FORWARD IN FAITH

“THE GROVE”

JULY 18, 2011

Attendees

Oneta Applewhaite                             Dennis LeBlanc

Jane Fox Babcock                               Connie Malin

Grey Eynon                                        John Mattix

Susan Houghton                                 Jean Runge

Amy Keach                                        Ed Smith

Beryl King                                          Dan Tompkins

Jeff Lang                                           Bettie von Frankenberg

Cyril Williams

Ex-Officio Members

Sr. Warden Mike Grabowski

Jr. Warden Teri Quinn Gray

Rector Fr. Paul Gennett, Jr.

Diocesan and Trustee Members

Rufus Miller Director of Institutions

Steve Boyden Trustee Property Chair

Opening Prayer and Welcome

Fr. Paul Gennett called the meeting to order at 7 pm and led the opening prayer.  He welcomed and thanked those in attendance for their willingness to serve on the committee.  Each person was asked to introduce him/her self and tell something of their background, talents, and what vision for the Grove they might have.

Where Have We Been

Fr. Paul noted that there is a very small deficit at this time which will be cleared in the near future.

Strategic Planning Committee I

Frank Rawling served as Chair of the Strategic Planning I Committee which was charged with outlining the state of the parish in 2009 and the potential future of the parish.  At the conclusion of the committee’s work a recommendation would be forwarded to the vestry either to plan to take over the Grove in 5 years or tell the Diocese no thanks St Thomas does not want it.  The committee designed five scenarios including the financial requirements ranging from no growth to doubling the parish membership.  The committee faced the current decline in membership and pledges and noted three key issues.  The Sunday school program would have to be built up with new families, a solid youth program during the week as well as on Sundays needed to be developed, and an active program in the Newark community to indicate the presence of St. Thomas would need to be implemented.  The vestry elected to move forward with the Grove and formed the Strategic Planning Committee II under the leadership of Debbie Supplee.

Strategic Planning Committee II

In the absence of committee chairperson, Debbie Supplee, Fr. Paul presented the power point presentation which listed three main categories that of additional parking, green space, and a building to increase youth programs and the ECM for consideration by the vestry and the parish.

Parking:

Little parking is available at UD and it is not will advertised so newcomers know where it is.  With the Grove we can expand our present parking for large events.  We also own the rectory where a “curb cut” is in place on Indian Road.

Green Space:

Green space could be set aside pleases the neighbors and the community.  The American Chestnut trees that are protected would be preserved and a peaceful area for praying and meditating and gardening would be available.

Building:

A multi-purpose building could be provided with space designated for the ECM program and Deacon Cecily and possibly other campus ministries; space of some type for middle and high school students to have their activities including Diocesan activities; and other activities at St. Thomas.  Parents would be assured of safe, supervised space for their children and youth.

Our location is such that often St. Thomas is one of the first things newcomers see when arriving via South College Avenue.  With well planned parking, green space, and adequate building space St. Thomas can realize its dream of being a “light on a hill” in our community of Newark.  The committee feels that St. Thomas Parish can and will raise the money to purchase the Grove and build a building and should move forward with the Grove

Diocesan/Trustees View and Expectation of St. Thomas

Rufus Miller stated that the Diocese started looking at the Grove in 2007 when the property came up for sale knowing the parking situation at St. Thomas.  Bishop Wright did not want the Grove to be an issue for the first two years of a five year plan since Fr. Paul had just been elected Rector of St. Thomas.  The Diocese began conversations with St. Thomas with a determination to be made by February 2012 when the note now held by the Diocese must be renegotiated.  The Diocese/Trustees think that the plans St. Thomas has begun are viable, but while we have their support they are not making a judgment call.  The power point presentation will be given to the Trustees at their September 8^th meeting which will give them the opportunity to see and hear the financial and mission plans.  Steve Boyden concurred with Rufus Millers remarks.

Path forward

1. Gregg Eynon and Tom Fairchild will serve as co-conveners for the Leader Team.  Plans need to be developed for what needs to be done, who will do it, and how it will get done and the date for final report.  Rufus Miller and Steve Boyden will be invited to all the meetings.

2.  Fr. Paul suggested that a chaplain be appointed.  All are asked to pray daily for the team and guidance before the next meeting.  Beginning Sunday, July 24^th, the Forward In Faith team will be added to the Sunday prayers of the people at all services.

3. Prayer is the good path.  What old things are you telling about your parish committee now and remember new stories are waiting to be told.

Adjournment - The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next Meeting:  Tuesday, August 2, at 7:00 pm in the Great Hall Classroom.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Runge