Mission and Outreach

Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Laurie Cary. Carol Scheffler offered the opening meditation by reading the Beatitudes.

All members were present: Laurie Cary, Maureen Clancy, Sandy Dyer, Mike Kasputes, Richard Parker, Sarah Randall, Carol Scheffler and Greg Wyman, and also Rev. Elsa Peters. We all gave brief introductions around the table.

It was noted that the secretary’s report omitted a discussion of a possible donation to GLSEN. Other than that the report was accepted as written. Laurie reported that thank you notes were received from The Wayside Soup Kitchen, Spurwink Services, Serenity House, the Protestant Hospital Ministry, Andover-Newton Theological Seminary, and The Center for Grieving Children, as well as Friends of the World Food Program, which received $949.60 from the Easter offering. The treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted with thanks.

Elsa spoke about the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Maine Conference. The theme of the meeting will be “Justice”. She also described a program which will be featured during Advent called “The Advent Conspiracy”, which encourages people to make Christmas less commercial.

We discussed the Micah Project and made plans for an all-congregation mailing. Sandy will prepare the letter for the mailing. A “Mission Moment” will be given on Sunday, September 20th about the program. Maureen will speak at the chapel service and Carol at the 10 o’clock worship. A possible project for this year might be assisting with loading a truck for Konbit Sante.

Sarah described plans for the Homecoming table, featuring an umbrella theme. It was also mentioned that the newly renovated Emergency Food Pantry will be open that morning.

Sarah will get in touch with AnnElissa regarding the next food drive.

Quarterly disbursements of $750 each were designated for:
Habitat for Humanity Bangor Theological Seminary
The Iris Network Equality Maine
Day One Shalom House
Preble Street Lighthouse Shelter (for teens)
Maureen spoke about the Chestnut Street Family Shelter and will look into the possibility of making a donation there.

The program for high school students, GLSN, was discussed and it was decided to give them a $200 donation, from discretionary funds, for transportation to meetings. A check will be given to Deb Therrien.

The next Special Offering will be Neighbors in Need, on October 4th. Laurie will prepare publicity.

We were reminded of the Rummage Sale scheduled for October 24th and advised that helpers will be needed during the week before and for clean-up afterward.

Carol closed the meeting by reading the Beatitudes from “The Message” translation.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Dyer