Episcopal Church Building Fund

Buildings for a New Tomorrow A mind altering symposium to change the way you

think about church buildings and growth.

#ChangedChurchChangedWorld

Agenda and Worship

April 13-15, 2015 Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh-Durham Triangle

Cary, North Carolina

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Buildings for a New Tomorrow 2015 #ChangedChurchChangedWorld. We believe that by changing our churches, together, we can change the world.

The primary goal of the Agenda Planning Team this year was to broaden BFNT to include

other denominations. All of us face the same challenges, but together we can learn from one

another, support one another and develop valuable partnerships.

My greatest hope is for you to find something at BFNT that shifts your perspective,

broadens your imagination, brings you joy, or inspires you to create a little chaos. This isn’t just

another church conference where you learn some stuff and then go home and forget it. We’re

serious. We want to change the church.

If you are new to the work of the Building Fund, our story is in the back of the

booklet. We would love to hear from you if you need a building loan, advice using your buildings

differently, ideas about developing financial self-sustainability, or if you just want to talk. Call or

e-mail. We will answer.

The Building Fund is grateful for the sponsorship of BFNT 2015 by the United Church of

Christ Church Building & Loan Fund, the Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America, and the Disciples of Christ Church Extension Fund. These partners share our

vision, our passion, and our energy and have contributed to generously fund the cost of the

symposium. If, during our time together, you see one of their representatives, please let them

know the value of this experience in your life and work.

If there is any way we can make your time at BFNT more beneficial, please let us know.

The cell numbers and e-mail addresses of the Building Fund Team are listed on the back page.

I look forward to hearing your stories, and together, creating new ones.

Let’s get moving,

Julia M. Groom ECBF President

Buildings for a New Tomorrow A mind altering symposium to change the way you think about church buildings and grounds.

Theme: #ChangedChurchChangedWorld Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh-Durham Triangle

Cary, NC April 13-15, 2015

Agenda April 13, Monday

3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Registration (Atrium)

5:30- 6:30 p.m. Reception (Hosted Managers Reception, Atrium)

6:30-7:30 p.m. Dinner (Triangle Ballroom, 1st floor) Grace – The Rev. Mike Wagner, Chaplain, Buildings for a New Tomorrow

Welcome - Julia Groom, President, Episcopal Church Building Fund

7:30-8:45 p.m. Keynote - Marlon Hall, The Awakenings Movement A community of social visionaries “where dreamers become believers and believers become doers.”

8:45-9:00 p.m. Night Prayer - Rev. Dr. Maribeth Westerfield, Vice President, Disciples Church Extension Fund Rev. Rosario Ibarra, Building and Capital Services Advisor, Disciples Church Extension Fund Rev. Bill Singer, Vice President, Disciples Church Extension Fund

April 14, Tuesday

7:15 a.m. Centering Prayer (Optional) (Bellamy-Mendenhall, 1st floor) Dan Webster, Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

6:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast (Self-serve, Atrium)

9:00-10:15 a.m. Workshops, Session #1 (All workshops will be presented twice) (A) Mission Possible: The SpringHouse Story (Cape Fear, 2nd floor)

This workshop will examine the story of three Minneapolis congregations, from three different denominations (ELCA, UCC, DOC) partnering together to own a building with no intention of merging into one congregation or permanently selecting one worship space.

Presenter: The Rev. Laurie Feille, Pastor, First Christian Church of Minneapolis, MN Moderator: Rick Reisinger, President, Disciples Church Extension Fund

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(B) Pilgrimage to the Boiler Room 2.1 (Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor) This workshop provides a bevy of practical ways to evaluate, act, save money and be GREEN, for the care of creation and your bank account.

Presenter: Jim Blackwell, St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Wellesley, MA Moderator: Sally O’Brien, Vice President, Episcopal Church Building Fund

(C) Small Town/Rural Church: From Canary in the Coalmine to Risen Phoenix (Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor) This workshop will shift your perspective from focusing on the frustrations and despair of small town/rural church life (declining populations, declining budgets, declining engagement) towards the unique opportunities and gifts that God is providing for ministry and life in small communities.

Presenter: The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Easton, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Alan Rice, Rural Faith Development Community Development Corporation, United Methodist Church Western North Carolina Conference Presenter: The Rt. Rev Alan Scarfe, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Moderator: Dr. Heidi Schleicher, Trustee, Episcopal Church Building Fund

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Break (Refreshments on the 2nd floor outside the Cape Rooms)

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Workshops, Session #2 (D) Terra Incognita (Cape Fear, 2nd floor)

The Church has entered a “terra incognita.” People’s approach to faith and spirituality is rapidly changing and they are going “off the grid” to find ways to live out their faith. In this workshop we will be discussing the Church’s response to these changes and how we can use Design Thinking as a strategy. Design Thinking is an approach and a set of tools that begins with a deep care for people and uses our creativity to find a way forward.

Presenter: The Rev. Philip Hart, Conference Minister, Ohio Conference of United Church of Christ Moderator: Mike Wagner, Chaplain, Buildings for a New Tomorrow

(E) The Nut$ and Bolt$ of Building Transformation (Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor) Why do you have a building? Can you make sense of its uses? Does it make sense to have it? Are there other ways to meet your mission? If you think keeping your building makes sense, why? Are there ways to transform it so it functions better for those you are called to serve? If you want to transform it, how do you figure out costs of that work, and how to pay for those costs? Will the transformation generate resources/revenues that help? Remember, we are Building For a New Tomorrow!

Presenter: Tom Nutt-Powell, President, Capital Needs Unlimited, Brookline, MA Moderator: Leslie Schaffer, Consultant, Episcopal Church Building Fund

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(F) Open Forum on Mergers and Closings (Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor) A roundtable discussion to include your experiences and address case situations. Join seasoned colleagues who intentionally labor in the field of merging and closing. Come prepared to share your stories of success and struggle; we can learn a lot from each other.

