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DEACONS MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

November 19. 2009

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

 PRESENT: Moderator Rusty Smith, Ralph Miller, Paul Vaughan, Marianne Maley, Rosemary Maddox, Dylan Anderson, Janice Sherman, Austin Breck, Mike Bartholomew, and Cindy Tafoya

EXCUSED: Winnie Quinzi, Lynn Lawson-Jones, Martha Mitchell, Mick Geiger, Ken Osborne, and Theresa Armendariz

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the October 15, 2009 meeting were approved as published.

 PASTOR'S REMARKS: The pastor was not present; however, he sent an email reminding Deacon shepherds to report to Linda if they had any problems in staying in contact with their sheep.

 MODERATOR'S REMARKS: We need to think about ways to improve attendance. One suggestion was to follow up the form letters that go out to visitors with a call or personal contact.

 CORRESPONDENCE: Several requests were received requesting monetary donations. No action was taken.

 TREASURER'S REPORT: Janice reported a balance of $3,732.08 in the Deacons' Account, with a $100 check for rental assistance outstanding. Rusty said Michelle is of the opinion that the money in the "Deacon account" belongs to the Deacons; the final decision is awaiting audit by Administration.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ushering:   A sign-up sheet for the month of December was passed around.

Transportation:   Rusty said they are down to two people who need rides to church.

Special Events:   See "Christmas Baskets" below.

Soup Kitchen:   Approximately 220 people were served on Wednesday, November 18. There was plenty of both food and workers.

Transient Meals:   All is going smoothly.

Visitation:   Marianne visited several people this month.

Building and Grounds:  Ralph said they discussed the van project and the electronic sign project, and are going to push for both. He discussed the condition of the surface of the courtyard and what would have to be done to put it in good shape. Bids are out to see what this project would cost. Dylan said he knew of people who might do it for an Eagle Scout project.

Congregational Life:  Rusty said he would like the Deacons to come Saturday morning, November 21, to set up tables for the Thanksgiving Dinner, and to come at 3:00 p.m. Sunday to prepare for and serve the meal. He will give Dylan 50 flyers to post on doors in the dorm at NMSU inviting students to the dinner.

Christian Education:  Michelle Osborne has been hired to work 20 hours a week, primarily for Salt and Light.

Missions:   Janice said they are still working on the Missions Booklet, which should go to the publisher soon.

Music and Worship:  Marianne said some of the Christmas decorations will go up the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the rest will go up the first Saturday in December.

Administration:  Mike said they are still trying to get a church credit card, and spent most of the recent meeting discussing the budget. He said the pledges received last Sunday were encouraging.  Carl Connor is going to have a draft of the bylaws out by the 29th of this month for review by the Session.

 OLD BUSINESS

Hamburger Fry:  This project was very successful; Rusty thanked the Deacons for their participation.

Emergency Assistance:  A check has been sent to the person requesting assistance.

Christmas Baskets:  Rusty said we have 13 families lined up, and our recent vote for 15 families leaves room for two more. Some Deacons felt we should cut back on the amount we spend on each family ($200 last year) and include more families. It was agreed that Rev. Hawkins should be consulted about families in his congregation who need help.  It was also suggested that Bruce White might know of a prison ministry family he would recommend.

            It was MOVED by Austin Breck and SECONDED by Paul Vaughan, THAT we spend no more than $150 on each family and increase the number of families served to 20. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED by unanimous vote of those present.

Austin volunteered to provide cardboard boxes capable of holding 30 pounds each to eliminate the need to buy large plastic containers.  He also agreed to write an article for the Bulletin, The Lantern, and The Good News about this project. Rosemary will provide cereal, cake mix and frosting for each family.  Rusty asked that all available Deacons come at 10:00 a.m.on Saturday morning, December 19th, to assist with preparing the boxes and delivering them that same day.

Wheelchair Van:  Paul got volumes of brochures about wheelchair accessible vans as a result of his recent accident, and he will make this information available to Rusty, who said his committee has an idea of what they will recommend but they welcome new information.

 NEW BUSINESS:

Request for Help With Packing:   A request has been received to help a member with packing donation items during the first week in January.

 ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned with the recitation of the Mizpah Benediction at 8:30 p.m.

 Submitted by Rosemary Maddox

 NO ACTION ITEMS FOR SESSION

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