Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

November 16, 2004

Masjid Ar-Razzaq

1. Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark welcomed the assembly and introduced Imam Abdul Hafeez Waheed. Imam Waheed was pleased to host the gathering. Muslims have just completed the 30 day fast of Ramadan and are celebrating reconnecting to God's domain.

Masjid Ar-Razzaq is the oldest Islamic community in Durham. Its emphasis is on being a messenger for Islam in Durham. It communicates in several ways to the community, most notably through TV Channel 8 on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Services are held Friday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Imam Waheed thanked Sister Ruth for preparing a delicious meal. She offers catering services to the public at very reasonable cost

Imam Waheed offered an opening prayer.

2. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

3. The Minutes of the October 19 Board Meeting were approved.

4. Maryann Crea, Treasurer, presented the Finance Report. Donations by Congregations to DCIA are still lagging behind last year. We expect a shortfall by year-end, that will be absorbed by reserve funds although we do not want this situation to recur.

Maryann discussed the proposed Budget for 2005, which was sent out prior to the meeting. The Budget maintains donations to supported agencies. New projects will hopefully be supported by new funding sources.

5. Guests were welcomed:

Rev. Laura Benson introduced Claas Ehlers from the National Office of Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise. He advised that IHN has 102 programs in the national network. He is doing outreach especially to Muslim communities.

Vonda Buie and Shirley Holloway from Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church were introduced. Shirley's husband was discharged from the hospital today, and all wished him well.

Bob Newlin introduced Rev. Bob Kretzu, Pastor at Parkwood UMC.

Fran Langstaff was introduced from Watts Street Baptist Church.

Rebecca Leonard and Carlisle Harvard were introduced from First Presbyt. Church.

Rebecca Gibson introduced Yvonne Socolar of Duke Middle School, whose birthday is today.

Father David McBriar introduced Phil and Margaret Lawless and Bob and Mary Jane Wiethe from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Holly Zemke introduced Pastor Huffman from Christus Victor Lutheran Church.

Carol Cunningham introduced Kenzie and Gene Brannon from Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Dilys Hale introduced Robin Pietrantoni, Paul and Louise Hall, Helen Smith and Rev. Jesse Staton from McMannen UMC.

Imam Waheed introduced Brother James, Sister Sharif and Sister Ruth from Masjid Ar-Razzaq. Imam Abbus Salaam could not be here today, because he is with his ill mother.

Jeff Luttrell was introduced from Kelly Services, a strong supporter of CROPWALK.

6. Rev. Laura Benson advised that it has been her honor to serve as Chair of the DCIA Seed Money Committee. DCIA received 8 applications for Seed Money. After careful review, the Committee decided to fund 3 programs:

. Catholic Social Ministries, Latino Services Program – $6000.

. Meal Barrel Food Club – $4000.

. Read Seed, Inc. – $2000.

The next funding cycle is in April 2005. Applications are available at the DCIA web site at www.DCIA.org

7. Bob Newlin reviewed DCIA's three goals and the Chairs for each Team to address them:

A. Identifying priorities, chaired by Kaaren Johansen. This Team is meeting at 7 p.m. on November 22 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

B. Improving communications, chaired by Bob Newlin.

C. Sharing ideas among diverse congregations, chaired by Rev. Joe Harvard.

Bob welcomed suggestions for the revised DCIA Brochures.

Each DCIA member Congregation should be represented on at least one of these Teams.

8. For CROPWALK, Mary Catherine Hinds led the group in an informative exercise to appreciate the disparity in daily food intake between Americans and residents of under-developed nations. The average American eats about 5 pounds of food daily – two armloads full. In the developing world, the average is about 3 ounces daily – a handful of rice. Each year, 6 million children under 5 years old die from hunger.

Jenny Shafer thanked everyone who participated in CROPWALK 2004. This year

$158, 791.61 was raised, of which Durham agencies will receive 25%.

The following awards were given:

Gold Sneaker for Non-Profits – Housing for New Hope, for the 5^th year in a row.

Gold Sneaker for Schools – Duke School for Children, Middle School, 5^th year.

Gold Sneaker for Businesses – CCB.

Silver Sneaker for Businesses – Kelly Services.

Gold Sneaker for Small Congregations – Pilgrim UCC.

Silver Sneaker for Small Congregations – Christus Victor Lutheran Church.

Gold Sneaker for Medium Congregations – McMannen UMC.

Silver Sneaker for Medium Congregations – First Presbyterian Church.

Gold Sneaker for Large Congregations – Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Silver Sneaker for Large Congregations – Aldersgate UMC.

Individuals were recognized who raised more than $1000 for CROPWALK:

. Shirley Holloway of Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church;

. Pete Massey of McMannen UMC;

. Kenzie Brannon of Westminster Presbyterian Church;

. Betty Jane Upchurch of Aldersgate UMC;

. Fran Langstaff of Watts Street Baptist Church;

. The Hall family of McMannen UMC.

All Congregations who raised more funds for CROPWALK than last year were also honored.

CROPWALK in 2005 will be held March 20.

9. Residents of Genesis Home, Housing for New Hope, Interfaith Hospitality Network and Urban Ministries of Durham spoke about their experiences with these shelters. They were introduced by the leaders of these four fine organizations: Stan Holt, Terry Allebaugh, Rev. Laura Benson and Lloyd Schmeidler.

Shante Riveria with her 2 children is a current resident of Genesis Home and a former resident of IHN. She is working toward a nursing degree from NCCU. She greatly appreciates the helpful counseling and spiritual guidance, and sense of confidence and security, she has gained from these two shelters.

Jarvis was debilitated by alcohol and drug addiction. Since being in Urban Ministries of Durham, he is successfully working through its 12-step program and is thankful to UMD and the Higher Power.

Barbara Arrowood has resided at IHN and is now at St. Philip's House. She was laid off her job of 5 years, and depleted her savings. Although referred to many organizations, she was refused because they would not take her 17-year-old son. She is very glad IHN was able to take in both her and her son. Her main goal is finding a job, which has proved difficult. IHN has been very supportive in her job search.

Alphonse Williams was deeply involved with drugs and alcohol 10 years ago – and homeless, out of jail, and without hope. He became a resident at Housing for New Hope and was able to improve himself through its slogan: "Freedom Through Responsibility." He got married and took on a job with Housing for New Hope. He has been promoted to Program Director, and is able to help residents because he well understands what they are confronting. He is grateful for Housing for New Hope and the grace of God.

10. David Winer, Executive Director, advised:

a) Habitat for Humanity offers an opportunity for Congregations to fund and build houses in Nicaragua during Easter week, March 19-28. Contact Al Poland at 828-2607 or <sapoland@earthlink.net>

b) There is a free training workshop at 9-11 a.m. on December 3 at Durham Technical Community College to learn how to help provide housing for ex-offenders.

c) A family whose home recently was destroyed by fire needs furniture, clothing and support. Contact David if you can help.

d) The DCIA Nominating Committee is seeking suggestions for Officers for 2005. Please contact Rev. Joe Harvard at 688-3960.

e) The DCIA Annual Dinner Meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on January 18 at St. Joseph's AME Church.

11. Several Prayer Requests were offered.

12. Lori Fernald Khamala offered the closing prayer. In the Quaker tradition, the assembly lifted up its concerns to God in silence.

Minutes by: David Winer