Minutes of the Mission Task Force Meeting - December 8th, 2011

Noonday Prayer in the chapel   (15 min.) Ricky Brightman, Buck Close (absent), Paul Jordan, Peter Lane, Bill Locke, Jennifer Pedrick, Modesta Pellot, Melody Shobe (absent), Susan Wright

Catching up, checking in 

The committee welcomed new member, the Rev’d Peter Lane.  Peter told us of his passion for feeding the hungry,  summarizing his interests in the phrase ‘table fellowship’.   MTF members told Peter some of what our work means to us.  Common themes were:  joy, connection with people, doing meaningful work, serving in any small way that we can, grassroots effort within the diocese,  MTF is a pebble in a pond, outward rippling.  We want to inspire others to get out into the world in service. 

Update on Feeding 1,000 – Ricky

Ricky has spoken with Ray Jorgensen (St Paul’s, Wickford) about the event now scheduled for December 17^th, noon to 4pm at the RI Convention Center.  She reported that the event is well organized and that the Episcopal Diocese of RI is a sponsor.   Check website at www.Feed1000.org for more info.

Sharing draft of Convocation Eucharist  -- Bill

Draft completed, Spanish language hymn singing, first lesson in Spanish, youth choir for the psalm, bi-lingual gospel and prayers of the people, Sara Miles preaching.  Peter wondered about the offering to include “fruits of our labor”, locally grown produce (tough in March) maybe something canned from last year’s harvest?  Other items?  Ensuing discussion about potential for direction a portion of monetary offering.  Committee liked  Southside Community Land Trust for all the work they do promoting community gardens on Providence’s south side.

• Bill will layout a service bulletin that we hope will be printed by diocesan staff.  He is meeting with Bishop Wolf to review the draft liturgy with her and he will seek her guidance on the possibility of using real bread for the Eucharist

Review Convocation project plan and schedule  -- Jennifer

Detailed and productive discussion of event details, schedule, workshop content and preesentation guidelines.  Remaining issues to be resolved are reflected in the follow-up assignments below:

• Modesta will speak to ECW regarding their staffing of morning registration tables
• Ricky will meet with Ty & Ruth about EventBrite registration details.  We will need something on the registration form indicating attendance on Friday evening.  Our expectation is that, as in past years, diocesan staff will continue to manage convocation registration.
• Ricky will contact Marriot directly about cost of additional space for workshops and worship.  With additional private fundraising in hand we believe we have the budget covered for expenses above and beyond previous convocation costs.
• Ricky is also firming up plans for the youth workshop.  Dante Tovolaro, Patrick Greene and a representative from ECC will be involved.  She is also seeking active youth to participate.  Ivy Swinski (St Paul’s, Patucket) was suggested as a possibility.
• Peter Lane will think about leading a workshop on feeding bodies and strengthening the body of Christ.  He would like to visit a few parishes around the diocese to see what is currently working well here.
• Jennifer will contact Sara Miles to finalize a contract and to offer the possibility of staying as a guest in a private home (TBD) rather than at the Marriot.

Convocation Dinner and Logistics updates  -- Paul

Over 100 e-mails sent out following convention to potential “potluck” contributors.  This was done mainly to verify addresses.  The supper committee will begin a major effort to reach out across the diocese in the New Year.  A temporary website has been created to help promote and organize the potluck supper.  As we get a handle on contributions to the meal, these will be posted on the site so others can see who is bringing what and what is still needed.  https://sites.google.com/site/convocationsupper2012/

• Paul will communicate with supper committee on the need for volunteer staff to cover all entrances at St Luke’s and to serve as greeters on Saturday morning at the Marriot.  Must also work on child care provisions for the Friday worship. 
• Order 8 more “Feed the Hungry” aprons from Cafe Press for MTF members and others serving as greeters at Friday and Saturday evens. (will need reimbursement for these)

Finance Update:  Jennifer

Congregational Development Commission providing $4,500 funding.  They will be promoting  reading/discussion of Sara Miles’ book(s) ahead of convocation.

Private donors have contributed $4,000 for event budget.  (Thank You!)

Communication review and updates 

·       Paul – add Casey Shobe, Chair of Congregational Development Commission to distribution list for approved meeting minutes

·       Bill – another newsletter ready for translation to Spanish.  Paul will provide e-mail list collected at convention.

Next Steps:  Review of action items to be addressed between now and the next meeting.  (Bulleted items above)

Next Meeting:  Thursday, January 12, 2012, noon at St. Paul’s