MINUTES OF SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEETING, June 7, 2010
Present: Gary Bea, Joanie Caroon, Linda Hendrickson, Martha Meyer, Bob Northcott, Norm Olson, and Pastor Matt Smuts.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM and Joanie led devotions based on the Parable of the Fig Tree.
INCH – Norm reported that he is now on the INCH board. INCH has a new Director who breathing some new life into the organization. Stew Wobber is still involved but at a reduced level. This year’s Gospel Festival had a very disappointing attendance. Guy McIntire, a 49er from the Super Bowl years was the host and did an excellent job.
Respite Event – Norm reported that there was a meeting with Debbie Lillo to discuss the possibility of Grace hosting another Respite event. Debbie would provide training but is really looking for churches to provide a principle contact and to host events on a continuing basis. Norm is unsure that Grace is at a point where we can do that. He also indicated that we were hopeful that we could get more youth and family involvement with Elizabeth as a key player but so far that has not worked out. There was some brainstorming on this.
Habitat for Humanity – Norm announced that there will be a Habitat For Humanity-Thrivent Builds event on Saturday, June 19. He has lined up enough people for this event and is hoping to schedule more events though the current project in Morgan Hill is nearing completion.
Bread For The World – Linda reported that there was a letter writing campaign during Lent. Norm indicated that there were 96 letters written but very few were written by youth or children and some of those were inappropriate. Concern was expressed that there isn’t more involvement of the youth or the children in Social Ministry activities. Pastor Matt said he hoped that joint committee night might help foster better communication and inter-committee participation. Linda said there is a BFW workshop coming up that would be a good opportunity for Elizabeth learn more about the organization. She also mentioned that BFW prefers letter writing in the fall which does not line up with our current seasonal emphasis. She suggested the possibility of two campaigns a year, one in the fall and one during Lent. Norm suggested having a Table Talk in the fall for this purpose.
South Palo Alto Food Closet – Joanie reported that she is now on the Board of Directors for the SPAFC and is also the coordinator for Friday. Mary Carlson is now our primary contact person since Mary Glendinning had to step down for health reasons. Mary is well organized and is doing a good job. The food closet can always use more donations of food as well as volunteers. They accept food of all kinds and they can be left in the narthex.
Environmental Stewardship – Charlie is out of the country. A written report is attached.
Dar Al Kalima – Martha reported that planning for the next fund raising event to be held on Sunday, September 19 from 2-5 at Grace. It will be a Middle Eastern Bazaar with silent and live auction. There will also be Palistinian foods, music, and dancing. The goal is to raise $50,000 for music facilities and equipment. Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, founder of the University, which recently graduated its first class of 22 students, will be in attendance.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Matt indicated that he plans to donate $600 from the non-budget Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to MT. Cross for a new miter saw for their new handyman who will supervise its use by volunteers.
Pastor Matt discussed plans for Committee Night in the fall. The meetings will start with a joint devotion time in the sanctuary the break up into individual committees meeting in separate rooms. There will all be opportunity for committees to meet jointly and for sub-group meetings.
Pastor Matt handed out a tentative seasonal emphasis calendar for the next church year (attached).
Pastor Matt addressed a question from Norm about having photos of Social Ministry events. He encouraged photos and indicated that they should be sent to Gretchen at office@gracepa.org.
A question was also asked about Grace Notes publicity. Pastor Matt said inputs need to be into the office a week before the first Sunday of a new season now that GN are published seasonally rather than monthly. They should also be sent to Gretchen at the same address with a cc to him.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM with closing prayer led by Pastor Matt.
No date was set for the next meeting but will probably be on Committee Night in September. Devotions were not assigned.
Gary Bea, Secretary