revenue.
Conclusion: The Seminary continues to plan for its future by strengthening its governing board and its financial position. These efforts are dependent on gaining full control of its assets and continued support from the Diocese. The Seminary is taking steps to reduce dependency on that support. No further reductions in expenditures can be taken without seriously jeopardizing the schools’ function both as an accredited educational institution and a mission outreach of the church. The focus on on-going strategy and efforts is on increasing revenue by building the Seminary’s foundation of support by improving its outreach to existing supporters and expanding its donor base by increasing it visibility and the breadth of its reach.
8 REPORT OF THE SUFFRAGAN BISHOP R. CHARLES GILLIN
TO THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH 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.
Visitations At the request of the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks I made the following Episcopal visits:
November 13, 2016 (Trinity XXV) Faith Church - Baltimore, MD One confirmed
November 20, 2016 (Next before Advent) St. Alban’s Church - New York, NY Six confirmed and two confirmed in Succession were received by transfer of letter
March 26, 2017 (Lent IV) St. John’s Church - Ventnor, NJ One confirmed
May 21, 2017 (Easter V/Rogation) St. Luke’s Church - New Providence, NJ None confirmed
April 23, 2017 (Easter 1) St. Paul’s Church - Oreland, PA One confirmed
June 4, 2017 (Whitsunday) St. Mary’s Church - Bronx, NY Eight confirmed
June 11, 2017 (Trinity Sunday) St. Matthew’s Church - Havertown, PA None confirmed
October 8, 2017 (Trinity XVII) Messiah Church - Philadelphia, PA None confirmed
Other Services December 1, 2016 (Advent II) Assisted Bishop Hicks at St. John’s Church, Ventnor, NJ and attended the retirement banquet for the Rev. Ronald D. Bretherick December 10, 2016 Attended the building consecration of St. Peter’s Church - Elkton, MD April 13, 2017 Maundy Thursday – Preached and celebrated at St. Mark’s Church - Rydal, PA April 14, 2017 Participated in the northern New Jersey Good Friday Service at St. Luke’s Church - New Providence, NJ May 7, 2017 (Easter III) Attended the service and brought greetings to New Redeemer Church - Jersey City, NJ
1 June 18, 2017 (Trinity I) Preached, celebrated and received two new members, who were confirmed in Succession, at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, Mt. Laurel, NJ May 7, 2017 (Trinity XIII) Attended the service and brought greetings to St. Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Church – Philadelphia, PA September 24, 2017 (Trinity XV) Preached, celebrated and conducted the congregational meeting at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, Mt. Laurel, NJ
Vestry Meetings November 11, 2016 Met with the rector and wardens of St. Paul’s Church, Oreland, PA in Marlton, NJ May 4, 2017 Chaired the vestry meeting at St. Luke’s & Bishop Hoffman Church – Philadelphia, PA
Diocese Nov. 17-19, 2016 Diocesan Trustees’ Executive Committee Meeting – Marlton, NJ February 9-11, 2017 Clergy & Wives Retreat – Lancaster, PA February 17, 2017 Diocesan Trustees’ Executive Committee Meeting – Marlton, NJ March 11, 2017 Pennsylvania Clergy Convocation – Blue Bell, PA May 12, 2017 Diocesan Trustees’ Executive Committee Meeting – Marlton, NJ May 22, 2017 Diocesan Trustees – Blue Bell, PA June 3, 2016 Attended the R.E. Seminary Commencement – Oreland, PA September 21, 2017 Trustees’ Executive Committee Meeting – Marlton, NJ September 29, 2017 Standing Committee Teleconference
General Council December 1, 2016 General Committee Teleconference January 29-30, 2017 Attended Board of Foreign Missions Meeting with Bishop Ray Sutton and Canon William Jerdan – Dallas, TX February 14, 2017 REC Council of Bishops teleconference February 16, 2017 Board of Foreign Missions teleconference April 4, 2017 REC Council of Bishops teleconference April 25-29, 2017 Bishop’s Meeting & General Committee, Charleston, SC June 13-16, 2017 General Council – Dallas, TX August 23-24, 2017 Consecration of the Rt. Rev. Walter R. Banek, DMA Suffragan – Dallas, TX October 11, 2017 Board of Foreign Missions teleconference
ACNA Jan. 9-13, 2017 College of Bishops – Melbourne, FL May 3, 2017 College of Bishops teleconference
Other Events December 18, 2016 Attended the annual Christmas dinner – St. Matthew’s Church, Havertown, PA Funerals & Memorial Services December 12, 2016 Attended the funeral service for the Rt. Rev. Royal U. Grote – Dallas, TX May 4, 2017 Viewing for Mr. William Grospeter (St. Timothy’s Anglican – Mt. Laurel, NJ) September 1, 2017 Attended the funeral for Mr. Robert Jenkins – Bel Air, MD
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 greeting card ministry to clergy and their wives is a blessing to all. I sincerely thank her for her faithfulness to the Lord, to me, and to each of you.
Respectfully submitted,
R. Charles Gillin Suffragan Bishop
3 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
TO THE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH COUNCIL OF THE DIOCESE OF THE NORTHEAST AND MID-ATLANTIC OF THE REFORMED EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Dear Brethren: During this year there were two meetings of the Standing Committee which were held by conference call on May 10, 2017, and September 29, 2017, and which were chaired by the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks and the Very Rev. Gregory J. Miller.
The activities of the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, Ordinary, and the Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin, Suffragan, including Episcopal visits, confirmations and other functions can be found in detail in their reports presented to this Council.
POSTULANTS FOR HOLY ORDERS Aaron Andrade (Good Shepherd, E. Bridgewater) Vic Broberg (Emmanuel, Pipersville) Tait Deems (St. Mark’s, Rydal) Joshua Devers (St. Stephen’s, Eldersburg) Nicholas Ziegenhagen (St. Mark’s, Rydal)
CANONICAL EXAMINATIONS/RECEPTIONS/TRANSFERS A. The Rev. Bukola Adenuga (Diocese Lagos West, Anglican Church of Nigeria). The Rev. Mr. Adenuga has been licensed to minister in our diocese. The Rev. Mr. Adenuga is a presbyter in the Anglican Church of Nigeria. He is studying at our Seminary and assisting at Church of the Atonement in Philadelphia.
B. The Rev. Marc Andy Donnay (Diocese of Austro, Anglican Church of Ecuador). The Rev. Mr. Donnay has been licensed to minister in our Diocese. The Rev. Mr. Donnay is a presbyter in the Anglican Church of Ecuador and now resides in New York. We are exploring the possibility of establishing a Spanish-speaking congregation at St. Mary’s, Bronx, with his assistance.
C. Mr. Nicholas Ziegenhagen (St. Mark’s, Rydal). Mr. Ziegenhagen is a postulant, serving at St. Mark’s, Rydal, and is finishing his last year at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. On September 15, 2017, he sustained the examination for ordination to the diaconate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, the Rev. Cedric R. Benner, and the Rev. Jason S. Patterson.
D. Philip Lambooy. (St. Stephen’s, Eldersburg) Letters Dimissory were received for the Rev. Philip Lambooy from Bishop John Guernsey of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (ACNA).
E. Robert Lyon. (St. George’s, Hamilton, Ontario). The Rev. Lyon’s ministerial orders, upon his request, were transferred to the Anglican Network in Canada. PASTORAL CONNECTIONS, VACANCIES, AND CLOSURES A. St. Luke's & Bishop Hoffman Church, Philadelphia. Services and pastoral care at St. Luke’s and Bishop Hoffman Church have been provided by the Rev. Russell Buchanan and the Rev. David France. Bishop Gillin and Bishop Hicks alternate in attending vestry meetings on a quarterly basis.
B. St. John’s by the Sea. The Rev. Ronald Bretherick has retired as rector of John’s, effective December 31, 2016. The Rev. Frank Spadafora has been serving as interim rector, effective January 1, 2017. On Thursday, February 2, 2017 Bishop Hicks met with the vestry of St. John’s Church to discuss the pastoral search process and answer any questions they had.
C. Redeemer Church, Jersey City. The Rev. John Milligan retired as rector of Redeemer Church, effective January 31, 2017. On Monday, January 16, 2017, Bishop Hicks met with the Vestry of Redeemer Church to discuss the pastoral search process and answer any questions they had. The Rev. Howard Currie, rector of St. Luke’s Church, New Providence, presides at Holy Communion on the 2nd Sunday of each month. On the other Sundays of the month, visiting ministers and lay readers conduct the worship services.
D. Covenant Chapel, Basking Ridge. The Rev. Gregory J. Miller resigned as rector of Covenant Chapel, effective the end of February 2017. Rev. Miller is devoting more of his time to serving as executive director of Church Army, based near Pittsburgh, PA. On Sunday, January 29, 2017, Bishop Hicks presided at the service of Holy Communion and was present for the annual meeting of the parish. This provided an opportunity to discuss the pastoral search process and answer questions from the congregation. The Rev. Paul Howden is serving as interim rector.
E. Holy Trinity, Bronx, NY. This parish had been sharing space at a Methodist Church in the Bronx. Last year, the Methodist Church informed Holy Trinity Church that it would need to find another location because the Methodist Church was selling the church property. A meeting placed was not located and as time went on, the members of Holy Trinity started to attend other churches. Both Bishop Hicks and Gillin attempted to contact the rector of this parish, the Rev. John Ofori-Mensah who had been planning to retire and return to his native country of Ghana. The Bishops had no success in contacting either the rector or other members of the church. The Standing Committee approved the closure of this church upon the recommendation of Bishop Hicks.
OTHER ACTIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE The following people were approved for election by the Standing Committee to represent our diocese at the ACNA Provincial Council and Provincial Assembly of the ACNA on June 27-30, 2017: Provincial Council: The Rev. Canon Jack Clark, Mrs. Esther Clark, Mrs. Caroline Prickett. Provincial Assembly: The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Riches, The Rev. Canon Jack Clark, Mrs. Esther Clark, Mrs. Caroline Prickett.
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-Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church November 2, 2017
Dear Fathers and Brethren, The Board of Trustees met three times since our last report at the 136th Council of the Diocese. Trustee meetings are held at Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Blue Bell, PA or by teleconference (as need may arise), with the exception of the November meeting which is held at the site of our annual Diocesan Council. Bishop Hicks presided over all meetings of the Board in the preceding year. Regular reports were received from the President, the Vice-President, the Treasurer, and the Executive Committee. NOVEMBER 3, 2016: 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. MAY 22, 2017: The trustees met at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. The President’s report from Bishop Hicks noted with both sadness and rejoicing the homegoing of our dear brother, the Very Reverend Walter Hawkins. Highlighted also were the increased Executive Committee Meetings following their organizational retreat, the approval for Grace Collingdale to be moved into full parish status, and the completion of the multi-year labor of the Holy Orders Task Force. The vice president’s report was received form Bishop Gillin with great appreciation. The Executive Committee recommended the naming of settlement agents for the Sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd, as well as discussions on the refinancing of the St. Albans’s mortgage. The Treasurer’s Report from Mr. Ron Riches put on the table the new NEMA General Financial Strategy with multiple contingencies for various scenarios, including St Alban’s, and Jesus the Good Shepherd. The production of the Report of the Special Committee to Articulate the Diocese and Seminary Relationship (Oct. 2015) which had been requested by ATS, was completed by the special committee appointed by Bishop Hicks, and was unanimously received by the Trustees. There was discussion of the Gordon Tiner Motion and Spreadsheets from the previous council, as well as the initial response by the Executive Committee. The new financial strategy and short term investment plan is now in place. The Rev. Jack Clark, (St. Peter’s, Elkton) was named by the Bishop as Diocesan Canon Missioner to oversee the work of Church planting in the Diocese. SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 Bishop Hicks highlighted extensive summer travel for the Diocese and the ACNA. In accordance with the onset of REC-100, the President highlighted for us 4 potential areas for Church plants where Bible Studies are already being held, or where groundwork is underway. In Williamsport, PA, a group is in the forming stages. A Bible study is the next step. A Bible Study is currently being held for Nigerian Christians, as well as a Bible Study in West Phila. St Stephens, Eldersburg, is preparing for a plant in Western Maryland. Also discussed was the completion of the Holy Orders Task Force, and the ensuing enclave by the ACNA Bishops as they prepared the Statement for issue to report on their work. Due to health concerns, Bishop Gillin was unable to be in attendance. His report of activities was received unanimously. The Executive Committee made a recommendation to repay the balance of the RES money which had been loaned to St. Albans in the form of a mortgage. This is to be done by Match 1, 2018, and is to be finalized even if the sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd in not complete. Several issues made this a pressing concern, despite the current situation of the diocesan reserves. The Seminary will again be up for review for its accreditation. It has been an ongoing issue that this outstanding amount of capital has not been under their control. The annual audit will also need to show that this situation is normalized. Additionally, this means that the loan payments being made by St. Albans will now accrue to the diocesan accounts as income. The EC also recommended that the Benson Fund, which was being held in trust for Grace Collingdale, be released to them as they have achieved Full Parish Status. The annual Diocesan Budget for 2018 was proposed, reviewed, amended, and approved for adoption by the 137th Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church. It was noted that the budget contained several contingencies based on the settlement of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, which will prayerfully occur by years’ end. It was noted that Parish tithes were running well ahead of the previous year. The trustees were also informed of the good state of St. Alban’s Parish with regards to its school. Rev. Harrington has resigned as a Trustee, in order to devote his energies to St. Alban’s. The Secretary was instructed to send note of thanks to Gordon Tiner for his work on the budget for the Diocese and the Trustees Plans in response. 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-seventh Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren,
The overall improvement of NEMA’s financial position and outlook during 2016 and especially during 2017 versus what it had been at the end of 2015 is very encouraging. Most encouraging of all is a 17% or $26,751 increase in parish tithes for the first nine months of 2017 over the same period in 2016. Annual expenditures are down. The Diocese has been able to significantly reduce the principal on the loan it owes to the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (RES) for funding St. Alban’s mortgage. But challenges remain. Proceeds from the pending sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s (JGS) building in Brooklyn, NY have not materialized and may not until 2018. This is a disappointment because the close not only will enable that parish to continue and expand its ministry debt-free, but also will enable the Diocese to fully repay its debt to RES provide the means for the Diocese to establish an investment asset that should generate revenue for years to come. An activity to define the blueprint for NEMA’s strategic plan was undertaken November 17 – 19, 2016, the results of which confirmed our investment strategy and how instruments and measures of actual versus planned return should be implemented. This has set the groundwork for completing the work to improve investment performance in 2018 and beyond.
