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. Leader: Let us pray: O God, make speed to save us. O Lord, make haste to help us. All: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. PSALM 134 Leader: Behold now, bless the Lord, all

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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
1

4. (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
2

5. (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
3

6. 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)
4

7. 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!
5
(Lyrics on next page)

8. 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.
6

9. Buildings for a New Tomorrow
Symposium
Night Prayer
April 13, 2015
8:45 p.m.
7

10. (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.
8

11. 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
9

12. Notes
10

13. Buildings for a New Tomorrow
Symposium
Ecumenical Worship Service
April 15, 2015
9:00 a.m.
11

14. APRIL 15TH
WEDNESDAY, 9:00 A.M.
THE WORD OF GOD
The people stand
OPENING HYMN:
12

15. 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
13

16. 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
14

17. 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.
15

18. 16

19. 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.
17

20. THE PEACE
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
THE OFFERTORY
The Lord's Supper
Thepresiding minister greets theassembly 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 usgive thanks to the LordourGod.
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.
18

21. Thepresiding minister continues:
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
you have brought usthis 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.
19

22. 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
20

23. ContinuewiththeLord'sPrayer:
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.
Thecelebrant mayaddresstheassembly.
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.
21

24. 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.
22

25. THE DISMISSAL
Reader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia.
POSTLUDE
23

26. Notes
24

27. 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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28. (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.
26

29. 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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30. 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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31. 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
29

32. 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.
30

33. 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;
31

34. 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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35. 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.
33

36. 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).
34

37. 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.
35

38. Notes
36

39. Notes
37

40. Notes
38

41. Notes
39

42. 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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43. 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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