By Barbara Johnson
The April 13 meeting of the Diocesan Council was called to order by the Right Reverend Thomas C. Ely at 10:00 a.m. Opening devotions, based on The Way of Love were led by Alice Daley, including a brief reflection on the Importance of Welcoming Jesus (Matt. 10:14).
The Consent Agenda was approved. Following a brief review, the Treasurer’s Report was accepted, subject to the result of the audit process. Bishop Ely reported that budgets for the Bishop Transition and Consecration will be reviewed at the May meeting of the Council.
The main discussion topic for the meeting was planning for the Council’s role in welcoming the new Bishop during the summer. Activities and forms of information sharing were discussed that will introduce the Bishop to the structure of the Council as well as the current focus of our work together in behalf of the Diocese. It was agreed that the ideas shared during the meeting will be shared with the Transition Committee.
Standing reports presented to Council included plans for the launch of the 2019 Alleluiafund campaign on Easter Sunday, with the theme of Things That Make You Say, “Alleluia!” Highlights of the Episcopal Transition process were reviewed, and Council members were referred to the diocesan website to remain current with all relevant actions and activities. The Rev. Liam Mueller reported that the Grants and Loans Committee will meet later this month to consider current applications that continue to be received at the rate of 3-4 each month.
The Council’s work on Evangelism will be linked to the ongoing work of Green Mountain Witness, which is covered regularly in The Mountain. The Racial Reconciliation group, including consideration of Immigration and Refugee issues is working to redefine the scope and structure of its work, including the introduction of relevant content to new ministers in the Diocese. The work of the Rock Point Board is focused on articulating a vision for the next phase of development of the property in the broader community. The Rev. Fred Moser reported progress in consideration of full communion with the United Methodist Church.
The Council will meet next in Montpelier on May 11.