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-End (YE) 2016 vs. Year-End 2015 (Referencing the Statement of Financial Position & Statement of Activities in Appendix II of this report)
Financial Position
† The cash position increased by 22% or $21,147 due largely to quarterly cash account rebalancing activity designed to minimize the frequency of transfers from investment to operating cash accounts, thereby keeping investment funds and earnings intact as long as possible – a key part of NEMA’s financial strategy; † Investments declined by 21% or $242,491 due largely to transfers to cash accounts to fund operating expenses, loan principal reduction payments ($175,000) to RES and negative market performance; † Mortgage receivables were down 0.4% or $13,089 due to reduction in mortgage principal balances through the receipt of regular monthly mortgage payments; † Total property assets increased by 8.4% or $20,556 due to expenses incurred for the sale of JGS property in Brooklyn, NY.
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Activities
† Total revenue was up 12% or $35,015 led by an increase in revenue from investments, largely due to very good market performance but offset by a decline of 3% or $6,478 in contributions by parishes (“Parish Tithes”), the latter a match to the 3% rate of decline in recent years; † Overall expenditures declined 24% or $144,810 as extraordinary cash payments to RES for their operations were not needed in 2016 as they were in 2015; † Net change in assets from all activities in 2016 was $(35,076) versus $(312,040) in 2015, an improvement of $276,964. However, the improvement was due to proceeds from the closing of St. Michael’s parish in Enola, PA.
Although deficit spending continued during 2016 it was to a lesser degree as the Seminary’s need for extraordinary cash payments from NEMA was eliminated. But the situation remains unsustainable. To prepare budgets for 2018 and beyond, it is necessary to consider the changes in financial performance that have occurred during the first three quarters of 2017 compared to what occurred during the same period in 2016.
Items of Significance – Year-to-Date (YTD) Sep 30 2017 vs. YTD Sep 30 2016 (Referencing the Statement of Financial Position & Statement of Activities in Appendix III of this report)
Financial Position
† The cash position increased by 32% or $34,289 due largely to quarterly cash account rebalancing activity designed to minimize the frequency of transfers from investment to operating cash accounts, thereby keeping investment funds and earnings intact as long as possible – a key part of NEMA’s financial strategy; † Investments declined by 17% or $177,769 due largely to funding the operating account (Diocesan Checking) and a loan principal reduction payment ($25,000) to RES, which expenditures were partially offset by very good market performance. Following is a graph of NEMA’s cash and investment account balance history during the period December 2014 through YTD Sep 30 2017;
Total of All Account Balances - 12/31/2014 - 9/30/2017
All Accounts Total Account Balances Trend
1,750,000 1,650,000 1,550,000 1,450,000 1,350,000 1,250,000 1,150,000 1,050,000 950,000 Dec-14 M Jun-15 Sep-15 D Mar-16 Jun-16 S Dec-16 M A a e ep ar- u r c- g- -1 -16 1 1 5 15 7 7
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† Mortgage receivables were up 8.1% or $234,663 due to an increase in the JGS mortgage receivable to include mortgage interest in arrears in addition to the receipt of regular monthly payments against other mortgages; † Total property assets decreased by 32% or $82,752 due to satisfaction (by action of the NEMA Trustees) of the Seminary’s (826 2nd Ave) mortgage due as it was then on record ($96,859) and by an increase in interests in property resulting from additional expenses NEMA paid for the sale of JGS property in Brooklyn, NY.
Activities
† Total revenue increased YTD PARISH TITHES 36% or $88,395 led by an accrual of interest in arrears 2015 2016 2017 against the JGS mortgage, 220,000 strong market performance and, best news of all, an increase in parish tithes of 170,000 17% or $26,751, reversing the recent average annual 120,000 rate of -3%. If the current monthly average for parish tithes continues through 70,000 year-end 2017, total parish tithe revenue for 2017 will likely reach $250,000. 20,000 Here is a graph of parish Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec tithes January 1, 2015 through YTD Sep 30 2017; † Overall expenditures remained nearly flat with a decrease of 0.3% or $1,082; † Net change in assets from all activities in YTD Sep 30 2017 improved by 190%, or $183,567, versus YTD Sep 30 2016. There have been three extraordinary events in 2017 that contributed: the accrual of mortgage interest in arrears against the JGS mortgage ($191,842); the forfeiture of the interest in property at 826 2nd Avenue in Blue Bell, PA ($96,859); expenses for the close of St. Michael’s ($892.78).
Actual vs. Budget – YE 2016
A report of actual versus budget revenue and expenditures for 2016 YE is available in Appendix IV of this report. For the year 2016, revenue exceeded disbursements by $2,428. Revenue was $4,312 better than budget and expenditures were $1,884 over budget. Until now, the NEMA plan and budget addressed only the Diocesan Checking account, the account used as NEMA’s operating account. Beginning with the 2018 plan and budget, all revenue and expenditure accounts will be included in the annual plan and budget.
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NEMA’s Financial Strategy
While the improving trend of NEMA financial performance during 2017 is very encouraging, unsustainable deficit spending continues and cannot be ignored. In the fall of 2015, the NEMA Trustees began forming a financial strategy to address this situation and a fuller strategy was developed during 2016. 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 the regular monthly mortgage payments received to fund operating cash accounts rather then using them for reinvestment; 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, in the fall of 2015 the NEMA Trustees approved opening an investment account with Wells Fargo Advisors. Capital (estimated at $1.6MM) to be used to open this account was come from proceeds to the Diocese from the sale of JGS’s building in Brooklyn, NY, that sale in satisfaction of the outstanding mortgage. Only interest would be drawn from this account to fund operating cash accounts. At the time, we were informed that closing on the sale was imminent. The account was opened in 2016 but the close remains pending. The close is now expected by the end of 2017.
#2 can’t be successfully implemented until #1 is completed. Otherwise principal will drain too quickly, reducing return. Completion of #1 will allow proper reallocation of asset classes across all investment accounts as part of the effort to fully implement NEMA’s investment strategy under the management of Wells Fargo Advisors.
#3 has been partially in effect for some time. However, the annual revenue from existing mortgages is largely an accrual of interest in arrears on the JGS mortgage ($85,263). The total interest in arrears will be included in Diocesan proceeds of the sale of JGS but, until then, remains unavailable as cash or capital for investment.
#4 has been in use for many years, mainly because investment capital was committed to large mortgages for JGS and St. Alban’s, making that capital unavailable for generation of investment return to NEMA. To make matters worse, RES funds were used to commit the St. Alban’s mortgage even though NEMA owns the mortgage, indebting NEMA to RES ($975,000). Both St. Alban’s and NEMA have been making principal payments to
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RES and St. Alban’s has been making interest payments as well. NEMA currently owes $775,000 in loan principal to RES and all mortgage payments made by St. Alban’s have gone only to RES and not to NEMA. This matter is to be settled by using Diocesan proceeds from the sale of JGS.
Successful management of NEMA’s financial resources is critically dependent on two things: the close of the sale of JGS’ building in Brooklyn, NY, and; NEMA paying the outstanding St. Alban’s mortgage principal due to RES. Accordingly, both of these items are key parts of NEMA’s 2018 plan and budget.
Revenue – Parish Tithes
In recent years, NEMA’s primary source of revenue has been return on investments, 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 has been extremely positive. As a result, the two revenue sources – investment returns and parish tithes – have virtually evened out during 2017 YTD. A record of parish tithes received during 2016 and YTD 2017 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. This fact becomes evident when comparing 2016 YTD and 2017 YTD financial performance and applying these to help formulate a budget for 2018.
NEMA Plan & Budget for 2018
The 2018 budget is available for reference in Appendix V of this report. It has been formulated and approved following the NEMA Financial Strategy discussed above.
2018 Plan Expenditures
2018 ordinary expenditures are budgeted at $488,730, $29,518 below 2017’s budget of $518,248. The reason for this decrease is a change in the accounting method for payments made directly from investment accounts (e.g., Benson Fund distributions). These payments are no longer being budgeted through the Diocesan Checking account. Considering this, 2018’s budget for expenditures is virtually the same as 2017’s (as shown on the report in Appendix V). Budgeted ordinary expenditures include a 2 – 5% increase in compensation for our bishops and staff (office and Information Technology), including, as appropriate, salary, pension, Workers’ Compensation, health insurance and medical expenses.
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A one-time extraordinary expenditure of $504,907 is budgeted to be paid to RES on March 1, 2018. This is the estimated amount that will then be required to repay in full the outstanding principal balance of the loan by RES that funded the NEMA St. Alban’s mortgage.
2018 Plan Revenues
While receiving revenue for 2018 that meets the plan’s expenditures is very likely, it is also highly dependent on several critical factors:
1. The close of the sale of JGS’s building, which would result in NEMA’s receipt of forecasted proceeds ($1.6MM) needed to establish the NEMA investment account designed to provide regular investment interest without drawing down principal; 2. Receiving parish tithes at a rate that meets or exceeds the rate estimated for YE 2017 ($250,000/year); 3. Directing regular monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest) received by NEMA to operating cash accounts; 4. Settlement of the RES loan by NEMA, resulting in monthly mortgage payments by St. Alban’s to NEMA rather than to the Seminary.
The revenue budget has been planned in two scenarios: one that assumes that the closing of the JGS sale will not finalize in 2017 (column heading is “NO JGS”); one that assumes the closing will finalize in 2017 (column heading is “WITH JGS”). Major assumptions for both scenarios are that the JGS sale will, indeed, close, that NEMA will settle the St. Alban’s funding loan by RES as soon as practicable after the close of the JGS sale and that all remaining mortgages will remain current. Accordingly, the first scenario would result in the need to transfer $12,579 in interest from investment accounts to operating cash accounts during 2018 while the second scenario would result in the opportunity to transfer $13,928 from operating cash accounts to investment accounts. It is expected that similar financial performance would continue annually at least through 2023.
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NEMA Treasury Accounting & Auditing
The Very Rev. Jason R. Grote, the REC’s official auditor, completed an audit of NEMA’s treasury operations and books on October 12, 2017. The financial data presented in the appendices of this report is consistent with that contained in the audited financial statements. As a result of audit activity, NEMA’s financial physical data base has been updated to properly include most of the transactions that have been verified. There remains some minor account and transaction modification to be made by the end of this year. These will have no effect on the statements in this report.
The audit was conducted without the exchange of even one piece of paper. During 2017, a conversion of NEMA’s financial data from one computer system to another was accomplished. NEMA now has not only a strong financial accounting and reporting system, but also a nearly paperless treasury operation. Updated procedures will be added in 2018. All will conform to NEMA’s Strategic Plan and will be contained on a laptop that can be passed from treasurer to treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronald E. Riches, Treasurer Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of The Reformed Episcopal Church
v1.0 Report Page 7 of 7 17.10.19 APPENDIX I
Summary of Accounts
The diocesan financial accounts consist of three (3) checking accounts and three (4) investment accounts.
Checking Account Summary
The checking accounts for the Diocese are as follows:
1. The Diocesan Checking account is effectively the general operating account for the diocese. It is a Wells Fargo checking account and handles the normal, budgeted accounting activities of the diocese. This account receives the income from Parish Tithes and Investment Fund Transfers and disburses payments to meet the obligations of the Diocese. 2. The Diocesan Escrow account is also a Well’s Fargo account. It is used to manage our cash position and hold our cash reserves. The objective is to utilize this account to maximize investment return by delaying investment account withdrawals. 3. The St. Philip’s account is a Well’s Fargo 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 bishops and treasurer.
Investment Account Summary
The investment accounts for the Diocese are as follows:
1. The Diocesan Investment account is often referred to as the 4.0 account and is an unrestricted account. It is currently being used as a source of income to meet the obligations of the Diocese. The mortgage for All Saints Anglican Church, Newark, NJ, is included in this account. 2. The Parish Development account is often referred to as the 4.3 account and is an unrestricted account. It includes a mortgage for Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Brooklyn, NY. 3. The Benson Fund is often referred to as the 4.4 account and is a restricted account for Grace Church, Collingdale. It is administered jointly by Grace Collingdale and the NEMA Treasurer. 4. A new unrestricted investment account has been established with Wells Fargo Advisors. It will be used to hold the proceeds from the sale of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Brooklyn, NY. The financial strategy initiated by the NEMA Trustees stipulates 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.
