DEACON MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

May 21, 2009

 The meeting was opened with prayer by Ralph Miller at 7:00 p.m.

 PRESENT: Interim Moderator Rusty Smith, Ken Osborne, Theresa Armendariz, Dylan Anderson, Rosemary Maddox, Janice Sherman, Jean Bernard Nganou, Winnie Quinzi, Ralph Miller, Paul Vaughan, Cindy Tafo1fya, and Rev. Norm Story.

 EXCUSED: Austin Breck, Martha Mitchell, Olivier Heubo, Lynn Lawson-Jones, and Mike Bartholomew.

 ABSENT: Marianne Maley and Mark Geiger.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meetings of March 19 and April 16 and the special meeting of May 10 were approved as published.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: Rev. Story congratulated Dylan Anderson and Rusty's daughter Rebecca Smith on their graduation from high school. He advised that the Deacons need to elect someone to serve on the Nominating Committee by the end of the month and let Susan Grandle know who was elected.

 CORRESPONDENCE: A thank-you note and newsletters were received from the Community of Hope, Hospice, and the Gospel Rescue Mission.

 NEED FOR HOUSING: Rev. Story received an email from a member of the congregation who is being forced to move due to the sale of the house which she was renting. She is looking for a new place to live and is in need of $200 for a deposit. Information about houses for rent in the $400-700 range would be welcome. The office will pass on any information received.

 It was MOVED by Winnie Quinzi and SECONDED by Ralph Miller THAT the Deacons give $200 to this congregation member to be used as a deposit on a new place to live. THE MOTION CARRIED by unanimous vote of those present.

The details of this transaction will be handled by Treasurer Janice Sherman.

 JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Rusty has been advised that Chick-Fil-A in the Mesilla Valley Mall is looking for employees; this would be a good opportunity for college students.

 THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN: The Children's Garden and the community action group "Aprendamos" will be using our facilities to hold an open house on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Rusty and Rev. Story urged Deacons to represent the Church at this event.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: Janice reported that the Deacons Fund received $1,040 from an anonymous donor. The account had a net income of $872 for the month of April and a net income of $902.55 year to date. She has questions about the account at First American Bank which appears to be inactive, and will set up a meeting with Michelle to resolve this matter. Janice asked about the Soup Kitchen payments averaging about $35 over and above our monthly donation. Rusty explained that items are purchased to supplement what is on hand at the Soup Kitchen. He will meet with the other team leaders and bring a recommendation on this matter to the next meeting.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ushers:  Rosemary. All slots are filled for the month of June. A sign-up sheet for the ensuing months was passed around.

Transportation: Rusty.  Offers to drive have been received, but right now only three people are being picked up.

Special Events:  Paul is setting up a trip to El Paso to see a Diablos baseball game. He said it is $5 a head for 20 or more for reserved seats behind home plate. He is checking on a date when more people can go, and said this is particularly for kids but anybody would be welcome. Rev. Story recommended that he write an item about this for the Interim Good News and give it to Linda.

Soup Kitchen:  Rusty. He worked there two weeks ago and there was plenty of help.

Transient Meals:  Cindy. Things are going smoothly.

Visitation:  Rev. Story urged Shepherds to stay in contact with their Sheep, particularly the shut-ins.

Building and Grounds:  Ralph. This committee is in the process of hiring a sexton's helper and is working to coordinate the duties so there will be no overlapping. They are also working to reduce overhead.  Matters under consideration are reducing the number of visits by the exterminator and changing to a lawn care person who charges less than the current one.

Congregational Life: Cindy. At the recent meeting matters discussed were gifts for graduating seniors, going to the baseball game, and the camping trip to Aguirre Springs.

Christian Education:   Theresa. Volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School. They are decorating the hallways in Jones and Watkins, and the big room in Watkins and could use help with that. Theresa encouraged the Deacons to participate in the Discipleship Project as a test to see how it will work.

Missions:  Rosemary. Several missionaries whom we support have retired or left the mission field, and several Mission Team members have moved on. At the last meeting the missionaries and/or missions were assigned to the current Mission Team; details are contained in the minutes of the May 12 meeting.

Music and Worship:  No report.

Administration: Winnie. The church now has a lease with the Children's Garden which is beneficial to both parties. At the recent meeting, ways to prune the budget were discussed.

 OLD BUSINESS: The Action Item taken to the Session has been resolved.

 NEW BUSINESS: .Election of Moderator.

Rusty Smith was nominated by Janice Sherman as Moderator for the remainder of the year.  Rusty indicated he was willing to serve.

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Last update 2009-06-02 22:21:01