Presenter: Steve Pierce, CCA, Coordinator for Congregational Support, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Presenter: Dave Robinson, Director of Congregational Development, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Canada Presenter: The Rev. Canon Dan Webster, Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland Moderator: Steve Abdow, Canon for Mission Resources, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts; Trustee, Episcopal Church Building Fund

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch (Triangle Ballroom, 1st floor) Grace – The Rev. Susan Mitchell, Capital Campaign Fundraising Executive, United Church of Christ

Keynote Lunch Speaker: Mike Wagner, Founder, White Rabbit Group, Clive, IA The Joy of Being Strange Together -Leading the creation of your congregation’s brand.

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. Workshops, Session #3 (repeat of morning session) (A) Mission Possible: The SpringHouse Story (Cape Fear, 2nd floor)

This workshop will examine the story of three Minneapolis congregations, from three different denominations (ELCA, UCC, DOC) partnering together to own a building with no intention of merging into one congregation or permanently selecting one worship space.

Presenter: The Rev. Laurie Feille, Pastor, First Christian Church of Minneapolis, MN Moderator: Rick Reisinger, President, Disciples Church Extension Fund

(B) Pilgrimage to the Boiler Room 2.1 (Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor) This workshop provides a bevy of practical ways to evaluate, act, save money and be GREEN, for the care of creation and your bank account.

Presenter: Jim Blackwell, St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Wellesley, MA Moderator: Sally O’Brien, Vice President, Episcopal Church Building Fund

(C) Small Town/Rural Church: From Canary in the Coalmine to Risen Phoenix (Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor) This workshop will shift your perspective from focusing on the frustrations and despair of small town/rural church life (declining populations, declining budgets, declining engagement) towards the unique opportunities and gifts that God is providing for ministry and life in small communities.

Presenter: The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Easton, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Alan Rice, Rural Faith Development Community Development Corporation, United Methodist Church Western North Carolina Conference Presenter: The Rt. Rev Alan Scarfe, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Moderator: Dr. Heidi Schleicher, Trustee, Episcopal Church Building Fund

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3:00-3:15 p.m. Break (Refreshments on the 2nd floor outside the Cape Rooms)

3:15-4:30 p.m. Workshops, Session #4 (D) Terra Incognita (Cape Fear, 2nd floor)

The Church has entered a “terra incognita.” People’s approach to faith and spirituality is rapidly changing and they are going “off the grid” to find ways to live out their faith. In this workshop we will be discussing the Church’s response to these changes and how we can use Design Thinking as a strategy. Design Thinking is an approach and a set of tools that begins with a deep care for people and uses our creativity to find a way forward.

Presenter: The Rev. Philip Hart, Conference Minister, Ohio Conference of United Church of Christ Moderator: Mike Wagner, Founder, White Rabbit Group

(E) The Nut$ and Bolt$ of Building Transformation (Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor) Why do you have a building? Can you make sense of its uses? Does it make sense to have it? Are there other ways to meet your mission? If you think keeping your building makes sense, why? Are there ways to transform it so it functions better for those you are called to serve? If you want to transform it, how do you figure out costs of that work, and how to pay for those costs? Will the transformation generate resources/revenues that help? Remember, we are Building For a New Tomorrow!

Presenter: Tom Nutt-Powell, President, Capital Needs Unlimited, Brookline, MA Moderator: Leslie Schaffer, Consultant, Episcopal Church Building Fund

(F) Open Forum on Mergers and Closings (Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor) A roundtable discussion to include your experiences and address case situations. Join seasoned colleagues who intentionally labor in the field of merging and closing. Come prepared to share your stories of success and struggle; we can learn a lot from each other.

Presenter: Steve Pierce, CCA, Coordinator for Congregational Support, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Presenter: Dave Robinson, Director of Congregational Development, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Canada Presenter: The Rev. Canon Dan Webster, Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland Moderator: Steve Abdow, Canon for Mission Resources, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts; Trustee, Episcopal Church Building Fund

4:30 p.m. Free Time - (A list of area restaurants were sent to you and are on your zip drive) Dinner on your own

April 15, Wednesday

7:15 a.m. Centering Prayer (Optional) (Mendenhall, 1st floor) The Rev. Canon Dan Webster, Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

6:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast (Self-serve, Atrium)

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9:00-10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Triangle Ballroom 1st floor) Preaching: The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina Presiding: The Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick, Bishop, ELCA Synod of North Carolina Music: Bobby Moody and Moment’s Notice

10:30-10:45 a.m. Break

10:45-12:00 p.m. Leadership Panel - From Pews to Purse Strings (Biltmore/Hope/Bellamy/Mendenhall Room, 1st floor) Leadership from multiple denominations share their unique perspectives about the church of the future, and church buildings.

Rev. Denise Bell, Regional Minister, Disciples of Christ, Georgia The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina The Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts The Rev. Philip Hart, Conference Minister, Ohio Conference of United Church of Christ The Rev. Dr. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire Dr. Ken Inskeep, Director for Research and Evaluation, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa The Rt. Rev. Susan Goff, Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Virginia The Rev. Leonard Bolick, Bishop, ELCA Synod of North Carolina Moderator: Steve Abdow, Chair, Agenda Planning Team

12:00-1:15 p.m. Lunch (Triangle Ballroom) Grace – The Rev. Donald Hallberg, Director of Stewardship Key Leaders, ELCA

1:15-2:00 p.m. That Was Good. Can I Have Another? (Triangle Ballroom) The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

2:00 p.m. Adjourn – Steve Abdow, Chair, BFNT Agenda Planning Team

Music : The Kiss Divine – Rob Friedman

See you April 4-6, 2016!

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(Lyrics on next page)

Kiss Divine Rob Friedman

Lord of evolution

Look what you have done

Pulled the breath through my body

With the sky, with the son.

Hung a stone out in space

And gave it one good spin,

And you looked down and said

Let this game begin.