Account Summary Appendix I v1.0 Appendix I, Page 1 of 1 17.10.12 v1.0 Diocese of the Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Financial Position
Year‐End Year‐End YTD Sep 30 ASSETS 2015 2016 2017 Cash Diocese Checking 43,391.64 27,005.10 17,821.35 Escrow Checking 9,215.33 32,598.56 52,599.95 St. Philip's Checking 42,971.37 57,121.51 69,918.44 Total Cash 95,578.34 116,725.17 140,339.74
Investments Fidelity 179‐612847 527,343.43 338,919.92 176,077.51 Fidelity 647‐157023 509,251.16 461,284.28 511,333.54 * Fidelity 647‐157074 142,681.04 136,580.30 151,596.00 Total Investments 1,179,275.63 936,784.50 839,007.05
Mortgage Receivables All Saints 179,238.57 174,638.26 171,266.47 Christ Covenant Presbyterian ‐ PA 332,796.63 326,888.48 321,326.50 Covenant Chapel ‐ NJ 13,219.90 10,639.79 8,389.13 Jesus the Good Shepherd 1,422,523.58 1,422,523.58 1,671,208.03 St. Alban's ‐ NY 975,000.00 975,000.00 975,000.00 Total Mortgage Receivables 2,922,778.68 2,909,690.11 3,147,190.13
Property & Interests in Property Jesus the Good Shepherd Expenses 6,075.50 26,631.25 34,738.64 Cov. Chapel, NJ 29,500.00 29,500.00 29,500.00 Cov. Chapel Rectory 23,001.18 23,001.18 23,001.18 Emmanuel Four Brooks 49,837.43 49,837.43 49,837.43 Providence Chapel 5,928.00 5,928.00 5,928.00 St. Luke's ‐ NJ 27,000.00 27,000.00 27,000.00 Faith Church Baltimore 7,144.25 7,144.25 7,144.25 826 2nd Ave 96,859.10 96,859.10 ‐ Total Property & Interests in Property 245,345.46 265,901.21 177,149.50
TOTAL ASSETS 4,442,978.11 4,229,100.99 4,303,686.42
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Liabilities Reformed Episcopal Seminary Loan 975,000.00 975,000.00 800,000.00 Principal Reduction Payments to RES ‐ (175,000.00) (25,000.00) Total Liabilities 975,000.00 800,000.00 775,000.00
Restricted Assets * Benson Fund 142,681.04 138,880.30 151,596.00 Total Restricted Assets 142,681.04 138,880.30 151,596.00
Unrestricted Net Assets Prior Balance 3,637,337.24 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 Net Change in Unrestricted Assets (312,040.17) (35,076.38) 86,869.73 Total Unrestricted Net Assets (year‐end) 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 3,377,090.42
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 4,442,978.11 4,229,100.99 4,303,686.42
* As of Dec 31, 2016 ‐ $2,300 of the Benson Fund was disbursed from the Fidelity account to the checking account but not yet disbursed from the checking account until 2017. This explains the difference between the balance of Fidelity 4.4 and the Restricted Asset Balance.
17.09.30 NEMA Financial Position v1.0 Appendix II, Page 1 of 2 17.10.15 Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED BENSON FUND 2015 2016 YTD Sep 30 2017 2015 2016 YTD Sep 30 2017 REVENUE Investment Activity (Net) (16,938.44) 53,599.74 61,613.32 ‐ 9,999.26 12,715.70 Mortage Interest 66,364.19 46,016.83 83,278.66 Parish Tithes 221,713.37 215,235.81 187,386.64 Other Income 12,433.71 3,735.58 2,557.73 TOTAL REVENUE 283,572.83 318,587.96 334,836.35 ‐ 9,999.26 12,715.70
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing 2,000.00 1,000.00 ‐ Council Expense (net after registration fees) (363.73) (344.97) (135.00) Episcopal Expense (Ordinary & Suffragan) 132,565.35 135,027.88 106,102.68 Total of Salaries / Ins / Health / Pensions Insurance ‐ General 14,067.13 17,197.24 5,914.74 Meetings & Retreats Expense (net after registration fees) 1,060.57 1,963.82 662.16 Miscellaneous 42.36 ‐ ‐ Legal & Professional Fees ‐ ‐ ‐ Office & Administrative Expense 48,375.94 50,797.13 41,332.83 Retired Bishop Expense 19,680.00 21,610.00 15,426.00 Travel Expenses 11,652.59 6,820.51 7,446.98 Total Operational Expenses 229,080.21 234,071.61 176,750.39
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ 1,000.00 Benson Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ 13,800.00 ‐ Camping Program 1,245.00 1,275.00 1,620.00 Church Planting 1,357.00 ‐ 194.58 Designated Offerings Distributed ‐ 1,025.00 ‐ Diaconal Training Support 500.00 ‐ 1,200.00 Gifts 2,600.00 2,000.00 ‐ Mission Project (s) ‐ ‐ ‐ Parish & Salary Support 13,600.00 8,700.00 5,500.00 Seminary Support 320,306.72 180,000.00 135,000.00 Tithe to National Church 26,660.07 23,467.55 20,792.06 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 366,268.79 216,467.55 165,306.64 ‐ 13,800.00 ‐
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 595,349.00 450,539.16 342,057.03 ‐ 13,800.00 ‐
NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (311,776.17) (131,951.20) (7,220.68) ‐ (3,800.74) 12,715.70
Net Change from Prior Year Adjustments ‐ ‐ 191,842.29 Net Change from Property Interests Forfeited ‐ ‐ (96,859.10) Net Change due St. Michael's close ‐ 96,874.82 (892.78) Net Change due to sale of St. Philip's (264.00) ‐ ‐ NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ALL ACTIVITIES (312,040.17) (35,076.38) 86,869.73 ‐ (3,800.74) 12,715.70
Balance Beginning of Year 3,637,337.24 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 (2,340.97) 142,681.04 138,880.30 Change during year (312,040.17) (35,076.38) 86,869.73 ‐ (3,800.74) 12,715.70 Balance End of Year 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 3,377,090.42 (2,340.97) 138,880.30 151,596.00
17.09.30 NEMA Activities v1.0 Appendix II, Page 2 of 2 17.10.15 Diocese of the Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Financial Position
YTD Sept 30 YTD Sep 30 ASSETS 2016 2017 Cash Diocese Checking 17,740.66 17,821.35 Escrow Checking 32,597.84 52,599.95 St. Philip's Checking 55,712.32 69,918.44 Total Cash 106,050.82 140,339.74
Investments Fidelity 179‐612847 367,572.70 176,077.51 Fidelity 647‐157023 507,547.89 511,333.54 * Fidelity 647‐157074 141,655.46 151,596.00 Total Investments 1,016,776.05 839,007.05
Mortgage Receivables All Saints 175,727.61 171,266.47 Christ Covenant Presbyterian ‐ PA 327,978.84 321,326.50 Covenant Chapel ‐ NJ 11,296.94 8,389.13 Jesus the Good Shepherd 1,422,523.58 1,671,208.03 St. Alban's ‐ NY 975,000.00 975,000.00 Total Mortgage Receivables 2,912,526.97 3,147,190.13
Property & Interests in Property Jesus the Good Shepherd Expenses 20,631.25 34,738.64 Cov. Chapel, NJ 29,500.00 29,500.00 Cov. Chapel Rectory 23,001.18 23,001.18 Emmanuel Four Brooks 49,837.43 49,837.43 Providence Chapel 5,928.00 5,928.00 St. Luke's ‐ NJ 27,000.00 27,000.00 Faith Church Baltimore 7,144.25 7,144.25 826 2nd Ave 96,859.10 ‐ Total Property & Interests in Property 259,901.21 177,149.50
TOTAL ASSETS 4,295,255.05 4,303,686.42
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS Liabilities Reformed Episcopal Seminary Loan 975,000.00 775,000.00 Principal Reduction Payments to RES (50,000.00) ‐ Total Liabilities 925,000.00 775,000.00
Restricted Assets * Benson Fund 141,655.46 151,596.00 Total Restricted Assets 141,655.46 151,596.00
Unrestricted Net Assets Prior Balance 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 Net Change in Unrestricted Assets (96,697.48) 86,869.73 Total Unrestricted Net Assets (year‐end) 3,228,599.59 3,377,090.42
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 4,295,255.05 4,303,686.42
* As of Dec 31, 2016 ‐ $2,300 of the Benson Fund was disbursed from the Fidelity account to the checking account but not yet disbursed from the checking account until 2017. This explains the difference between the balance of Fidelity 4.4 and the Restrict
17.09.30 NEMA YOY Financial Position v1.0 Appendix III, Page 1 of 2 17.10.15 Diocese of Northeast & MidAtlantic Statement of Activities
GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED BENSON FUND 2016 YTD Sep 30 2017 YTD Sep 30 2016 YTD Sep 30 2017 YTD Sep 30 REVENUE Investment Activity (Net) 42,445.39 61,613.32 9,999.26 12,715.70 Mortage Interest 40,953.56 83,278.66 Parish Tithes 160,635.55 187,386.64 Other Income 2,406.56 2,557.73 TOTAL REVENUE 246,441.06 334,836.35 9,999.26 12,715.70
EXPENDITURES Operational Expenses Accounting & Auditing ‐ ‐ Council Expense (net after registration fees) 281.00 (135.00) Episcopal Expense (Ordinary & Suffragan) 102,886.72 106,102.68 Total of Salaries / Ins / Health / Pensions Insurance ‐ General 13,841.99 5,914.74 Meetings & Retreats Expense (net after registration fees) 1,763.82 662.16 Miscellaneous ‐ ‐ Legal & Professional Fees ‐ ‐ Office & Administrative Expense 38,865.45 41,332.83 Retired Bishop Expense 16,580.00 15,426.00 Travel Expenses 5,328.51 7,446.98 Total Operational Expenses 179,547.49 176,750.39
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions ‐ 1,000.00 Benson Fund Distributions ‐ ‐ 13,800.00 ‐ Camping Program 1,275.00 1,620.00 Church Planting ‐ 194.58 Designated Offerings Distributed ‐ ‐ Diaconal Training Support ‐ 1,200.00 Gifts 2,000.00 ‐ Mission Project (s) ‐ ‐ Parish & Salary Support 7,500.00 5,500.00 Seminary Support 135,000.00 135,000.00 Tithe to National Church 17,816.05 20,792.06 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 163,591.05 165,306.64 13,800.00 ‐
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 343,138.54 342,057.03 13,800.00 ‐
NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES (96,697.48) (7,220.68) (3,800.74) 12,715.70
Net Change from Prior Year Adjustments ‐ 191,842.29 Net Change from Property Interests Forfeited ‐ (96,859.10) Net Change due St. Michael's close ‐ (892.78) Net Change due to sale of St. Philip's ‐ ‐ NET CHANGE IN ASSETS FROM ALL ACTIVITIES (96,697.48) 86,869.73 (3,800.74) 12,715.70
Balance Beginning of Year 3,325,297.07 3,290,220.69 142,681.04 138,880.30 Change during year (96,697.48) 86,869.73 (3,800.74) 12,715.70 Balance End of Year 3,228,599.59 3,377,090.42 138,880.30 151,596.00
17.09.30 NEMA YOY Activities v1.0 Appendix III, Page 2 of 2 17.10.15 The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Report of the Treasurer for December 31, 2016 Year-End (YE) Statement of 2016 Budget Performance (Actual vs. Budget) - Diocesan Checking Account
2016 Budget Actual Variance (Unfavorable) RECEIPTS ($) ($) ($) ($) Parish Tithes 200,000 215,455 15,455 Contributions 5,100 2,700 (2,400) Missions 2,200 - (2,200) Transfers from Investments 255,447 261,481 6,034 Mortgages 3,200 3,183 (17) Diocesan Council 15,000 10,734 (4,266) Clergy Retreat Income 3,500 185 (3,315) Men's Retreat 1,200 - (1,200) Seminars 6,000 2,324 (3,676) Legal & Professional 300 (180) (480) Other 150 528 378 TOTAL RECEIPTS - 492,097 - 496,409 4,312
DISBURSEMENTS Diocesan Operations Accounting & Audting 2,000 1,000 1,000 Diocesan Council 15,000 10,608 4,392 Episcopal Bishop Ordinary Salary 107,960 108,259 (299) Pension 12,956 12,991 (35) Life/Disability 800 556 244 Medical 7,000 3,646 3,354 Suffragan Bishop Housing 8,550 8,550 - Pension & Disability 1,026 1,026 - Retired Presiding Bishop Housing 15,120 15,120 - Medical 5,500 4,776 724 Total Episcopal 158,912 154,924 3,988 Insurance 18,500 17,197 1,303 Meetings & Retreats Clergy Retreat 3,400 1,475 1,925 Seminars 6,000 2,998 3,002 Total Meetings & Retreats 9,400 4,473 4,927 Office & Administration Administrative 1,161 (1,161) Bank fees 240 240 - Diocesan Secretary 13,144 13,166 (22) Information Tech 32,000 32,589 (589) Legal & Professional 2,000 21,163 (19,163) Miscellaneous 200 200 - Office Expense 600 600 - Postage 100 86 14 Supplies 200 890 (690) Total Office & Administration 48,485 70,096 (21,611) Travel Diocesan 10,000 4,275 5,725 ACNA 5,500 2,165 3,335 Total Travel 15,500 6,440 9,060 Total Diocesan Operations 267,797 264,739 3,058
Ministry & Program Camping Program - - - Diaconal Training - - - Gifts 1,100 2,000 (900) Men's Retreat 1,200 - 1,200 Mission Projects 2,200 1,275 925 Parish & Salary Support 14,800 22,500 (7,700) Grace Scranton 7,200 7,200 - Atonement 3,600 - 3,600 St. Mark's 4,000 1,500 2,500 Grace Collingdale - 13,800 (13,800) Seminary 180,000 180,000 - Tithe to National Church 25,000 23,468 1,532 Total Ministry & Program 224,300 229,243 (4,943)
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 492,097 493,981 (1,884)
RECEIPTS IN EXCESS OF DISBURSEMENTS (0) 2,428 2,428
2016 Performance vs. Budget v1.0 17.10.15 Appendix IV, Page 1 of 1 17.10.15 NEMA 2018 BUDGET APPPROVED BY NEMA TRUSTEES - 9.25.17
APPROVED NEMA BUDGET 2017 2018 BUDGET NO JGS WITH JGS
REVENUE
Investment Activity (net) - 10,500.00 96,764.86 Mortage Interest/Total Mortgage Payments 3,200.00 209,070.72 149,312.52 Parish Tithes 220,000.00 250,580.27 250,580.27 Transfers from Investments 265,698.00 - - Other Income 29,350.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 TOTAL REVENUE 518,248.00 476,150.99 502,657.66
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) Expense 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 Total Council Expense (Net) 15,000.00 - - Episcopal Expense Ordinary (Salaries/Pensions/Ins/Medical) 131,680.00 134,208.00 134,208.00 Suffragan (Salaries / Pensions) 9,578.00 9,864.00 9,864.00 Total Episcopal Expense 141,258.00 144,072.00 144,072.00
Insurance - General 16,000.00 14,000.00 14,000.00 Meetings & Retreat Expense Income/Registrations Rec'd (10,700.00) (10,700.00) Clergy Retreat 3,500.00 3,500.00 Ministry Wives 1,200.00 1,200.00 Seminars 6,000.00 6,000.00 Other - - Total Meetings & Retreat Expense (net) 3,400.00 - -
Miscellaneous - 600.00 600.00 Legal & Professional Fees 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Office & Administrative Expense Background Checks & Other Dues 1,000.00 1,000.00 Bank Fees 300.00 300.00 300.00
2018 Financial Plan & Budget Activities Appendix V, Page 1 of 2 17.10.15 APPROVED NEMA BUDGET 2017 2018 BUDGET NO JGS WITH JGS
Diocesan Planning 3,000.00 3,000.00 Hospitality - - Information Technology 32,640.00 33,276.00 33,276.00 Other (Non-Categorized) 1,598.00 1,800.00 1,800.00 Postage 150.00 360.00 360.00 Secretary Expense 13,407.00 13,680.00 13,680.00 Supplies & Expense 600.00 1,200.00 1,200.00 Web Hosting 325.00 350.00 350.00 Total Office & Administrative Expense 51,020.00 54,966.00 54,966.00
