Recorder: Kristen Silvia
In Attendance: Jan Bosse, Sarah Randall, Co-Chairs; Mike Kasputes, Richard Parker, Jess Proctor, Vicki Strike, Suzanne Lindner, and Kristen Silvia.
Opening Devotion: Mike Kasputes.
September Minutes: approved unanimously without change.
Treasurer’s Report: Mike presented the Treasurer’s Report detailing disbursements to Equality Maine, Preble Street Lighthouse Shelter, Pilgrim Lodge, Iris Network, Habitat for Humanity, Day One, and UCC-LGBT Concerns. Money was given for the Mission Globe and Elsa suggested consideration of sending thank you notes to those who donate.
Minister’s Moment:
Social Witness - Elsa brought up whether defunct groups should be removed from the church website. Mike suggested stating that these groups have been active in the past; Jess suggested stating that the groups are looking for new leadership.
Micah Project - is up and running, led by Deb Theriault. October 29 is Fall Work Day at Pilgrim Lodge.
Mission Trip 2012 - will be July 22-28, 2012. Contact person is Scott Berry.
Global Ministries - Elsa detailed an avenue for exploring global ministries we could look into in the future.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mission 1: We reviewed the multiple activities planned for 11/1/11-11/11/11 at the church.
• There will be an information booth on Sunday 10/30 for kids re: appropriate donations to the Food Pantry. The food collection will be made on November 6.
• We reviewed the press release and calendar designed by Elsa.
• Letter writing to politicians potluck will be November 3.
• Jess will email Cyndi Alden re: notifying other church groups about signing the postcards to politicians.
• Donna Yellen will speak November 9, “No More Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens?”
• Our goal is to make 111 donations to Neighbors in Need-for global hunger issues. Jess will work on how to tally and present totals.
• Jan will check with Elsa re: Church Council authorization of Mission 1 donation envelopes in the sanctuary.
• Jess will work on getting some boxes to have at the church to put postcards/letters and cards to count on-line donations.
• Jan will work on Beacon submissions and a bulletin insert.
• For the October 30 coffee hour: Vicky and Sarah will set up. Mike, Suzanne and Jess will bring goodies.
• For the November 3 Potluck: Kristen, Jan and Mike will set up at 5:30.
• For the November 9 lecture: Jan will set up coffee/tea. Several people also said they would help or bring goodies.
Agency Reviews: We tabled further discussion today, except that Richard has been in contact with Grace-Street Ministries. They are in need of warm winter clothing. Richard is working with them and the organizers of the church Rummage Sale so Grace-Street can go before the sale and select clothes they can use. Money concerns are being worked out.
NEW BUSINESS:
Thanksgiving Baskets: Suzanne will be coordinating this year. She plans to contact the church office and Kendra Palmer who organized last year. Suzanne’s new email address is: suzanne.lindner@tdbanknorth.com .
Thank You Notes: were received from UCC-Neighbors in Need, Iris Network, Day One, Habitat for Humanity, and Preble Street Lighthouse Shelter.
Disbursements: of $500 were made to Good Shepherd Food Bank, FCC UCC Food Pantry, Grace-Street Ministries, Wayside Food Programs, Long Creek Youth Ministry, Bangor Theological Seminary, and Community Crisis Ministries.
Closing Devotion: offered by Mike Kasputes.
Next Beacon Deadlines: October 17 and 31.
Next Meeting: November 3, 7:30 p.m. (note time change). Potluck starts at 6:00 p.m.
