The Bethsaida Team Minutes - February 26, 2003
Present: Wendy Broadbent; Andy Emerson; Jan Hardy;Oscar Mockridge; Tim Russo; Daphne Thomas. Absent were: Rick Fox; Barbara djimopoulos; Jim Warnke; Hope Lampe; Rosemary Harvey
Meeting was opened at 6 pm with an amusing joke: "Mice in Church."
Financial Report: There was no activity with our accounts since last meeting although there are some bills to submit and will be shortly. The bottom line balance at this point was $8,105.35.
The subject of grants was discussed. Oscar and Wendy will consult together about the information we already have, the letters and contacts to foundadions, etc. that should be made so that we have the information to give to the parishes. There may be some funds to help our project as well.
Our participation at Convention was discussed. We agreed that there is limited contact with a table in the exhibitors' room but it is a necessary thing to do. We might think about some give-aways like Bethsaida logo pens, etc. It was agreed that playing the video was a good idea. We did make a few new contacts and greeted others with whom we have already met. It was good that we were in the same area as The Mission for Dismantling Racism (MDR) and Oasis and that helped build our relationship with those other two groups whith whom we are linked in the Justice ministry under Lynn Headley Moore, Missioner for Justice.
Jan has asked Michael Francaviglia that one or more members of Bethsaida be placed on the planning committee for next year. He said that it would be done. It was felt that there was a lot more consideration concerning people with some disabilities in the present venue and set-up. It was also agreed that the Convention as a whole was a spiritual and exciting experience and well done.
Our first visit to Christ Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge was discussed. Oscar, Rick and Jan were present on feb. 19th. We had a tour of the church and parish building. Accessibility issues were discussed and the rector, The rev. Paul Williams and his Warden and sexton were enlightened about the fact that what they thought was an accessible entrance in front of the church was in fact one step. They have put in several ramps and are talking about accessible bathrooms. Tim Russo will bring Mike, the architect, to do an accessibility assessment as soon as possible. We left it that they let us know when this assessment is done and where they would like to have us assist from there. They re interested in having us do a workshop visit in the future. They are very motivated.
A list of parishes to contact or follow through:
Church of the Atonement, Tenafly - Jan is in contact with the Senior Warden, Mike Murphy March 26th at 5:30 pm is a tentative date.with them.
St. Paul's/Resurrection, Wood-ridge- Tim Russo will contact The Rev. Jacob David
St. Paul's, chatham - find a date for first meeting with Elizabeth Kaeton and her people Jan will follow up.
St. George's, Maplewood - need architect visit to assess accessability issues. Annual meeting is on March 2 and that will be followed by small group "visioning" groups. St. George's is taking back their education building and so they are on the brink of a large project with a new Rector. Jan and Andy - Tim is contacting the Rector for a date for the architect.
Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral - contact Dean for a first visit. Oscar will contact.
St. James', Hackettstown Jan will set up a meeting with Cathy Deats
St. Peter's, Clifton Jan has been in conversation with The Rev. Hank Dwyer. Follow up.
Grace Church, Newark. Follow up - Jan
Follow up with St. John the divine and St. Agnes
St. John's , Passaic - Daphne will contact.
St. John's, - Montclair - Andy will contact The rev. Diana Clark
Grace Church, Nutley - Tim will talk to the Rector.
It was noted that we want to know about churches that have done projects to make themselves more accessible and what they have done so that we can use them as models for others to visit.
The next regular meeting will be April 9 at Episcopal House unless otherwise notified. We will have regular meetings on May 14 and end on June 11.with a social get-together (and maybe brief meeting). Families are welcome to Jan's house.
Please don't forget March 12 - our planning and visioning meeting with Valyrie Lablein as facilitator. It is very important that as many of us attend as possible.
Meeting was closed with a prayer for peace.
Note: We wish to thank Tim Russo for all he does and particularly for arranging for our supper, setting it up and cleaning up afterward. Thank you Tim.