Retired Bishop Expense 20,620.00 20,892.00 20,892.00 Travel Expenses 12,000.00 18,000.00 18,000.00 Total Operational Expenses 260,298.00 255,530.00 255,530.00
Program & Ministry Expenses Bassinger Home Fund Distributions - - - Benson Fund Distributions - - - Camping Program 1,350.00 1,800.00 1,800.00 Church Planting - 5,000.00 5,000.00 Designated Offerings Distributed - 1,200.00 1,200.00 Diaconal Training Support 5,000.00 5,000.00 5,000.00 Gifts 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Men's Retreat 1,200.00 - - Mission Project (s) 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,200.00 Parish & Salary Support 34,200.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Seminars 6,000.00 - - Seminary Support 180,000.00 180,000.00 180,000.00 Tithe to National Church 26,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 Total Program & Ministry Expenses 257,950.00 233,200.00 233,200.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 518,248.00 488,730.00 488,730.00
REVENUE LESS EXPENDITURES - (12,579.01) 13,927.66
TRANSFERS FROM INVESTMENTS TO CASH ACCOUNTS 265,698.00 12,579.01 (13,927.66)
2018 Financial Plan & Budget Activities Appendix V, Page 2 of 2 17.10.15 The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Report of the Treasurer for December 31, 2016 Year-to-Date (YTD) Statement of Parish Tithes
Parish 2016 YTD
Atonement 1,376.00 Bishop Cummins 29,857.06 Covenant Chapel 17,794.12 Emmanuel Four Brooks 6,809.30 Emmanuel NJ 10,469.83 Faith Baltimore 8,277.94 First Church 2,714.24 Good Shepherd 20,470.00 Grace Collingdale 12,000.93 Grace Havre De Grace 5,871.62 Grace Scranton 1,650.81 Holy Trinity 0.00 Jesus The Good Shepherd 4,472.24 Messiah 1,803.00 New Redeemer 6,859.70 St. George's 1,000.00 St. John's By The Sea 3,398.24 St. Luke's 6,179.50 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman 940.00 St. Mark's 20,661.93 St. Mary's 0.00 St. Matthew's 16,960.99 St. Michaels 0.00 St. Patrick's 0.00 St. Paul's 6,315.71 St. Peter's 805.00 St. Stephens 27,765.00 St. Timothy's 782.65
OVERALL TOTAL 215,235.81
17.10.19 16.12.31 2016 Parish Tithes v2.0 Appendix VI, Page 1 of 2 The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Report of the Treasurer for September 30, 2017 Year-to-Date (YTD) Statement of Parish Tithes
Parish 2017 YTD
Atonement 1,969.00 Bishop Cummins 27,809.87 Covenant Chapel 13,056.88 Emmanuel Four Brooks 4,794.38 Emmanuel NJ 10,069.18 Faith Baltimore 6,351.94 First Church 3,169.65 Good Shepherd 15,034.00 Grace Collingdale 15,719.35 Grace Havre De Grace 3,422.90 Grace Scranton - Holy Trinity - Jesus The Good Shepherd 3,442.01 Messiah 894.00 New Redeemer 4,684.50 St. George's 1,000.00 St. John's By The Sea 2,897.24 St. Luke's 9,299.00 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman 702.00 St. Mark's 12,787.47 St. Mary's 2,000.00 St. Matthew's 15,031.29 St. Patrick's 500.00 St. Paul's 6,989.98 St. Peter's 1,206.00 St. Stephens 24,556.00 St. Timothy's -
OVERALL TOTAL 187,386.64
17.09.30 2017 Parish Tithes v1.0 Appendix VI, Page 2 of 2 17.10.19 To: R.E. Diocesan Council
From: Board of Directors, The Theological Seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Re: Annual Report 2017
The Board of Directors 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.
The Board of Directors expresses its appreciation to the Diocesan Council (and the entire diocese) for their support for the seminary. While the seminary is a distinct organization, it is a ministry of the diocese.
This past year witnesses the Board of Directors more clearly defining its role. It has begun a transformation from a board of advisors to the seminary President into the role of partnership with the President in the governance of the seminary. This transition is a process which continues to be underway.
In this newly acquired role, the Board of Directors has (and 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 has reduced expenses to a level to sustain current educational programs. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the operating deficits. The revenue stream continues to require attention, especially in the areas of net tuition and unrestricted contributions. This past year considerable attention has been given to the restoration of unrestricted seminary funds. The seminary is among the smallest and most vulnerable of accredited seminaries. The highly fragile financial condition and resulting limitations on operations are major concerns. 2. Accreditation, strategic planning, and institutional assessment. The reaffirmation of accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association of Theological Schools is due in 2018. The self-study is being led by Dean Riches and the faculty. Independently of the self-study effort, The Board of Directors has begun exploring various means to strengthen the seminary and assure the continuation of its programs (a difficult responsibility given the limited financial base). In large part, the Board of Directors’ work is in response to the systemic financial challenges (deficits). The board anticipates using the self- study as a vehicle to move forward with establishing ongoing institutional assessment. It should be noted that favorable action by the Commission is not assured. The Commission is anticipated to have concerns regarding the institutional vitality (the Commission’s term for viability). 3. Board education and orientation. As the Board of Directors has become more engaged in institutional decision-making, it has become obvious that the board needs to assume responsibility for its own continuing education and the orientation of new directors. To date these are aspirational goals, but it anticipated that prior to the ATS visit (Spring 2018) a board handbook, with orientation materials, will be completed. The board has during 2017 devoted a portion of each board meeting to its own continuing education. 4. Institutional image and environment. The seminary operates with a model of theological education which was common for much of the seminary’s history. Yet, theological education has undergone significant change in the past thirty years. The employment of technology to deliver theological education has been a major factor, but so have changes in the cultural, social, and demographic environment. The seminary’s long history of service to the Reformed Episcopal Church aside, the seminary is too frequently not considered “our seminary” or “the seminary” among the growing edge of the denomination. The directors’ note the declining enrollment includes few persons from the Reformed Episcopal Church, and not many from the various jurisdictions of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). The existence of other seminaries’ recognition by ACNA or the Theological Commission of the Reformed Episcopal Church provides more competition for students and financial support. How to gain more a positive and wider awareness of the seminary and to promote the contribution the seminary is making to Anglicanism are pressing concerns. Institutional image is clearly related to the seminary’s ability to successfully solicit contributions.
The Board of Directors looks forward to working with the Diocesan Council to strengthen the seminary as a ministry of the diocese.
Prepared on behalf of the Board of Directors by Rev. William C. Miller, STM, PhD Chair, Board of Directors
Report of the Dean of Reformed Episcopal Seminary
To the One Hundred Thirty-seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic
Dear Brethren:
Reformed Episcopal Seminary is a mission and ministry of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church. 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 theirs communities to the various lay and ordained positions to which they may be called. 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.
In previous reports to Council I have explained the history, vision, and needs of the Seminary. I do the same in this year’s report, noting that while some information remains the same, there is also much happening at RES!
Background
Reformed Episcopal Seminary ‘ ministry and mission to be 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 “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.” In articulating this mission and assessing the effectiveness of its own curriculum, RES has developed six learning outcomes. We recognize that the Master of Divinity is a first professional degree, designed to provide a solid foundation in the various ecclesiastical disciplines in order to prepare candidates for ordained and lay leadership in the church. The Seminary intends that each student will be able to do the following upon completion of the program:
1. Understand, know, and articulate the Bible as canon, the inspired Word of God and the ultimate rule of faith and practice. 2. Have a deep well rounded understanding of church history – especially of the Western church – and be able to consistently apply it to ministry and other fields.
3. Have a thorough understanding of theology and be able to teach and explain it based on Scripture and the development of doctrine in the historic church.
4. Be a well-rounded servant in the church, aptly able to apply Scripture, doctrine and examples of church history to contemporary situations.
5. Articulate publically the truths of God’s Word in a clear and detailed fashion through preaching and teaching.
6. Be spiritually and morally formed to take responsibility as a public representative of the church working for the common good of society in various aspects of life.
Another central mission of the Seminary has been to train leaders who are equipped and desire to serve God, the church, and the world at a low cost so that these future leaders of the church and the mission field are not encumbered by debt or feel that their job and /or families are compromised by financial need.
The orthodox biblical education and formation that RESeminary continues to supply is greatly needed. We had five new students enroll in the Master of Divinity program this year and two new students in our Licentiate program. One of our new students is an international student, a priest from Nigeria. Since he enrolled we have had over seven new prospects from the Church of Nigeria.
We have increased our recruiting efforts in a number of ways. We hold two Open houses a year for prospective students as well as alumni, donors, and friends of the Seminary. The staff at RES has been working hard at expanding our network and database so we can make sure more people know about the programs and opportunities available through RES.
The Seminary still very much needs increased support from churches, parishioners, alumni, 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 prepared 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.
The Seminary, its faculty, and staff are no stranger to this model. The Seminary has not been able to pay our employees what their services are worth. None of them receive any health benefits from the Seminary. Students are charged tuition that is much less than half of what most other graduate schools charge and receive generous scholarships on top of that. Yet, they make serious sacrifices, such as moving their families across the country and working full-time to support them. Despite the low tuition and high scholarship aid, many students need the benefit of the government Title IV program. The Seminary has participated in this Federal Student Loan program for three years now. This enables students to defer their undergraduate loans while they are in seminary and take out student loans at low interest in order to meet the expenses of being in graduate school. Despite the low cost and high scholarships, we still have students who have needed to take advantage of student loans. We have several more who defer old college debt.
RES has entered its fifth year of accreditation with the Association of Theological schools. We continue to improve our program and grow. We have an increasing number of inquiries for our current programs and continue to have requests that we start new ones. We strive to do what we can to meet the needs of the church. We are very pleased that we are able to partner with Anglicans across the globe through training international students. We now have a volunteer in Nigeria coordinating admissions there. We hope to be able to support and be supported by Reformed Episcopal and Anglican students from across the continent and the globe. We will also continue to train student from various denominations as has been our heritage. The continuing diversity of our student body and community is part of the rich heritage we have and a key to equipping leaders that are able to serve God with whomever and wherever they are called.
Financial Need
Providing the through education and formation which RES does requires money and support. Accreditation and Federal Loan approval, while very necessary, dramatically increases those costs. The Seminary also serves as the Diocesan office, providing support and infrastructure for the Diocese. While the Seminary has had a need for more staff and equipment to better accomplish its mission, there has not been the money for it. A very significant portion of the Seminary’s general operating support comes from the Diocese. We continue to raise money from other sources. Tuition and fees were raised this year. We have built up our donor base and do have several new donors. The Seminary has received a substantial estate gift this year as well. This gift is restricted and while it gives the Seminary a stronger financial foundation, it is important that the Seminary continue to increase its general fund giving.
