DEACON MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

August 21, 2008

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

 PRESENT: Robert McPherson, Clint Woodward, Alice Cooper, Debbie Austin, Katie Grandle, Rosemary Maddox, Doris Morgan, Cindy Tafoya, Jean Bernard Nganou, Olivier Heubo, Mary Ellen Gregg, Mike Bartholomew, Rusty Smith, Ralph Miller, and Winnie Quinizi.

 EXCUSED: Lynn Lawson-Jones and Jean Rhodes.

ABSENT: Tracy Geiger.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Alice Cooper's name should have been listed in the excused absences last month. The minutes were approved as corrected.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: Not available.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: The pastor was not present.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Robert thanked the Deacons for voting by email to assist a member of the Spanish Ministry with her financial problems. A check was issued to El Paso Electric on her behalf.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ushering:  The few minor problems that arose have been squared away.

Transportation: Rusty said the steps from the old non-driveable van are going to be transferred to the new van. Drivers will be using private vehicles in order to make all the pickups until some decision is reached about a second van. There are some slots open for drivers in September.

Special Events:  Clint will work on the Hospice Food Basket Project, which usually happens at Christmas but this year will take place at Thanksgiving.

Soup Kitchen:   Alice said things are running smoothly.

Transient Meals:  No problems.

Visitation: Cindy is making hospital visits on Sunday afternoons.

Building and Grounds:  This committee is trying to set up a work day for September 27. Items they are working on include new light covers and removing water stains on the east wall of the sanctuary.

Ralph commented that the new custodian, Jerry Duran, is doing well and has been recommended for a raise in salary.

Congregational Life:  Plans for a moonlight trip to White Sands were discussed.

Christian Education: Jean Bernard reported that volunteers are needed for Salt and Light, which begins September 10, for the following jobs: Teachers, table leaders, cooking, etc. Plans are being made for a repeat of "Night in Bethlehem" on December 20.

Missions:  Clint reported that two visitors to the recent Missions Team meeting, Ann Blakely and Judy Kemper, proposed an after-services meeting on September 28 to discuss their mission trip to Juarez last April. The new PCUSA immigration lawyer, Julia Thorne, would be a participant in the discussion. Moderator Tommy Matkin has presented this proposal to the pastor.

The Peacekeeping Offering will take place on October 5.

Music and Worship:  Clint said Tennebrae Services on Good Friday are being considered.

Administration:   Winnie asked for input on the advantages and disadvantages of buying a mini van for church transportation rather than a big van. This was discussed at length but no recommendation was made. A financial review of the church records has been completed by Lynn Ames, to be followed by an audit.

 OLD BUSINESS: Robert reported that the Socks and Undies donations to the Gospel Rescue Mission went very well.

 The Session granted our request that a pass-through account be set up for the benefit of Rhonda Brown, a cancer victim who is a former campaign worker for Rev. Al Kissling. This will be a line item on the Deacons'  Fund, but the Deacons will not supply money for that account. Ms. Brown's medical bills will be paid as funds are made available by outside donations.

 NEW BUSINESS: The Hamburger Fry is set for October 19. Clint and Rusty will head that up. Plans were made to revise the supply list in order to avoid running out of various items. Clint will put articles in "The Lantern" and "The Good News" asking for donations of items such as green chile and potato chips.

 ADJOURNMENT: At 8:10 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to September 18th with the Mizpah Benediction.

 Rosemary Maddox

Recording Secretary

NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

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