Via Media Rio Grande

Steering Committee

Minutes:  May 11, 2004

 

In attendance:   Rev. Carole McGowan; Don Partridge; Don Noack; Patricia Riggins; Rev. Brian Taylor; Diane Butler; Jim Tryon

Unable to attend: Rev. Gary Meade

 

Discussion and Actions taken:

1.       Waiting on papers of incorporation. Once received from the state we will get the checking account for Via Media Rio Grande.

2.       Discussion around Listserve. Webmail problems around spam have been creating problems for listserves everywhere. Recommendation that we create a way to ask folks to opt for mail only, chat room access or notices only. Diane will work on options around this.

3.       Retreat date:  set for 6/12/04. Looking for location that is not one of our Parishes.

4.       Newsletter/Communication:

A.      Feedback:  we need to do a better job of communicating to folks

B.       Is the web Site user friendly?

C.      Frequency of Newsletter?  More often, best even if content or design is less than desirable.

D.      Think of other ways to communicate:

1.       Copies of minutes are on the web sites

2.       Parishes make them available to community

3.       Use the Forum on the web site

4.       Ask questions and put out the answers

5.       Put up posters to tell folks how to get to the Web Site

6.       Folks are anxious to help with time and money; we don’t seem readily able to take advantage of that. Explain why.

7.       Put link from parish to Via Media Rio Grande.

8.       Put out list of dates around Bishop selection

5.       Newsletter will go out as quickly as possible.

6.       Strategies discussed:

A.      Build an attitude in the Diocese that promotes mediation

B.       How do we identify candidates who will support reconciliation and respect for diverse oppions?

C.      In order to support the model of mediation we, VMRD, need to be more communicative.

D.      How do we monitor the Canonical procedures of the process of Bishop election?

E.       How will the search committee use the profile that they have developed as a screen against which to judge candidates? How will words and phrases be interpreted?

F.       What strategies do we use to engage other parts of the diocese in dialogue and communication around Bishop selection?

G.      What are the strategies that need to be used to build towards mediation and long term healing in the diocese?

 

Next Meeting:  5/25/04 at SMAA.

Items for discussion

  1. Review Profile: What action is next?
  2. Retreat Planning
  3. Bank account follow up