We hired a new bookkeeper and Director of Development this year, Mr. Mark Cernero, who comes to us with past experience from Valley Forge University and Hussian College. Mark has been soliciting donors and supporters by a variety of means. If you or your church would like to talk to Mr. Cernero, Bishop Hicks, or myself about your support of the Seminary and its mission we are very happy to meet with you. Seminary professors and speakers are available to speak for not only Seminary Sunday, but also for special educational, celebratory, or fundraising events. The Seminary’s financial position has improved. In addition to current regular giving, it is our goal to raise an additional $50,000.00 of General Fund by the end of the year. If we are able to raise these funds we will be able to close the year in the black and complete one or two deferred maintenance projects. Every gift helps us toward our goals of strengthening the Seminary, the church, and its mission. Vision
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 campus serves as a Diocesan center and is used in the training and formation of youth in our Diocese. We have worked cooperatively with our Committee on Young People’s Work both in regards to the current camping program, Octoberfest and also in the development of the Spiritual and Educational Formation for Youth Program (SEFY), which provides pre-Seminary programs for high school, college, and career age youth. We have had repeated inquires from multiple sources for programs that would lead to additional degrees such as the Master of Arts, the Doctor of Ministry, and the Master of Sacred Theology. We get many requests for distance education as well. We are looking to strategically add programs as we have the funding and staff to do so.
RES students are diverse racially and ecclesiastically. Our student body is usually 25%-40% minority. We have had students from the REC as well as students that have also come from other ACNA dioceses and continuing Anglican churches such as the Anglican Province of America and the Diocese of the Holy Cross. Our diverse environment had included a significant number of students from other traditions including, United Church of Christ, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, non-denominational, Reformed Baptist, and Christian Missionary Alliance. Students of various traditions and backgrounds study and worship together, learning both, to defend the faith and also to relate better to others with different perspectives. This has been cited as an important strength of RES and is one that we continue to nurture by recruiting students from different backgrounds to learn and grow together so they can better serve the church and the world and enrich our own Diocese and community.
The Seminary continues to maintain and improve its campus for the use of the Seminary community and the church. The brick patio inspired by the class of 2010 and supported by the Friends of Reformed Episcopal Seminary and quite a few continues to be added to and makes a nice area outside for conversation, reading, and reflection. The class of 2017 donated two picnic tables for the grassy area in front of the Seminary. We have added several new plantings, replaced awnings, and even added a new kitchenette. It is hoped that long-term, a housing wing will be developed in our new building in the long-term for the use of youth programs as well as Seminary lodging. At this point, we use about 35% of the Professional building for Seminary and Diocesan needs. The rest is fully rented, providing income to meet the expenses for that building.
We know that as the churches and members of this Diocese work together with others served by the Seminary as the body of Christ called to serve in this place and time, God can help us go forth and complete a grand work. 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.
RES provides not only a solid education rooted in the Anglican tradition guided by our bishop, it provides students from our church, the community, and the wider church with day-to-day mentoring and formation needs for pastoral skills and the spiritual formation of others. This is not something that can be taught to the same degree in the on-line courses and modular formats that are becoming increasingly prevalent today. Further, RES provides supervised ministry experiences for students both as part of the Seminary curriculum and through churches in our diocese and community. This experience is extremely important in the formation of clerical and lay leaders for the years to come. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the Seminary in the important goals that have been set before us. Please ask your vestries and church members to do the same. We know that almost every church and household budget is tight. The Seminary has had and will have an important role in the formation of our diocese, church, and community, and has an expanding role that is worthy of your prayer and support.
At the same time the Seminary understands that it is an agency of the Diocese and the Church. We exist for the students that we train, for our churches, and our young people. Please do not hesitate to tell us what you need from us and how we can better serve you and your church. Many of the ideas that are part of the current vision have come from those currently in the pew and behind the pulpit. We again cherish your ideas and prayers. They are an essential part of our communal life together as the body of Christ.
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.
In all these things and many others, I with the rest of the faculty and staff continue to be “Ambitious to be well-pleasing unto Him.”
Your fellow servant in Christ Jesus,
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches Dean Reformed Episcopal Seminary Financial Statement To the 137th Diocesan Council Profit & Loss January 1 through October 18, 2017
Jan 1 -Oct 18, 17
Ordinary Income/Expense Income 939,211.02 Mohrfeld Endowment Dept. of Ed. - GS Disbursement 40,077.49 Student Loan Disbursable Student -34,220.49 Loan Disbursement -5,857.00 Dept. of Ed. - G5 Disbursement - Other 0.00 Total Dept. of Ed. - G5 Disbursement Fundralslng Student Scholarship Fund Boscovs 75.00 Total Student Scholarship Fund 75.00 Recycling 73.00 Total Fundraising 148.00 Friends of RES Activities 1,685.00 Kuehner Seminar Income 20.00 Bank Interest 383.06 Book Store 7,992.13 Contributions Convocation 220.00 Building for the Future BFF Bp. Riches Chair Endowment 110.00 Building for the Future - Other 4,495.67 Total Building for the Future 4,605.67 Staff 50.00 Corporations 382.53 Alumni General 36,451.62 Total Alumni 36,451.62 Auxiliary 1,415.00 Board of Directors 6,486.42 Chapel Offerings 1,090.35 Commencement 748.95 Designated Student Scholarship (Needy St.) 12,958.50 Total Designated 12,958.50 Diocesan 135,000.00 Faculty 18,548.00 Library Designation 820.00 Misc 100.00 Non Alumni 30,027.50 Non RE Churches 7,010.26 RE Churches General 31,309.00 Total RE Churches 31,309.00 Students General 276.03 Class Gift 225.00 Total Students 501.03 ------Total Contributions 287,724.83 Investments Income Invest. Income - Loan Interest 8,444.92 Investments Income - Other ------3,910.96 Total Investments Income 12,355.88
Page 1 Jan 1 - Oct 18, 17
Library Income 1,763.09 Library Sales and Fines 1,763.09 Total Library Income
Reimbursements 756.24 Faculty Travel 72.50 Office reimbursed 107,057.09 Salary 107,885.83 Total Reimbursements
Rental Income 5,400.00 826 Second Ave(Ground Level) 53,890.00 831 DeKalb 8,335.00 Dorm House 67,625.00 Total Rental Income
Tuitions Income 150.00 Audit Fee 28,991.36 Full- time General Fees 957.30 Other Fees Transcript 190.00 fee Student Service 1,910.00 Fees 3,057.30 Total General Fees 1,295.00 LDM Program 1,161.00 Part-time 250.00 Student loan repayment . 4,092.00 WIS payment -non complete 38,996.66 Total Tuitions Income 165.04 Coffee/Concessions 1,465,955.54 Total Income 1,465,955.54 Gross Profit
Expense 110.87 Chapel Student Expense Student 2,970.00 Record Maint. Student Activities 1,351.16 Class Gift Guest 21.35 Speakers 1,372.51 Total Student Activities 4,342.51 Total Student Expense 2,449.02 Investment Expense 831DeKalb 675.00 Real Estate Fee 675.00 Total 831DeKalb
Academic Expense 45.00 Faculty Books 0.00 Youth Education 634.93 Convocation 679.93 Total Academic Expense 200.00 Advertising ATS Expenses Accreditation 1,655.00 ATS Meetings & Travel 1,763.79 Total ATS Expenses Bank 3,418.79 Fee 2,713.23
Page 2 4:03 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary 10/18/17 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 18, 2017
Jan 1 -Oct 18,17
BFFExpense 831 RETaxes 13,759.18 831 Dekalb Utilities 8,678.84 831 Mortgage-Interest 18,730.46 BFF Campus Improvements 23,257.30 Total BFF Expense 64,425.78 Board of Directors Subscriptions In Trust 425.00 Meeting Expense Travel 217.14 1,153.80 Total Board of Directors 1,795.94 Book Service Expense Charity - Chapel Offering Commencement 10,235.72 Commencement Reception 740.00 Commencement Speaker Honorarium Degree/Diploma, etc Printing 424.52 750.00 Total Commencement 72.37 Depreciation Expense 1,246.89 Designated Expenses Library 27,833.82 ATLA 150.00 Books Membership 6,069.00 Dues Postage 5,004.16 Schneider Martyr Collection 199.50 Subscriptions 393.57 Supplies Library 123.74 - Other 3,344.16 Total Library 331.53 188.93 Looney Hoffman Mort. ----·------· Interest 15,654.59
Total Looney Hoffman Mort. 18,470.43 Office Expense Accounting 18,470.43 Audit Auxiliary 1,385.00 Commencement 13,000.00 Computers 873.87 Copy Machine-Office 23.98 Miscellaneous-Office 1,513.87 Postage M Office 732.33 ReimbursementMOffice 243.88 Faculty appreciation 2,811.39 Supplies • Office -67.38 Teaching Expense Office 555.64 Expense • Other 3,278.08 Total Office Expense 12.71 174.14 Personnel Faculty Books 24,537.51 Disability Insurance Fac. I Staff Asst & Travel reim 67.00 5,949.98 4,867.98
Page3 4:03 PM Reformed Episcopal Seminary 10/18/17 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January 1 through October 18, 2017
Jan 1 -Oct 18,17
Faculty/Staff Faculty/Staff Events Faculty/Staff 80.00 Training Payroll 1,750.00 Adjunct -- Part-time 288,713.22 Payroll Taxes 2,780.61 Faculty/Staff - Other 69,369.81 150.00 Total Faculty/Staff 362,843.64 Medical-staff Payroll Expenses 2,564.00 2,407.87 Total Personnel 378,700.47 Publicity Sermon.net Publicity - Travel/Recruiting 50.00 ACNA 2,705.94 Facebook 150.00 Publicity - Other 564.73 1,105.00 Total Publicity Second 4,575.67 Ave Maintenance Taxes 2,253.54 Utilities 3,168.51 Main (826) Dormitory (832) 17,561.75 -27.78 Total Utilities 17,533.97 Total Second Ave 22,956.02 Transfer Coffee/Concessions Expenses Coffee 0.00 Concession Coffee/Concessions Expenses - Other 125.95 13.96 Total Coffee!Concessions Expenses 139.91 Total Expense 586,052.10 Net Ordinary Income 879,903.44 Other Income/Expense Other Income Unrealized Gain/Loss 18,080.30 _.,,.,_, -----·-- 18,080.30 Total Other Income ----······--- 18,080.30 Net Other Income
Net Income 897,983.74
Page3 Report of the Canon Missioner To the 137th Council of the Diocese of the Northeast Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Since being appointed Canon Missioner by Bishop Hicks on March 21, 2017 the following activities have been completed:
1. Attended ACNA Always Forward Church Planters Assessment Seminar in Atlanta, GA 4-25 to 4-27-17.
2. Presented review of the Seminar materials to the Diocese Executive board on 5-12-17.
3. Attended REC General Council in Dallas, TX, 6-14 to 6-15-17. REC 100 (Initiative for Church Planting and Revitalization) introductory presentation by Presiding Bishop Sutton.
4. Attended ACNA Provincial Council, Chicago, Ill 6-28 to 6-30.2017. Attended Always Forward, Church Planting Seminars.
5. Sent out E-mail to Churches within the Diocese to assess current Church Planting and Revitalization efforts.
6. Attended REC 100 Committee, inaugural retreat Dallas, TX, 10-3 to 10-4-17. Formative meeting to establish the REC 100 structures and resource planning to facilitate Church Planting and Revitalization for the REC Diocese.
7. Current Projects:
A. Designed and implemented REC-NEMA Church Planters Pre-Assessment Guide.
B. St. Paul’s Oreland. PA- Revitalization being facilitated by the Titus Institute.
C. Preliminary work for Church Plant by St. Stephen’s Eldersburg, MD
1. Church Planter- Rev. Ricky McCarl
D. Re-planting St. Luke’s- Bishop Hoffman- Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
E. On Going Bible study, potential Church Plant- Philadelphia area- St. Mark’s Objective of REC 100 is to plant 100 Reformed Episcopal Churches (Churches that are classical Anglican in their identity shaped by the historic formularies of the Holy Scriptures, the Articles of Religion, and the Cranmerian Prayer Book as approved by the REC). Respectfully Submitted, Oct. 9, 2017 Rev. Canon Jack W. Clark REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 2016-2017 Committee Members The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks– ex-officio The Rev. William Vowles The Rev. Gerald S. McLynn– chairman Mrs. Meghan Bohlen The Rev. Jason A. Holloway Dss. Ruth Creswell The Rev. Jason Patterson Mrs. Christine Specht The following nominations are submitted by the Committee on Nominations for election at the One Hundred Thirty-Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Officers
First Vice-President: The Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin Second Vice-President: The Very Rev. Eduardo A. Andrade Secretary: Mrs. Susan L. France Ex-officio President: The Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks Standing Committee Class of 2020 (up for Election) The Rev. James Patterson Mr. Robert Miller Previously Elected Class of 2019 The Very Rev. Dr. Eric Jorgensen Ms. Gina Lloyd Class of 2018 The Rev. Cedric R. Benner Mr. Jack Ross Ex-officio The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks The Rt Rev. R. Charles Gillin The Rev. Canon William Jenkins Trustees of the Diocese (entire slate up for election) The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks – ex-officio Mr. Zibusiso “Zie” Chilele The Rt. Rev. R. Charles Gillin Mrs. Barbara A. Hamarich The Rev. Canon William Jenkins Mr. Arthur Jenssen The Very Rev. Belgrave Pelle Mr. William Kozma The Rev. Jack Clark Mr. Michael McTigue The Rev. William G. Garrison, Jr. Mrs. Beverly Reese The Rev. Dcn David France Mr. Ronald Riches Mr. Greg Wright Board of Directors for the Theological Seminary Class of 2020 (up for election) The Very Rev. Dr. Julius Barnes The Rev. Dr. William Miller Mrs. Diana Lopez Previously Elected Class of 2019 Class of 2018 The Rev. Robert Garrett The Rev. Dr. Alan Crippen Mr. Christopher Komline The Rev. Dr. Herbert Lusk Ms. Wanda Preston Dr. Guy Webster
Ex-officio The Rt. Rev. David L. Hicks 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 2016 Standing Committee Removed: The Very Rev. Gregory J. Miller Frederick K. Ganjon, Esq. Replaced With: The Rev. James Patterson Mr. Robert Miller Trustees removed: Mr. George Lutz The Rev. Dr. Matthew P. Harrington The Very Rev. Gregory J. Miller Seminary Board Removed Rt Rev Walter Grundorf class of 2019 Replaced With: The Rev. Robert Garrett
Respectfully Submitted,
Gerald S McLynn
The Rev. Gerald S. McLynn REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINING CHAPLAINS
To the One Hundred Thirty-seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Dear Brethren,
The Board of Examining Chaplains this past year consisted of the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Very Rev. Dr. Eric Jorgensen, the Rev. Cedric R. Benner, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches. The Adjunct members included Deaconess Ruth Cresswell, and the Very Rev. John R. Smith.
