THE GRAPEVINE

The Newsletter of Province II of the Episcopal Church

The Grapevine - Fall 1997 - Volume 4 Number 3
Jan Paxton, Editor

Contents:

LOOKING BACK...

General Convention 1997
By Jan Paxton
General Convention Digital Media Staff

At the Synod meeting in May, one of the topics discussed was the need to know what actions of General Convention will most directly impact the provinces and the dioceses so that we in Province II can begin to deal with them.

This article summarizes the actions that seem to me to fit that category. It does not pretend to be a summary of everything that happened at General Convention in Philadelphia and it is not an overview of the events of convention. I certainly had an exciting, if exhausting, time working with John Rollins in the General Convention Telecommunications Office, which gave me a very different view of convention than that of deputy or visitor.

As we look at the program and mission of our various dioceses and the province as a whole, several of the structure changes will be important. The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee is continued and $100,000 was moved from the grants program to its general budget. How this will impact the Province's active JPIC network is not known at this time. There is now a new Standing Commission on Anglican International Peace with Justice Concerns. Peace and justice are concerns of JPIC. The support and funds for the Commission on HIV/AIDS are also continued. The new Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism will replace the three former standing commissions on evangelism, churches in small communities, and metropolitan areas. The Standing Commission on Church Music is also discontinued, although there will be continued funding for a project to provide education for musicians who serve small Episcopal congregations. The other Standing Commissions are: Church in Small Communities, Constitution and Canons, Ecumenical Relations, Liturgy and Music (Common Worship, Ministry Development, National Concerns, Structure of the Church, World Mission, and Stewardship and Development. We will need to find out how the former Standing Commission on Church Music fits into this new structure. We will also need to discover what is really happening with the Standing Commission of the Church in Small Communities, which seems both to have been incorporated into the new Domestic Mission and Evangelism Commission and continued as a Standing Commission.

Some of the program areas that received funding include Hispanic stewardship training; four ethnic commissions for American Indian, Asian-American, African-American, and Hispanic ministries; the Episcopal Conference for the Deaf; and communications using emerging technologies and training. These are all programs which are represented by active ministries in this province. In a related resolution, 1997-2007 is designated the Decade of Remembrance, Recognition, and Reconciliation for welcoming native people and developing outreach among urban native people. Dioceses and provinces were charged in resolution A129 to expand advocacy and outreach among migrant and seasonal farm workers. This is an important area of ministry in this province.

Provinces received some special attention. There was a resolution which called for the creation in each province of a Committee for National Mission to communicate and promote financial support for the church's mission. The core of these provincial committees will be the provincial members of the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief and the provincial members of the Executive Council. Provinces are also now required to follow standard business practices such as audits (resolution D084). Within our province, Haiti's experiment with the Caribbean Province is continued for another three years. I hope we will be able to look forward to an article in a future issue of The Grapevine that tells us all about that experiment.

Members of Province II were elected to a number of positions. Dr. Warren C. Ramshaw of the Diocese of Central New York was elected by General Convention to the Executive Council and Alfred D. Price of the Diocese of Western New York, elected by the 1996 Provincial Synod, began his six year term of office at the end of General Convention as the Province's lay representative to Executive Council. Sheridan C. Biggs of the Diocese of Albany, the Rev. Gayle E. Harris of the Diocese of Rochester, and the Rev. Noreen P. Suriner of the Diocese of Central New York were elected to the board of the Church Pension Fund. The Rev. Frederick Williams of the Diocese of New York was elected to the board of General Theological Seminary. Elections

to the General Board of Examining Chaplains included Mary Chilton Callaway of the Diocese of New York, Rev. Thomas Breidenthal of the General Theological Seminary in New York and the Rev. Ellen Wondra of Bexley Hall, Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York.

This summary leaves out vast amounts of information about what happened at convention, but one of the innovations at this convention makes it possible for many more folks to have access to all of the information. This year the Telecommunications Office included the electronic media. The Rev. John Rollins of the Diocese of Newark was the managing editor of the General

Convention digital media staff. Anyone with Internet access was able to read the Convention Daily on-line each day during convention, to read the Episcopal News Service releases as they were posted, and to study all of the information concerning the resolutions and the Concordat which had been posted to the Internet prior to convention.