Lord can you hear me through

The ether and the beads

And the particles of light

That are scattered all like dreams

In a thunderstorm of sadness

We were drenched straight to the bone

In the river’s flood of madness

We were sinking like a stone

Oh, it’s not an easy undertaking

To keep hope afloat

Will the memory of your spirit

Be my inspirations boat?

It’s a curious equation this chemistry of faith

The wanting to know

And the willingness to wait.

I think I’ll head on up and over

To the tourist part of town

They’ve got a brighter sense of wonder

Than their critics farther down

They do a lot of looking up there

With their cameras and their smiles

We’re all tourists anyway

And only, for a while.

I got a pick ax made of questions

That I can’t hardly hold

But I’m afraid if I quit swinging

I’ll will never find the gold.

With a mother lode of answers

I might find inside of mine

I would trade them in a second

For a single Kiss Divine.

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Buildings for a New Tomorrow Symposium

Night Prayer

April 13, 2015 8:45 p.m.

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(Monday, 8:45 p.m.)

Night Prayer

THE CALL TO PRAYER

A HYMN OF PRAISE FOR THE GIFTS OF THE EVENING

Day is dying in the west Heav’n is touching earth with rest. Wait and worship while the night Sets her evening lamps alight Through all the sky.

Chorus:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heav’n and earth are full of Thee! Heav’n and earth are praising Thee, O Lord, most high!

JOHN 17:20-23

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“OTHERING” – A VIDEO EXCERPT FROM DR. FRED CRADDOCK

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Prayers of the people will be bidding prayers. Please direct your attention to various people, events, or causes.

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A HYMN OF DISMISSAL

Somos uno en Cristo, somos uno, Somos uno, uno solo (repeat) Un solo Dios, Un solo Senor, Una sola fe, Un solo amor, Un solo bautismo, Un solo Espiritu, y ese es el Consolador.

We’re united in Jesus, we’re united. Like a family, we’re united. (Repeat) We have one God, one Holy Lord. We have one faith, only one Love. Just one baptism, one Holy Spirit, One comforter sent from God above.

THE BLESSING

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Notes

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Buildings for a New Tomorrow Symposium

Ecumenical Worship Service

April 15, 2015 9:00 a.m.

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APRIL 15TH WEDNESDAY, 9:00 A.M.

THE WORD OF GOD

The people stand

OPENING HYMN:

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THE COLLECT

Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen

VENITE

Sing to God, Our Strong Liberator, Make a joyful noise, And go to where God is; Be thankful, Sing and make joyful noise to celebrate God’s worth

God is great, The Power above all powers, The Maker of earth and sea and sky

Come to God in awe and wonder; Kneel and worship God our Maker God is ours, We are God’s Alive in the world on God’s love!

LIKE THE WIND

Reader: Like the wind which stirred the waters of creation All: God is moving the world

Reader: Like the holy fire burning in the desert All: God is living in the world

Reader: Like the wind which drove back the waters of Exodus All: God is acting in the world

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Reader: Like the song welling up in the mouth of King David All: God is singing in the world

Reader: Like the breathe which stirred dry bones in the valley All: God is gathering in the world

Reader: Like the angel filling Mary’s body with light All: God is loving in the world

Reader: Like the cries of the Christ child to be fed in the night All: God is coming into the world

Reader: Like the dove resting on the baptized Messiah All: God is christening the world

Reader: Like the healing that comes from the hands of the Savior All: God is mending life in the world

Reader: Like the voice of the Teacher in the ears of the crowd All: God is speaking with the world

Reader: Like the last choking breath of a man on a cross All: God is dying in the world

Reader: Like the silence that covers the tomb in the garden All: God is waiting for the world

Reader: Like the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead All: God is rising in the world

Reader: Like the breath of the Christ on the skin of disciples All: God is breathing on the world

Reader: Like the fire that falls on the Day of Pentecost All: God is giving life to the world

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THE GOSPEL Mark 2:1-12 NRSV

Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them.3 Then some people[a] came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and take your mat and walk’? 10 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” 12 And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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THE SERMON The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry

The people stand.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The Prayer Leader then says to the congregation:

Brothers and sisters in the faith, from the nations of the earth God had called forth one people to be the sign of the unity intended for all humankind. Let us offer our prayers for the church and for its mission in the world, saying: Lord, hear our prayer.

For the people of the earth, that where there is strife and division, the gift of peace may be the reward of all who work for justice, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For the church of Jesus Christ, that where there is weakness, health may be restored and where there is division, unity may be nourished, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all leaders in the church, that where there is jealousy or distrust, a spirit of forgiveness and compassion may nurture humble service, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all who are called to preach the Gospel, that in the presence of fear and anxiety the message of hope may be proclaimed courageously and effectively, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For all missionaries, that when faced with hardship and testing, they may be strengthened in their mission by the Spirit of God, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

For our communities and our families, that where there is misunderstanding or discord, we may receive the grace to forgive and so rejoice in the peace of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, hear our prayer.

God of unity and peace, in baptism you have made us one people in the body of your son. Hear us, as with one voice we offer you these prayers in the name of Jesus, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

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THE PEACE

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

THE OFFERTORY

The Lord's Supper

The presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks.

The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, for the glorious resurrection our Savior Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb who gave himself to take away our sin; who in dying has destroyed death, and in rising has bought us to eternal life. And so, with Mary Magdalene and Peter and all the witnesses of the resurrection, with earth and sea and all their creatures, and with angels and archangels, cherubim and seraphim we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Celebrant and People:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

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The presiding minister continues:

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, you have brought us this far along the way. In times of bitterness you did not abandon us, but guided us into the path of love and light. In every age you sent a prophet, to make known your loving will for all humanity.

The cry of the poor has become your own cry; our hunger and thirst for justice is your own desire. In the fullness of time, you sent your chosen servant to preach good news to the afflicted, to break bread with the outcast and despised, and to ransom those in bondage to prejudice and sin.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave it to the disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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People: Christ has died. People: Christ has risen. People: Christ will come again. Remembering, therefore, his death and resurrection, we await the day when Jesus shall return to free all the earth from the bonds of slavery and death. Come, Lord Jesus! And let the church say, Amen.