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 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.
In general candidates are given a study guide and when they are ready and 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 Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks 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. During this Diocesan year two examinations were conducted:
1. On Thursday, June 22, 2017, David France was examined for ordination to the presbyterate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Very Rev. Dr. Eric Jorgensen, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan Riches. Deacon France was assigned further work and a follow-up examination will be schedule once that work is completed.
2. On Friday, September 15, 2015, Nicholas Ziegenhagen was examined for ordination to the diaconate. The examiners were the Rt. Rev. Dr. David L. Hicks, the Rev. Cedric Benner, the Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches, and the Rev. Jason Patterson. 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 Seventh Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
The Committee on Memorials serves the Council and the Diocese by collecting memorials of notable saints departed. We acknowledge and honor their service to the Christ’s Kingdom on earth. Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Jason Holloway Sr, Chairman
The following saints were called into the presence of our Lord at various times throughout this year of our Lord 2016-17:
Very Rev. Walter Hawkins went to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer. Walter was past rector of Church of the Atonement in Philadelphia, Dean of the Convocation of Pennsylvania and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. He was the beloved husband of Shelia Hawkins and the father of 5 children.
Henry Leibrand, 98 of Philadelphia went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2017 a US Navy veteran. He accepted Jesus at a Billy Graham Convention. He was former member of Trinity RE Church when the church was located at F Street at Allegheny Avenue. He soon transferred his membership to St. Luke’s RE Church which later merged with Bishop Hoffman Church. He served as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent of Sunday school, and he sung in the church choir. He also planned and helped coordinate church picnics and assisted in helping teens learn scriptures for Washington Birthday Ralley. Henry also served as a member of the vestry and served as the Rectors Warden. He also did chalk talks at various church fellowships. Henry attended Diocese meetings both General and Synodical representing the church. Henry Leibrand was also placed in the Bishop’s Book of appreciation.
Thelma Little called home January 15, 2017 a long time member of the Reformed Episcopal Church stared at Trinity Church Philadelphia where she taught Sunday school, attended Home Missionary Society and committees as need. Later she moved to Mayfair area became member St. Luke’s Bishop Hoffman where she attended morning worship services, women’s Bible study. Thelma was called in her 89th year.
Mr. William Grosspeter on May 1, 2017 resulting from an ongoing battle with liver issues. Bill was a member at St. Timothy's for nearly 10 years and served on Vestry and as a Lector.
Mr. Edward Ferdinand Meharg was born on October 30, 1924 in Evanston Illinois. He attended grade school in Bloomfield N.J. and graduated summa cum laude from Bloomfield High School. Edward attended Princeton University for his freshman year in 1942, joining the wrestling team and developing a life long love for physics. In 1943 he joined the US Navy Reserves as part of the Navy's V-12 and V-7 officer training program at Cornell and Columbia Universities. At the bottom of the Hudson River he learned hard hat diving and underwater welding. Immediately after the war, as an ensign, Edward served aboard rescue and salvage ship the USS Conserver. While serving on the Conserver, he participated in the 1946 Bikini Atoll atomic bomb test "Able" monitoring radiation levels aboard target ships. He continued to serve in the Naval Reserves through 1955.
With majors in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, Edward retired at age seventy after working nearly forty years for Union Carbide Corporation in Bound Brook NJ. While at Union Carbide, Edward was a pioneer in developing the first computer codes for microprocessors monitoring chemical processes, making manufacturing safer for workers minding chemical vats and mixers.
He was a much loved husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to his family. He worshiped and served in many ways from Senior Warden to church maintenance man at Covenant Chapel Reformed Episcopal Church in Basking Ridge. He and his wife were one of the first families to join Covenant Chapel and remained a faithful member and servant there till he went to be with his Lord and Savior. He also served on many committees for the Reformed Episcopal Denomination, for forty-seven years.
His love for Jesus was demonstrated on many occasions when he gave his time, his home and financial assistance to his church, friends, family and the strangers he met. Throughout his life he would have meaningful conversations with those he met from all walks of life, races and religions, a trait he has now passed on to his children and grandchildren.
In 1959 he married Janice Collver Meharg and had three children. He leaves behind his wife Janice of 59 years and sister Virginia Meharg Silliphant. He also leaves behind his children Amy, Daniel and David and David's wife Helen Kim Meharg, and six grandchildren, Jonathan, Grace, Joshua, Joanna, Olivia and Maya Meharg. His three nieces, Hope, Leslie and Wendy remained close to him throughout his life as well. William Erwin and Mary Earl are his close first cousins.
Rebecca Joyce Boddie was born on June 17, 1932 in Creswell, North Carolina to the late Dezzie Webb & Odell Alexander. She was the youngest of seven children, survived by one brother, Washington Webb and preceded in death by Martha Ann Leigh, John Gaston Webb, Bessie Watson, Robert Lee Webb and Ruthalean Marshall. Rebecca gave birth to four children, one of them, Armentha Christine Worsley, lovingly known as Menty and Ment, preceded her mother in death. `
Rebecca was educated in Washington County School District in Creswell, North Carolina. Throughout her professional career, she worked in Creswell, NC; Plymouth, NC; Norfolk, VA; Washington, DC; New Rochelle, NY; and Philadelphia, PA. She worked tirelessly for over 45 years to provide for her family. Rebecca loved cooking, reading the newspaper – especially the comics, crossword puzzles, traveling, sitting on her porch and the color green, which can be found in every room in her home. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, creating memories that they will cherish and treasure for a lifetime. She was a very stern but warm and loving woman and she never bit her tongue for anyone!
Rebecca dedicated her life to serving others, which was reflected throughout her life and her doors were always open to family and friends in need. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Reformed Episcopal Church of Messiah for over 50 years. Rebecca accepted God’s call on Saturday, July 29, 2017. We, the family, will celebrate the strength and love that she demonstrated throughout her life. She will always be Rebecca, Becky, Granny Ams, Grandmom, Mom, Mom-Mom, Ma, Ms. Boddie and Beck.
She leaves to cherish her love: Children – Wallie Blount (Bernadine), Gwendolyn Carter, Olander Boddie (Karen); Grandchildren – Sharana Worsley, Latisha Worsley, Shanda Greene (Greg), Lisa Carter, Howard Carter, Tanya Brown; Great-Grandchildren – Jalyn, Christian, Cameron, Jaidah, Wallie, Jaeda, Amirah, Ethan, Kendall; Angels - Selina Davis, Paula West, Hazel Murphy, Monique Palmer, Elaine Simmons, Wanda Lanier; nieces, nephews, friends, church family and neighbors. Rebecca’s presence was strong and, with her passing, one more light has been extinguished from our lives. But our grief is tempered knowing that she is free of her earthly pain and suffering. We are comforted in our faith that God has received her into His loving care and that she is now resting with her Menty.
LET US PRAY:
O God, who art present in every place; Mercifully hear our prayers for those whom we love, now absent from us; teach us to know that thou art always near, and that we are one in thee for ever; Cleanse our sorrow by thy gift of faith, and confirm in our hearts the knowledge of him who is the Resurrection and the Life, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Report for the Committee on Young People’s Work
To the One Hundred and Thirty-Seventh 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 one of our accomplished seminarians, Nick Ziegenhagen, presented talks on the topic of authentic conversation with God and our fellow man. Touching on the traps of personal prayer without corporate prayer, the value of personal prayer, and the challenges technology presents human interaction, Mr. Ziegenhagen did an excellent job and was easily one of the more popular speakers in camper estimation.
At summer camp, Bishop David Hicks and Canon Jonathan Riches led us through a study of the liturgical seasons. Each day of the camp week corresponded to the major seasons of the Church year. It was a great week which demonstrated in vivid fashion the events which have procured our salvation. 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. 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 and cares for designing and ordering our camp t-shirts, or our crafts team, Beth Riches and Ellen Williams. 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!
This year’s summer camp theme has yet to be determined, but the dates are July 22nd-28th at Rock Mountain Bible Camp north of Scranton. Please place it on your parish calendar! Winter camp information went out last week. It will also be held at RMBC on the weekend of Jan. 26th-28th. Please advertise this amongst your youth. A flyer was prepared and sent out to your parish by email. Registration is open online at www.coypw.org The theme for the weekend is “An Attitude of Gratitude: Lessons in the General Thanksgiving.”
As always, we desire your prayers as we seek to aid parishes and families in raising godly young men and women. 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 EVANGELISM, CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
To the One Hundred Thirty-Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren:
There are a number of current possible church plants which are in the preliminary stages, and a church plant in Norristown, Pa which I draw to your attention:
*St. Patrick’s Anglican Fellowship in Norristown, Pa. This started as a Bible study in 2013 and since January 2014 has been meeting for Sunday afternoon worship services at 1036 Green Street, Norristown, PA 19401 [Deliverance Evangelistic Temple’s church building].
We have church planting possibilities in the following areas in our diocese: *Two possible church plants in Philadelphia, PA *Bronx, NY- There is a potential for a Spanish speaking church plant through the help and assistance of St. Mary’s Reformed Episcopal Church in Bronx, NY. *Westminster, MD-This church plant is in its preliminary stages through the help and assistance of St. Stephen’s Reformed Episcopal Church in Eldersburg, MD. *Williamsport, PA
Please keep these areas of outreach and church planting in your prayers that God would grant us and wisdom and fruitful ministry in our work and labors for the Gospel.
Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Cedric R. Benner, Chairman REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF THE DIOCESE
To the One Hundred Thirty-seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren,
Sixty-seven 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 2017. 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. Fifteen parishes, 71% of those responding to the survey, downloaded and used the spreadsheet and submitted it via email. This year, there was again another similar process executed by the ACNA during February/March 2017 – ACNA Congregational Reporting – in which NEMA parishes participated. The data requested by the ACNA is a subset of the statistics mandated by NEMA’s Constitution. This NEMA survey for 2017 data will be scheduled to be coincident with the ACNA process.
The data submitted in this survey does not lend itself to other than basic analysis. However, here are a few basic observations derived from the 2016 raw data in the survey report:
† Overall NEMA membership decreased by 27 souls during 2016; † Five parishes or 24% of the respondents conducted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program. Total VBS participation across the diocese was 259, 52% of the total 500 diocesan participation in Sunday School. In the five parishes that conducted a VBS program, the 259 participation rate in the program was 143% higher than the 181 participation rate in the Sunday Schools of those parishes; † Respondents reported total receipts of $3,266,841 and a total tithe of $230,362 for a raw percentage rate of 7.1%; † Seventy-one percent of respondents reported expenditures exceeded revenue. Performance for the total of all respondents was that expenditures exceeded revenue by $109,508.
