Sunset Convocation

Meeting Minutes

February 29, 2004

St. Michael/San Miguel, Newberg

Attendees:

All Saints, Hillsboro: Crystal Walker, Bill Whipple

Christ Church, Lake Oswego: Harriet Bennett

St. Alban, Tillamook - absent

St. Barnabas, Portland: Cynthia Reynolds, Ted Rodrigues, Roberta Wiggins (guest)

St. Bartholomew, Beaverton: Florette Lewis

St. Bede, Forest Grove - absent

St. Catherine, Manzanita - absent

St. Francis of Assisi, Wilsonville - absent

St. Gabriel the Archangel, Portland: Kirk Bass, Paul Brodie

St. James, Tigard: Simon Justice, Judy Lebens

St. John the Baptist, Portland: Sean Dunnahoo, Mary McCarter, Pat Morris-Rader, Dan Tabizon

St. Michael/San Miguel, Newberg: Kathryn Dodele, George Hemmingway, Sue Holcomb, Amy Mateke, Barbara Roark

San Pablo, Hillsboro - absent

The meeting opened at 2:00 p.m. with prayer led by the Rev. Simon Justice, Convocation Dean

Harriet Bennett of Christ Church, Lake Oswego, gave a presentation on the Parish Nursing Program, including a video and handouts. The Parish Nursing/Health Ministry Program takes a holistic approach toward making sure parishioners and mission members are cared for physically as well as spiritually. Often ministries are combined, as training LEM IIs to notice signs of ill or failing health during Communion visits. Many other opportunities are available, from providing blood-pressure and other checks, to hosting blood drives and presentations on keeping healthy on all levels: spiritual, emotional, and physical. No two churches are alike, likewise the Nursing Program is developed with the particulars of each faith Family in mind. All efforts are coordinated by members who are R.N.s, although this is an administrative/coordinating role; it is hoped that all members will become more aware of their responsibility toward one another's physical well-being. Twenty-two diocesan churches now are engaged in this ministry, and on-going resources are available. Please contact Harriet at harrietbennett@earthlink.net or (503) 636-7435 for more information on how to obtain more information, attend training sessions, and get started. (Thank you, Harriet!)

The minutes of the last meeting (November 2, 2003) were approved as read.

Sharing:

All Saints - Working on a "William Temple House West" project as well as a parish health healing team.

St. Barnabas - Emphasizing "Youth for Youth Outreach" as a way of both incorporating younger members into parish life beyond fellowship and complying with the bishop's resolution concerning outreach efforts.

St. Bartholomew - Working with local groceries to supply Oregon Food Bank, also receiving donations from OFB for an on-site food pantry, and providing the Salvation Army with the means for one facility meal each month. Sponsoring Practical Nursing training. A workshop for musicians is set for April 24.

St. Gabriel - On-site food pantry, St. Brigid's Guild Healing Ministry, monthly evening and Sunday healing services. Working on a concert series for fellowship and fund-raising, 75% of current music program is provided by non-members. Perpetual giving tree of clothing, toiletries, etc.

St. James - Developing partnership, per bishop's resolution, with St. Michael/San Miguel. Recently held an "instructed" Eucharist service, wherein time is taken at key points in service to explain what is happening, and why.

St. John the Baptist - Coulter Concert Series will begin on May 14 with a jazz offering. Annual auction for outreach will take place on June 5 at Oregon Episcopal School.

St. Michael/San Miguel - Hispanic Outreach utilized the sacraments and pastoral care to welcome people to the faith community. Theme of Episcopal Shares: spirituality, help, advocacy, renewal, education, & service. Evensong services reaching non-Episcopalians. (Mike Everest has a new baby!)

Christ Church - Providing resources to an ecumenical orphanage in Peru.

Diocesan Council report - Budget development/review for 2005 in process. The Rev. George Hemmingway presented information on Link2Lead by Percept, an on-line ministry resource. The URL for sign-ups and more information is www.Link2Lead.com. All are encouraged to utilize this program. New staff at the Close includes a full-time receptionist. Resources are being developed for military personnel making the huge adjustment to civilian life after returning from active duty in Iraq.

Convocation officers: We still need a clergy rep for this year's nomination committee. Kirk Bass of St. Gabriel agreed to serve as convocation treasurer for 2004-5, which will include submitting a diocesan budget request for 2005 by April 19. The Rev. Ted Rodrigues (St. Barnabas, Portland) will serve as advisor in this process.

Shared Ministries: A reminder that each church needs to partner with another church in the diocese, per Bishop Itty's resolution from the 2003 Convention. St. Bartholomew continues to help St. Gabriel with services, sacraments, and healing.

Women's Spirituality Day: Florette Lewis (St. Bartholomew) reported that this continues to take shape, however, parish reps are still needed for the organization and administration process. The date is Saturday, May 2, and all are encouraged to publicize as well as attend this event. It is hoped that each church will contribute between $25 and $50 in order to help with the costs.

Oregon Food Bank/McMinneman's Grand Lodge event: Paul Brodie (St. Gabriel) led the discussion on how things could run more smoothly this year with regard to food order/prep time. Options are pre-sales tickets, a limited menu, or a buffet. A tenatively firm date has been set for the last Wednesday evening in July (28th). Entertainment is being arranged. It is hoped that each church will contribute between $50 and $100 in order to help pay for the band and publicity costs. It was also suggested that those churches too far away to attend or participate develop an alternative way to assist with our Oregon Food Bank Outreach program. This is a huge project, and Paul could use some help, so please pass the word along to contact him at (503) 848-7371 or brodie@teleport.com. Thanks!

Our next meeting will take place at St. Bede in Forest Grove on Sunday, June 27, at 2:00 p.m. Subsequent meetings will take place on September 12 (St. Bartholomew, Beaverton), and October 24 (St. Barnabas, Portland). Diocesan Convention will be November 18-20 in Seaside, Oregon.

The meeting closed with prayer led by The Rev. George Hemmingway at 4:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cynthia Reynolds, St. Barnabas

President