DEACON MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

September 18, 2008

Moderator Robert McPherson opened the meeting with prayer at 7:00 p.m.

 PRESENT: Robert McPherson, Ralph Miller, Darla Toply, Mary Ellen Gregg, Doris Morgan, Tracy Geiger, Rosemary Maddox, Winnie Quinzi, and Mike Bartholomew

 EXCUSED: Clint Woodward, Alice Cooper, Lynn Lawson-Jones, Katie Grandle, Jean Bernard Nganou, Olivier Heubo, Rusty Smith, and Debbie Austin

 ABSENT: Jean Rhodes and Cindy Tafoya

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes were approved as published.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: Mary Alice reported that there is $1,675.74 in the Deacons' Fund. The   Hamburger Fry is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th, and we hope to build up this fund with the proceeds of that event.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: The Pastor was not present.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Robert said the Deacons need to be thinking about choosing someone to replace him as moderator when his term is up in January, preferably someone from the 2009 class. His successor should be decided upon by the November meeting.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ushering:  The schedule has been filled through November, but there are some vacancies for December. It was decided that the Deacon Captain should e-mail the scheduled ushers each week and remind them of their commitments.

            There was a discussion about how the count of people taking communion is made; some thought the empty communion cups were collected and counted, while others had been instructed to throw the used cups in the trash and had been doing so. We decided that probably the empty cup slots are counted, but we should check this out. Mike asked if the Communion bread was restricted to the wafers currently used; he formerly attended a church where breads from all over the world were used.

Transportation:  Mike said the second van has been repaired and is back in service. Tracy's husband will be available to drive for the next six months, starting next Sunday.

Special Events:  Tracy said Clint has notes about last year's Hamburger Fry and we will stick to the same menu. Various kinds of desert were discussed; it was decided that cookies would be best, and Tracy will try to get people involved in providing them.

            Plans were made for bringing this fundraiser to the attention of the Congregation. Clint and Rusty will be asked to speak from the pulpit for a few minutes on October 12th and 19th respectively. They will emphasize that the Deacons do not have a budget and this is our only fund raiser. Tracy will create an insert for the bulletin on October 12th, and we will get the Hamburger Fry on the October calendar of events.

            Food Baskets for Hospice Families: Tracy said there are eight or ten families in our own congregation, including the Hispanic Ministries, who are struggling, She feels we should take care of our own first, and will make a list of those families. The timing of food baskets was discussed; whether to do it at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, just two of those dates, or more often throughout the year. No decision was reached. Robert will put this on the Agenda for the October meeting.

Soup Kitchen:   Rosemary worked there last week and reported that more than 175 people were served, and all went well. 

Transient Meals: The shelves are full of brown bag lunches.

Visitation: Winnie visited with Mary Brisbin and Emadair Jones by telephone.

Building and Grounds:  Ralph reported that a workday is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th, and the committee is working on a list of items to be taken care of. Rev. Hawkins has asked for a sign to include the Hispanic Ministries, and the committee is investigating different types of signage and costs, including altering the present sign. He said they need some kind of smaller sign on the back lot that would direct people to the east door of Reeves Hall. Robert suggested a mobile sign of the type used by the Highway Department.

            Ralph said we need a professional sign our front, as the present sign is showing lots of wear and tear. Robert has a picture of a impressive sign at the Dexter Presbyterian Church which he will share with Building & Grounds. A sign which could be used to announce coming special events was discussed. Ralph said B & G will get started on the small sign while studying possibilities for the main sign.

            Robert reported that the gate at the end of Reeves Hall can be pushed open even when it is locked, and fixing this lock should be on the to-do list.

Congregational Outreach:  No report.

Christian Education:  Tracy said they are working on the Month of Prayer. The classes have been well attended, and they are going to help the Stewardship Program with some classes. She said the little kids are having a ball in Salt & Light, and the Kerygma classes are fabulous.

Missions:  Robert will assist with the power point presentation for the "Beyond Our Borders, Focus on Immigration" after-service presentation on September 28. Tracy will see that he has the necessary equipment, and proposed to write about it in  "Good News."

Music and Worship:  No report.

Administration:  Darla said she and Lon Anderson are working on a Minute for Missions regarding the Stewardship Program.

            The cost of repairs to the van was $600, less than half of what they had been quoted. She said some confusion about sick pay for part-time employees has been cleared up, that there is no documentation in support of this. 

 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned to October 16th with the Mizpah Benediction.

 Rosemary Maddox

Recording Secretary

 NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

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