The digital media staff included several other members of Province II besides myself and John Rollins. Allison Davis of the Diocese of Newark worked with Brett Wormley of the Diocese of El Camino Real on the General Convention photo journal and Martha Ainsworth of the Diocese of New York was the person who prepared all of the Episcopal News Service stories for posting to Quest International and the General Convention web site. I was in charge of doing whatever anyone else needed me to do, including learning to use and take pictures with the digital camera, creating a web page for The Children's Charter, editing pictures for the photo journal, and answering questions about the Internet. These Internet resources that we worked on, as well as others, continue to be available by visiting the web-site of the Episcopal Church at <<http://ecusa.anglican.org >>.

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GENERAL CONVENTION JOURNAL IS COMING SOON

From Bruce Woodcock on Ecunet (Quest)
September 12, 1997

No chance of a "Journal" this month, but we have the "Summary of Actions" ready and Pam Darling should post it soon. 10,000 copies go out in the mail next week (to Bishops, Deputies, Alternates, Press & VIPs, and to our seminaries and 7,500 parishes). We've added some new items to the "Summary", such as the new Interim Body list, Executive Council membership and a complete run down of final status of resolutions to help track "what Convention accomplished" in Philadelphia.

We need to produce the Constitution and Canons before finalizing the Journal, but by going to a two volume Journal, the Minutes should be out much sooner than they were after the 1994 Convention.

Bruce W. Woodcock - Assistant Secretary - General Convention Office Voice # 212-922-5186 Fax # 212-972-9322 815 Second Avenue NY NY 10017
Bruce_Woodcock@ecunet.org

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FINGER LAKES CONFERENCE 1997

By Virginia Nagel

The 1997 Finger Lakes Conference, held June 22-27 at William Smith College in Geneva, NY, attracted approximately 60 people who braved road construction delays and unseasonably warm weather to attend.

The over-all theme of the conference was "The Politics of Baptism". This theme was carried out im many ways: through the daily keynote address series by Jeanie Wylie-Kellerman, a Christian activist and editor of The Witness, a peace and justice magazine rooted in the Anglican tradition; through the focal presence of a large bowl of water at the front of the room where the general sessions and worship were held; and through the subsidiary themes of the various classes, discussion groups and workshops, which threw intense light on one or more aspects of the baptismal covenant.

Ms. Wylie-Kellerman began her series of lectures by speaking of a personal decision she had had to make: whether to have her child baptized. She said that, of course, she wanted to raise her children in the faith, but she had had to consider the meaning of baptism. Did she want to commit her child to the living-out of the Baptismal covenant? It is hard enough for adults to make that decision. Did she have the right to impose this decision and this lifestyle on a child who had no say in the matter? As the days of the Conference unfolded, so she unfolded the various aspects of the Baptismal covenant for the group, the need to be an advocate for justice in our own communities, the need for personal integrity and for a vision of what God's kingdom on earth might look like, the dangers and unpleasantness that go with commitment to a cause, the fearful need to stand and speak out.

Following the daily lecture, the conferees were divided into small groups to discuss the speaker's issues and views, and to look at their own values and feelings about the issues. This encouraged deep, personal reflection on the problems of living our Baptism in our own small corner of the world.

Refreshment break followed the small group time, and then conferees went to their classes. Some of the classes dealt specifically with Baptism; others dealt with the living-out of the Baptismal promises in our own lives. The classes offered were: Spirituality for Ministry and Ministry as Spirituality, by the Rev. Virginia W. Nagel, American Folk Hymns, by Ms. Mitzie Collins (who also coordinated the music for the conference), Water, Spirit, and Fire!, by the Rev. David Ruppe, with a historical and contemporary look at Baptism, a dialogue circle on Racism, Race Relations and Racial Healing, facilitated by leaders from the Interreligious Council of Central New York, and Creation Celebration, connecting with the cosmos through liturgy and the arts, led by the Rev. Bruce Stewart of the Center for Liturgy and the Arts in Virginia. Everyone stayed with his or her own class for the whole conference and classes met every morning and three afternoons for intensive work.

Following classes, we had the run of the campus...the swimming pool, the scenic paths, and even expeditions off-campus to town or shopping centers nearby. Our meals were in the college refectory, and the Good News Bookstore of Rochester provided an informal bookstore, which included volumes pertaining to each of the courses offered, as well as to the keynote theme, with a small selection of religious classics, jewelry and other items also on display. T-shirts and sweatshirts were available and refreshments were provided during breaks and in the evening.

Each evening after supper, one of the priests attending the conference offered the Eucharist. The Scripture readings each day were chosen to underline some aspect of Baptism or water...the fearfulness of the disciples caught in a storm on Galilee, the Baptism of Christ, the faith involved in walking on the water, and other selections. On occasion, the large bowl of water served as a visual portrayal of the reading, with a tiny fishing boat afloat one evening! The Rev. Bruce Stewart, Convention chaplain, offered a brief homily each evening, and the music before and during the Eucharist (as well as before the morning keynote address) was also conducive to reflection on the topics of water and Baptism. the spiritual "Wade in the Water, Children" was a big hit!

