Via Media Rio Grande

Steering Committee

Minutes:  May 25 , 2004

 

In attendance:   Rev. Carole McGowan; Patricia Riggins; Diane Butler;

Unable to attend: Rev. Gary Meade; ; Don Partridge; Don Noack; Rev. Brian Taylor; Jim Tryon

 

 

Discussion and Actions taken:

1.       State has confirmed that they have our papers of incorporation: “In process”.

2.       Discussion around Listserve. Diane has sent out invitation to folks to join. 11 to date Don Noack is the only steering committee member who has joined.

3.       Question has been raised if VMRG will officially “endorse” a bishop candidate. Discussion around pros and cons. Recommendation is that VMRG assists in getting information out to folks and works on the process. Further discussion once candidates know and at retreat.

4.       Will VMRG work to find nominees? Discussed in light of the timeframe announced in the profile. Action recommended:

A.      Carole will look at posting something on HOBD

B.       Steering committee to discuss via email candidates prior to retreat. Deadline for candidate submission is 6/15

5.       Discussion around Profile and timeline. General consensus is that profile is weak. Recommended action:

A.      Put a copy of accompanying letter on VMRG website

B.       Create a note asking folks to contact Discernment members if there are questions or concerns. Put a link to profile on VMRG web site. The profile exists on the VMRG website

C.      PJR to draft a letter to EDC re profile, process. Copy to standing committee. Letter to go out first week of June. It was suggested that another letter be sent to Bishops and Standing Committees if the EDC/SC are not responsive.

D.      Recommend that note and flier be sent to all parishes in the diocese requesting that members of the diocese read the profile, read the letter and contact EDC. A cover letter with Brian Hobden’s letter and a link to the profile will be mailed or emailed to everyone on our mailing list.

E.       Outreach activities

1.       Conversations with SE deanery communities: Artesia, Tumcucari. Lincoln County.

2.       Work with existing small groups: Integrity etc.

3.       Discuss at retreat in more depth.

6.       National Group update by Diane. Structure being formed. Diane on Bylaws. Not for profit corporation will most likely be created in South Carolina.

7.       Retreat:      Begin at 9:00. Eucharist and lunch at 12:30. Agenda to be developed at next meeting. Use the objectives identified previously:

A.      Short term strategies and actions that continue to relate to the election of a new Bishop

B.       Long term strategies and actions that continue to work for the health of the diocese

C.      The organizational structure and resources needed to accomplish the two strategies above.

Next Meeting:  6/8 04 at Canterbury.

Items for discussion

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