Deacons Board Meeting

January 10, 2005

Deacons present: Martha Cosby, Pat Wegman, Gail Brand, Dot Lindsey, Rose Rupple, Dennis Scholes, Gladys Eckman, Judy Wallace and Claire Scherer. Also in attendance was Pastor Lynn.

Absent: Pricilla Foos and Caroline Suppes.

Martha Cosby called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM.

The opening devotion and prayer were given by Claire Scherer.

Secretary’s Report: Copies of the December 11^th minutes were distributed. A motion was made and seconded that the minutes be approved as printed; motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Copies of the December Treasurer’s report were distributed. Claire reported that she had transferred $1000 from savings to checking. She wrote checks for two gift certificates for services rendered for the Deacon’s Auction, another check for fuel reimbursement, and a fourth check to Almost Home for our “City Benevolent Fund” contribution. A motion was made and seconded that the treasurer’s report be approved as printed; motion carried.

The Session Report was given by Martha. She reported that a request had been made and granted by Session to allow a Spanish Church of Christ to use our chapel weekly. As yet, they have not been meeting in our church. Major financial concerns and budget cuts were also discussed. Among the cuts considered were janitorial and lawn care services. Other cost-saving items were a part-time youth director and quarterly printing of the “First Press”. Martha also gave a recap of the stewardship campaign.

Committee Reports:

The Communications committee will be chaired by Martha. Gail Brand will also be serving on this committee. The next monthly women’s activity will be a Slumber Party on January 28^th at Linda Nudd’s home.

The Compassion committee will be chaired by Claire. Also serving on this committee will be Judy Wallace and Rose Rupple.

The Assistance committee has no members at this time.

The Events committee will be made up of the entire Board of Deacons, with Gladys Eckman and Dot Lindsey serving as co-chairs.

Unfinished Business:

Everyone was reminded that donuts are to be placed on the brown table by the office. One coffee dispenser is to be set up by the sink in the narthex and a second one around the corner on another brown table. Please do not use the “Welcome Center” table or any of the tables from the small dining room or fellowship hall. Donuts may be placed in a cabinet under the “Welcome Center” table to keep them out of sight until after first service. Make sure that all “helpers” know what to do! The deacon of the month is to pick up the donuts at Daylight Donuts each Sunday during their month.

The Worship Committee has asked that a deacon be available at both Sunday services to answer the phone, be of assistance to latecomers and people requesting help or directions. It was agreed that the deacon of the month should stay for both services or see that someone is covering for them.

Claire passed around a copy of the final criteria for the City Benevolent Fund which will be administered by Almost Home.

New Business:

Martha distributed the 2005 Deacon Phone Tree, Parish Number Assignments, Parish Month Assignments, and the Deacon and Elder Assignments. Each deacon was reminded to send out a letter of introduction by the end of January. Remember to include the importance of attending the Annual Meeting on January 30^th. Stationery and labels may be gotten from Jody York and postage stamps are in “the drawer!”

There was a brief discussion of the differences in the duties of a deacon and those of an elder. Deacons were reminded of the importance of maintaining communication with their parish members all during the year. Expenses incurred by each deacon for the purchase of cards may be reimbursed. Give your receipt to Claire.

Martha distributed the parish lists. Time was spent updating the names, deleting and adding names as necessary.

Pastor’s Report:

Pastor Lynn again emphasized the importance of all members attending the Annual Meeting so that everyone is aware of the budget cuts which have had to be made.

The joint meeting of the Board of Deacons and Session will be held on April 25^th.

Pastor Lynn asked if we wanted Session members to attend our meetings and/or if we wanted a deacon at each monthly Session meeting? It was decided that we would have a deacon at each Session meeting, but that no Session member would be required to attend our monthly meetings.

Pastor Lynn would like our bulletin board moved to a more prominent place once we have our updated lists and pictures available.

Prayer Requests:

Rose asked for prayers for her son-in-law, Don LeBarre, and for John Gamble who will both be having CAT scans. Prayers, too, for Edna Green who is in the hospital and for Lola Jacobson who has a malignant brain tumor. Gladys asked for prayers of good wishes for Chandra Acklam who is engaged.

Claire closed the meeting with prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM,

The next meeting will be on February 14^th at 7 PM.

The February Deacon is Caroline Suppes.

Respectfully submitted,

Dot Lindsey, Secretary