Congregation: Amen

Send your Holy Spirit, our advocate, to fill the hearts of all who share this bread and cup with courage and wisdom to pursue love and justice in all the world. Come, Spirit of freedom! And let the church say, Amen.

Congregation: Amen

Join our prayers and praise with your prophets and martyrs of every age, that, rejoicing in the hope of the resurrection, we might live in the freedom and hope of your Son. Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours. Almighty Father now and forever.

Congregation: Amen

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Continue with the Lord's Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours. Now and forever.

Amen.

The celebrant may address the assembly.

Come to the banquet. For all is now ready.

The assembly may be seated. The bread may be broken for the communion.

When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say:

The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you.

Amen.

Musical response:Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; Grant us peace, grant us peace.

After Communion, the Celebrant says: Let us pray.

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Celebrant and People:

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant blesses the people.

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THE DISMISSAL

Reader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia.

People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia.

POSTLUDE

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Notes

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Workshop Descriptions

(A) Mission Possible: The SpringHouse Story Presenter: The Rev.Laurie Feille, Pastor, First Christian Church of Minneapolis, MN. Tuesday 9:00 & 1:45, Cape Fear, 2nd floor

Is it possible for declining churches to find new life, mission and ministry? What happens when the biggest obstacle to transformation is the beloved church building? Selling the building and moving to an existing building or using the money from the sale of one building to build a smaller building are options. What if the building were sold and the vision of what it means to be church was transformed? That could lead to doing ministry in a whole new way! This workshop will examine the story of three Minneapolis congregations, from three different denominations (ELCA, UCC, DOC) partnering together to own a building with no intention of merging into one congregation. Come and learn about the life, mission and ministry developing at SpringHouse Ministry Center.

(B) Pilgrimage to the Boiler Room 2.1 Presenter: Jim Blackwell, St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Wellesley, MA Tuesday 9:00 & 1:45, Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor

It’s a money issue and a faith issue. Houses of Worship (HOW) are hogs. Energy Hogs. Do you know the impact of your HOW’s gluttony? This workshop provides a bevy of useful, practical ways to evaluate, act, save money and be GREEN, for the care of creation and your bank account.

(C) Small Town/Rural Church: From Canary in the Coalmine to Risen Phoenix Presenters: The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Easton, Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska The Rev. Dr. Alan Rice, Rural Faith Development Community Development Corporation, United Methodist Church Western North Carolina Conference The Rt. Rev Alan Scarfe, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Tuesday 9:00 & 1:45, Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor

This workshop will challenge you to shift your perspective from focusing on the frustrations and despair of small town/rural church life (declining populations, declining budgets, declining engagement) towards the unique opportunities and gifts that God is providing for ministry and life in small communities. This panel of speakers represents a breadth of experience working with churches in small towns and is excited to share their observations and thoughts on how you might serve as the innovative prophets of our day!

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(D) Terra Incognita: Discovering and Designing the Future Church Presenter: Philip Hart, Conference Minister, Ohio Conference of United Church of Christ Tuesday 10:30 & 3:15, Cape Fear, 2nd floor

During the “Age of Discovery,” people traveled around the earth trying to map the lands, rivers and oceans. We see in many maps from this period large, empty areas simply marked as “Terra Incognita,” or the “unknown land.” To some these unexplored lands signaled danger and were to be avoided. For others the “terra incognita” sparked an invitation to discovery.

The Church has entered a “terra incognita.” People’s approach to faith and spirituality is rapidly changing and they are going “off the grid” to find ways to live out their faith. In this workshop we will be discussing the Church’s response to these changes and how we can use Design Thinking as a strategy. Design Thinking is an approach and a set of tools that begins with a deep care for people and uses our creativity to find a way forward.

Participants will be introduced to this Design Thinking and will experience this approach as we discern the future of divine community, sacred spaces and how to live out our faith even when we do not fully understand the lands we dwell in, or the path that we must travel.

(E) The Nut$ and Bolt$ of Building Transformation Presenter: Tom Nutt-Powell, President, Capital Needs Unlimited, Brookline, MA Co-Founder, Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light, ECBF Board of Trustees Tuesday 10:30 & 3:15, Cape Hatteras, 2nd floor

Why do you have a building? Can you make sense of its uses? Does it make sense to have it? Are there other ways to meet your mission? If you think keeping your building makes sense, why? Are there ways to transform it so it functions better for those you are called to serve?

If you want to transform it, how do you figure out costs of that work, and how to pay for those costs? Will the transformation generate resources/revenues that help? Remember, we are Building For a New Tomorrow!

(F) Open Forum on Mergers and Closings Steve Pierce, CCA, Coordinator for Congregational Support, Diocese of Massachusetts Canon Dave Robinson, Dir. of Congregational Development, Diocese of Toronto, Canada The Rev. Canon Dan Webster, Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Diocese of Maryland Tuesday 10:30 & 3:15, Bellamy/Mendenhall, 1st floor

A roundtable discussion to include your experiences and address case situations. Join three of your seasoned colleagues who intentionally labor in the field of merging and closing. Come prepared to share your stories of success and struggle; we can learn a lot from each other.

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Symposium Speakers

Rev. Denise Bell – Regional Minister, The Christian Church in Georgia (Disciples of Christ) Session- Leadership Panel

Rev. Denise Bell is a native of New Jersey where her mother and three siblings still reside. In 1979 following the death of her father she surrendered to a life of faith with a dependence on God for guidance, love and a sense of purpose and meaning. She states that the focal point of her ministry has always been to love and to serve the world with others who practice the principles of faith. Within this practice, there is the tension to balance the inward disciplines of her faith and the outward expressions of faith in a diverse and fractured world.

