Deacon Minutes

February 22, 2004 

Those in attendance:  Shayne Ruffing, Mitch Dozier, Elena Cleary, Dana Lange, Bill Scott, Rebecca Mattern-Mielcarek, Betty Berghaus, Dave Calderwood, Tony Dilweg, Kay Rosenmarkle, Leslie Dorminey, Sara Pottenger, Dan Milam, Doug Wellemeyer, Barbara Fletcher, Jerry Green, Barbara Rynerson, Mickey Herrin, Jim Tatum, Barb Vanden Broek, Erin Hatch, Kristen Cunningham, Hope Thompson 

Doug W. opened with a devotional: "God in an apron" 

Concerns:  Jack Walker had back surgery, Paul Ransford's aunt, June, passed away, Dot Logan's sister died; David Anderson's father is having surgery, Dana's college roommate's mother died recently. 

Celebrations:  Edwin and Kristen Bryson had a baby (Edwin Constant Bryson IV), Nancy Rozak completed DCE certification.  Congratulations!! 

Last month's minutes were approved. 

Youth representatives (Erin, Kristen and Hope) gave a presentation regarding plans to build a house in Hyde County.  The proposed house would replace the home of an 84 year old resident which was destroyed in the storm.  At present this woman has no place to live.  The youth thanked the board of deacons for past support and requested continued financial support.  The group feels that they will need approximately $30,000 for "sticks and bricks" and they will seek a donation for the HVAC system.  They also plan to ask for assistance from the "geezers" for help in construction. 

At present 1/2 of the Easter offering is earmarked for Hyde County relief.  Dan voiced consideration for a special offering in addition, similar to the fund for the school in Zambia.  Rebecca reported that the youth plans to speak to Haywood toward this end. 

Barb Vanden Broek will be the new representative on the fellowship committee. 

The board discussed the parameters/definition of a quorum.  The Book of Order states that each board shall decide the particulars.  After discussion the board passed a motion that, for our purposes, a quorum shall henceforth be at least one-half of the membership plus one, or, in other words, at least eleven deacons. 

YMCA family passes:  The board discussed the merits of obtaining 2-4 passes for use by the church membership.  The board passed (with one abstention) a motion to purchase 4 passes and advertise the dickens out of them. 

Barbara Fletcher spoke to the group regarding the budget.  How it works, who decides what, how it is revised.  Barbara spoke at length, offered a plethora of informative handouts and diligently answered all questions.  In sum, while the deaconate budget has been reduced slightly from previous years, overall benevolences are up (Global Missions, Camp New Hope, Kindergarten).  If you have any further questions, please see Barbara as I couldn't possibly help you in this regard.  From now on I will forward Barbara's report of deacon controlled funds. 

Benevolence Review Committee:  This one's not working so well.  Some discussion/suggestions as to problems and possible solutions.  They will work on it. 

Mission Focus (Doug Wellemeyer/Elena Cleary): 
Three pronged attack:  Deacon Luncheons, Collections and Bus Tours. 

March 21: DCRC deacon lunch.  We all signed up for something.  Shayne asked that each deacon bring 2 people to the luncheon.  The suggestion was made to contact new members. 

Spring Mission Work Day (April 24):  A lot of help will be needed to pull this off.  Elena will email a list of specific duties.  Haywood is very supportive of this idea, as it is a way for the congregation to effectively "roll up its sleeves" and get involved in the mission work of the church.  Please consult Elena's list and find some way to help ......let's make it "a great day in the life of the church."  

The board shot down another "wacky idea" from our leader.  Shayne proposed a fancy dinner as a fund raiser.  High dollar tickets would be sold and the deaconate would prepare and serve the "she-she-pooh-pooh" meal.  There was dissension in the ranks at the thought of spending more time in the church kitchen.  More than a few of those present felt a bit overwhelmed at the thought of pulling off another big project at this time.  There was discussion about the need to pass along some of the work load to the congregation.  This "wacky" notion failed.  Undaunted, our leader vowed to continue to find ways to tempt us further into the service of our Lord. 

Crop walk update (Mickey and Rebecca):  The walk is set for March 28th. This is the 30th anniversary of the walk.  As a congregation we have set a goal of $6,000.  All deacons are urged to participate.  As a group we rejected the notion of having "deacon" t-shirts that day.  It was suggested, and accepted by the group, that it would be more appropriate to blend into our congregation, rather than set ourselves apart. 

Lenten Lunch (March 24th): We need volunteers for soup and desserts. 

The collection this month is for cleaning supplies.  We will collect these thru March 21st. 

As a group we decided to continue to "greet" newcomers in an official capacity.  Your clerk will provide a new duty schedule. 

Please send all possible nominations for deacons to Barbara Rynerson, as she is our representative on the nominating committee. 

I did not record who gave the closing prayer.  My apologies.  Let me know who you were and I'll correct the minutes.
 

Deacon Greeters: 

March 21  Bobby

March28  Jim

April 4  Dana

April 11  Mickey

April 18  Sara

April 25  Doug W.

May 2  Anthony

May 9  Morris

May 16  Carol

May 23  Scott

May 30  Barbara

Historically, we do not greet during the Summer.  If you guys would like to continue on, I can add to the list.  We'll discuss at a future meeting. 

Respectfully submitted, your clerk,  

Leslie Dorminey