This presentation is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and innovative ideas for managing church properties effectively. The session is divided into three key parts:
- Being New to Church Property Management: This section will guide newcomers through the basics of church property management, including how to get started and what is expected of them in this role.
- Navigating alienations & Encumbrances: We will delve into the process through ECCT (Episcopal Church in Connecticut) for handling Alienations & Encumbrances, along with an overview of other valuable resources and grant opportunities available through ECCT.
- Thinking Outside the Box for Property Use: In this segment, we will explore innovative and creative ideas for utilizing church land and building assets. Attendees will be encouraged to think beyond traditional uses and consider unique ways to make the most of their property.
FACILITATORS: Jennifer Bassett has been a devoted member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in North Haven for over 35 years and currently serves as a Standing Committee member in her second year. She’s worn many hats within the church, not the least of which includes, one of the church’s unofficial mouse hunters, Warden, chair of the Archive Committee, and serving two terms on Vestry. Her past roles encompass a variety of responsibilities such as Choir, Finance Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, Christian Education, Ministry of Healing Prayer, Lay Preacher, and wherever else needed. Additionally, she proudly served as a Lay Delegate to the ECCT for five years.
Alongside her husband, she co-owns Bassett Property Management, managing 210 units across Connecticut, including rental properties for two churches, single-family homes, multifamily dwellings, and small apartment complexes. Her engagement extends beyond the church. She is an active member of the Society for the Companions of the Holy Cross and the Daughters of the American Revolution. As a friend of Rotary International, she had the privilege of traveling to Mombasa, Kenya in 2018 as a volunteer and goodwill ambassador with Rotary District 7980. In 2019, she embarked on a pilgrimage with ECCT to the Holy Land.
The Reverend Derek Stefanovsky has served as Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter’s Grace, Monroe, since 2022. A native of Michigan, he received his Master of Divinity and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale/Yale Divinity School. He was ordained deacon and priest in 2019. Prior to serving St. Peter’s Grace, Derek served for three years as associate rector of St. Luke’s in Darien, Connecticut. Before that, Derek served as interim chaplain of St. Thomas’s Day School in New Haven, Connecticut. Apart from his ministry at St. Peter’s Grace, Fr. Derek is active in diocesan leadership. He has served on the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut since 2022, and as president of the Committee since 2023. Derek also serves on the board of directors of our diocesan camp and retreat center, Camp Washington. It is Derek’s joy and privilege to function in all aspects of priestly ministry in both parish and diocesan contexts. He believes in the importance of faith formation and development for all ages as they seek to grow as disciples of Jesus and is committed to walking with parishes of all sizes as they seek to flourish in their own contexts.
Jon Heflin is the ECCT Property Manager. Jon has a background in commercial and residential development for over 30 years. He is certified in solar electric systems and home energy assessments. When not working, Jon enjoys skiing, photography, cooking, being outdoors and above all, spending time with his wife.
Event Timeslots (2)
Session Three (1:45-3 PM)–2025
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Innovate Church Property Management: Navigating New Beginnings, Alienations & Encumbrances, and Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Monday, 3/31
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Innovate Church Property Management: Navigating New Beginnings, Alienations & Encumbrances, and Out-of-the-Box Thinking