The Rev. Bell graduated from Kean College in 1980 where she earned and was awarded a BA. She graduated from Denver Theological Seminary in 1989 after completing course work to earn her Masters of Divinity degree. She is in the process of completing her dissertation for a PhD in Leadership from Eastern University.

The Rev. Bell was ordained by the Central Rocky Mountain Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1988. She has served churches in Oregon, Virginia and Tennessee where she most recently served as Business Administrator for the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. She has served on numerous committees, task forces and boards including the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Regional Board of the Christian Church in Tennessee and Christian Board of Publication. She has received training in coaching for New Church Pastors, Congregational Transformation and Conflict Management.

Jim Blackwell - Vestry for Property, St. Andrew's Wellesley, MA Session: Pilgrimage to the Boiler Room 2.1

Jim Blackwell’s career from the 1970’s to 1990’s included the Redevelopment Land Agency in Washington, D.C.; he served as a community organizer as a housing rehabilitation project developer. He also worked for the Boston Housing Authority as the Director of Modernization. Finally, Jim partnered with Tom Nutt-Powell as a principal and Vice-President. A national company, OSI specialized in capital planning and needs assessments of large-scale residential real estate, condos, and public housing authorities.

Several other affiliations particularly important to Jim are:

Charles River School, K-8 Dover, MA. Served as Chairman of building committee and Trustee. Had Lead roles in strategic planning; capital campaigns; project manager for rebuilding athletic fields, constructing new academic buildings and renovation and expansion of gymnasium and dining facilities. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Wellesley, MA; Served 2 terms as Vestry person for Property; project manager for renovation of sanctuary and parish hall, and major energy upgrades. Recently prepared long-range capital needs assessment.

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Former Member, Property Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light – Former Director, project manager. MIP&L provides technical advice and assistance to faith communities to help them to make significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick - Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Synod of North Carolina Session: Worship Service – Presider

The Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick, bishop of the North Carolina Synod, is a native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Before coming to the bishop's staff, he served Calvary-Concord and St. James-Fayetteville. He joined the bishop's staff in 1986, with responsibilities in youth ministry and evangelism and served on the synod's transition team to form the new Lutheran Church. He was installed as Bishop of the N.C. Synod on February 2, 1997.

He holds two doctorates of ministry, from McCormick Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana and a doctorate of Divinity from Lenoir-Rhyne College of Hickory, N.C. He and his wife Rita have two children, Joseph and Sarah.

Of his office he states: "We, in the office of the bishop, are here to serve the synod for the sake of the Gospel. We try to be as available as we know how to be in terms of support, pastoral care, encouragement and sometimes to challenge."

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry – Bishop of the North Carolina Episcopal Diocese Session: Preacher

Leadership Panel

Michael Bruce Curry was elected 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina on February 11, 2000. He was consecrated on June 17, 2000, in Duke Chapel on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Bishop Curry was ordained to the diaconate in June 1978 at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo, New York, by the Rt. Rev. Harold B. Robinson and to the priesthood in December 1978 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by the Rt. Rev. John M. Burgess.

He began his ministry as deacon-in-charge at St. Stephen's in 1978 and was rector there from 1979 until 1982. He next accepted a call to serve as the rector of St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church in Lincoln Heights, Ohio, where he served from 1982 until 1988. In 1988 he became rector of St. James' Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland, where he served until his election as bishop.

Bishop Curry serves on the boards of a large number of organizations and has a national preaching and teaching ministry. He has been featured on The Protestant Hour and North Carolina Public Radio’s The State of Things, as well as on The Huffington Post. In addition, Bishop Curry is a frequent speaker at conferences around the country. He has received honorary degrees from Sewanee, Virginia Theological Seminary, Yale, and most recently, Episcopal Divinity School. Currently, he serves on the Task-force for Re-imagining the Episcopal Church, and his book of sermons, Crazy Christians, came out in August 2013.

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The Rev. Canon Elizabeth Easton – Cannon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese, Nebraska Session: Rural Churches

Liz Easton is the Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Nebraska. A priest since 2009, Liz spent several years as the Associate Rector of a large, urban, parish before joining the diocesan staff in May 2014. While she wears many “hats” from congregational development to transition ministry, her real passion is journeying alongside congregations as they seek to know, serve, and love Jesus. Liz also loves to photograph Nebraska, its churches, and people.

Laurie Feille – Senior Minister, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Minneapolis, MN Session: Mission Possible: The SpringHouse Story

The Reverend Laurie Feille moved from the warmth of Texas to the frozen tundra of Minnesota in December of 2012. After serving churches and doing church “the same old way” Rev. Feille jumped at the opportunity to serve as the Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Minneapolis, Minnesota and do ministry in a brand new way. First Christian Church is one of the three partner congregations of SpringHouse Ministry Center.

Rev. Feille earned a Masters of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 1996, and was ordained by the Christian Church (DOC) in 1997. She served as Senior Minister in churches in the Fort Worth, Texas area before throwing out her cowboy boots for snow boots and serving First Christian, Minneapolis.

A native of Mississippi and lifelong member of the Christian Church (DOC), Rev. Feille has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and had a career in Sales and Marketing before answering the call to ordained ministry.

Rev. Feille has served on numerous committees and boards and has been a director/counselor/keynoter at retreats, camps and conferences as well as an adjunct teacher at Brite Divinity School in Homiletics. She has a passion for missions and has been on Mission Trips to Bosnia, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya and many places in the United States.

Rev. Feille is married to the Rev. Dr. Bryan Feille, retired professor, Brite Divinity School, has two step-children and is the proud grandmother of four wonderful grandchildren. Rev. Feille also claims her three beautiful rescue Greyhounds as her children!

