The Courier

December 2003

Volume 57, Issue 12

The Business of a Diocese

Attending a Diocesan Convention is perhaps not the most exciting way to spend one’s fall Saturday. However, I believe it is a necessary component of participating in a “denominational” Christian community. What I mean by that is Christ Church is not an independent and autonomous institution. As Episcopalians and Anglicans, we are connected to thousands of other congregations and millions of other Christian people as close as across town, and as far away as the other side of the globe. Our primary point of contact to these lines of connection is the Diocesan Convention when representatives from every congregation in the Diocese of New York meets to vote on a Diocesan budget and to consider legislation. Convention functions as a “Diocesan Vestry” which meets once a year. In between sessions, “Diocesan Council” follows up on the directives specified by Convention.

This year, delegates from Christ Church (Deacon Mary, Jim Oppenheimer, and I) carpooled and sat with delegates from the Virgin of Guadalupe (Frs. Arnulfo and Oliverio.) The Diocesan Budget is of interest to us because we make a considerable contribution ($44,000 in 2004.) The single largest line item in the budget is the Congregational Support Plan, which funds clergy salaries for half of the Mid-Hudson parishes, including St. Paul’s and Virgin of Guadalupe. The amount we contribute to the diocesan budget seems high, but when I think that without our contribution, neither St. Paul’s nor the Virgin of Guadalupe would exist, it “softens the blow.”

One of the more interesting parts of the proceedings was in the nature of the resolutions. There were three resolutions which, when taken together, indicate a hopeful trend in all the business of the Diocese. Resolutions 6, 7, 8, and 9 encouraged all congregations in the Diocese to be aware of the presence of day laborers in their communities and to the specific needs of this population. Resolution 14 called for the formation of a group to study the feasibility of establishing a Diocesan credit union. Resolution 16 called upon all congregations to respond legally, socially, and pastorally to the plight of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in their communities.These resolutions are calling us to become aware of and respond to the needs of the poor among us. The reality of day laborers is that people work without job security, health insurance and other benefits, and the other aspects of employment that go with a steady job. The rise of day laborer employment favors the employer who can dip into a ready pool of workers on a day-to-day basis, and not have to return any sense of responsibility to them. Day laborers have no union. They are exploited for what they have to offer – a single day’s work – and if they are injured on the job and cannot work tomorrow, the employer will simply hire other able-bodied workers in his or her place. This is no way for a worker to live , or attempt to be responsible for support of a family.

Similarly, being aware of the plight of immigrants and the specific abuses they might be subject to comes from the gospel mandate to “welcome the stranger.” We can take some measure of satisfaction that through our support of Latino Ministry in the Mid-Hudson Region, we are not only ahead of this resolution, we are leading the way for others in the Diocese.

Finally, we have heard about certain lending institutions charging excessively high interest rates in low income neighborhoods, due to the “high risk” in that context. This practice insures that the poor will only become poorer. In response, the Diocese will be studying the possibility of establishing a credit union so that we can provide capital for a variety of projects in low income areas where we serve. This model has been used quite effectively in the Diocese of Los Angeles for a number of years. The Church can accomplish good work in areas that may not be profitable to private industry.

The disparity between rich and poor is growing in this country and in our region. It has been noted by a number of sources that the “middle class” is disappearing. The resolutions passed at Convention this year show a faithful response to this disturbing trend. More needs to be done, on many fronts, but at least we have made a collective start.

A NOTE FROM GOD

Dec. 7 Psalm 126 Baruch 5:1-9 Philippians 1:1-11 Luke 3:1-6

Dec. 14 Psalm 85:7-13 Zephaniah 42:1-9 Philippians 4:4-7 (8-9) Luke 3:1-6

Dec. 21 Psalm 80:1-7 Micah 5:2-4 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:30-49

Dec. 28 Psalm 147:13-21 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 John 1:1-18

FROM THE WARDENS

At the November 17, 2003 Vestry Meeting your Vestry:

1. Received and reviewed the Treasurer’s Report of the Year-to-Date budget which is essentially on par and discussed the concept of a capital reserve fund;
2. Heard a grant request from Barbara Harrington on behalf of the Center of the Square for program funding and formed a sub-committee, consisting of John Colclough, Loyd Lee and Ginna Moore, to address the issue;
3. Received a progress report from Sally Vasse about the Annual Campaign and designated January 4, 2004, the first Sunday in the new year, as a dedication date;
4. Authorized an audit for the capital campaign funds;
5. Gladly accepted the donation of three computers from Carol Lundergan which will allow us to update our systems;
6. Was advised of Father Arnulfo’s contract extension for 2004 and discussed the possible

EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT

Who are we? Episcopal Relief and Development helps people suffering around the world, including here at home in the U.S.A.

1. We provide emergency assistance after disasters,
2. Rebuild communities,
3. Help make life safer and healthier for people living in poverty worldwide

How are we connected to Christ Church? We are the Episcopal Church’s outreach arm to people in need worldwide. For more than 60 years, we have provided people with basic human needs and other critical assistance.

MORE QUESTIONS? Read the enclosed 20 QUESTIONS and use the Offering Envelope found in this COURIER. Our Annual Christ Church ERD Advent Offering is December 7^th. The Opportunities are Great! Please be generous! THANK YOU!

2004 PARISH DIRECTORY

I am in the process of updating the Parish Directory for the 2004 edition. Please check your 2003 directory and make sure the information about your entry is correct. If there are any changes to be made, please contact me at 452-8220, or you can put your changes on the Courier form and drop it in the mail slot on the Parish Office Door. Please have this information to me by December 12 so that the directory can be distributed by the end of the year. You can also e-mail me at christchurch@mindspring.com. Thank you. Michele Haynes

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NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The DEADLINE for input in the January issue of “The Courier” is Sunday, December 14, 2003. Please be sure to have all information to Michele Haynes (452-8220 or christchurch@mindspring.com) by that date. Any form of input is gratefully received. You don’t have to be experienced in writing to submit anything. I will make it work for you!

Michele Haynes

FROM THE BATON OF LAURA RUSSEL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

CHRISTMAS EVE CONCERT AND SERVICE:

December 24^th – 10:30 PM Choral Prelude Concert:

Vivaldi Gloria – performed with choir and orchestra

11:00PM Festival Holy Eucharist with Christmas hymns and readings.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

NEW YEAR’S DAY “GIFT TO THE CITY” CONCERT

January 1, 2004 at 3:00PM - Choral and instrumental music from diverse musical and religious traditions including Jewish Music, African drumming, Christian music, Gospel Music – and more!

The Christ Church Choir welcomes new voices. If you, or someone you know, would enjoy singing with us, please leave a message with Choir Director Laura Russell at the church office.

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