Thanks to all those involved at each parish in gathering and reporting statistics for 2016, 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 17.10.21 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2016 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 165 2 -3 -9 -2 153 8 93 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ 61 61 1 21 1 Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA NO REPORT Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA 33 -4 29 13 1 Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ 55 -1 54 0 19 Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 33 2 -1 34 34 25 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 35 35 12 Faith Baltimore, MD 60 1 1 -1 61 2 22 1 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY 46 3 3 0 52 7 33 2 Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 82 5 -2 -1 84 16 41 2 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 130 5 4 1 -9 -2 129 60 60 6 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Holy Trinity Bronx, NY NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT * St. George's Ontario, Canada 121 2 2 -2 123 147 82 1 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 48 -3 -1 44 44 32 1 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 23 1 24 9 1 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 16 1 1 -2 16 8 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 99 2 -2 99 32 45 9 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ NO REPORT St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 78 3 -3 -1 77 2 39 1 St. Michael's Enola, PA NO REPORT St. Paul's Oreland, PA 34 -2 -1 31 31 20 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD 64 -3 -1 60 60 19 4 St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 204 3 -10 -2 195 2 72 2 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ 15 -1 16 11 TOTALS - 2016 1,402 20 9 13 -10 -42 -17 1,377 446 676 32 * A major portion of St. George's tithe goes to support the deanery of Central and Eastern Canada
State of the Diocese Report v2.0 on 17.10.21.xls Chart Page 1 of 4 17.10.21 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2016 Statistical Report
Sunday Youth Women's Men's Vacation Bible General Dividends/I Designated Property Parish Location Weddings Funerals School Fellowship Fellowship Fellowship School Fund nterest Gifts/Income Sale/Rent Bishop Cummins Catonsville, MD 0 6 36 8 30 21 341,900 11,659 5,009 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ 38 81,667 Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA NO REPORT Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA 1 10 10 9 5 30,781 Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ 1 32 2 7 8 175,716 16,186 Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 1 7 20 6 105,500 5 8,897 2,525 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 16 67,752 630 2,565 Faith Baltimore, MD 3 16 84,618 5,766 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY 1 11 358,880 2,150 Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 1 24 19 10 202,496 74 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 2 3 73 19 10 208,004 67,729 5,315 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Holy Trinity Bronx, NY NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT * St. George's Ontario, Canada 2 24 14 12 5 28 80,029 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 3 18 66,233 18 74,032 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 1 11 5 53 80,905 25,600 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 3 11 8 21,560 3,837 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 50 27 73 191,207 30,394 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ NO REPORT St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 31 6 16 3 25 200,354 15 40,529 St. Michael's Enola, PA NO REPORT St. Paul's Oreland, PA 1 11 166,000 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD 1 1 16 45,450 St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 1 4 65 10 16 24 80 306,184 5,303 22,800 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ 20,308 TOTALS - 2016 9 27 500 89 165 76 259 2,835,544 2,892 292,497 * A major portion of St. George's tithe goes to support the deanery of Central and Eastern Canada
State of the Diocese Report v2.0 on 17.10.21.xls Chart Page 2 of 4 17.10.21 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2016 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 358,568 2,235 151,566 86,338 32,177 4,869 34,406 20,977 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ 81,667 1,339 52,950 8,820 6,253 860 Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA NO REPORT Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA 30,781 1,061 15,000 1,040 2,222 3,146 998 400 Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ 3,000 194,902 3,254 115,354 34,200 17,513 Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 17,456 134,383 3,103 77,946 11,230 10,470 22,252 7,215 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 70,947 1,936 30,138 18,010 6,688 Faith Baltimore, MD 90,384 1,387 50,441 24,101 8,278 600 600 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY 361,030 6,902 134,621 82,399 2,714 Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 202,570 2,411 123,220 41,014 20,470 6,570 Grace Scranton, PA - NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 13,800 294,848 1,612 123,100 63,899 21,986 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Holy Trinity Bronx, NY NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT * St. George's Ontario, Canada 80,029 651 9,390 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 22,560 162,843 43,863 39,320 3,710 1,892 1,610 6,737 19,125 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 12,843 119,348 3,371 68,803 36,739 8,585 St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 5,600 30,997 1,348 13,260 14,653 1,275 790 3,700 730 St. Mark's Rydal, PA 25,000 246,601 1,931 121,997 65,447 19,121 12,502 4,355 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ NO REPORT St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 240,898 119,559 27,579 18,950 2,222 28,800 St. Michael's Enola, PA NO REPORT St. Paul's Oreland, PA 166,000 5,355 99,132 11,984 6,601 25,000 13,000 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD 45,450 758 24,700 5,815 2,275 150 St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 334,287 1,570 134,900 143,571 29,547 13,600 2,900 4,800 St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ 20,308 1,269 25,038 2,137 TOTALS - 2016 100,259 3,266,841 2,372 1,525,588 716,159 230,362 60,171 116,796 43,914 23,925 * A major portion of St. George's tithe goes to support the deanery of Central and Eastern Canada
State of the Diocese Report v2.0 on 17.10.21.xls Chart Page 3 of 4 17.10.21 STATE OF THE DIOCESE REPORT 2016 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 330,333 330,333 28,235 Church of Our Redeemer Jersey City, NJ 68,883 11,652 266 80,801 866 Church of the Atonement Philadelphia, PA - NO REPORT - - Church of the Messiah Philadelphia, PA 22,806 9,477 225 32,508 (1,727) Covenant Chapel Basking Ridge, NJ 167,067 19,542 186,609 8,293 Emmanuel Somerville, NJ 129,113 129,113 5,270 Emmanuel/Four Brooks Pipersville, PA 54,836 2,565 57,401 13,546 Faith Baltimore, MD 84,020 3,137 1,200 88,357 2,027 First (St. Alban's) New York, NY 219,734 141,295 - 361,029 1 Good Shepherd Church W. Bridgewater, MA 191,274 963 192,237 10,333 Grace Scranton, PA NO REPORT Grace Collingdale, PA 208,985 22,562 43,490 275,038 19,810 Grace Havre-de-Grace, MD NO REPORT Holy Trinity Bronx, NY NO REPORT Jesus the Good Shepherd Brooklyn, NY NO REPORT * St. George's Ontario, Canada 79,009 79,009 1,020 St. John's by-the-Sea Ventnor City, NJ 116,257 37,513 8,469 162,239 604 St. Luke's New Providence, NJ 114,127 9,375 123,502 (4,154) St. Luke's Bishop Hoffman Philadelphia, PA 34,408 369 300 35,077 (4,080) St. Mark's Rydal, PA 223,422 223,422 23,179 St. Mary's Bronx, NJ NO REPORT St. Matthew's Havertown, PA 197,110 28,901 225,780 15,118 St. Michael's Enola, PA NO REPORT St. Paul's Oreland, PA 155,717 155,717 10,283 St. Peter's Chesapeake City, MD 32,940 12,450 45,390 60 St. Stephen's Sykesville, MD 329,318 5,303 334,621 (334) St. Timothy's Mount Laurel, NJ 38,900 250 39,150 (18,842) TOTALS - 2016 2,798,259 238,455 120,849 3,157,333 109,508 * A major portion of St. George's tithe goes to support the deanery of Central and Eastern Canada
State of the Diocese Report v2.0 on 17.10.21.xls Chart Page 4 of 4 17.10.21 REPORT OF THE LOONEY-HOFFMAN FUND To the One Hundred Thirty-Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church Dear Brethren: Pursuant to the direction of the will of Bishop Herman S. Hoffman that the Board of Trustees of the Looney-Hoffman Fund "shall report their acts and proceedings and expenditures of funds to the New York and Philadelphia Synod," the following report is submitted for the Fund's fiscal year June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.
The Board held four regular meetings during the year, on June 16, September 15, December 15, 2016 and March 16, 2017 and a special meeting on July 28, 2016. The Trustees of the Fund during the year were:
Rev. Jon W. Abboud, Asst. Vice-President Rev. M. Russell Buchanan Rev. Dale H. Crouthamel Rev. Wayne A. Headman, President Ronald C. Reese Danae Smith Richard W. Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer Gregory Wright Charles R. Young, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
The principal purpose of the Looney-Hoffman Fund is to make appropriations in the form of nominal interest loans for the establishment and expansion of Reformed Episcopal churches in Pennsylvania. Those "church loans", which must be secured by first mortgages on real estate, are made from the Fund's accumulated income. The total of the appropriations outstanding at May 31, 2017 was $1,557,231.15. The Fund manages its principal and accumulated income in a variety of investments. At year end, $1,051,859.39 of that was in interest bearing loans to Reformed Episcopal organizations. The rest ($3,646,509.43) is invested conventionally, in other mortgages, mutual funds and bank deposits. A summary of the financial report of the Looney-Hoffman Fund for its fiscal year June 1, 2016 to May 21, 2017 is attached.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD W. STEVENS, Secretary-Treasurer The Board of Trustees of the Looney-Hoffman Fund
Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 2017
Balance Sheet
Assets
Commercial Mortgages (Schedule 2) 1,219,315.58 Church Mortgages (Schedule 3) 16.00 PNC Bank, checking account 10,599.33 PNC Bank, money market account 111,328.74 Charles Schwab, custody account 3,357,109.17 $4,698,368.82
Funds
Looney-Hoffman Fund Principal $4,375,650.23 Nisky Hill Cemetery Fund Principal 1,200.00 Looney-Hoffman Fund Income 321,518.59 $4,698,368.82
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
Balance June 1, 2016 $1,322,874.24
Gain on Sale of Investments 484,794.72
Mortgage Loss – Loan forgiveness by the Board of Spadafora #147 ( 59,672.13)
Transfer from Income Fund 2,628,853.40
Balance 05/31/17 $4,376,850.23
Composed of:
Charles Schwab Investments 3,156,334.65 Principal Mortgages 1,219,315.58 $4,375,650.23
Nisky Hill Cemetery Fund 1,200.00
$4,376,850.00 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE BASSINGER HOME FUND To the One Hundred Thirty Seventh Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church Dear Brethren:
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.
Between the conclusion of last year’s council and the end of September 2017 the committee administering the fund was called upon to consider a single case in which a clergyman from our Diocese encountered significant and unexpected costs due to a medical emergency. The committee convened via email on August 31, 2017 and approved the release of $1,000 to assist in the payment of medical bills related to this emergency.
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 $500.00 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 establish 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 $500.00 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 2017 with supporting form is due no later than January 15, 2018. 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 25 West Second Street Media, PA 19063. Phone: ( 610) 566-3194
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. John C. Medvick, Chairman REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC RELATIONS
To the One Hundredth and Thirty-Sixth Council Of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Public Relations for our Diocese has three components – the individual, the parish, and the diocese. We are each responsible for our individual relations with the public – our public witness, whether toward our families, our neighbors or our co-workers. Within this realm is included the most productive of known evangelism efforts – that of our personal outreach to those around us. In the parish, the witness and example of our corporate worship and 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 “seeker-sensitive fellowship gatherings”.
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. Some Anglican dioceses have staff members devoted to communications both within and without the diocese.
The diocesan website, www.REC-NEMA.org, continues to be the primary means of our corporate communications effort. You should already be familiar with the page devoted to this Diocesan Council, since it is where you had to go to register, find schedules and directions, and download reports (that which was emailed to you came from the web page). Using the web and email has helped the Diocese cut mailing costs, but it does require some initiative on the part of you all in visiting the site frequently and distributing things we email you to the relevant people in your parishes. Please help us keep costs down and information flowing.
The usefulness and appeal of a website is directly related to its attractiveness and the effort that goes into keeping it updated. This is true for the Diocese as well as our individual parishes. The front page of our diocesan website is a blog, which depends partly on parishes sending us timely notice of local events and special services. We run a feature page during both the Advent/Christmas and Lenten/Easter seasons of such events, and several parishes have reported visitors found them because of those pages.
If you have noticed a change in the look of web-pages lately, it is primarily due to the shift in frequency of access from larger desktop and laptop screens toward smaller smartphones and tablets. Much smaller screen space has meant a design change in the way web information is displayed. Multi-column web pages are on the way out, replaced by single-column displays that resize themselves to spread text and graphics across whatever size screen is being used. Unfortunately the church is usually behind the times in perceiving and adapting to changes in media presentation, so only a few of our parishes have updated their sites. If your parish would like some help in updating your web presence, the Diocesan Office can recommend a few potential resources.
Another element of Public Relations is in the area of what has come to be called Crisis Management. Some questions to ask yourselves or your parish leadership: How is your parish prepared to meet a crisis? What if the crisis was the compromise or disablement of your rector? What is the plan if a person waving a gun enters your worship service? What if a tree fell on your sanctuary? What if the phone network was down for more than a few days, or electricity cut off for a week? What if your parish website was hacked with porn? What if your parish bank account was electronically zeroed, or worse yet what if your treasurer ran away with the books as well as the balance? Sadly, all of these are situations that have recently happened to churches around us.
This incomplete list is an example of the questions that need to be asked in thinking about and preparing for different types of organizational crisis. The best way to handle crises is to plan for them ahead of time, and the best plans start with multi-path communications plans. We have done some research on communications and public relations in crisis management situations. If this is a concern for your parish, contact the Diocesan Office for help in this area. Of course, it is always better to do this BEFORE the crisis erupts...
Of perhaps greater concern to us all is the number of online break-ins, theft of data and identities, and defacing or hijacking of organizational web presence going on today. Big companies like Equifax, Yahoo, Target, Home Depot, and Staples have reported extensive break-ins to their customer databases. But there have also been a number of deep hacks, whether governmental or criminal, into non-profit websites looking for financial gain or just to damage their reputation.
The primary ways of protecting our sites and data are to keep our machines and software up- to-date, to run virus scanners on all machines that handle business information (even the Macs - they may not get as many viruses, but they can still pass them on if they are not being scanned), to do frequent backups of critical data and keep them secure, and to use strong passwords that are carefully protected. If your parish has or suspects a break-in, or you would like to request a review of your security profile and procedures, contact the Diocesan Office for assistance.
If you have any suggestions or comments to help improve our public image and communications, please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of us at the Diocesan Office.
Gregory Wright Chairman Audit of the Diocese of Northeast & Mid-Atlantic For Calendar Year 2016
The Diocese of Mid-America The Reformed Episcopal Church
4142 Dayflower Dr. Katy, TX 77449 281-463-9454
The Very Rev. Jason R. Grote, B.B.A, M.Div. Official Auditor of the Reformed Episcopal Church Treasurer of the Diocese of Mid-America
October 12, 2017
The Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic 826 Second Ave. Blue Bell, PA
Upon request of the Bishop and the Treasurer of the Diocese of the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic (hereafter referred to as “NEMA” or “the Diocese”), I have performed an audit to assist you with respect to the accounting records of NEMA for calendar year 2016 and Year-to-Date September 30, 2017. While implementing some of the same standards and procedures, the term “audit” is defined internally and does not correspond to the definition and/or full standards of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.
I note my findings in this report and provide compiled financial statements based on those findings. Had I performed additional procedures and been provided further information, other matters could have come to my attention which could change such reports.
______The Very Rev. Jason R. Grote, B.B.A, M.Div.
Page 2 REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND NURTURE
To the One Hundred Thirty-Seventh 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” to Bishop Gillin for encouraging and advertising this ministry.
