Deacon Minutes

October 24, 2004

Present:  Mitch Dozier, Duck Rufty, Jeff Sutton, Barb Vanden Broek, Sally
Keener, Betty Berghaus, Jerry Green, Bobby Yurkutat, Jim Tatum, Nancy
Safrit, Carol Cunningham, Rebecca Mattern-Melcarek, Emily Collins, Barbara
Rynerson, Scott McLeod, Michael Reich, Leslie Dorminey, Elena Cleary,
Mickey Herrin, Sara Pottenger

Report from John Atkins on stewardship campaign.  The chili luncheon was a
big success. The turnout was great.  Food was a hit.  Kudos to Dana for a
terrific job....again.

Analysis of how the church is doing financially...90% of member (units) are
pledging from the last campaign.  This is the highest level of
participation in church history.  The increase in participation has helped
to make up the shortfall from the past couple of years.  The church pledged
a total of $850,000 last year.

This year we need $960,000.  As Deacons we were urged to lead the
congregation in this campaign.

Report from Jerry Green from the goings on in the session.  The session is
engaged in thoughtful discussion of the pastor replacement process
(inspired from some discussion of topic from the joint meeting with the
Diaconate in July).  A few members of the session have visited a church in
GA that is trying a new approach to the process.

Concerns:

Bill Scott recently had an emergency appendectomy.

Celebrations:

Elena's father is in remission, his treatment sucessful.  He is recovering
and felt to be in good shape.

Barb Vanden Broek's son is healthy and back to work.

Report from Elena Cleary regarding Fall Mission Day.  We had roughly 80
adults working at six sites including Genesis Home, IHN, Housing for New
Hope(2 sites) and DCRC (shelter and thrift store).  The groups performed a
variety of tasks including painting, organizing, gardening, and planting.
We came very close to the same level of participation as seen in the
Spring, and have received equally positive feedback.  At least half of the
board participated directly.

Report from Carol Cunningham regarding IHN.  The last visit was felt to be
a success.  We had newborns and toddlers as part of the group.  The
feedback from the families was positive.  Sara reported that we routinely
need 40-48 volunteers for each IHN visit.  Every deacon is encouraged to
help out as much as possible to continue to make this mission work
possible.  She also reported that the parents staying with us really
appreciate when volunteers play with their kids.  She suggested that we
consider recruiting a volunteer specifically for this purpose.

Report from Barbara Rynerson regarding benevolence review committee.
Barbara provided a handout regarding a request from Next Step Housing.
This organization requested that WPC sponsor a room in their new facility
which will accommodate 12 new residents with serious and persistent mental
illness.  Haywood made a direct appeal to the diaconate on their behalf and
suggested that we donate $1,250.00 toward the creation of WPC apartment (a
church member, who is not part of NSH, is willing to match these funds).  A
motion was made to this end and was passed.

Barbara reviewed a request from Genesis Home.  They would appreciate a
donation of time/service to clean suites 1-2 times per year during
transition from one family to the next.  Kay Rosenmarkle completed the
request form on behalf of Genesis Home.  As of yet the board does not have
a liaison to Genesis Home.  Some concern was voiced that without a liaison,
it will be difficult to fulfill this commitment.  This board tabled this
discussion until a new liaison volunteers or is assigned.

Benevolence Assignments:  See chart of assignments as submitted by Mitch
Dozier.

Report from Elena Cleary regarding the new Mission Focus.  Elena provided a
written summary to the board of the rationale for the proposed 2005 mission
focus (see handouts).  The mission focus team met and after discussion
suggested that next year's focus be DCRC.  Elena also provided written
handouts to the board outlining the incidence data regarding domestic
violence in our country and state, as well as some of the indicators, risk
factors and outcomes of domestic violence.  The board voted unanimously to
make DCRC our sole mission focus for the 2005 calendar year.

Share Your Christmas.  Preparation going very well.  IHN has asked to
sponsor a family.  The IHN family's needs will be rolled in with the rest
of the SYC families.

IHN.  Next visit will be over Christmas.  December 26-Jan 2.  The family
will be staying in a hotel for the week.  WPC will need to provide food.
We also need donations to buy bus passes and for restaurant dining during
the week.

Shoeboxes will be distributed to our 2004 Mission Focus organizations.

Donation boxes for the month of November will be designated for Winter
coats, warm clothing, mittens, gloves and scarves.  We will accept new or
gently used items.

Deacons’ corner.  We will advertise open board seats for organizations we
sponsor.

Our next meeting will be 11-21-04 at 7pm.

Barbara Rynerson closed with a prayer.