DEACONS MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

April 17, 2008

 Moderator Robert McPherson opened the meeting with prayer at 7:05 p.m.

 PRESENT: Robert McPherson, Jean Rhodes, Olivier Huebo, Jean Bernard Nganou, Mary Ellen Gregg, Winnie Quinzi, Rosemary Maddox, Mike Bartholomew, Alice Cooper, and Rusty Smith. Katie  Grandle entered the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

 EXCUSED: Lynn Lawson Jones, Clint Woodward

  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the meeting of March 18, 2008, were approved.

  TREASURER'S REPORT: Mary Ellen reported that the Deacons' Fund balance as of April 17, 2008, was $3,316.98.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: Not available.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Robert noted that Pentecost Sunday is May 11, which is also Mothers' Day.

  CORRESPONDENCE: A thank-you note was received from Emanuel and Mireille Ncheuguim expressing gratitude for assistance with medical bills.

 Rosemary has received email correspondence from Tom and Judy Harvey, missionaries in Singapore, the contents of which will be presented under "Committee Reports: Missions."

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 Ushering: Cindy reports that except for a few minor glitches, the ushering schedule is working well. Debbie Austin's absence was due to her mother's illness. Cindy visited Mrs. Austin last Sunday, at a time when Pastor Norm was also there visiting her. Mary Ellen will be Deacon Captain next month, and she has done this before.

 Transportation:  Rusty said volunteers to drive the next couple of months would be appreciated. If the drivers have a choice of vehicles to drive, choose the old van. The people we pick up prefer the old van because it is easier for them to get into.

 Special Events:  No report.

 Soup Kitchen:  Jean said all is going well.

Transient Meals:   In answer to Winnie's question, "If a person comes up to us and asks for money to buy a meal, how do we respond?", Cindy explained how this system works. People can be directed to the office to ask for a sack lunch anytime the office is open, including Sundays.

 Visitation:  Sunday afternoon Winnie took 14 potted plants to Good Sam, and later visited with Mary Brisbin at Golden Mesa.

 Building and Grounds:    Jean Bernard said most of the items needing repair mentioned in the April 9 minutes have been taken care of. A work day is planned in May or June. The names of church members who work for B & G will be published on an Honor Roll in "Good News."

 Robert said he has not yet received material from Bob Paul on the Columbarium project. He heard of a proposed Columbarium in another state which was vetoed by city government as being a "cemetery" where zoning didn't allow a cemetery.

 Congregational Life:  Cindy reported that the first softball game will be Saturday night, April 19. There will be a movie night in June, no date set yet, and suggestions for choosing the movie would be welcomed. Plans are being made for Graduation Sunday, May 18.

 Christian Education:  Olivier said the teacher training modules assigned to committee members were helpful and easy to use, and showed that Bible study can be exciting. The curriculum and staff for Vacation Bible School are in place. Travis and Scotty gave glowing reports on their experiences at the Youth Ministry Workers classes in Cincinnati.

 Missions:  Tommy Matkin has been trying to contact the Pontiers to learn the dates they plan to visit us, but so far has had no success. Robert said Tommy will try to call them.

 Tom and Judy Harvey, who have been in Singapore for 11 years, are moving to Oxford, England, in early June. Tom, who was a lecturer at Trinity Theological College, has accepted the position of Associate Academic Dean of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS). Tom says this new position "provokes a mixture of awe and anxiety," and asks for prayers "for a sharp learning curve".

 Music and Worship:   The pulpit has been filled for the three Sundays that Rev. Story will be gone in May and June. The old set of bells has been sold to Harry Beckett. Lynn and Kelly are working on some exciting music for summer while the choir is on vacation. Jerry Grandle has not forgotten about the microphone in the Sanctuary; he is waiting for his son John to come home and help him.

 Administration:  Winnie explained that while the Book of Order contains our rules and laws, a review of the need for, or revision of, the Church By-Laws is awaiting the recommendations of Attorney Matt Holt. The committee expects to bring findings and recommendations to the Session at the May meeting.

 Administration Ministry team has come up with a revised Church Building and Use  Facility Use Form which states exactly what can be used, and there will be an article in "The Lantern" explaining this. Regarding disposition of old tables and folding chairs that need replacement (New Business 2)) of Administration Minutes 4-8-08), Katie suggested they might be given to the Youth garage sale coming up May 3.

 Robert noted that some of the upholstered chairs are so soiled as to be unusable. He will put in a request that this situation be corrected with a brush and upholstery cleaner.

 OLD BUSINESS:

 Mary Ellen has not heard from anyone about serving on the Christian Education Committee. By an oversight her name was not given to that Committee; that now has been done.

 NEW BUSINESS:

 Robert thanked Alice for representing the Deacons on the Nominating Committee. He emphasized that we need one more Deacon; if you have a suggestion, give the name to Alice.

 ADJOURNMENT:

 The meeting was adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction at 8:10 p.m.

 Submitted by Rosemary Maddox

Recording Secretary

 NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

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