DCIA Monthly Meeting, November 13th Minutes

 

1.  DCIA was welcomed to our host, Carr United Methodist Church, by Pastor Cheryl Lawrence, who shared the congregation’s long-time presence in East Durham and their recent reaching out to and sharing resources with smaller churches – including African and African-American congregations, the Religious Coalition for a Non-Violent Durham, as well as a faith-based ESL program in partnership with a Southern Baptist church.

2.  The Opening Prayer was led by President Pebbles Lindsay Lucas, and the reading of the DCIA Affirmation followed.

3.  Introduction of Guests – We welcomed our guests present to receive awards for their outstanding contributions to the 2007 Crop Walk.

3.  Brief Announcements:  RSVVP Day – Nov. 13th, 10 percent of restaurant proceeds will go to Urban Ministries in Durham. 

4.  Financial Report   - Spencer notes that the $22,000 deficit is not as serious as it appears because of carried over expenses from 2006.  Spencer also highlighted the need for significant fundraising for YO:Durham and announced a plan for approaching member churches and local businesses.    Leads should be given to Mary Ann Crea, Spencer Bradford or Susan Blackmon.

5.  CROP Walk 2007 Awards .were introduced by coordinator Jenny Shafer.  Joe Moran presented information about a major beneficiary of Crop Walk Funds. We learned of an innovative micro-lending program funded by Church World Service that enables Muslim women to purchase goats that provide sustainable nutrition and income.  The $194,000 raised by Durham could fund thousands of micro loans in Asia, Africa and Central America.  Special Recognition went to the following individuals and groups for the noteworthy contributions – financial and physical – to this year’s Crop Walk: 

Individual Awards

Kaaren Johanson, St. Paul’s Lutheran/Measurement Incorporated

Daniel Read, Durham Friends Meeting

Ann Marie Navar, The Congregation at Duke Chapel

Barbara Rumer, Watts St Baptist

Hall Fa mily,  McMannen United Methodist

Pete Massey, McMannen United Methodist

David Claris, Calvary United Methodist

Vivian Lyndon, Aldersgate United Methodist

McKenzie Brannon,   Westminster Presbyterian Church

Annie and Maggie Poole, Duke Middle School

Tuppence Rozak Team – Nancy Rozak, Betty Berghaus and Judy Thompson, of

Westminster Presbyterian Church (raised over $3000 as a team)

 

Sneaker Awards (Groups)

Non-Profits:    Gold - Housing for New Hope (($914.00)

Businesses:    Gold - Measurement Incorporated ($573.00)

Small Congregations:            Gold - Pilgrim United Church of Christ ($5,480)

Silver - Parkwood United Methodist Church ($3,856)

Mid-Size Congregations:       Gold - McMannen United Methodist Church ($9,035)

Silver - Triangle Presbyterian Church ($7,609.25)

Large Congregations:            Gold  - Immaculate Conception Catholic Church ($12,148)

Silver - Westminster Presbyterian ($9,116)

 Schools:         Gold - Duke School for Children Middle School ($10,389.55)

Silver - Kestrel Heights School ($2,238)

 

March 16, 2008, Palm Sunday is slotted for the next Crop Walk.   Reverend Jimmy Hawkins of Durham is Treasurer on the board of Church World Service.  Durham has been recognized as one of the nation’s most successful walk nationally – Jenny Shafer was recognized for her outstanding service.

 

February 7 (Thurs Eve 7:30),  (Sat Morning, 9:30) is Recruitment Kick-Off  - First Presbyterian Church, Materials will be provided to representatives of interested churches – All DCIA member congregations are urged to send a representative to one of these meetings.

 

6.  Discussion of By-Law Revision

Spencer reported on a suggested amendment that replacement officers be approved by the entire membership, not just the Executive Committee.  It was suggested that attendance requirements be made more stringent – tabulated quarterly rather than annually.  The By-Laws Revision vote will be held at the December 11th meeting.  Question about what the monthly assembly meetings will look like under new structure was answered with “not very different” since the by-laws just formalize an existing structure/function through renaming.

 

7.   YO:Durham Mentoring Update:  Krystal Foxx described mentee and mentor trainings in October and November.  The first mentor team met this past Saturday.  More mentors are still needed – please contact Krystal.Foxx@gmail.com.

 

8.  YO:Durham Fundraising Update:  Mary Ann Crea exhorted the gathering to be generous in contributing to sustain YO:Durham –  We are hoping that every DCIA congregation will make a special contribution to YO:Durham in addition to their annual membership contribution.

 

9.  Families First (support for families in transition from welfare to work) was reported on by Pebbles Lindsay Lucas – opportunities for volunteers to help with driving lessons, tutoring and holiday contributions.    Sponsor churches are urged to consider supporting a family to help reach the 2007-8 goal of 15 families (5 have been matched already).  Youth Teams will be painting this weekend – paint donations still needed.

 

10.  Prayer Requests were taken and honored in prayer.

 

11.  Rev Jimmy Hawkins offered the closing prayer.

 

Submitted by Lucy Haagen.