Church Fair Limns Programs That 'Work'
Episcopal News Service. February 16, 1984 [84029]
NEW YORK (DPS, Feb. 16) -- Under the sponsorship of the Epi copal Church, a National Models Fair, "Ten Parish Programs that Work: Helping the Poor in the 80's" will occur May 14-16 at the Kanuga Conference Center, Hendersonville, N.C. The fair, under the aegis of the commission on Social and Specialized Ministries, is part of the Jubilee Ministries program passed by the 1982 General Convention, which emphasized ministry to the poor and the oppressed as a priority of the Episcopal Church. The basic purpose of the models fair is to serve as one answer to the question so often asked by concerned individuals and churches: "What can I/we do?"
Ten successful parish programs, some of which are designated "Jubilee Centers", have been chosen from around the country to present their work as models for others to duplicate. "One of the great things about this conference is that the actual parishes will be presenting their programs to the conferees, leading to open-ended conversations on the programs and how they can start one themselves," according to Marcia Newcombe, the church center's social welfare officer. It is hoped that these discussions will lead diocesan delegations to contract with the parishes to help dioceses establish new programs along the lines of the model.
The ten models being presented include jobs and advocacy programs, a program for high-school drop-outs, a free clinic, and -- because no program can operate without money -- there will be a fund-raising model. In addition to the models given formal presentations, many local and national organizations have been invited to exhibit. Among these are the Episcopal Society for Ministry on Aging; the National Episcopal Coalition on Alcohol; Putting it All Together, a single-mothers' program: and Offenders Aid Restoration, an organization sponsored by the National Council of Churches dealing with first offenders. The Conference's keynote speaker will be the Rt. Rev. John S. Spong, bishop of Newark.
Each diocesan bishop has been asked to appoint two delegates to the fair; other interested persons may attend as observers. The cost is $115 per person for tuition, room and board. Transportation from the Asheville airport will be provided by Kanuga.
For further information or to register, contact: Marcia Newcombe, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; phone number: (212) 867-8400, ext. 248. The deadline for registration is March 1.
Newcombe says there has been a lot of interest in the models fair and that bishops in particular have been very responsive in submitting programs and in giving their support. But the best thing will be the sharing of ways to help the poor and their communities which will occur at the conference itself. "This is the work of the church, and that's why it's so exciting."