This past year the focus of the retreat was on the marital relationship of clergy and their wives. We learned what type of personalities we brought into our marriages as well as how to address being lovers and friends using biblical standards. All appreciated the sharing, encouraging and learning. The only lament was that more could not be in attendance.
The dates of this next year’s retreat are February 1-3, 2018. We will be meeting again at the beautiful and comfortable Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA. The focus this year will be a devotional study of the Lord’s Prayer. Please make sure to register by December 23, 2017. 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
9:30AM - Session #2 Registration Form
Wanting the Will of God Name(s)______Friday continued Name of roommate requested:
______10:15 AM- Break
10:30 AM- Session #3 Check or complete appropriate line(s) Praying for One Another _____ Entire retreat for 2 – $375 12:00 PM- Lunch provided _____ Entire retreat for 1 (single occupancy) -$295.00. FREE AFTERNOON _____ Entire retreat for 1 (double occupancy) –$225.00. 6:00 PM- Dinner at various local restaurants (Groups will be formed if desired) _____ 2 arriving Friday PM -$225.00.
Schedule _____ 1 arriving Friday PM (single 9:00 PM- Evening Prayer occupancy)-$200.00.
Thursday 2/1/18 _____ TOTAL $ ENCLOSED 3:00-7:00 PM - Registration/Check-in (Dinner on your own) Saturday 2/3/18 Mail check payable to: 8:00PM – Evening Prayer Breakfast provided The Reformed Episcopal Church 9:00PM – Session #1 9:30 AM- Holy Communion
Mail the registration to: “Lord, teach us to pray” 10:30 AM- Session #4
10:00 PM- social hour Praising While Praying Mr. Ron Riches REC Dioceses of the NE 11:30 AM- pack up and head for home 826 Second Ave. Friday 2/2/18 (Lunch on your own) Blue Bell, PA 19422-1257
Breakfast provided
9:00AM - Morning Prayer
Come join us for a The Lord’s Prayer relaxing and and Us reflective weekend A retreat for Pastors, as we learn from their wives, and others in ministry. God’s Word how the Lord’s Prayer is Thursday, February 1, 2018 thru central when we Saturday, February 3, 2018 pray together. at Best Western Eden Resort Routes 30 & 272 Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-6444
1257
- Entire Retreat Package includes: *2 nights at hotel *2 buffet breakfasts *1 lunch
* Fellowship *4 teaching sessions
*Indoor pool *All taxes & gratuities Blue Bell, PA 10422 *Free time Mr. Ron Riches REC NE 826 Report of the Committee on the History of the Diocese
To the One Hundred Thirty-seventh 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.
Thanks to all those who have sent us documents to help preserve our history. 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, the Assistant Librarian at Reformed Episcopal Seminary and other committee members and library workers 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!
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jonathan S. Riches Chairman Report of the Committee on Men’s Ministry
To the One Hundred Thirty- Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren;
This past Diocesan year the committee planned a Men’s Retreat for April 28-29, 2017. The retreat was to be at Sinking Springs on Bristol Plantation, Chesapeake City, Md. Arrangements for food and lodging were made and invitations went out to all the churches in the our Diocese. Unique to this retreat was adding another element to our gathering with a sports activity, and so it was called a ‘Cast and Blast’ Retreat. There was expressed interest of the new event, but we only had a few registered by the deadline and all of them were from the sponsoring Grace Church, Md. We canceled the retreat, yet we did end up scheduling several successful Men’s Cast and Blast evenings throughout the summer. In conclusion, the committee will continue to investigate other avenues of ministry to support the men of our Parish.
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. Russell Buchanan Mr. Rupert Jeremy The Rev. Robert Appleton Mr. Farrell Lawrence The Rev. Roderick Lee Mr. Wayne Patterson The Very Rev. Gregory Miller Mr. Jack Ross The Rev. Harold Currie REC Board of Foreign Missions News www.recbfm.org Trinity 2017
Meet and Greet our International Partners at the REC General Council June 14-16 in Dallas Texas REC Germany: Bishop Gerhard Meyer is the Bishop Ordinary of The Reformed Episcopal Church in Germany. He oversees the church-planting ministry and the seminary. He and his wife Grace direct “The Knüll,” a Christian Camp ministry in Schwarzenborn. Anglikanischen Kirche: http://www.rekd.de/index.php?id=26&articles=16 English Camp: www.facebook.com/groups/EnglishCamp.Schwarzenborn
After 20 years in REC parishes in Philadelphia, the Rev. David Ayres moved to Berlin, Germany. He and his wife Patricia are planting a bilingual Reformed Episcopal ministry in the German capital. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anglican.church.berlin Website: www.christchurchberlin.de REC Croatia / Serbia: Bishop Jamin Milić is Suffragan Bishop for the ministry in Croatia, Serbia and the outreach into surrounding nations in Europe. He is also a church planter, rector of a parish, leads a seminary and has written two books on the Reformation. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReformedEpiscopalChurchInCroatia REC Cuba: Bishop Willians Mendez shepherds 46 Reformed Episcopal parishes and house-church missions as Suffragan Bishop of the special mission district of the REC Convocation of Western Canada (Bishop Charles Dorrington) https://rec-canada.com/index.php/cuba/shistory
Free Church of England: The Rt Rev John Fenwick (left), Bishop Primus and Bishop of the FCE Northern Diocese; The Rt. Rev. Paul Hunt (right), FCE Southern Diocese; The Rt Rev. Josep Rossello (center), Missionary Bishop of the FCE in Brazil (Igreja Anglicana Reformada). 2017 marks the 90th anniversary of the Union of the Free Church of England (dating from 1844) and the UK branch of the REC (founded in England in 1878). Anglican Global Mission Partners Sub-conference at the ACNA Provincial Assembly (June 27-30) ~ All are welcome! Each Assembly participant is cordially invited to attend the Anglican Global Mission Partners’ (AGMP) sub-conference to learn together how to grow your local church in depth and breadth through engaging in mission, beginning at your doorstep. Join us for any or all the following mission- equipping workshops in Blanchard Room 324, unless otherwise noted. You are also invited to the Tuesday evening welcoming Ice Cream Social, 7-10 pm, in the exhibit hall located in the Beamer Center!
Wednesday, June 28, 2pm ~ Who Really is My Neighbor? Hear stories that will inspire you to engage in mission beginning at your doorstep and extending out to the world. From engaging international students and those struggling with addiction and poverty in the U.S. to sending short-term and long-term missionaries to take the Gospel farther afield, these speakers will help you envision who your neighbors might be and how you can share the love of Jesus with them! Lisa Espineli Chinn – Former IVCF, International Student Ministry Director Grant & Wendy LeMarquand – SAMS missionaries in Gambela, Ethiopia Herb Bailey – Church Army, Uncommon Grounds Café Director Glen Petta – SOMA, U.S. Director
Wednesday, June 28, 4pm ~ Practical Steps toward Doing Mission on Our Doorstep Start applying now what you are hearing by taking steps to cross cultures nearby, reach out to those from other religious, socio-economic and racial/ethnic backgrounds, involve young people, and minister to those dealing with life issues. You’ll hear about outreach ideas and practical ways to connect with those still far from Christ that will get you out of the pew and into your community! Daryl Fenton – CMJ, Executive Director Chris Royer – Anglican Frontier Mission, Director Georgette Forney – Anglicans For Life, President Kerry and Cynthia Buttram – SAMS missionaries in Cairo, Egypt
Thursday, June 29, 2pm ~ Ed Stetzer: “Gospel Multiplication & Roland Allen” We encourage all of our sub-conference attendees to attend this Always Forward session with plenary speaker Ed Stetzer, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism at Wheaton College. He will be drawing from the missiology of Roland Allen, a British Anglican missionary who served in China in the early 1900s. Allen became an early advocate of establishing churches which from the beginning would be self-supporting, self-propagating, and self- governing, adapted to local conditions and not merely imitations of Western Christianity. Ed Stetzer helps us to think “missionally!”
Thursday, June 29, 4pm ~ Growing Missional Parishes Whether you are the only “mission-minded” person in your parish or your parish is on fire for missions, come and discover new resources that will help your church grow AND equip more people to go to the mission field, domestically and internationally. You’ll leave knowing how to take the next step towards a deeper missional DNA in your parish context. Jenny Noyes – New Wineskins Missionary Network, Executive Director Bill Jerdan – Reformed Episcopal Church Board of Foreign Missions, Exec. Secretary Nate Twichell – Agape Year Director, a gap year sponsored through AGMP Lollie Twyman – Diocese of Ft. Worth World Mission Committee Chair
The Reformed Episcopal Church is a member of the Anglican Global Mission Partners Network www.agmp-na.org
For more information, visit www.recbfm.org/news or follow us on Twitter: @RECBFM and Facebook: RECBFM The Committee of Women’s Ministry
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacri- fice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2
The Committee on Women’s Ministry was founded in May 1948 by the General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church. It has served the women of the church for over 69 years. There are 3 key things the Committee strives to provide to all the women in our parishes: instructions, leadership skills, and fellowship with sisters in Christ. The modality of these three items is provided as follows:
A devotional booklet This is written by our women and provided at a nominal cost to all women in the REC. The theme unifies our women in a common Bible study that carries the theme through the entire year. We would love to see each church use this Bible devotional in their women’s meetings.
Women’s Day project offering luncheon This has traditionally occurred the first Friday in May and for many years held in the Philadel- phia, PA, area, but May 2017, a new idea was born. The luncheon will now be decentralized and held within each of our dioceses. Our goal is to encourage more women to be in attendance and to prayerfully see the project offering is met. Over the years, the women have passed over $572,662. Each year, the project is different and approved by our Bishops. The project for 2018 is REC 100, chosen to help support the goal of General Council to establish 100 new parishes and to encourage and invigorate existing parishes. Our goal is to reach $7500.
Spiritual Enrichment Conference The conference is held in Williamsburg, Va, in October. We are now looking at a wide base of support in encouraging all REC women to try to attend this 3 day conference. WE are already delighted to see support from Canada and Texas. This provides great fellowship across the miles. The conference is al- ways run by our women and includes such a spiritual blessing to those in attendance.
To look back over this past year, our theme was Women of Faith and Influence. Our last project offering as we have known it was held at St. Paul’s, Oreland, PA on May 5, 2017, with 75 in attendance. Ms. Judy King, retired missionary to Brazil, was our speaker, and what a challenge she gave to all in at- tendance. October 13-15, 2017, found 45 very happy and excited women gather at the Double Tree by HIlton in Williamsburg, VA. Our keynote speaker gave three dramatic presentations: Sarah, wife of Abra- ham; Lydia of Thyatira; and Claudia, Pilate’s wife. In all the years I have personally attended this confer- ence, I was never more touched and blessed by Mrs. Linda Frost-Clark, our presenter, as she made these women come to life. Prayer time, mealtime, worship led to a conference those in attendance will remem- ber for years to come.
Respectfully, Susan Higham Adjunct Member Committee of Women’s Ministry Report of the Committee on The Ministry Wives Group
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, First, on behalf of The Ministry Wives Group we give thanks for the capable and godly leadership of Mrs. Edith Wegner. Mrs. Wegner has led this group with instruction, biblical reflection, and prayer since its beginning in 2012. We congratulate her on graduating from R.E.S in June of 2017. The purpose of this group is to delve into the word of God, pray, and to build relationships with clergy wives, seminary wives, and missionary wives. Through the years we have studied different books for deeper study and communion with the Lord. As we approach a new year we will try a different format. For the 2017-2018 period we will continue to meet with our husbands at the time of clergy convocation. We will also be providing childcare. The plan for the year will be to have a speaker with discussion, Scripture, reading, and prayer for each session. Our first event of the fall was held at the Seminary on September 23, 2017. Mrs. Jessica Brummett was the first speaker. Her talk was in line with the Most Rev. Ray Sutton’s exhortation on missions at General Council. She discussed the Brummett’s ministry in the United Arab Emirates. We were blessed that day with knowledge of overseas missions and fellowship with our sisters in Christ. We look forward to our future speakers and our time of sharing God’s word and rejoicing in his goodness. Please encourage your seminary, missionary, and clergy wives to come fellowship with us. Respectfully submitted, Lisa A. Hicks 1REPORT ON PAROCHIAL TITHE INITIATIVE
To the One Hundred and Thirty-Seventh Council of the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic of the Reformed Episcopal Church
Dear Brethren: After last year’s Diocesan Council, Bishop Hicks asked me if I would lead an effort to help bring financial stability, by means of parochial tithing, to the Diocese. I began the initiative in hopes of getting the ball rolling.
The first step was to speak with Bishop Hicks and Canon Jenkins. They shared their ideas and what they thought would be reasonable, initially. Second, I drafted a rough and flexible plan that was submitted to both of them. I received encouragement from Bishop Hicks to move forward. Finally, I sent a cover letter with the Plan to Leaders of the Diocese: Priest, Deacons, and Deaconesses.
I mailed out approximately 50 Letters. I received 5 responses. Four responses came via email and one was received by snail mail. Three respondents were Rectors of parishes. These Pastors were very supportive and encouraging. Their respective congregations were also fully committed to forwarding a tithe of general income received. A thread that ran through these 5 responses was a gentle “nudge” to be careful and allow the local leaders to deal with problems surrounding the lack of giving and tithing the full 10% to the Diocese. In other words, be careful not to meddle in parish affairs. I did receive offers of assistance as well. I thanked all for their timely feedback.
I have not yet sent out a follow up letter or called those who did not respond. Please feel free to share thoughts, comments, ideas, and concerns during this Council.
Respectfully submitted,
The Very Rev. Eduardo A. Andrade Team Leader