DEACONS MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

June 18, 2009

 The meeting was opened with prayer by Austin Breck at 7:00 p.m.

 PRESENT: Moderator Rusty Smith, Austin Breck, Cindy Tafoya, Janice Sherman, Martha Mitchell, Marianne Maley, Theresa Armendariz, Dylan Anderson, Mike Bartholomew, and Rosemary Maddox.

 EXCUSED: Winnie Quinzi, Paul Vaughan, Ken Osborne, Ralph Miller, Lynn Lawson-Jones, Jean Bernard Nganou, and Olivier Huebo.

 ABSENT: Mark Geiger

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Marianne Maley was excused from the Mary 21 meeting and should not have been designated as absent. The minutes were approved as corrected.

 SECURITY MEASURES:  Mary Kammann of the Administration Team spoke to Deacons who have been or may in the future be Deacon Captain about the handling of the Sunday offering. Another person, preferably an Elder, should be on hand for the locking of the money bag and safe. The question of how to get the choir offering into the money bag was raised; it was decided that the Deacon Captain will go to the choir room before services begin and pick up the offering.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: The Pastor was not present.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Rusty noted that there are guests attending on Sunday who are not greeted. This remark evolved into a discussion of nametags for Deacons. Martha has a magnetic nametag which she purchased from Las Cruces Trophy for $12 plus tax. She volunteered to get these nametags for anyone who wants one and will give her $13; she will refund the change.

 CORRESPONDENCE: None received.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: The balance sheet shows a net income year-to-date of $1,603.11, minus a check for $350 written on behalf of an applicant for rental assistance. There is another account which appears to be dormant; the office is working on this.

 SOUP KITCHEN REIMBURSEMENT:  Rusty stated that the Deacons have been paying for supplemental items for the Soup Kitchen for some time, and he feels this should be continued. After discussion,  it was MOVED by Austin, SECONDED  by Theresa, and UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, THAT we set aside $30 each month for extra expenses for the Soup Kitchen.

Austin volunteered to create a new budget for the Deacons which would reflect this and create a history of expenses for future Deacons.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ushering: The ushers are showing up and doing their jobs

Transportation:  Drivers are signed up for the next four months. An article has been written for the Good News and the Lantern advising the congregation that van service is available.

Special Events:  October 18 was chosen as the date of the hamburger fry, if there is no conflict. Rusty will take the lead in getting and preparing the food.

Soup Kitchen:   Two hundred forty-seven people were served on Wednesday, June 10. The gleaners returned almost empty-handed; however, there was sufficient food to feed all 247 people.

Transient Meals: This is running smoothly.

Visitation:  All the donated flowers from the PEO Convention have been delivered to shut-ins.

Building and Grounds:  This Team is in the process of changing to another landscaping company.

Congregational Life:  The Committee is considering projects to attract new members by improving the church's visibility in the community. Movie Night started last Sunday.

Christian Education: Vacation Bible School averaged about 80 children per day. The Discipleship Project is well underway.

Missions:  The Committee is working on updating the Missions Directory.

Music and Worship:  Efforts to find and hire a new choir director were discussed.

Administration:  The adjustment to the Sexton's hours and salary has been finalized. The Committee discussed FPC Foundation issues with the State of New Mexico.

 OLD BUSINESS:

Deacon Vacancy:  Susan Grandle, representing the Session, asked if a new Deacon should be nominated to replace Clint Woodward for the remaining three months of his term. After discussion, it was MOVED by Austin and SECONDED by Theresa THAT this position not be filled for the remainder of the year. The MOTION WAS APPROVED.

Rental Assistance:  A family living on the East Mesa facing eviction requested our financial assistance. After investigation and email voting, a check for $350 was sent to their landlord. Seven Deacons voted yes and one was undecided. There were no "no" votes. The urgency of the situation precluded a special meeting on Sunday or postponement of a vote to the regular meeting. The appropriateness of this action was discussed, given that the seven yes votes do not constitute a majority of the Deacons. Rusty will discuss this situation with Rev. Story in an attempt to develop a procedural guide should a similar situation arise in the future.

Socks and Undies Project:  This project to provide new socks and underwear for needy children will take place during the month of July. Rusty will speak from the pulpit about this, Austin will provide the collection boxes, and Martha will make signs.

Casa de Peregrinos:  The Deacons have been asked to take over the collection and delivery to Casa de Peregrinos of food left in the baskets at the entries to the church each Sunday. It was MOVED by Austin and SECONDED by Martha THAT we take on the Casa de Peregrinos food collection project. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED. Rosemary will collect and deliver the food, and Rusty will speak from the pulpit in an attempt to increase donations.

 NEXT MEETING: It was agreed that we will not meet during the month of July. The next meeting will be August 20.

 ADJOURNMENT: At 8:45 p.m. the meeting was adjourned by recitation of the Mizpah Benediction.

 Rosemary Maddox

Recording Secretary

NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

Return to home page

Send comments, suggestions, and requests to Alex. F. Burr or send email to aburr @ zianet.com.
Technical assistance and net access provided by zianet.com .
Last update 2009-07-11 14:51:17