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Diaconate Meeting May 18, 2008

 

Attendees:  Louise Holland, Jim Joseph, Sarah High, Carol Kelly, Sharon Barnes, Anne Vann, Sally Cook, Neal Nichols, Walt Beckwith, Bill Hatch, Bill Burig, Darren Skeen, Dorene Palermo

 

Walt opened with devotion from II Corinthians 13:11-13 as a blessing to rejoice, be happy, and mend your ways.  He discussed that this was written not only for individual but also intended in a corporate/communal way.

 

Walt led the group in prayer.

 

Concerns and Celebrations:  Barb Vanden Broek had gall bladder surgery.  Kitty Currie is under Hospice care.  Carolyn Holmes brother Eddie Dunn has been diagnosed with cancer.  Barbara Penick has been at Duke with an infection in her back.  Don Rufty ask for prayers for his uncle Tommy Rufty who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.  Marvin Walker is recovering at home from heart by-pass surgery.  Ann Way has broken her hip.

 

The April minutes were reviewed and approved.

 

Committee Reports:

o       Congregational Care – One case this month supporting Kay Bailey.

o       Fellowship – no updates

o       Local Missions –

o       Threshold had a fundraiser this weekend ending with an event Sunday painting a mural at 9th Street bakery.  The artist, Andrea Lynn, incorporated ideas from the members at Threshold in the mural.   

o       IHN – This will be the last year Sharon will co-chair IHN so another co-chair will be needed next year.  WPC will host IHN 6/1-6/8.  In addition, WPC has volunteered to host another week, 6/22-6/29, to keep IHN from having to pay hotel costs for the guest that week. Bill Burig has enlisted the help of several other churches such that WPC volunteers will only be needed one day during the week.  In addition, IHN will use the money saved to purchase much needed mattresses for the guests.  Olive Joyner, Director of IHN, has resigned effective the end of this month and IHN is looking for a new Director.

o       Global Missions – There will be a celebration in D’Iberville to celebrate completion of the renovations.  Over 900 homes have been impacted in some capacity and 170 homes have been built.  Over $1 million dollars were donated.  Dorene, Chick, Paul and Sally will go to the celebration; other are invited.  In addition, Chick is looking for a group to extend their time in Mississippi to work in the Biloxi area where there are still many needs.

o       Community Workday – The event went well overall with approximately 30 volunteers.  There was a large group at Camp New Hope and at the church kitchen.  There was a smaller group at Habitat.

 

Old/New Business

o        Sally reported that the Director at Meals on Wheels was working on the grant proposal discussed in the last meeting.

o        Sharon asked the group if the church could support Welcome Home baskets to provide people moving from homelessness to their first home.  Local agencies are using their own funds currently but are looking for community support in order to use their funds toward getting people more professional care.  The Diaconate will provide a basket – Sharon will advise due date for items.  In addition, Bill will ask the Youth to help with a basket.  The donation boxes will be used for items over the summer and a proposal will be made to Sunday School classes in the fall.

o        Financial update – Walt reported that the suggested budget changes were made by Barbara.  In summary, The following accounts were reduced by $500:  Deacon Discretionary Fund, IHN, Environmental Causes, Global Missions, and Fellowship.  The Youth Mexico Mission was reduced $1000 and Westminster Fund was reduced $1500 to total to the $5000 budget reduction.

o        Dorene reported that the NCCU Shelter meal was a great success.  There was concern that 6 students would be available to serve; however, 13 arrived to serve.  The students expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

o        Nomination of new officers – The following nominations were made for officers for next year:  Moderator – Bill Hatch, Co-Moderator – Neal Nichols,  Secretary – Anne Vann.

o        Bill Hatch reported that changes had been made to allow Deacons, both past and present terms, to serve communion.

 

Walt adjourned the meeting with prayer, using the same blessing used in the devotion from II Corinthians 13: 11-13.   

 

 

Respectfully submitted

 

Anne Vann