Marian Lucas-Jefferies from the Parish of Greenwich was welcomed as a member of the Steering Group, replacing Keith Lane, who is moving to Ontario effective 20 March 2003. Marion Lucas-Jefferies will Chair the Community Building Task Team and Dick Black will join the Financial Visioning Task Team. The Diocesan Chancellor, Charles Ferris, was welcomed to the meeting.

TASK TEAM REPORTING

A. Existing Facilities.  Gerry Peer
The Diocesan Historic Property Sub-committee toured all buildings on 24 February 2003 for evaluation purposes. An historical valuation will be the result of their research using a tool currently being developed for use throughout the Diocese.

B. Community Building.  Don Trivett
The task team met and made preparations for the Four-parish Ash Wednesday service at St. James in Westfield. Combined Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will also be planned.

C. Financial Visioning.  Andrew Logan / Keith Lane
Donations totalling $740 have been received during 2003 from individual parishioners. The PPM project account balance is $3 314.22.

D. Communication. Cindy Price
The third issue of the newsletter, "The Rivers’ Light," has been distributed to the 367 households of the four parishes. Efforts are underway to improve the way that distribution of communication materials occurs.

E. Parish Vision. Debbie Black
The New Parish Visioning Task Team has prepared a visioning summary from the data collected at the Visioning Sessions. Each Task Team will formulate an 80 word vision statement based on the Visioning Consultation Summary and other data which will be shared with parishioners prior to the planned vote on 30 March.

F. New Facilities.  Gordie Brown / Wanda Porter
Land is still being investigated and the Town of Grand Bay - Westfield will be consulted for their input as to potential sites for a new Facility.

PRESENTATION by the Diocesan Chancellor - Mr. Charles Ferris
Our Chancellor was in attendance to explain the Canons and processes required for dissolution of the existing parishes and the establishment of a new parish. The Bishop has the authority to initiate the process, but has requested that the Corporations of the parishes involved petition him to do so. After the request to form a new parish is received by the Bishop from parish corporations, Canon XX directs the Bishop to give three months notice to parishes of a proposed amalgamation. Objections to the Bishop’s proposal may be filed by parish corporations or groups of at least 10 parishioners during this time. In answer to inquiries of the Group, the Chancellor also reviewed the criteria and definition of a parishioner eligible to vote.

BUSINESS

1. Congregational Meetings.
Each Parish will hold a parish meeting on 30 March 2003, to gauge the level of parishioner support of amalgamation. Immediately following the parish meetings, each Vestry will meet to express the will of the Parish regarding a request that the Bishop initiate the process of amalgamation. The will of the parish Corporations will be communicated to the Bishop as soon as possible.

2. Interim Arrangements
After some discussion on the arrangements during the time between amalgamation and a new parish worship facility, several ideas and suggestions were identified to be considered in planning the next steps in the Project. Amalgamation will move us into a reality of working and worshipping together in a new way. The New Facilities Team will investigate possible interim worship spaces.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11 March 2003 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Church, Public Landing.