The Rt. Rev. Douglas John Fisher – Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts Session: Leadership Panel

The Rt. Rev. Douglas John Fisher was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts on June 2, 2012 and then consecrated on December 1, 2012. At the time he said, "The ordination and consecration of a Bishop is a deeply meaningful time when we all get to renew the faith that is within us and re-commit ourselves to following Jesus in his mission of mercy, compassion and hope. It is a time of celebration and inspiration for all God's people." Prior to becoming bishop, he served as rector of Grace Church in Millbrook, NY and before that as pastor of Holy Innocents in Highland Falls, New York and chaplain to the United States

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Military Academy at West Point. He is a graduate of St. John's University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, and Episcopal Divinity School. Born and raised in Valley Stream, Long Island, Doug and his wife, (the Rev.) Betsy Fisher, have three grown children. Bishop Fisher blogs at http://blog.diocesewma.org/

The Rt. Rev Susan Goff – Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Virginia Session: Leadership Panel

The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff is bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Virginia. She first joined the Bishop's staff as Canon to the Ordinary in January 2010, overseeing the day-to-day operation of various episcopal ministries, including the discernment and ordination processes; misconduct prevention and response; the Title IV ecclesiastical discipline canons; and the transition process for clergy and congregations.

Bishop Goff was consecrated on July 28, 2012. As bishop suffragan, she oversees mission churches, in addition to multicultural and ethnic ministries.

Bishop Goff came to the Diocese from St. Christopher's, Springfield, where she served as rector for 15 years. She was also an adjunct instructor in liturgics and a trainer of seminarian supervisors at Virginia Theological Seminary. Her prior positions were as rector of Immanuel, Old Church, in Mechanicsville; chaplain of St. Catherine's School in Richmond; and chaplain of St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock. During her 31 years of ordained ministry in the Diocese of Virginia, she was a deputy to three General Conventions, served on the Standing Committee for two terms, was dean of two regions and chaired or was a member of numerous diocesan committees and task groups. Bishop Goff earned her master of divinity degree, with distinction, from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. While a seminarian, she directed Eagle's Nest, the summer camp of the Diocese of Newark, for three summers. During a two-year leave of absence from seminary, she lived and worked among Arapaho people as a missionary on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

Bishop Goff is married to the Rev. C. Thomas Holliday, an interim ministry specialist who has served many congregations in the Diocese.

Marlon Hall, Cultural Architect – The Awakenings Movement, Houston, TX Opening Keynote Speaker

Marlon Hall is a storyteller who uses photography, anthropology, film making and human development businesses to share stories of love, imagination and passion. In addition to creating films through Folklore Films, he is the pastor and Curator of Human Potential of the Awakenings Movement, a grassroots Christian community of social visionaries and culture shapers in Houston, Detroit and Nairobi.

Growing up, Hall was a member of a family of religious nomads and was educated at Vanderbilt and Fisk University and became ordained in the United Church of Christ after attending the now Houston Graduate School of Theology. Hall serves on the faculty of Leadership at Duke Divinity’s Foundations of Christian Leadership and Denominational Leadership Courses. He has produced films for these programs and advises on issues of innovation and culture making.

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The Rev. Phil Hart - Designated Conference Minister of the Ohio Conference, United Church of Christ Session: Terra Incognita

The Rev. Phil Hart is the Designated Conference Minister of the Ohio Conference, United Church of Christ. Phil previously served as the Conference Minister in Ohio, the Illinois Conference and the Northern California Nevada Conferences. He began pastoring local churches at 20 years old and has now served as Conference Minister of over 900 local churches and 250,000 UCC members. Phil is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio, a trainer for the Institute of Human Services and a Mediator for the Supreme Court of Ohio. He is currently working with the National setting of the UCC, Center for Progressive Renewal and several other organizations to form the “Innovation Lab.” The “Lab” seeks to provide support and resources for the “innovators” and “creatives” within the progressive faith community.

The Rt. Rev. Robert Hirschfeld – Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire Session: Leadership Panel

Since 2012, Rob Hirschfeld has served as the tenth bishop of New Hampshire. Prior to that he served in parishes located in university and college towns: New Haven and Storrs, Connecticut and then Amherst, Massachusetts. Somewhere along the way he took an interest in the visual arts: abstract painting and collage in mixed media, and placing rocks in the woods. His immersion in this realm, along with forays into poetry, have given him deep insight into the nature of episcopal ministry which, he has learned is basically improvisational: riffing with Jesus to make room for the surprises God has in store for humanity— like the Resurrection, for example. His interest in the conference is in listening to how God is inviting us into the deepest freedoms discovered in the work of holy re-creativity, of the church, society, creation.

He is married to Polly Ingraham, a writer and teacher. They have three children and a dog. When not visiting parishes in the Granite State, or in his basement studio making stuff, Rob sculls on the Merrimack River, where what is said on the water, stays on the water. His (newly created) blog is: tendingthevine.org

Dr. Kenneth Inskeep - Director for Research and Evaluation in the Office of the Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Session: Leadership Panel

Kenneth W. Inskeep is the director for Research and Evaluation in the Office of the Presiding Bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has been with the ELCA since 1988 and director for Research and Evaluation since 1992.

He is a graduate of Trinity College (B.A., Sociology, magna cum laude, Alpha Kappa Delta--sociological honor society) (now Trinity International University), Deerfield, Illinois; Marquette University (M.A., Sociology), Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Loyola University of Chicago (Ph. D., Sociology). Prior to his tenure with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) he taught sociology (Associate Professor) at Trinity College. His publications include “Views on Social Responsibility: The Investment of Pension Funds in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,” Review of Religious Research; “History of Church Growth Research,” in Understanding Church Growth and Decline, David Roozen and Kirk Hadaway, editors; and “Giving Trends in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,” Review of Religious Research;

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and Chasing Down a Rumor: The Death of Mainline Denominations with Robert Bacher, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In addition to these formal publications, he is the author of many studies on the activities, programs and membership of the ELCA including The Social and Religious Context of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Faith Communities Today Survey of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Congregations. He has been asked to address the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Conference of Bishop's Academy on several occasions and on a variety of topic from church growth to "speaking Lutheran" in the contemporary religious context of the United States.

