St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church Mission Committee Meeting Sunday July 12th, 2009 At the home of the Drury family. Noon, after potluck lunch.  Attendance: Warden Owen Drury, Treasurer Chandra Drury, Worship/Hospitality/Altar Guild Carol Dugger, Clerk Pat Akers, Members at large, Araminta Blackwelder, Guy Harris, Donna Harris, and Thelma Martin who also provided childcare, Deacons Derek Jones and Susan Reeve. Owen led the opening prayer. The minutes of the previous meeting April 15th 2009 were read and approved. Warden’s update:  We moved into Hunter Hall after signing a six month lease on Easter Day.  We now have pews and it is “starting to look like a real church”.  Need to work out a few kinks. Treasurer’s report:  Chandra presented the income and expense sheet.  We are “financially tight” as donations are down about 25%.  We incurred large expenses moving to our new location.  Lawn mowing is $35.00 per week.  $1,500 is tied up in security deposits, that is, $500 is on deposit for the Youth Center booking, and $1,000 with the Hunters for use of the kitchen.  The organ cost $841.20 and donations came to $700.00.  The pews – we will receive a $75.00 refund as we did not receive one of the pews we expected.  As of 6/30/09 $582.25 is in our checking account. Could we consider a fundraiser?  Our outreach program will make more people aware of us and our location and mission.  The August Delta Explorer will have a free ad for the clothing exchange.   The Beacon newspaper ad charges are variable; we hope for an article plus photos of the clothing exchange and church.  The River News-Herald makes no charge for our weekly ad, as the religion page is sponsored by Delta Pharmacy.  A metal outdoor Episcopal Church Welcomes You sign is on order.  Owen will confirm with the Hunters the appropriate location – on building or on a pole.   Chandra will order a banner for the railings for $70.00 from a local supplier. Altar Guild/Worship report: Carol says all is going well, and it is simpler to setup in our new location.  She requests we notify her when the supply of communion bread is getting low, same with the wine.  Derek requested a slotted spoon to retrieve crumbs from the chalice. Music report:  Donna Harris will join Grace Bos in choosing music on a month ahead plan.  The opening hymn will be a generic call to worship.  Some hymns and songs will be for children.  As suggested by Chandra, one song will be for the month so that we can learn it thoroughly.  Outside licensing is costing $150.00 per year.  We will look into that cost further, meanwhile continue to combine hymnal with some pages from the blue 3 ring binders.  Donna will extract some songs from the binders. Members at large:  Araminta was supplied with more postage stamps for the greetings cards she sends out.  This is a valuable ministry. Deacon Derek reported on a disappointment at the Food Ministry - due to a cut in funding the case manager – a new position – was ended.  They hope to train an intern; but will not get any stimulus money till September or October.  During the Bass Festival the Food Ministry will hold a fundraiser in the lobby of the Rio Vista Hotel, selling items that were donated by Carol Witt when she closed her business Carol’s Corner.  They are valued at $4,000.00 and will be raffled. Deacon Susan asked for support for the Kairos at Chowchilla, such as writing encouraging note cards, coloring wall decorations, cookies, and prayer.  At Chandra’s suggestion a table will be set up for Kairos activities during coffee hour; the boys will love to color etc.  Adults are welcome to participate in the ways mentioned above and by attending the Sept 7th closing where one can hear the residents talk. Outreach: 8/29/09 10am-3pm clothing exchange.  Chandra will double check booking with city.  The KIDS service club will help.  Also some volunteers from previous event. You’re your calendar for this event.  “Every little helps!” Araminta and Derek will advise Chandra how many free coupons for clients of their agencies.  Araminta suggests asking the RVHS Honor Society to help. Outreach: Thelma told of her longtime involvement in the walk to help fight diabetes.  St Brigid’s will form a team and perhaps challenge St Anne’s Stockton.  If we get into the top ten sponsors we get great publicity.  The event is 10/24/09 in Stockton. Building: The potted plants are on approval from Julie Oakes, Rio Vista Florist. We decided to keep them.   An anonymous donor who is not a member but is a well wisher who has been praying we would find a Sunday home, gave Susan $100.00 to pay for 5 plants to beautify the worship space. [Note: Julie later added a sixth, so we have purchased 6 for $100.00, at cost].  Grace will assist with plant care.  We will mention Julie’s business on our website.   Mention of Hunters’ pleasure at the way we treat the kitchen.   Next mtg. we will discuss heating – lack thereof – and renewal of lease in October.   Once a month cleanup after coffee hour will be the last Sunday of each month and this will start on 7/26/09. Closing prayer was led by Deacon Susan. The full text of these Minutes is in the Minute Book, recorded by our clerk Patricia Akers.  The book is kept at Hunter Hall.  This summary is by Susan.