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DEACONS MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

October 15, 2009

 The meeting was opened with prayer at 7:05 p.m.

 PRESENT: Moderator Rusty Smith, Dylan Anderson, Mike Bartholomew, Ralph Miller, Marianne Maley, Rosemary Maddox, Theresa Armendariz, Martha Mitchell, Cindy Tafoya, and Rev. Norm Story.

 EXCUSED: Lynn Lawson-Jones, Janice Sherman, Austin Breck, Ken Osborne, Mick Geiger, and Winnie Quinzi.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 17th meeting were approved as published.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: Rev. Story expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the deacons in reaching out to people in the community.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: Rusty said he is aware of problems in filling the ushering slots. Our ranks have thinned but the remaining deacons must take up the slack.  A sign-up sheet was passed and all slots for the month of November were filled, with the exception on one on the 22nd.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Treasurer's Report:   The Treasurer was not present, but a profit and loss statement was sent to the deacons indicating a net loss of $103.08 for the month and a balance of $1,722.02.  Ralph asked about the $150 item to Community of Hope for gas vouchers. Rev. Story explained that while gas vouchers used to be disbursed from our office, the staff at Community of Hope is better trained to handle this type of thing.

Ushers:   See Moderator's Remarks. The matter of shifting the offering to immediately after the sermon was discussed. Rev. Story said it has not been decided whether this arrangement will be permanent.

Transportation:   Rusty said everything is going well and there is plenty of help.

Special Events:   The deacons' annual hamburger fry will be Sunday, October 18, immediately after services. The doors will be open at 8:00 a.m for set-up and food preparation. Martha passed out materials for making cupcakes, Ralph has bought the green chile, Winnie said at the September meeting that she would pay for potato salad, and Rusty will purchase hamburger patties and hot dogs. Mike will collect the offerings for Administration. It was decided that the tables will be set up outside.

Soup Kitchen:   Rosemary said 228 people were served on Wednesday and everything went well.

Transient Meals:   Cindy said bottled water is needed for the brown bags. Rusty will buy two 24-packs of water.

Visitation:  Marianne would like volunteers to help with visitation. Rev. Story suggested that we get a list of homebound people before the next meeting and deacons can sign up for visits. He will be glad to go along and give communion.

Building and Grounds:  Ralph said this team has selected an electronic sign at an estimated cost of $15,000. B&G is going to ask Administration if, once they have raised half the money, they will be allowed to borrow the second half from a bank. There will be a work day on Saturday, November 21st, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The new arrangement for landscape care is working out well.

Congregational Life:  Rusty thanked people who helped with the International Potluck, and said help is needed again for Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 31. Set-up time will be 3:00 p.m. on that day. On November 22nd, 5:00 p.m., a Thanksgiving dinner is planned for university students and the congregation. There will be sign-up sheets for volunteers to donate turkeys and other Thanksgiving dinner fixings.

Christian Education: The question of where would be the best place to advertise for a program director was discussed. The program director's focus would be on Salt and Light and Vacation Bible School. Also, volunteers are needed to help look after children, mainly the four and five year-olds, on Sundays when they sing during services and then leave the sanctuary.

Missions:   Rosemary reported that Alex Burr has the final draft of the new Missions Booklet and it contains nothing from the deacons. Theresa has submitted the deacons' article and will get in touch with Alex about this. A new photo is needed showing current deacons; Rusty suggested the hamburger fry would be a good opportunity to photograph deacons at work.

Music and Worship: Marianne said things are going well; several people who had dropped out of choir have rejoined.

Administration:  Mike said Administration is trying to develop an easier-to-read financial report to eliminate confusion about the church's financial status, and that work is underway on the Stewardship Campaign.

 OLD BUSINESS: Rev. Story asked that persons receiving financial assistance from the deacons not be mentioned by name, even in the agenda.

  NEW BUSINESS:

Handicapped Van:  Rusty said options are being considered regarding acquiring a handicapped van for the church, either a mini-van for up to three passengers and two wheelchairs, or a larger van which would accommodate up to 13 passengers and one wheelchair. It has been proposed that the deacons create a task force to identify what sort of vehicle is needed, and to facilitate a fundraiser in order to build up funds to purchase such a vehicle. After discussion, it was  MOVED by Theresa and SECONDED by Martha THAT we go before the Session and request permission to form a task force to consider the option for purchasing a wheelchair-accessible van. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED by unanimous vote.

Christmas Baskets:  After general discussion, it was MOVED by Martha and SECONDED by Ralph THAT we plan to give Christmas baskets to 15 families this year. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED by unanimous vote. The giving trees will be set up on the first Sunday of Advent; Rev. Story suggested a fourth tree be set up in Fellowship Hall. Martha will see to the placement of the trees.

 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the Mizpah benediction at 8:20 p.m.

 Submitted by

Rosemary Maddox

 ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION: The motion passed regarding consideration of purchasing a wheelchair accessible van will be presented to the Session.

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Last update 2009-10-19 15:09:09