MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM MINUTES

Minutes of October 13, 2009 Meeting

 The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with prayer by Moderator Alex Burr.

 PRESENT: Alex Burr, Bob Taylor, Rosemary Maddox, and Blaine Goss.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 8th meeting were approved as published.

 DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNICATIONS: Copies of the magazine "Mission Frontiers" were distributed to those present. Alex called attention to an article entitled "The Power of a Biblical Worldview" on page 44 of the magazine.  

Also received was a "Top Ten Memento," a trophy-like award given by the National Church to the Sierra Blanca Presbytery for being one of the top ten presbyteries in the nation for per capita giving for special offerings. The award will remain at First Presbyterian for one month.

 DECISION FOR THE USE OF OUR PORTION OF THE PEACEMAKING OFFERING: Twenty-five percent of the offering, or roughly $160, will stay in the church. The decision as to distribution of these funds is being postponed for reasons which will be set out at the end of this item.

 Alex referred to the article in "Mission Frontiers" cited above, which sets out the premise that developing a biblical worldview, that is, gaining a working understanding of other religions, is an invaluable tool in growing in and sharing our Christian faith. He suggested  arranging a discussion of the origin of the holy books of the three major religions: The Koran, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. Participants would be a rabbi, an imam, and a biblical scholar from our church. This could be scheduled for a Sunday afternoon or during a Sunday School class. The Peacemaking Offering funds could be used to defray any expenses involved. Alex will bring this suggestion to the Session.

 VISIT FROM MISSIONARY CAROL FUJII: The reason for her visit was part of the National Church's effort to publicize its national mission program to all the churches. Ms. Fujii left a CD which will be useful to the Mission Team because it backs up the efforts of some of the missionaries we support, i.e., to educate new Christians in the basics of Christianity.

 MISSION BOOKLET: Alex has the final draft of the Mission Booklet and will send it to team members for proofreading. It was decided not to include Habitat for Humanity as we have not been active in that organization for some time. Blaine will ask Bruce White if he would like to submit an article on Kairos Ministry.

 TAIZE  ADULT MISSION TRIP: This is a Protestant spiritual retreat in a French monastery. The Sierra Blanca Presbytery has sent a group to the retreat at least once and hopes to do it again. It is for people 15 to 29 years of age, costs approximately $2,000, and participants pay their own way. Alex will write an article on this for The Lantern.

 FELLOWSHIP TIME NOV. 1: Jacque Parks has agreed to set up the drinks after church, and various other members will help with the set-up and clean up.

 CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING: Various publications and offering envelopes have been ordered for this offering. Someone on the Missions team will give a Minute for Missions in December before Christmas.

 CHURCH NEWSLETTER: Bob asked for suggestions from the Mission Team as to themes for articles for The Lantern.

 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 7:50 p.m.

 Submitted by Rosemary Maddox

 ACTION ITEM FOR SESSION: Alex will bring before the Session his idea about the discussion of the origin of the Koran, the Old Testament and the New Testament, as set out above.

Send comments, suggestions, and requests to Alex. F. Burr or send e-mail to aburr @ aburr.com.
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Last update 2009-11-13 13:16:36