DEACON MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

October 16, 2008

 Moderator Robert McPherson opened the meeting with prayer at 7:08 p.m.

 PRESENT: Robert McPherson, Mary Ellen Gregg, Clint Woodward, Jean Rhodes, Jean Bernard Nganou, Darla Topley, Mike Bartholomew, Rosemary Maddox, Cindy Tafoya, and Ralph Miller.

 EXCUSED: Doris Morgan, Winnie Quinzi, Tracy Geiger, and Lynn Lawson Jones.

 ABSENT: Debbie Austin, Alice Cooper, Katie Grandle, Olivier Heubo, and Rusty Smith.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: In the minutes of the September 18, 2008 meeting, Treasurer Mary Ellen Gregg's name was given as Mary Alice. The minutes were approved as corrected.

PASTOR'S REMARKS: The Pastor was not present.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Robert discussed problems in trying to get the Deacon's financial report. We don't know if the checks that are supposed to go out have been written.

 Robert is going to invite the new Deacons to the November and December meetings so that they will find out what is going on. He will print out a list of assignments and ask them to choose from that list the assignments that are being vacated by the class of 2009.  

 CORRESPONDENCE: A letter was received from the Gospel Rescue Mission expressing thanks for the socks, undies and school supplies donated to them during the back-to-school campaign.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: Mary Ellen said the financial report is not available. It appears that our balance of $1,702.20 has not changed and that checks to the assistance agencies we support on a monthly basis have not been sent.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ushering:  We have ushers and a captain for November. Ralph will act as captain in December, Rosemary will usher on the east side, Katie Grandle will do the west side, and Cindy and Jean Bernard will split the ushering duties on the south side. Darla will usher for the Christmas Eve Service.

Transportation:  Mike said pick-up time problems have been worked out.

Special Events:   See Hamburger Fry under Old Business.

Soup Kitchen:   Jean said some workers have been out of town but other people have filled in. Some people don't stay for serving and clean-up.

            Clint spoke about Empty Bowls, the upcoming fundraiser for the soup kitchen. Many local restaurants are donating soup, and for $13 pre-ticket-sale or $15 at the door, you get soup and a bowl made by local potters. The event will take place on Friday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at St. Paul's Methodist Church.

Transient Meals:   Cindy said this program is going well.

Visitation:   Cindy knows of no hospitalized church members at this time.

Building and Grounds:   Ralph reported that 14 people attended the recent workday, and 80 percent of the items on the to-do list were accomplished. Building and Grounds will submit a recommendation to the Session in the near future regarding a sign for the Spanish Ministry.

Congregational Life:  Darla said items discussed at a recent meeting were the Halloween event, Night in Bethlehem, and uniforms for the baseball team.

Christian Education:   Dates to remember are Trunk or Treat, Friday night, October 31; and Night in Bethlehem, Saturday night, December 20. The recent visit from a candidate for the Youth Ministry Director position was mentioned; Robert reported that "The Good News" states that the candidate, Mark Hellman, has been hired.

Missions:  Clint said the Missions Ministry Team is moving forward with preparations for a new Mission Directory. The grant of our share of the Peacemaking Offering was discussed and will be acted on after the amount is determined.

Music and Worship: No report.

Administration:  Mike said Administration is working on updating the Church credit card, that is, determining which one person would be responsible, but no decision has been reached.

 OLD BUSINESS:

Hamburger Fry: Clint reported that he and Tracy Geiger have made arrangements for all the necessary materials for the project. Approximately 20 people have volunteered to come at various times on Sunday morning and perform various duties, and others will donate cookies.  He will speak from the pulpit about the event on Sunday.

Christmas Baskets: The present plan is to provide Christmas baskets for the needy in our own Congregation, including the Spanish Ministry.

Reminder:  Robert reminded the Deacons who are ushering on Communion Sundays to remove the used cups from the pews.

 NEW BUSINESS:

Selection of Moderator: At the November meeting Robert will have a list of Deacons of the class of 2009 who are candidates for Moderator for the coming year. A Moderator will be selected at that meeting. Clint said his concern about taking the position is that when he graduates next May, if he finds a job in another city he will be leaving.

Christmas Luminaria Sale: The question was asked, but nobody present knew if the practice of Las Cruces High Band selling luminarias and First Presbyterian youth lighting them on Christmas Eve is still in effect.

 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction at 8:02 p.m.

 Rosemary Maddox

Recording Secretary

NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

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Last update 2008-10-25 22:43:21