Minutes of DCIA Board Meeting

December 9, 2003

McMannen United Methodist Church

1. Rev. Ben Rouse welcomed the assembly and introduced host Rev. Jesse Staton. Rev. Staton advised that the church is built on property donated by the Neal family, who are still members. Helen Smith and Dilys Hale are members who have been active in urban ministries for many years. McMannen UMC began as a country church.

2. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

3. The minutes of the November 18 Board Meeting were approved.

4. Maryann Crea, Treasurer, reported that finances are in good order. DCIA still needs pledges to be fulfilled for 2003. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and for advising of pledges for 2004.

Maryann presented the proposed budget for 2004. It provides small salary increases, and level expenses. The budget was approved.

5. Welcomed as guests were: Ken Langer of ERUUF, Eugene Eastman of the Food Bank of NC, and Sam Laurent of Threshold.

6. Christina Rand spoke briefly about Self-Help Credit Union. It is a community development financial institution that provides home and commercial lending, and savings deposits. It differs from other banks by working with underserved individuals. Its Mission is: “Through ownership people are empowered to improve their economic situation.”

Self-Help Credit Union is seeking new deposit accounts – Money Market, CID’s, IRA’s. Accounts are federally insured up to $100,000. Rates are competitive.

David Winer encouraged congregations to strongly consider investing in this financial institution since it assists populations DCIA members seek to help.

7. Checks from proceeds from CROPWALK 2003 were given out to: Food Bank for NC, Genesis Home, Housing for New Hope, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Labor of Love, Meals on Wheels, Society of St. Andrew, Threshold, and Urban Ministries of Durham. For 2003, participation was higher and proceeds were lower.

Joe Moran said that Durham’s CROPWALK is 30 years old, and has raised $2 million since 1975.

Pastor Vera Turner advised that Labor of Love was established in 1995 at the corner of Commerce and Elizabeth Streets. She and her helpers are there every Saturday, rain or shine, serving a menu of 4 different items. Clients number about 160 weekly.

8. Rev. Joe Harvard advised that the Nominating Committee will present a slate of Officers for 2004 at the Annual Meeting in January. Anyone interested, please contact Joe at 682-5511.

9. Executive Director’s Report by David Winer

David advised that a second Faith Team has been trained for the R&R Ministry. This is an inter-faith Team, and includes a Catholic, Episcopalian, Jew, Lutheran and Methodist.

DCIA’s Annual Meeting is January 20. We are glad to have NCCU Chancellor James Ammons as the keynote speaker, and Cantor Hy Marks as lead musician.

The Good Neighbor Fund helps fill gaps in funding for local emergency service providers caused by reduced government support. Please call Grace Marsh of Women-In-Action at 683-1431.

10. The assembly divided into small groups to develop recommendations for DCIA priorities. The charge to the groups, and the results of their discussions, are enclosed.

11. Cathy Carlson made available a book of her poetry.

12. Cathy Carlson offered a closing prayer.

PLEASE NOTE: THE NEXT DCIA BOARD LUNCH MEETING IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 AT 11:45 A.M. AT FIRST CHRONICLES COMMUNITY CHURCH.

Minutes by David Winer

DCIA AFFIRMATION

In a spirit of reconciliation and with gratitude for the gift of diversity,

DCIA seeks to engage and empower people of faith

to create a community of justice and peace through our common prayers and acts of compassion;

and with prophetic courage to act as advocates for the dignity and well-being of all persons,

recognizing that behind every human face is the face of God.