Thomas E. Nutt-Powell - President, Capital Needs Unlimited, Brookline, Massachusetts www.Housing-Solutions.com Session: The Nut$ and Bolt$ of Building Transformation

Tom Nutt-Powell is Co-founder and former President of Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light (MIP&L). Currently a member of its Executive committee, Nutt-Powell is responsible for completing Environmental Stewardship Assessments for Houses Of Worship (HOWs). (www.MIPandL.org). He became involved in environmental stewardship for faith-based communities as founder and President of Capital Needs Unlimited, a firm involved in housing, planning and development. He has completed over 2,000 Capital Needs Assessments, mainly for affordable housing.

Nutt-Powell is a parishioner at All Saints Church, Brookline, MA. He has been involved with the church's 15 year-long capital improvement projects. This work included new heating and distribution systems that resulted in a reduction of fuel use of about 40%.

An author and speaker for general and professional audiences, Dr. Nutt-Powell wrote MANUFACTURED HOMES: MAKING SENSE OF A HOUSING OPPORTUNITY (1982). He served on the faculty of MIT's School of Architecture and Planning, where he headed the Master in City Planning (MCP) program and directed the Manufactured Housing Research Program of the Harvard-MIT Joint Center for Urban Studies. He has served on the Board of Governors of the American Institute of Planners. Dr. Nutt-Powell received graduate degrees from Harvard (MTS and MCP, 1970) and MIT (Ph.D., 1973) and a BA from Pennsylvania State University (1965).

Steve Pierce, CCA - Coordinator for Congregational Support, Diocese of Massachusetts Session: Open Forum on Mergers and Closings

Steve Pierce has 30-plus years of experience in non-profit financial management, including 10 years as CFO of the Diocese of Massachusetts. In his current position as Coordinator for Congregational Support for the diocese, he oversees the closing and merger process for churches including pastoral care to financial, legal, property and business matters that are part of good stewardship of assets.

Pierce also provides consultation on property and finance matters, working closely with a team of volunteer congregational business consultants who promote sound business practices as part of congregational vitality and viability. Steve's first church job came in his teenage years when he was tasked with typing the Sunday bulletin, and church participation has been an important part of his life ever since.

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The Rev. Dr. Alan Rice - Executive Director, Rural Faith Development, Community Development Corporation, North Carolina Session: Rural Churches

The Rev. Dr. Alan Rice is the Executive Director of RFD Community Development Corporation, a faith based “catalyst for things hoped for” by churches, communities and institutional ministries. In the role of Executive Director of RFD, he serves as a consultant, developer and presenter for churches, districts, government and not-for-profit entities.

RFD CDC has three divisions: Consulting- The catalyst role is to bring about the desired future with a sequence of steps to achieve the vision. ConstruX - The task of the construction division is to make building a positive experience with positive outcomes in terms of quality paying particular attention to initial and life costs. NETworX: The task is to build capacity with individuals, families and communities through relationship-based initiatives like NETworX and ACTS -imagining a world where all people have adequate and sustainable resources to live fully as the blessed community.

Alan is concurrently the Senior Minister of Crossfire, a congregation of bikers and “working” poor. Chartered in 2004 the congregation averages over 100 in worship and is involved in many ministries to the poor and unchurched.

The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel - Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia Closing Keynote Session: Leadership Panel

Bishop Greg Rickel was elected the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Olympia on May 12, 2007, ordained bishop on Sept. 15, 2007. Rickel has served the wider church as a stewardship consultant for the Stewardship Office of the Episcopal Church and for the Episcopal Network for Stewardship. He also served on the Resolution B004 Mission Funding Task Force and as an Episcopal representative to the Earth Charter meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. He is a trainer for the Climate Project. He has received training from the National Organization for Victim Assistance and has worked on disaster debriefing for the Arkansas Attorney General's office.

At the time of his election, Rickel was the rector of St. James' Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. Previously he served as the vicar of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas. Before ordination to the priesthood he was a hospital administrator in Arkansas and Texas. Bishop Rickel embraces radical hospitality that welcomes all, no matter where they find themselves on their journey of faith. He envisions a church that is a safe and authentic community in which to explore God's infinite goodness and grace as revealed in the life and continuing revelation of Jesus Christ. As Bishop of Olympia he has articulated a vision with three main mission foci: congregational development, concentration on those 35 years of age and under, and stewardship of all creation.

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Canon David Robinson - Director of Congregational Development, The Anglican Diocese of Toronto, Canada Session: Open Forum on Mergers and Closings

Dave Robinson has been a member of the Diocesan Congregational Development team for 24 years serving portfolios in Youth and Young Adult Ministry; Rural Ministry Support; Conflict Management and Congregational Health. Currently Dave's responsibilities include support of mission strategy, reconfiguration and amalgamation of congregations and Natural Church Development as well as managing a team of 5 staff and a strong volunteer corps of 35 trained facilitators and consultants.

Born and raised in the Toronto area Dave spends his free time on the water as an avid sailor, wilderness canoeist and amateur boat-builder. He lives in Toronto with his spouse the Rev. Canon Heather McCance and together they support a 13-year-old daughter, a 10-year-old mutt, an 8 year-old cat, and a 35-year-old sailboat. In 2013 they took a cruising sabbatical and sailed 2400 miles from Lake Ontario to Atlantic Canada and New England.

Michael C. Wagner – Founder, White Rabbit Group, Clive, IA Session: Keynote Lunch Speaker

The Joy of Being Strange Together

Mike Wagner is a skilled communicator, facilitator, and business consultant who believes you must "keep creating" to be successful. Mike formed White Rabbit Group eleven years ago to inspire and assist organizational leaders in creating remarkable customer experiences that set them apart from their competition.

He develops engaging presentations, trainings and facilitations for clients from his vast work experiences with small and medium size enterprises, Fortune 500 companies, and leading non-profit organizations. He brings ideas to life through compelling stories to help clients see their path to success.

Speaking and training across the nation on leadership, creativity, and personal development, he also works on-site with organizational leaders to facilitate the creation of remarkable customer experiences.