A new aspect of this year's Finger Lakes Conference was the presence of a small group of hearing-impaired people: a hard-of-hearing woman, a late-deafened adult, and a deaf priest actively involved in the ministry with the deaf. An audio loop in the large meeting room where worship and keynote addresses were held facilitated communications there. Sign language interpreters were present at all of the large group events and at classes taught by the deaf priest. The hearing-impaired group taught the conferees a chorus in sign language, and the evening Eucharist was celebrated in sign by the deaf priest. Many of the hearing conferees came away with a new and different view of their hearing-impaired fellow Christians as a result of this innovation.

The conferees left Friday afternoon, hating to depart but eager to take home what they had experienced and learned during the week. Nobody left unchanged; each individual had a different experience in the context of the group theme and took home (along with books, mosquito bites, sun tans, T-shirts and bulging notebooks) much food for thought and self-realization through the months to come.

Contact: Virginia Nagel
RevGinger@aol.com

Note: Next year's Finger Lakes Conference is scheduled for ) Sunday, June 21, 1998 to Friday, June 26, 1998. Watch for more information in coming issues, but plan attendance at this conference into your congregation's budget now! The Rev. Tom Barrington is the Network Chairman for this conference.

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COMING EVENTS

October 20-21, 1997

Provincial Council

A reminder to all that the Provincial Council will be meeting in Cherry Hill, NJ, to plan the upcoming meeting of the Synod.

Council members should reserve Monday and Tuesday, October 20-21. We'll gather Monday evening and work through early Tuesday afternoon.

Council members or members of the Province who have agenda items to be discussed should send them to this meeting or contact President Stephen Lane or Secretary John Goldsack.

Agenda items gathered as of this writing include responses to the General Convention, JPIC, and preparation for the Lambeth Council in 1999.We want to look at the international scene and at issues beyond the Episcopal Church. We will also elect a Provincial Court of Review.

Comments or questions are invited. Contact: Stephen T. Lane, Provincial Council President,
Zion Episcopal Church 120 East Main Street Palmyra, NY 14522 315-597-9236
e-mail: Zionchurch@ecunet.org

November 10 - 14, 1997

The annual National Conference of the Association of Diocesan Liturgy and Music Commissions (ADLMC) will be held at the Providence Marriot Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island.

If you think that a liturgy and music conference sounds ho-hum, think again! This conference offers so much that it impossible to describe in this short format. A few enticing details: Lead keynoter will be Joe Russell, noted/beloved/respected educator, recently retired from his position as Canon to the Ordinary for Education and Program for the Diocese of Ohio. Joe is an exciting educator and presenter, and author of Sharing Our Biblical Story: A Guide to Using Liturgical Readings as the Core of Church and Family Education and the recently published study guide for Called to Teach and Learn. The Rev. Rick Fabian will lead a session on the power of congregational dance a concept you may find either weird or daunting, and yet one visit to his congregation (the innovative and exciting St. Gregory of Nyssa in San Francisco) where the congregation weekly dances their way from their pews to the altar for communion, will convince you otherwise. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of host Diocese of Rhode Island, will offer remarks "Redefining the Role of the Presider," and Ms. Amanda Millay Hughes, co-author of the exciting curriculum for adolescents, The Journey to Adulthood, will lead a session on redefining the role of the community. These are just some of the topics and presenters.

As for music, each day will begin with Awake My Soul, morning worship with a variety of musical resources (including the new supplement to The Hymnal 1982). There will be lots of new ideas to take home to local congregations. Special music will be offered by The Miserable Offenders, a wonderful duo of Ana Hernandez and Deborah Griffin Bly.

For a brochure or information, contact the conference registrar, Lindsay Ordway, by phone: 401- 884-4116, FAX: 401-844-5117, e-mail: lkordway@msn.com, or snail-mail: P.O. Box 1942, East Greenwich, RI 02818. A late fee is charged for registrations received after October 20th,

Saturday, November 15, 1997

Come Celebrate with THE FISHERFOLK

When: Saturday, November 15, 1997 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM ( registration: 8:15-8:45AM)
Where: Sacred Heart Center, Newton, NJ
What: A day's workshop on music in ministry and worship - a series of teaching seminars that tackle many of the difficult issues in worship -


Who would benefit: anyone involved in worship leadership - clergy, musicians (choir directors and members), guitarists, other instrumentalists, anyone interested in music in liturgy
Cost: $45 includes lunch. Advanced registration required. Items from the Celebration catalog will be available for purchase. COME CELEBRATE music books will be used throughout the day. You are encouraged to reserve your copy at the special price of $7.00 when you register. Registration and Questions: Call Louise Clark (973) 827-2832 or Sue Gruenberg (973)361-4163

November 21-22, 1997.

