Diaconate
Minutes - January 22, 2005
Attending: Bill Scott, Bill McAvoy, Jim Tatum, Nancy Safrit, Bruce Capehart, Carol Cunningham, Duck rufty, Sharon Barnes, Elena Cleary, Michael Reich, Betty Berghaus, staff, Lynn Chesnut, Sally Keener
Elena welcomed everyone and Sharon shared a devotional from a book entitled, We Brake for Joy. The story Sharon chose to share related living one’s life with completing a dot-to-dot picture because in life we don’t get to see the whole picture until we have traveled many dots, and along the way the dots vary considerably and change our course often. The metaphor described the variety of dots in our lives, each with their own emotions, challenges, joys and sorrows.
Concerns and Celebrations:
Elena shared a concern for her father who has just had a second blood transfusion this month; Carol asked for prayers for Shannon and others who will be back-packing in Thailand soon; Duck is concerned about tests his son-in-law Patrick will have this week on his colon; Ann Dancy will have major wrist surgery this week. Celebrations included an announcement from Lynn that the baby she will soon be adopting is one today, and Nancy’s son Alex will receive his Eagle Scout award this week.
Approve December minutes: The minutes were unanimously approved as presented.
Assimilation Committee Update:
Sally reported that updates have been made to the Time and Talent database and the appropriate chairs notified of additional names of volunteers. Also, the data is all entered from the Congregational Care independent survey and new, updated reports were delivered to Bill and Betty.
The Assimilation Committee decided that it is both appropriate and important to expect some accountability from committee chairs/co-chairs to make contact, as requested, to the people on their list of volunteers from the time/talent pledge drive. To respect a need for a heads-up, starting with the February meeting, chairs are asked to include in their committee reports, status of greetings, inclusion etc. of the volunteers on the lists from Assimilation. The health of the church depends on active involvement of its members, and the work of the Assimilation Committee unravels if the chairs don't take that next step and contact those who pledged time and talent to make them feel valued and included in the news of the committee, even if their actual hands-on involvement will be needed at a time in the future.
Website update: Michael reported that the committee has diligently studied a variety of turnkey web providers and has narrowed the search to two viable choices. Sally and Sam Bryan will meet this week to make final recommendations to the committee. Hopefully implementation of a new web site will begin soon.
New Members: Sally reported that non-deacon committee members are calling visitors every week. In addition, the Assimilation Committee is about to launch an initiative to begin a coffee/reception after each service to welcome visitors and provide fellowship among existing members.
Congregational Care Committee Update:
Bill reported that progress continues and three-fourths of the care team leaders have been selected and hopefully the full component of 12 leaders will be in place by the end of the month. There will be an orientation for care team leaders in February and then the committee will be ready to move to helping Betty with her congregational care ministry.
Fellowship Committee Update:
Bill McAvoy reported that both the Christmas Eve event and the lunch for the Annual Congregational Meeting took a lot of work and organization, but went very well.
Supper Clubs: He created a mail-group for 73 people who signed time and talent cards for supper clubs and called a few without email addresses. He found that of the 14 supper clubs, only 11 are actually functioning. He now has a list of those clubs and their members and intends to put some of the information in the newsletter so people will know who they might contact if they are interested in joining a club.
The time/talent sheet from Assimilation provided names of several people who would work in the kitchen and Bill is sharing those names with Dana Lange.
Global Missions Committee Update:
Bruce reported that Holly continues to meet with the Seeds for Peace group, which has as its goal to bring youth together of varied cultures and promote understanding and respect. WPC may be hosting an event for this group in the future.
John Dancy is working with the Bread for the World organization, which addresses world hunger.
Work with Katrina relief continues through several initiatives: Betty will take 13 women to the coast to work in March; the youth will make a working trip in the summer, and the shower trailers are nearing completion and TROSA will deliver the first of them to the coast later this week.
CROP Walk: Carol reported that the first planning meeting will be Feb. 9th and 11th and the Crop Walk is scheduled for March 19th at 2:00pm. Sally Cook is helping with this project, but Carol would like another deacon to join the effort, also, especially as this is Carol’s last year on the diaconate.
Local Missions Committee Update:
Sharon reported that the Katrina Evacuee Task Force continues to do a terrific job meeting the needs of Kendrick and his son. There will be a future need for additional funds to support this evacuee family, but exact predictions are not clear right now. Sharon said she and Jeff wish to thank the task force committee: Laura Loehr, Kristen Overholt, Monica Nichols, Kelly Keady, Meg Yarbogough and Fred Star.
The Jobs for Life program ahs graduated its first class and will soon begin another group. All graduates either already have secured a job or are actively looking.
Shelter meal debrief: The December meal provided by the Deacons went very well and the meatloaf was both thoroughly cooked and delicious. Thanks to all who helped with this ministry last month. The youth will provide the shelter meals in February and March.
IHN report: Carol reminded us that the IHN families will be with us February 5th through the 12th. St. Lukes will cover two nights as our partners. Anyone who would like to help, contact Helen Harrison for meals, Carol for transportation, overnight or laundry, Walt or Dave to set up or break-down.
Budget Revision for 2006:
Elena was delighted to report that we will not have to trim the budget this year! In fact, there may be some additional funds available. Bruce reminded us that part of the reason we are not over-budget is that Global Missions trimmed $11,000 before the budget was submitted and requested that Global Missions be given consideration when there are new funds available.
Revisit Deacon Discretionary Fund:
Elena reminded us that we had designated the January meeting to revisit the use of the $2500 in the discretionary fund. As the Evacuee Relocation Task Force may need additional money for the family we sponsor, the committee agreed by vote that this discretionary money remain where it is, but if Jeff requests resources for the task force, Elena should act on that on behalf of the entire diaconate.
Mission Focus 2006 – Implementation:
Michael reported that the “10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Durham” project is receiving guidance and advice from Terry Allebaugh of Housing for New Hope to establish realistic goals. By the next deacons’ meeting Michael expects to have a clear implementation plan developed.
Nancy offered the closing prayer.
The next meeting
will be February 26.
Respectfully submitted: Sally Keener, Clerk