Mission and Outreach

September 4, 2008

The team assembled at 6:30 to hear a presentation by Dennis Morton on the Energy Resource Network. The mission of this network is to reach out to citizens needing help with energy costs and connecting them with available resources and information. One possible project would be to train individuals to do simple energy audits, in partnership with agencies that would provide winterizing material.

The meeting was called to order by Laurie Cary at about 7 o’clock. Laurie offered an opening prayer. Members present were: Sarah Randall, AnnElissa Leveque, Laurie Cary, Greg Wyman, Carol Scheffler, Sandy Dyer and Elsa Peters.

The minutes of the previous meeting, given by Laurie, and the treasurer’s report, given by Greg, were accepted.

The budget was discussed, and the decision was made to keep our request the same as last year.

Copies of the latest revision of new by-laws were distributed. We will need to discuss whether the team should include six members or nine. We were asked to provide feed-back on the by-laws for a meeting on September 18, but we decided put off discussion until our October meeting, giving us a chance to read them in the meantime.

Elsa informed us that her new job description will mean that she would be spending more time with the Education, Growth and Fellowship Team. Interest in the mission trip she proposed has dropped off, and the idea may be postponed until 2010.

Sarah Randall and Sandy Dyer reported on plans for our table at Homecoming.

Carol reported that plans for the Mission Mall at the Holly Daze Bazaar are under control.

We discussed plans for the potluck supper with social action sub-groups on October 26. The Diversity, Green Action, Fair Trade Coffee, and Non-violence Committees plan to attend. Members of our team are responsible for dessert. The supper will be an opportunity for the groups to network and to discuss their budget needs.

Joan Carrier reported that a presentation on Safe Passage will be held after worship on Sunday, October 5. Team members will need to provide snacks.

The Neighbors In Need offering will be taken on October 5th. Two-thirds of the offering will go to Justice and Witness Ministries and one-third to congregations on Native American reservations.

Carol reported that there will be a price increase for Fair Trade Coffee.
Minutes, September 2008
Social Witness Ministries needs a contact person. This was tabled until the October meeting.

The Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen group needs a new co-coordinator by next April.

AnnElissa reported that the Food Pantry needs restocking.

The following disbursements were approved:

The Iris Network $750.00
Long Creek Youth Services $750.00
Shalom House $750.00
Bangor Theological Seminary $750.00
Union Theological Seminary $750.00
(Elsa’s alma mater)
Maine Council of Churches $1,000.00
20/20 Share the Vision Campaign pledge
Maine Council of Churches $50.00
Special appeal

Thank you notes were received from the following:

Serenity House
Habitat For Humanity
Wider Church Ministries: international emergency for Myanmar cyclone and China earthquake
Preble Street Resource Center
Day One
Pilgrim Lodge
Protestant Hospital Ministry

The meeting adjourned at about 9 P.M.

Recorder: Sandy Dyer
Next meeting: October 2nd at 7:00 P.M.