Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

August 17, 2004

Epworth United Methodist Church

1. Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark welcomed the assembly and introduced Rev. Gene Cobb, new minister at Epworth UMC. Rev. Cobb has been engaged in ecumenical ministries in Franklin County and Montgomery County and appreciates Epworth’s commitment to DCIA. He is married with 8 children, and a staunch Carolina fan.

2. The Minutes of the June 15 Board Meeting were approved.

3. Joe Daly advised of how Senior PHARMAssist can serve as a resource for seniors seeking to navigate the Rx reimbursement process and learn about medication; and can help pay for medicine. This organization is 10 years old in Durham, and has a speakers bureau. Congregations provide donations, and help in publicizing the services available. Its website is: www.seniorpharmacist.org

Congregations should circulate their brochures, since only about 10% of eligible seniors in Durham are taking advantage of their services.

4. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

5. Maryann Crea, Treasurer, presented the Finance Report. Donations to DCIA by Congregations are behind last year at this time. Representatives should please check with their Congregations to encourage donations. The Finance Committee is meeting in September to work on the budget for 2005.

6. Guests were welcomed:

Rev. Scott Benhase introduced Rev. Laura Evans Mahn, a pastor with Disciples of Christ who recently moved to the area.

Rev. Joe Harvard introduced Jim Gates, Minister to Youth and Families at First Presbyterian Church, and a student at Duke Divinity School.

Sam Hodges introduced Rev. Greg McGarvey, new pastor at Glendale Heights UMC.

William Lucas introduced State Senator Jean Lucas. They have been married 45 years.

Rev. Pebbles Lindsay Lucas introduced Stephanie Alston who works with the Families First Program.

Rev. Cheryl Brown is Associate Minister at Mt. Sylvan UMC.

Elaine Herndon helped host the meeting for Epworth UMC.

7. Rev. Ben Rouse is preparing for retirement from Epworth UMC. The assembly thanked Ben for his many contributions to the community and DCIA.

8. Committee Reports.

A. Seed Money Committee: Rev. Laura Benson, Chair, passed around a list for people to sign if they wished to make an Application for Seed Money. Applications will be sent to requestors in about a week. The deadline for Applications for this Fall cycle is October 1; the next cycle’s deadline is April 1.

B. Strategic Planning Committee: Bob Newlin, Chair presented the work of this Committee, whose members include: Maryann Crea, Rev. Joe Harvard, Kaaren Johanson, Vic Moore, Joe Moran, Doris Smith, Imam Abdul Waheed, and David Winer. Bob reviewed the revised Mission Statement, Vision, Key Beliefs, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

Bob then discussed the Critical Issues, Goals and Objectives that have been drafted..

Actions Requested:

(1) For the process of identifying and prioritizing issues on which congregations can take joint action, Bob is seeking volunteers to help call on Congregations to ascertain their activities of current interest. Anyone interested should contact Bob at 970-7197 or bob.newlin@duke.edu

(2) Bob invites feedback from DCIA representatives on the work of the Strategic Planning Committee so far, particularly the Critical Issues, Goals and Objectives. Now is the best time for input.

9. Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark expressed deep thanks to Rev. Elizabeth W. Grant for her many contributions to DCIA and the community over many years. Betty will be less involved with monthly DCIA meetings in the future. Some people have made donations to DCIA in honor of Rev. Grant, and this is greatly appreciated.

10. Executive Director's Report:

A. David Winer advised that a Community Capacity Planning Committee has been formed to help disabled people move from the Murdoch institution back into the Durham community. The goal is to integrate 5 people by the end of 2005, and a total of 43 over several years. Successful integration means satisfying needs of housing, transportation and employment.

David believes it is important for people of faith to make Durham a place where being disabled does not foreclose a person from enjoying a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Action Requested: David is hopeful that 1 or 2 DCIA representatives will serve on this Committee, which meets monthly for about 90 minutes. Please contact David if you are interested.

B. There is a meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church to continue progress on a plan to end poverty in Durham through employment. New people interested are encouraged to attend. The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is an important leader in this effort.

C. St. Philips Episcopal Church is sponsoring a concert featuring John McCutcheon on Friday, September 10 at 7 p.m. All profits will benefit Urban Ministries of Durham.

D. The World Library Partnership is seeking space for an office for 2 people dedicated to helping librarians in the developing world to create vibrant, sustainable libraries in their community. Please advise David if you can help.

E. David raised the issue: Why are many people of faith who demonstrate deeds of charity and lovingkindness willing to forgive, and give the benefit of the doubt to, people found guilty of the most heinous crimes and yet tend to demonize and be inflexibly intolerant of our highest political leaders or candidates? Politics seems to limit our ability to be a force for reconciliation. This may be a good topic to discuss in greater depth.

11. Prayer Requests were asked for Rev. Bob McClernan, who died 10 days ago; Virgina Miller Parker, who lost a daughter; Jenny Vincent; Braxton Powell; Jesse Smith and those incarcerated; all new Pastors; A. J. Strauss; the after-school program at First Chronicles Community Church.

12. Joe Moran offered the Closing Prayer.

Minutes by: David Winer