Minutes of the Board Meeting of Durham Congregations In Action

September 21, 2004

St. Titus Episcopal Church

 

 

1.      Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark welcomed the assembly and introduced Rev. William Maddox.   Rev. Maddox is originally from Pennsylvania.  He spent several years as a pastor in Jacksonville, Florida and for 21 years was a Chaplain for the U.S. Army.  St. Titus Episcopal Church has a long history in Durham, and is on its 3rd building – the two previous ones were destroyed by fires.  He offered an invocation, to bless and strengthen Durham and each of us as we go forth to serve others.

 

2.      The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

 

3.      The Minutes of the August 17 Board Meeting were approved.

 

4.      Maryann Crea, Treasurer, presented the Finance Report.  Donations to DCIA by member Congregations are lagging behind last year, and  representatives should please check with their Congregations to encourage donations.  DCIA is not seeking increases from members over 2003 donations. 

          The Finance Committee met to discuss the budget for 2005.  One plan under consideration is to provide funding for Priorities of DCIA, once they are agreed upon by member Congregations.  The sources for funds for Priorities could be DCIA Reserves; some of Seed Money; and some of the funding that has historically been allocated to agencies that have matured, have several other sources of funding, and for whom DCIA is a relatively small donor.

          Some people raised concerns about decreasing funding for agencies: Sustaining them may be more important than new Priorities, and even small donations by DCIA may be leveraged to help obtain donations from others.  Agencies recognize that they currently receive donations from Congregations both through DCIA and also by individual donation; it would be good to understand how Congregations perceive the allocation of their donations from DCIA, and if Congregations would prefer to provide larger donations directly to agencies, with donations to DCIA funding other needs.  The Executive Committee will consider how to best survey Congregations on this point.

          David Winer later commented that the key issue is: What kind of Agency should DCIA be?  Should DCIA focus on (a) Sustaining mature agencies that have established a good track record of meeting needs; or on (b) Creating new ministries with new or established agencies to meet needs newly identified, or needs already identified in innovative ways?  Ideally, we would like to do both.  However, we are likely to lack adequate funds to make a significant impact in many areas.

          The strategic planning process is very important in determining how DCIA should spend its money.  In good organizations, funding is integrated with Priorities.  DCIA needs its members to be actively engaged in identifying Priorities, and then committing to them, and funding follows that commitment. 

 

5.      Guests were welcomed:

          Michael Pellot, Volunteer Coordinator for Urban Ministries of Durham, from Public Allies.

          Allison McGeary and Ginger Young from Carolina Friends School.

          Sylvia Hayes, from Walltown Ministries, and a member of St. John’s Baptist Church.

         

6.      Announcements:

          Ginger Young and Allison McGeary encouraged Congregations to help voters register for the election in November.  The deadline for registration is October 8.  On September 26 or October 3, Ginger or Allison or others from Carolina Friends School will be glad to visit with Congregations and help them set up tables and materials to help people register.  Several Congregations have already done this.  This registration effort is non-partisan, and we know from the 2000 election that every vote counts.  Fliers were provided.

          Victor Moore advised that Durham Rescue Mission had a recent misfortune – a fire broke out in their kitchen.  The DRM needs help in the next week or so in providing food for residents.  If you can help, please call Valerie at 688-9641 x5030.

          Parents of Murdered Children are holding a Prayer Circle for the Healing of Families of Homicide Victims at 6 p.m. on September 25 in Durham Central Park.  Fliers were provided.

          Kaaren Johanson circulated sheets for Congregations to provide information for CROPWALK.  The sheets included a list of money received by Congregation, for confirmation by representatives.

 

7.      Committee Reports.

A.      Seed Money Committee: Rev. Laura  Benson, Chair, advised that application packets are ready and have been provided to those previously  expressing interest.  These packets were also available at the meeting.  The deadline for Applications for this Fall cycle has been extended to October 15.

         

B.      Strategic Planning Committee: Bob Newlin, Chair updated the group on the strategic planning process.  Bob reviewed the revised Mission Statement, Vision and Key Beliefs.  Bob reviewed the Goals, and they were unanimously approved.

          To make progress toward the Goals, Bob asked that people sign up on sheets provided to form a Team to work on each.  Kaaren Johanson will co-lead Goal 1, which seeks to identify Priorities; Bob will lead Goal 2 which is to improve DCIA’s Communications; and Rev. Joe Harvard will lead Goal 3 which is to provide opportunities for congregations to share ideas and beliefs to promote understanding.

 

8.      The assembly broke up into small groups.  Bob Newlin introduced the topics for discussion: (A) What ministries and activities are most important to your Congregation? and (B) What ministries and activities would your Congregation support collaborating with others through DCIA?

          Each group had a Facilitator who reported out highlights of the discussion.

 

9.      Executive Director’s Report

Lori Khamala has advised that the Farm Labor Organizing Committee has won union representation in NC and reached a precedent-setting agreement with Mount Olive Pickle Company.  This agreement will help assure for workers health and safety, fair wages and time off.  Thanks to the many congregations who have advocated for farmworkers and comforted them during the last 5 years and helped achieve this outcome.

          Durham Friends Meeting is co-organizing an interfaith panel: “Finding Common Ground in a Fractious World,” at 3:30 p.m. on October 17 at 404 Alexander Drive.  Panelists include Susannah Heschel, David Potorti and Samia Serageldin, all high achievers in their fields and dedicated to peace.

If interested contact Jennie Ratcliffe at 682-8388.

          NCCU Chancellor James Ammons is seeking a DCIA representative for its 95th and 100th anniversary celebration committee.  Rev. Jimmie Hawkins agreed to serve, with Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas and Rev. William as alternates.

          Rev. Lindsay-Lucas thanked all Congregations who have been part of Families First, and that program continues to be one of the leaders in NC and the U.S. in partnering congregational teams with families coming off welfare.  Thanks to Pilgrim United Church of Christ [PUCC] for support last Christmas.

          Marcia Owen advised that there are now 6 Faith Teams partnered in the Reconciliation & Re-entry Ministry.  Duke Endowment has funded a Divinity student to assist for 15 hours weekly, and PUCC was helpful with that.  R&R training sessions are continuing, and please keep this ministry in your pray           

10.     Prayer Requests were asked for Marian McCullough; two pregnant women at Interfaith Hospitality Network; Partner Leon in the R&R Ministry; Mr. Cooper and Lloyd Gibbon in Durham Regional Hospital; Tossie Taylor and James Dempsey at Duke Hospital; Bob King, recovering from surgery; Robbie Robertson in Alaska; Dorothy Newby; the family of Mr. Armstrong, recently slain; the children of Durham; the people of Sudan; flood victims and families.

 

11.    Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark offered the Closing Prayer.

 

 

 

Minutes by: David Winer