Minutes of DCIA Board Meeting

September 16, 2003

Calvary United Methodist Church

 

 

  1. James Abdullah, Vice President, welcomed the assembly, and introduced Rev. Laurie Hays Coffman, Pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church.

 

Rev. Coffman noted that a few years ago their church had only 27 members. They became a reconciling congregation and became a more diverse population in race and sexual minorities. This created controversy, but the church tripled in size as it became more receptive to new members. “Sometimes we have to die before can bring life in a new place.” On September 20 church members will be handing out bottles of water at the Gay Parade March at Duke. She offered an opening prayer.

 

  1. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

 

  1. The Minutes of the August 19 Board Meeting were approved.

 

  1. Maryann Crea, Treasurer, reported that finances are in good shape. Income from the Criminal Justice Resource Center for R&R Ministry is helpful.

 

  1. Guests were introduced: Mary Catherine Hinds, Regional Director of Cropwalk,  Joyce Houk of Church Women United, Larry Kroutil and Louise Parrish of Calvary UMC.

 

  1. Announcements:

 

(a)  Debbie Mozgala of Polka Dot Food Pantry at Canal Street is seeking donations.

(b)  Joe Harvard, Chairperson said the DCIA Nominating Committee is seeking people who will nominate themselves or others. Contact Joe Harvard at 688-3960. The election of Officers is planned for the November Board Meeting.

 

7.  James Abdullah, Chair of the Seed Money Initiatives Committee, welcomes more requests for start-up funds.

 

8.      The Board approved a $1,500 donation to the Religious Coalition for a Non-violent Durham. This will be matched by $1,000 donation by Duke.

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

9.      Executive Director’s Report:

(a)    There will be a DCIA Conference on Mental Illness October 16. Fliers were provided.

(b)   Cropwalk 2004 will be March 28, 2004 at 2:30 p.m. at Duke Chapel.

(c)  The Reconciliation and Re-entry Ministry (R&R) has completed its initial training. Participating are Epworth United Methodist Church and an Inter-faith Team. More Faith Teams are requested.

 

10.   The Board approved a revised Mission Statement. “To bring together

Congregations to promote understanding across boundaries of faith, race, and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ethnicity and build an inclusive community of justice and peace.”

   

               The revised Mission, Vision, Key Beliefs and Affirmation are enclosed.

           

                The Board identified the critical issues of DCIA as including:

(a)    Lack of focus

(b)   Concern over congregational buy-in

(c)    Communication to members, congregations and the community

(d)   Cumbersome organizational structure.

 

The Board formed a Task Force on Priorities. Members are Kate Beasley,

Rev. Laura Benson, Rev. Joe Harvard, Donna Smith, and Dr. Lloyd Watkins.

 

The Board formed a Task Force on Communications. Members are Maryann Crea, Rev. Mary Grigolia, Marian Kline, Bob Newlin, and Marcia Owen.

 

These two Task Forces will meet and report to the Board at the October Board Meeting.

 

11.  Prayers for those in need; Margo Pickett’s father who is ill.

 

12.  Rev. J. C. Cheek offered a closing prayer.

 

 

             Lloyd L. Watkins, Sr., Secretary

DCIA MISSION STATEMENT

 

            To bring together congregations to promote understanding across boundaries of faith, race and ethnicity and build an inclusive community of justice and peace.

 

 

DCIA VISION STATEMENT

 

            Increase understanding, reconciliation and collaboration among congregations and the broader community.

 

            Bring about a tangible reduction in human suffering.

 

            Develop a community in which people are able to live out the most noble ideals of their faith.

 

            Gain recognition as a model of diverse people working

together in harmony.

 

 

DCIA KEY BELIEFS

 

            Behind every human face is the face of God.

 

            God calls us to uphold the dignity and well being of others.

 

            Congregations working together can be more effective than any single Congregation in addressing human needs.

 

            Building relationships across differences contributes to a community of justice and peace.

 

 

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.