Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

August 15, 2006

Judea Reform Congregation

1. Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas called the meeting to order. She read a passage from "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" that suggested a question to ask yourself in tense times: "Will this really matter a year from now?"

She introduced Norm Lowenthal, President of Judea Reform Congregation. He welcomed the assembly to the synagogue, and pointed out it has been a DCIA member for several decades, with Rabbi John Friedman and congregant Nancy Laszlo serving as its President. This synagogue has been active in supporting Urban Ministries of Durham, Genesis Home, Interfaith Hospitality Network and is currently involved with Jobs for Life, YO:Durham, Durham CAN and the issue of genocide in Darfur. An important faith concept in these efforts is "Tikkun Olam," to work toward repairing and healing a broken world. Its Social Action Committee is very active, led by Kenny Dalsheimer and supported by stalwart members like DCIA representative Lisa Salzman,

Rev. Duke Lackey, Vice President of DCIA, led an opening prayer.

2. The DCIA Affirmation was read.

3. Minutes from the Board Meeting of June 20 were approved

4. Treasurer Bill Youngblood gave the Finance Report. Expenses and Income are about equal. It is gratifying to be receiving donations for YO:Durham, for they are matched by BlueCross BlueShield of NC up to $30,000. The Finance Report was approved.

5. Guests were welcomed:

Rev. Don Southworth, new leader at ERUUF.

Stacy Lubov from Judea Reform Congregation.

Alex Safrit, son of Nancy Safrit, with Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Brian Azar of Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, also President of The Sales Catalyst and a Commissioner of Human Relations.

Joyce Conwell, who is working with Rev. Lindsay-Lucas at Families First.

Rev. Harriette Sturges, Deacon and Children Ministries Coordinator at St. Philip's Episcopal Church.

Teri Tyson, a member of the Board at Judea Reform Congregation.

Rev. Ingram Hedgpeth, Pastor at Mt. Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Merchele Pate, Mt. Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Brown Gardner, Elder at Mt. Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Abby Kocher, Community Minister for Duke Chapel.

Rev. Keith Daniels, Director for Pathways at Duke Chapel, introduced his son Matthew.

Rev. Forest Gale of Lowes Grove Baptist Church introduced his son Lewis, who preached his first sermon last Sunday.

6. Announcements.

a. Rev. Kate Spire and Rev. Spencer Bradford announced that (i)This Friday there will be a forum on the Middle East conflict at Peace Covenant Church of the Brethren; and (ii) Next Friday there will be a discussion of "Who Would Jesus Torture" regarding Guantanamo Bay at Durham Mennonite Church.

b. Rev. Gaston Warner, Director of University and Community Relations for Duke University Chapel, advised of a full-day program on October 14 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church entitled "Faith & Money." This will explore what it means to invest money to benefit social causes as well as provide financial gain. The featured speaker is Ched Myers, a noted theologian.

c. Rev. Joe Harvard advised that: (i) He will host a luncheon for new clergy at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 12 at noon. Invitations will go out soon. (ii) On Sunday evening, September 17, Dr. Jack Rogers of The Presbyterian Church (USA) will speak at First Presbyterian Church on homosexuality and the Bible. He is a wonderful scholar who comes out of the evangelical tradition.

d. Lori Khamala of National Farm Workers Ministry seeks congregations to hold events in their facilities to help farm workers during the upcoming harvest. Resources are available at www.nfwm.org, or contact her at lori@nfwm.org

7. Alex Safrit (welcomed above) is a youth leader in Teen Teams Building Bridges. He is seeking contact information for adults and youths interested in participating in this program that holds discussions and is working toward a community project for diverse youth. Please contact him with suggested participants at alex.safrit@yahoo.com or 968-9613.

8. David Winer, Executive Director, advised of a Dialogue Dinner that will be held on Tuesday evening, September 26 at Sheraton Imperial Center on Emperor Blvd. This is led by two young Turkish men and sponsored by Divan Cultural Center. It is titled "Opening Doors, Building Bridges" and speakers will include Dr. Sam Wells, Dean of Duke Chapel; Dr. Allen Page, Department of Religion and Philosophy at Meredith College; and Dr. Eric Meyers, Department of Religion at Duke.

