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Diaconate Meeting September 14, 2008
Attendees: Carol Kelly, Betty Berghaus, Walt Beckwith, Helen Tharrington, Hatch, Anne Vann, Jim Joseph, Bill Burig, Darren Skeen, Bruce Capehart, Neal Nichols, and Sarah High
Betty opened with a reading from 2nd Corinthians Chapter 9 about being a cheerful giver. She read a devotion from Alive Now publication entitled “When Monday Rolls Around”. The devotion discussed that it doesn’t matter how you practice worship on Sunday..but what happen when Monday rolls around and how you apply it. The Deacons then participated in a prayer for walking in integrity.
Concerns and Celebrations: Eric Wolf will have back surgery on September 24th. Laura Bartholomey’s husband, Jeff Childs, is in Iraq. Randy and Tracy Fletcher’s nephew passed away last week. Mike Heath ask for prayers for his father who is critically ill. Mark Peters 18 year old cousin is in critical condition after a car accident. Bill Hatch ask for prayers for his mother-in-law as she moves out of her home and in assisted living apartment. Bill Burig’s sister-in-laws son died last week. His father is having tests for liver cancer. Bill Burig discussed a chance encounter for a person in need today with car trouble who he can not locate after his car was towed. Bill Hatch asks for continued prayers for Sam Bryan while he is at UNC hospital. Walt Beckwith reminded us to keep all of the people affected by the hurricane in Texas in our prayers.
The June minutes were reviewed and approved. Additionally, Walt developed August minutes for the Deacon outing to document that the August meeting was a social event.
Committee Reports:
o Congregational Care – Bud Cowdery was supported by a core group of individuals before his passing.
o Fellowship – Rally Day went well. The income did not offset expenses; however, money was saved by not utilizing the tent and the was positive feedback regarding the setup of tables along the brick paths. Fellowship is actively involved in the Hymnody dinners, will host a reception after the Spiritual Enrichment weekend. In addition, they are preparing for the DCIA luncheon on October 21st and the many Christmas activities.
o Local Missions –
o Jim Joseph asks for help with the Jazzfest at NCCU on September 27th. Volunteers are needed for setup and teardown.
o There was great support for the Welcome Home baskets at Rally Day. Sharon Barnes provided a list of what was supplied and asked for support for a few more items to fully complete two baskets.
o Global Missions – Helen asked for approval from the Deacons for the Laniers to give a presentation on their mission trip to Cameroon in the Fellowship Hall. The motion was approved. The request will also go to the Session before being finalized.
o Assimilation – No report.
Budget
While reviewing the 2008 budget, Betty discussed that the Stephen Ministry is over budget because two people were sent to training this year. There was discussion regarding the Shelter Meals budget. Bill stated that in 2008 there were several months that were not assigned to a specific group (ie. Providing funds for the meal) and that the number of guests has risen from approximately 175 to 250 guests to feed.
In discussion for the 2009 budget, Walt stated that Barbara needed a completed budget request so the organizations that were not discussed in the last meeting due to not having enough information were input at the same level as 2008. He has a copy of the information sheets for all of the organizations and made a recommendation to the Deacon’s for next year to liason with each agency so we will know more about each group we support. Bruce Capehart also reminded the group that it is important to have a Deacon representative on the Ways and Means committee to speak up for getting sufficient funds for Deacon Inreach/Outreach.
Old Business/New Business
o Meals on Wheels submitted the grant request from New Hope.
o Betty mentioned that the Hispanic Church Ministry wants to have a Deacon representative.
o The October 12th meeting will include dinner.
o Bill Burig suggested we discuss the date/time for meetings when we convene with the new members.
o Bill Hatch invited the Deacons to attend the Youth Group programs on November 9th to get insight to the types of programs they do with the Youth.
o Walt stated he would work with the Deacon’s rotating off to document any loose ends that need to be addressed.
Betty thanked Walt for his excellent service as moderator this year. The Deacons agreed and thanked Walt for his leadership.
Betty closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Vann