Minutes of DCIA Board Meeting

October 21, 2003

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

 

  1. Rev. Ben Rouse welcomed the assembly and introduced host pastor Rev. Thomas Colley of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

 

Rev. Coley welcomed the assembly and offered an opening prayer. He mentioned the church

is 82 years old and has been at the present location for 35 years.

 

  1. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

 

  1. The Minutes of the September 16th Board Meeting were approved.

 

  1. The Financial Report was given by David Winer in the absence of Treasurer, Maryann Crea.

Letters will be going out to all congregations advising of pledges and donations in 2003 and

requesting pledges for 2004. It was suggested that next year DCIA ask for pledges earlier in August. David said that would be done.

      

  1. Welcomed as guests were: John Alles from Congregation at Duke Chapel; Maria Martin from Eno River Unitarian, and Rob Faggart from Project Safe Neighborhoods.

 

Announcements:

(a)                Habitat for Humanity‘s 18th Birthday in Durham is Friday, October 24th.

(b)               Church Women United will celebrate world Community Day Friday,

November 7th at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.

(c)                World Aids Day is December 1, 2003. Bill Gaines, Anchor NBC 17 News, will be Master of Ceremonies.          

(d)               The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Officers for the New Year. Please contact Rev. Joe Harvard.

(e)                Rabbi John Friedman announced that in the State of Maine there is a camp called “Seeds of Peace”. Youth come from across the world to promote Peace in conflict areas such as between Israelis and Palestinians. Donations are sought in a total of $4,000 to facilitate photography. Photography equipment is also desired.

 

  1. The Seed Money Initiatives Committee Report was omitted due to the absence of James Abdullah.

 

  1. Task Forces:

 

(a)                Communication

Three ideas are:

(1)   Update DCIA Brochure.

(2)   Make sure that all DCIA activities/action get into media.

(3)   Visit the DCIA website – www.DCIA.org

 

 

     (b)          Priorities   

(1) DCIA can act as a clearinghouse for information and assist congregations in finding resources.

(2) Convene a conference of Chairs of Missions Committees to elicit their priorities and encourage collaboration.

(3) Make a better link between the monthly Board Meetings and Congregations.

 

  1. Executive Director’s Report                 

(a)                Convening Youth Leaders is a good idea according to those present.

(b)               Convening Health Chairs to be trained in holding in-house congregational meetings received little support.

(c)                Materials from Unicorn Bereavement Center (Hospice) were provided.

(d)               NC Grief Awareness Week is Nov. 2 – 8.

 

  1. Religious Coalition for Non-violent Durham. Marcia Owen thanked DCIA for its recent donations. She mentioned:

(a)                Hands without Guns.

(b)               Prayer Vigils After Homicides.

(c)                Reconciliation and Re-entry Ministry to help offenders returning to Durham from prison. Rev. Ben Rouse advised that Epworth UMC has been matched with a delightful partner.

 

  1. Project Safe Neighborhoods. Rob Faggart Coordinator gave an overview of this project.

(a)                Give local communities information on fighting crime.

(b)               Give offenders an opportunity to be productive members of the community.

(c)                Work with Parks and Recreation to get youth involved in safe activities and deter crime.

(d)               Rob is planning a Faith Summit on Gun Violence to involve more congregations.

(e)                He will also advise congregations of the Violent Crime Response Team when formed, to help comfort victims and restore calm.

 

  1. Prayers for those in need: Sister Evelyn Mattern; Catherine Smith who had a heart attack;                                                 Tim Deck; Jesse Smith and others incarcerated.           

 

  1. Rev. Ben Rouse offered a closing prayer.

 

 

Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., Secretary