Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

August 16, 2005

First Presbyterian Church

 

1.      Rev. Joe Harvard welcomed the assembly, which enjoyed the organ playing in the background, played by Kathy Parkins. 

          Rev. Harvard described recent renovations to the church.  Trinity UMC was very helpful in hosting congregants of First Presbyterian Church during the renovations. 

          Rev. Harvard introduced Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas, who coordinates the Families First Ministry and has an office at the church; Rev. Julio  Ramirez-Ive, who is establishing a Presbyterian Latino presence in Durham; Rev. Marilyn Hedgpeth, Associate Pastor; and church members Steve Martin, a commendable presence on the School Board and Doris Smith, a dedicated teacher in the public schools for 30 years.

          Rev. Hedgpeth offered an Opening Prayer.

 

2.      The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

 

3.      The Minutes of the June 21, 2005 Board Meeting were approved, with a correction to pray for the families of two recently deceased school teachers.

 

4.      In the absence of the Treasurer, David Winer presented the Finance Report.  Expenses and donations are essentially on target.  As of 60% of the year, DCIA has achieved 40% of its budgeted donations.  This is normal.  DCIA greatly appreciates the generosity of its Congregations, and individuals.

 

5.      Guests were welcomed:

          Nadeen Bir, Aaron Garcia and Hans Figoso from El Centro Hispano.

          Jenny Palmer, from the Duke University Department of Romance Languages and Coordinator for service learning for Latino students.

          John Olsen from Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

         

6.      Announcements:

          Jenny Shafer advised that CROPWALK 2005 has raised so far $156,000.  Thanks to the thousands of walkers and donors for their support.  CROPWALK 2006 takes place on March 19.

          Rev. Scott Benhase announced that Friday, September 16 at 7 p.m. St. Philip's Episcopal Church will host Strings Attached, presenting Anna Hutto in Concert.  All profits are given to Urban Ministries of Durham.  Please contact Scott if you'd like to be on the Strings Attached mailing list, or if you can help by selling tickets.

          Rev. Joe Harvard advised that the Durham Reads Together program is having several musical and discussion events on the weekend of October 22-23.  The object is for thousands of people in Durham to read "The Color of Water" by James McBride.  There will be training for discussion group leaders.

          Becky Carver advised that Cornucopia House is an abundant source of supportive programs for cancer patients and their families, and provided a brochure.

          Rev. Julio Ramirez-Ive advised that there is an Interdenominational Hispanic Worship Service at Duke Hospital every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

 

7.      Reports from Teams and Committees.

          Rev.  Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas advised that the two Youth Work Teams are meeting and making progress on developing information and focusing on strategies.  Youth Team 1, concerned with violence, gangs and juvenile justice, will meet at noon on August 29 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

          Bob Newlin advised that the Communications Team is providing news items of interest by Email, in periodic bundles to avoid excessive frequency.

          Rev. Laura Benson advised that the Seed Money Committee has awarded two grants: $2500 to Women In Action to re-establish a Mediation Center; and $2000 to Another Way Ministries, that operates an excellent summer program for Youth.  A new grant cycle seeks applications no later than October 15.  Applications and guidelines can be obtained from Laura or the DCIA web site.  Laura provided a sheet for people to sign to request them.

 

8.      Presentation by El Centro Hispano

          Nadeen Bir, Aaron Garcia and Hans Figoso discussed issues facing Latinos in Durham.  They began by Hans reading a passage in Spanish, and then Aaron asked the assembly how they felt when confronted by this.  Several people expressed feelings of being left out, curiosity, being inspired to learn conversational Spanish, and impatience.  Aaron advised that these feelings are encountered daily by Latinos in an English-speaking community.

          Aaron feels blessed: his mother obtained a job in literacy training, and this plus continual use of a dictionary led to his learning English better.  In the schools, teachers often have low expectations of Latinos and don't expect them to go to college.  Only 44.5% of Latino youth are graduating from high school.

          Nadeen advised that El Centro Hispano has informal discussion groups for teens.  A major concern is gangs, that create a welcoming place for children who feel otherwise isolated.  Another concern is teen pregnancy.  Teens can benefit from caring adults outside of the Latino community who can help them understand basic facts.

          Lack of documentation is an obstacle for many Latinos, and there are many advocacy opportunities to help enact more favorable legislation.  Without documentation there is little chance for financial aid for a 4-year college, and even the NC college system is too costly for many Latinos.

          There are significant differences between Latinos from Mexico, Latin America and South America.  For people who want to be able to interact more with Latinos, there are conversational Spanish courses at DTCC.  At First Presbyterian Church, there is bilingual conversation every 2nd Friday, 7-9 p.m.

          Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas suggested Youth programs that would bring together Latino, African-American and Anglo youth.  The DCIA Youth Teams will explore this.

         

9.      Executive Director's Report:

          David Winer is enthusiastic about the DCIA Interfaith Storytelling Group that is having its first meeting on August 25 at noon at First Presbyterian Church.  Fliers were provided.  This is open to anyone who wishes to share a story that is meaningful to them in terms of their faith.

          DCIA is co-sponsoring a Back to School Faith Breakfast on September 27.  More details will follow.  The sponsors welcome ideas  on how to energize and engage the faith community in helping school children.

 

 

10.    Prayers Requests were offered for:

          A woman now in intensive care at Duke who was beaten while walking a dog,            and the disabled man for whom she is a caregiver.

          The Durham School Board.

          Jessie Smith, and others who are incarcerated.

          Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas, and the partnership begun between First Chronicles Community Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

         

11.    Rev. Laurie Hays Coffman offered a lovely Closing Prayer in both English and Spanish.

 

The next DCIA Board Lunch Meeting is September 20 at

First Chronicles Community Church.

 

 

Minutes by: David Winer     

 

 

*** Check out the DCIA Web Site at: www.DCIA.org ***