Dean's Letter to the Parish

January 16, 2008
Episcopal Cathedral Church
of Saint John
Wilmington, Delaware

Dear Friends in Christ,

Well here we are, half way through January and into the journey that will take us through the year 2008. Before the year is over, we will know the identity of the next President of the United States (baring any hanging chads); we may be paying $4.00 per gallon for gasoline; the summer Olympic Games will have come and gone; and we should have clarity about the future of the Episcopal Church’s mission and ministry here at the Cathedral Church of Saint John.

From the perspective of its beginning, 2008 has every chance of being an exciting and invigorating year. This is certainly true for those of us who worship at Saint John’s and who support and benefit from its life and work. I am particularly thankful for all of you who have witnessed to that support with your pledge of financial commitment. This pledge is a sacramental like sign that you care for and appreciate what this Cathedral does and stands for, and that you are dedicated to its future.

The shape of that future has yet to be reveled. However, by year’s end, I have every hope that it will be clear to us and we will be engaged in its implementation. Tim Koob chairs the Working Group charged with the task of discerning that future shape. Further down this page, Tim gives the initial report from the Working Group to you, the people of the Cathedral. Please read it carefully and don’t hesitate to ask questions of the members of the Working Group.

Finally, and there will be more to say about this later, the year 2008 has every chance of being both challenging and promising for the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Perhaps this is the year that the Church will be able to decide whether its faithfulness to the Gospel of Christ is measured by a focus on human sexuality or by devotion to and pursuit of justice. I believe that the latter is far more fundamental to scripture than the former. Those who would have us marginalize people because of their choice of life partner might do well to remember that Jesus gives preference to the marginalized.

In their own way, both the Cathedral and the Diocese of Delaware are signs to the greater Church that people of good will can and do live and work together. Where others see divisions that lead to separation and rejection, we see an oneness in Christ which leads to convergence and acceptance.

So, it is 2008 and we have things to do and challenges to meet. Come on brothers and sisters, let’s get going and experience all that the Lord has in store for us.

Faithfully,
The Very Reverend William B. Lane

Cathedral Working Group Report, January 15, 2008

I’m writing to provide an update to the parish on the progress of the Working Group. As explained in the October issue of our newsletter, the Working Group is a group of representatives from both the Cathedral and the Diocese coming together to develop a financially sustainable model for the Episcopal Church in the Brandywine Village. This group continues to meet on a regular basis and work is progressing well.

As part of this work, we have also received financial support from the Trustees of the Diocese for services from key outside professionals – I’ve highlighted these below.

Our group has divided work into four teams – following is a brief update on each:

Building/Infrastructure

This team has met with and received a proposal from StudioJaed, an engineering and facilities solution consulting organization in Wilmington. This company has submitted a proposal of four services:

• deferred maintenance study,
• program/alternative use study,
• energy savings study, and
• life cycle study.

Our immediate interest is in the first two studies. By utilizing outside consultants, we’ll have expert opinions on the condition of our buildings, outstanding needs, and potential costs. This will cover all Cathedral buildings as well as Debnam House and Next-to-New. The program/alternate use study is run by a consultant with input of many members of the Cathedral community to look at the current use of space and develop new or alternate uses while identifying and changes that may be needed. The Trustees have agreed to fund these two studies and work began in January. The second two studies may be utilized during a later phase of the Working Group’s analysis.

Real Estate

A key part of this work is an understanding of the value of our current holdings as well as current plans for the neighborhood. To that end, we are going to engage Appraisal Associates, a real estate appraisal company who has done work with the Diocese and who is located here in the Brandywine Village. By using an appraisal company, we’ll get an understanding of the value of our real estate holdings as they currently are as well as future potential. The Trustees have agreed to fund this study and work will begin in January. In addition, this team will be contacting the Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization organization — this connection will lead to better understanding of potential neighborhood development. Finally, this team will be in contact with the City of Wilmington to gain an understanding of City plans for our neighborhood.

Alternative Models for the Cathedral

This team will be looking at the relationship between St. John’s – the Diocese — and other churches; as well as the relationship among other Cathedrals and their Diocese. This group will be meeting with the various constituents — including the Bishop, Diocesan Council, Cathedral Vestry, clergy, leadership of various key ministries, and lay members. By meeting with a variety of people, the team looks to gain an understanding of the perceptions of the Cathedral as well as what this relationship could be and what the presence of the Episcopal Church should be as we move into the 21st century. In addition, the team has identified other Cathedrals in urban areas to study their approach and relationship within their Diocese.

Ministry Audit

This team has completed a space utilization audit — how our space is currently used and by whom. In addition — a Cathedral Use Survey is underway to understand the current and future needs of our outreach ministries. This information will be key input as we work with our consultant to identify and evaluate potential alternate uses of our space.

In addition to this work, Charles Fulton, President of the Church Building Fund for the National Episcopal Church and Head of Congregational Development has agreed to visit Wilmington on January 22, 2008. This is an exceptional opportunity for the Diocese, Cathedral, and Working Group.

I have been very impressed with the dedication and approach of all of our members. During our first meeting I asked everyone to share why they agreed to serve on this team when the Dean or Bishop asked them – and everyone – representatives from the Cathedral and from the Diocese – all said they were honored to be asked and that they wanted to help the Cathedral continue the work it has been doing. It was very gratifying to have this talented and diverse group to commit to this work. The perspectives and experiences of other churches within our Diocese have been and will continue to be a huge help. I’ve very grateful for everyone’s time and efforts.

Best regards,
Tim

Working Group members:

Tim Koob, Co-chair
Maureen Lyons
Anita Manning
Ron Truitt  
Debbie Layton 
Felice Jo Lamden, Co-chair
Norwood Colman
Dana Robertson
Linda O'Connor
Reverend Ed Godden
Terry Walbert
Rufus Miller
Charisse Rodgers
Reverend Anna Waid
Anne Kauffman 

DEAN'S DIRECTORY:

• A recent sermon by the Dean
• The Dean's Letter of Welcome
• Meet the Dean

Cathedral Call Letters

• 2008: January | March
• 2007: September | October | November | December