One important task of the YO:Durham working team has been to recruit and hire a Program Director. Thanks to Maryann Crea, Kenny Dalsheimer, Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas and Lucy Haagen for helping in this effort. We hope to hire the person by the September Board Meeting.

9. Maryann Crea reported on the progress of YO:Durham. There has been excellent energy and many activities have progressed in communications, the content of the Summer session, fundraising, meeting with community stakeholders, and hiring a Program Director. We are building a good foundation and creating community buy-in for sustained support.

10. Rev. Haywood Holderness facilitated a discussion of YO:Durham and how congregations can help. He pointed out that this program has been adopted by DCIA as its major strategic focus and is generating excitement, funding and volunteers. He invited those present to relate how their congregation can help.

Kenny Dalsheimer advised that Judea Reform Congregation is pledging a minimum of $1000 from the Rabbi's fund and may be able to offer more from the Social Action budget. Kenny is also working on engaging business owners from the congregation in providing internships for teen participants, and in involving more volunteers.

Nancy Safrit reported that the Deacons at Westminster Presbyterian Church have pledged $1000. The Deacons specialize in one priority annually, and she hopes that YO:Durham can be adopted for the upcoming year. She noted that the program provides a year of opportunity not only for teens, but for all who are involved, and that the program will last for many years.

Lucy Haagen advised that Durham Friends Meeting usually acts by consensus – and this takes a while. It took six months to decide on changing the carpet. Many congregants are excited about YO:Durham. Their youth group does a fundraising project each year, and she hopes the next one will be for this program. The congregation cannot yet commit to an off-budget donation, but Lucy has pledges from four congregants for a total of $200. The congregation will discuss mentoring at a retreat in November, and may form a team to mentor several teen participants in YO:Durham.

Rev. Joe Harvard reported that First Presbyterian Church doesn't do anything by consensus. Last night the Missions Committee unanimously agreed to donate $1000 to YO:Durham. Joe hopes an additional donation is added to the church budget for next year. He also is seeking congregants who can participate as employers or mentors.

Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas is doubling a previous pledge, and is very excited about YO:Durham. She envisions it will be a transformative experience for many teens.

Rev. Bob Kaynor of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church provided a check in the amount of $1000 for YO:Durham. He is grateful for the opportunity to help, and will seek to engage employers and mentors from the congregation.

Brian Azar is suggesting a joint offering by Eno River Unitarian Universalist fellowship and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He is also connected with Leadership Durham, and is glad to help DCIA with a proposal to that group in the fall to seek assistance in obtaining funding, mentors, and training. Brian can be reached at brian@salesdoctor.com and 620-1551.

Rev. Kate Spiro of Peace Covenant Church of the Brethren is glad to commit $100 now and will seek to raise more by a special offering. Karen Mortimer is a member of the church, and is with an organization with expertise in job training that may be helpful.

Vic Moore advised that Blacknall Presbyterian Church is able to pledge $750 to YO:Durham.

Bob Newlin has raised $500 so far from his congregation for the program. He is seeking that YO:Durham be an item in the budget for next year. Bob did the children's sermon last week, and asked them: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" One 5-year-old answered: "A paleontologist." He believes that few at-risk teens dream like that. If asked what they wanted, they would likely say: "A job."

Rudy Henkel reported that the Board at St. Paul's Lutheran Church has committed $1000 to YO:Durham. Kaaren Johanson has been very helpful in raising this money. What convinced the Board that the program merits this support is that the planning teams don't think they have all the answers, and recognize the need to partner with others as part of a comprehensive system of care.

Bishop Elroy Lewis is pledging $500. His congregation at Fisher Memorial United Holiness Church is not large, but he wants to make this commitment even if comes from his own pocket.

Rev. Holderness appreciated the broad and vigorous support. Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas thanked everyone, and especially Maryann Crea for her leadership.

11. Prayers for those in need were offered for:

Peace in the Middle East.

Sharon Hettinger.

Children and teachers going back to school.

Families sending children off to college.

Homeless families.

12. Rabbi John Friedman offered a Closing Prayer.

Minutes by David Winer