A pastor for 17 years, Mike focused on church starts and innovative church based ministry to young professionals.

During the last two years Mike has been increasingly asked to work with lay leaders and professional staffs of established churches seeking to revitalize their ministries. His education includes a B.A. from the University of Nebraska in History and Classical Greek (1977) and a Th.M. (Master of Theology) from Dallas Theological Seminary (1981).

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The Rev. Canon Daniel J. Webster - Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development, Diocese of Maryland Session: Open Forum on Mergers and Closings

Dan Webster is currently serving as Canon for Evangelism and Ministry Development in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. He was called to his current position from the Diocese of New York where for two years he had served as Canon for Congregational Development and Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi Church (formerly St. Andrew's Chapel), Montgomery, NY.

Before entering the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, Texas, in 1993 Webster spent 25 years in broadcast journalism. He worked with NBC News for 12 years, including as the west coast producer of NBC News Overnight in Burbank and deputy bureau chief in Washington, D.C. He has worked at local television stations in six states as news director, anchor, reporter, producer and photographer, and spent three years with The Associated Press, Washington D.C., creating a television marketing division. He continues to write on religious matters. His byline has appeared in numerous religious and secular publications.

Bobby Moody and Moment’s Notice Session: Worship Music

Moment’s Notice is a diverse group of musicians dedicated to writing and performing great music for all to hear. Founded in 1991, by Bobby Moody, the group has continued to evolve and grow musically, performing primarily jazz. However, Moment’s Notice is a versatile group, performing R&B, rock, and reggae as well.

The group performs at all types of functions and in several different formats. Moment’s Notice is also the St. Ambrose Jazz Mass Quartet, a spiritual Jazz Group. The St. Ambrose Jazz Mass Quartet (JMQ) was founded by the Rev. Michael Battle, then Rector of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, in 2001.

The musicians were intrigued by the offer to perform the Jazz Mass at St. Ambrose and were eager to see how their sound would translate to Christian Music. The Jazz Mass Quartet’s continuous movement of traditional and contemporary jazz and jazz versions of classic hymns throughout Episcopal churches and events keeps growing as they represent St. Ambrose across various cities and states with much vitality, love and enthusiasm.

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Notes

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Born in 1880, the ECBF was formed through the generous donations of dioceses and Episcopal

Church members who saw the need to support the building of new churches, as the country was

growing and moving West. A revolving loan fund has helped thousands of congregations build,

renovate, expand, and repair churches, parochial buildings, rectories, camps, conference centers

and schools.

About 100 years later, the ECBF developed a Congregational Planning Process and

accompanying workbook to help congregations undertake a building project, to ensure the

building was designed not for its past but for its future, and within budget. A liturgical design

resource, A Church for Common Prayer, was also written, encouraging flexible space inviting to

the newcomer. During that time, the National Church asked us to take on their work in

congregational development, and lead the Start Up! Start Over! and Upward Bound training

seminars.

As all organizations should, in 2010 we took stock of our relevance to the Episcopal Church’s

current needs. Due to membership and income decline, we found fewer congregations were

constructing, and more were struggling simply to maintain their buildings. The ECBF realized it

must change and adapt to the times, and a mission expansion was needed, and the Recasting of

Building Assets consultation process was launched.

Now, in addition to providing loans and guidance on building projects, the ECBF helps

congregations reach financial self-sustainability through the creative use of their real estate assets.

We encourage parishes to use the process to deepen their relationship with and relevance to their

community. If the building is more a hindrance than an asset, we help in its disposition so that the

congregation can carry on its real mission.

The Buildings for a New Tomorrow annual symposium was launched in 2010 to gather

innovators who are finding new ways to use buildings, land, and members to support sustainable

ministries and share the Gospel message in ways that are meaningful to the local context. We are

delighted that this year our ecumenical colleagues are joining in this movement at BFNT and look

forward great partnerships and shared resources.

Visit www.ecbf.org to view videos from previous BFNT presentations, a host of resource links,

and the loan application.

The ECBF is an autonomous agency of the Episcopal Church, a 501(c)3, fully self-funded

through generous gifts and the revolving loan portfolio.

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Buildings for a New Tomorrow could not happen without the support and encouragement of the

ECBF Board of Trustees:

Mr. Steve Abdow, Springfield, MA

Dr. Walter Cabe, Arlington, TX

Ms. Mary Lou H. Ivey, Richmond, VA (Treasurer)

Dr. Heidi Schleicher, Ankeny, IA (Secretary)

Ms. Anne Wagner, Des Moines, IA

The Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, Denver, CO (Vice Chair)

Ms. Bobbi Yeo, Opelika, AL

Mr. Thomas E. Nutt-Powell, Brookline, MA

Mr. Paul Cooney, ESQ, Washington, D.C. (Legal Counsel)

and the BFNT Agenda Planning Team:

Steve Abdow, Canon Finance and Administration, Diocese of Western Massachusetts, ECBF

Trustee (Chair)

Dr. Heidi Schleicher, Diocese of Iowa, ECBF Trustee

Michael Wagner, Founder, White Rabbit Group

Rev. Dr. Patrick Garnet Duggan, Executive Director, United Church of Christ Church Building

and Loan Fund

Julia Groom, President, ECBF

The Episcopal Church Building Fund staff look forward to working with you.

Julia M. Groom, ECBF President jgroom@ecbf.org 804-837-7442 (C)

Sally D. O’Brien, ECBF Vice President sobrien@ecbf.org 203-820-3700 (C)

Deedi Trabosh, Director of Loans, Administration, Finance dtrabosh@ecbf.org 804-306-6156 (C)

Jane Bowles, Administrative Assistant jbowles@ecbf.org 804-240-2105 (C)

Brandon Kelly, Marketing and Communications Coordinator bkelly@ecbf.org 804-837-3371 (C)

Episcopal Church Building Fund, 583A Southlake Blvd. Richmond, VA 23236

804-893-3436 www.ecbf.org

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