Notes from Diocesan Council’s April Meeting
As part of the goal to continue to build relationships across the diocese, we opened the meeting with short introductions from each in attendance. The diocesan Land Acknowledgement was recited and we were reminded that General Convention encourages all congregations to publicly display their own Land Acknowledgement that best describes their area.
Treasurer Amy Morrow reported from the Diocesan Finance Committee. It was requested the diocese consider a Line of Credit, to be in place for the purpose of timing issues when receiving Trust and Endowment disbursements. The Council approved the committee to contact Bremer Bank to determine what would be needed to obtain a line of credit for $50,000.
The budgeted funds from the unfilled position of the Missioner for Youth, Young Adult, and Congregational Ministry Development will be moved to a reserve account later in the year, so that when the position is filled we will have the funds to guarantee the three year commitment that was set forth.
The Diocesan Stewardship Share report format was discussed. We hope to show 2023 year-end with full participation from each congregation. This would be wonderful reason for celebration.
A plan is underway to move Real Estate and Property Management issues away from clergy. The goal is to identify volunteers, who have experience and skill sets to understand these issues. They would serve in an advisory capacity to the diocese and member congregations.
Communication improvement has continued around the Diocese with the electronic publication of the Prairie. There is still work to be done including increasing the number of diocesan households receiving the Prairie and the recruitment of folks to identify articles to be included. A communication committee will share this work.
Did you know each Episcopal Church congregation must complete a yearly parochial report? These reports include average Sunday attendance, basic budget income and expenses, stewardship commitments, membership, i.e. baptisms, confirmations, deaths, etc. as well as outreach and mission work accomplished. These reports remind each congregation to keep required statistics so accurate reporting is received into the dioceses in a timely manner.
Did you know that St. Paul’s Episcopal congregation in White Shield has been meeting for the last seven years in the community center in White Shield? A building project has been started but implementation is a challenge as the project is too small to interest a commitment from contractors.
Great news about Peter Mading – he is officially a candidate for transitional deacon. It is hoped this ordination will take place at St. John’s Episcopal, Moorhead in the fall of 2024.
The Annual WoDakota Appeal will launch on Pentecost Sunday. This annual diocesan ingathering is used to support diocesan goals.
The Diocesan Missioner Position Description changes take effect on the July employment anniversary date. The main focus of this position is Program Mission work. Real Estate and Property Management issues will not fall under this position description.
Our very capable Diocesan Administrator is making a move to St. Cloud, MN. Luckily, this position has been worked remotely successfully in the past. Jess will continue to serve as Administrator and will work remotely from St. Cloud with travel to the diocesan office twice a month, or as other events dictate.
The North Dakota Council Indian Ministry (NDCIM) is gathering to reestablish their organizational structure, filling open leadership positions so their work may continue in a timely manner.
How many congregations are in the Diocese North Dakota? Go to the Diocesan Web-site and see how many and where our Episcopal Congregations are located throughout the Diocese.
The news from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Williston was shared with council. The building sale is near complete. A final service in the building for the congregation will be Sunday, April 28th at 11 am. The small congregation will continue to worship and exist in new ways. Keep all involved in your prayers at this very emotional time in the life of St. Peter’s.
|