11:45 AM, DCIA December 11, 2007

Durham Mennonite Church

603 Lynn Road

 

We were welcomed by Spencer Bradford, Pastor of Durham Mennonite Church

 

DCIA Affirmation

 

Minutes from November Meeting Approved

 

New Pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ was introduced

 

Announcements  (included as handout) were reviewed by Spencer Bradford

 

Jenny Shafer announced certificates awarded to congregations and organizations who increased their financial contribution to the Crop Walk by at least $50 between 2006 and 2007.  In total, the Durham Crop Walk raised $195,000 of which $50,000 will be coming back to our local community.

 

InterNeighborhood Council “Can You Spare a Change” campaign, is a constructive  alternative to helping the homeless, was recommended and approved for official DCIA endorsement. The group responded positively to pastoral advice that acknowledged the needs of panhandlers while recommending a different approach to meeting those needs. This alternative is one of personal engagement and assistance rather than offering of cash. 

 

Financial Report and Proposed 2008 Budget  (see attached)

 

A special appeal for YO:Durham funding was made.  Grant funding is being sought, as our corporate contributions.  Congregations are being asked to support participation of one or more students, covering the costs of their participation in the three phases of the program – summer career academy, mentoring activities, and paid internships, at a price tag of $6,000.   

 

Both YO:Durham and DCIA are running a deficit so that congregations commitment to dues and support for YO:Durham are vital this year.

 

The 2008 budget was presented by Treasurer-nominee Bob Newlin (see attached) who noted the assumption that member contributions contribute 0.5 percent of their annual budgets. Bob noted tbat YO:Durham is in need of $200,000 in 2008 to continue.    It was stressed that the budget is achievable, but requires a greater level of commitment by DCIA congregations.

 

By-Law Revision

 

The focus of the revision was reviewed:  to designate the former board an assembly of member congregations.  The Board of Directors as proposed to consist of at least 5 and no more than 15 members, including officers.  Annual elections to the board will be held by the Regular Assembly at its last meeting of the year.    We were urged to recommit to the original purpose of DCIA  - to support projects that required the commitment and resources of more than one congregation.   The Board voted to accept the By-Laws revision, to go into effect January 1, 2008.

 

We were called upon to recognize the accomplishment of the mother of Bishop Elroy Lewis, who recently passed at the age of 105.  When she turned 104, she memorably said the “best thing about being 104 is that there is no peer pressure”.

 

Nomination of Officers  (Joe Harvard)

 

President:  Charles Byrd

Vice-President:  Jimmy Hawkins

Secretary:  Lucy Haagen

Treasurer:  Bob Newlin

 

The slate was accepted and elected unanimously

 

Durham Distribution and Training Center Presentation:  Durham Distribution and Training Center Presentation  (Mel Williams) request for DCIA to act as fiscal agent

 

Project has developed over three years as a response to the challenge of ending poverty –(14 percent overall, 20 percent for children)  a particular moral imperative in a county with the state’s highest mean income.

 

The goal of eliminating poverty is daunting, but a model in Greensboro appears to be a promising start. 

 

Micheline Ridley presented the model for replication in Durham. 

 

The 3 main components will be a center for distribution of goods to nonprofits, a training center, and a space for community partnerships. 

 

An effort has been made to include other partners and fill gaps – not duplicate existing efforts

 

A motion  was approved for DCIA to serve as the program’s fiscal agent.  Once $50,000 was raised, a matching grant of $35,000 will be made to the project by the Stewards Fund. 

 

End Poverty Network meets at Watts Baptist Church Wednesday at 9AM.

 

YO: Durham Update (Krystal Foxx):   22 mentors have been training out of 28 who have volunteered.  Celebration scheduled for December 21st to which students and mentors are invited.  Gift bags and gift certificates have been pledged by volunteers.  Thanks were offered to those providing furniture to a YO;Durham student.

 

 

Families First Update (Pebbles Lindsay Lucas):   The program is on target to meet its annual goals .

 

The meeting closed with a blessing from DCIA President Pebbles Lindsay Lucas.