"What About the Rest?
Involving the "nonreligious" in Faith", sponsored by the Diocese of Newark. The two day conference will be held at the Xavier Conference Center, Convent Station, NJ (between Morristown and Madison, NJ, about 3 miles from I-287). Costs are $100 for commuters, $110 for overnight guests.
Discounts apply if registration is made before October 12th and/or when 4 or more persons register from one congregation. Registration forms may be received by calling or writing Mrs. Joan Lodge, 41 Hillsdale Drive, Sussex, NJ 07461 (201) 875-0856. The form can also be found on the Diocese of Newark's website at <>

November 21-22, 1997

The Church Pension Fund financial/life planning conference for clergy, "Planning for Tomorrow", Diocese of New York, Tarrytown House, Executive Conference Center, Tarrytown, NY, cost $132. Contact: Kate Adams, Church Pension Fund, 800-223-6602, ext. 406

January 10, 1998

The Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold, III, will be consecrated 25th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 10, 1998, at the (National) Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Washington, DC.

February 21-March 1, 1998

WOMEN TO WOMEN TRIP TO HAITI

For more information and registration contact:
Women in Mission and Ministry
Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(800) 334-7626 ext 5346
Fax: (212) 867-7652
E-mail: ecusawomensministries@ ecunet.org, Webpage: << http://ww.dfms.org/women >> or <>

Cost: $750 for 9 day trip, this includes housing, food and ground transportation. Air transportation and entrance/exit fees are not included.

Fernanda Carvajal Roszkowski
Women in Mission and Ministry
Episcopal Church Center, NYC

March 20 - 22, 1998

The Stewardship Conference Planning Team from the Dioceses of Albany, Central New York, Rochester, and Western New York are pleased to announce the third annual Upstate New York Stewardship Conference. The Conference, entitled "Stewardship: Celebrating the Joy of Giving", will be held March 20 - 22, 1998 in Syracuse New York and is sponsored by the four dioceses in partnership with the Stewardship Office of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. It is co-sponsored by The Episcopal Network for Stewardship and has received grants from Holliman and Associates and from Morehouse Publishing company.

Just over 200 people attended the first conference in Syracuse in March, 1996 from 20 domestic dioceses and five Canadian Dioceses. With such enthusiastic response, a second conference was held in Buffalo in April, 1997. Over 270 people attended from 15 domestic dioceses and 7 Canadian dioceses. Again, participants asked for a conference in 1998 so they could bring others from their parishes.

The conference is for:

Congregations are urged to send a team of persons. Many of the 500 participants in the 1996 and 1997 conferences found that their at-home effectiveness was enhanced by attending with other parishioners. Discounts are offered to congregations for sending two or more people.

For more information, contact the Planning Team Chair, Mr. Bruce Rockwell, at the Diocese of Rochester at (716) 473-2977 or Bruce_Rockwell@ecunet.org

Make sure your parish builds money for stewardship education in the 1998 parish budget so you can send a team of people to this exciting conference.

July 28 - August 1, 1998

The Children's Ministry Conference will be held at Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL. Contact Sandy Pacyga, provincial Christian Education network chairperson, for more information.

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Editor's Note

Many thanks to all of you who have written articles for this, my first issue, of The Grapevine. Thank you especially to Jane Savage, the previous editor, for all of her patient advice, editorial help, and proof-reading and to John Rollins, my rector, who has put up with all of my questions and requests for yet more help. Jane is continuing to deal with the mailing lists, so I thank her also for not adding that to the things I have to learn to do.

I would ask another bit of help from all of you. As Grapevine editor, I would like to be able to receive all of your diocesan publications. Jane told me to call around and ask you to add me to your mailing lists, but I haven't gotten that done yet, so I am asking here if you will please up-date your list by adding Jan Paxton, Grapevine Editor, 275 Boulevard Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470.

With the continuing assistance of all of the wonderful folks in Province II I look forward to working on future issues of the Grapvine.

JP

Jan Paxton, Editor
275 Boulevard Dr.
Wayne, NJ 07470
e-mail: paxton@intac.com or jan.paxton@ecunet.org

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