Mission and Outreach

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009

Attendees: Laurie Cary - Chair, Maureen Clancy, Sandy Dyer, Mike Kasputes, Richard Parker, Greg Wyman, Elsa Peters (part time).

OPENING: Mike opened and closed the meeting with readings concerning humility and kindness.

NOV. MINUTES: Approved as submitted.

MINISTER’S MOMENT:
Pastor Peters’ three year anniversary as our associate pastor was warmly acknowledged. Her guidance and support of this committee’s work has been instrumental in any success we have had.

Because of all the activities surrounding the Holiday, no new requests or issues were brought before the committee.

Micah Project – Due to the lack of response, Pastor Peters volunteered to actively solicit support focusing on the need for a person to lead a spin-off group.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Final year end allocations and distributions were approved. All budgeted amounts were spent.
$750 Maine Council of Churches
$750 UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
$500 Wayside Soup Kitchen
$500 Grace Street Ministries
$500 Family Crisis Shelter
$500 Good Shepherd Food Bank
$200 SP/CE Emergency Food Pantry
$1000 Preble Street Resource Center for the Homeless – from Discretionary Fund
Reference Greg’s budget report for additional information and details. Disbursements were in line with a request from Council Moderator to refrain 2009 spending that was not needed to carry out our programs and mission.

OLD BUSINESS:
THE FUR CULTURAL REVIVAL – (Non-government, non-profit organization to broaden the public’s awareness of genocide in Darfur) - It was concluded that education of the congregation was needed before proceeding with any outside presentation. Pastor Peters’ will bring information on what other churches are doing to address the situation in Darfur. Topic will be discussed again at January meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:
CHILDREN’S CLOSET - Clothing donations are needed. Discussions centered on how to advertise the cause and the need. Public service announcements in local newspapers were suggested. Maureen Clancy will look into getting an ad placed in the “Pond Cove Courier”.
Jenn Hardin has been responsible for the Closet for several years and has done a tremendous job. She has given notice that she will be leaving the post in June 2010. As this work falls under the jurisdiction of the Mission Committee, we are responsible for finding her replacement. Laurie will ask Jenn if she has any suggestions.

RECLAIMING CHRISTMAS – Next year work on this project should start earlier - at Homecoming.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – Jan. 10 & 17: Missions is responsible for the first two Sundays in Jan. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Set-up at 9:15 before 10:00 service.
We will take the opportunity to have sign-up and information sheets available for:
1. Micah Project
2. Food Pantry
3. Children’s Closet
Sandy volunteered to provide the information sheets.

HABITATE FOR HUMANITY – The next house will be either in Westbrook or Freeport. We agreed that we will volunteer for March 6th.

MICAH PROJECT – Florence House is moving into a new facility. Maureen will find out if they have a need for help. If so, this could become a Micah Project.


Respectfully submitted,
Richard A. Parker - Scribe